Feast of the Immaculate Conception

Today is the solemnity of the Immaculate Conception of Mary.

A simple way my family marked this feast was the Mary Candle (or here). And I am introducing the custom this year in our family.

Ebay is such a wonderful place to find family memory items — I was able to track down a similar candle like we used. It’s red, just like my mother’s (I’d prefer white)…but I still love it! I found the candlestick holder yesterday at an antique store (inexpensive), but thought it looked so “Marian” I couldn’t pass it up. Not sure if it’s a perfect match, but the blue peeking from under the mantle is lovely.

The Candle symbolizes Jesus. Having the wax figure of Baby Jesus is tangible for small children.

I quickly made this mantle for the candle from scraps and glue, so it’s not perfect. The white mantle symbolizes Mary and her womb, pure and stainless, without sin, from the moment when she was conceived in St. Anne’s womb. The candle will remain covered until Christmas.