Happy Feast of the Immaculate Conception

By honouring Mary through this beautiful feast, we are also celebrating the mission of salvation accomplished by Jesus.

The celebration of the Immaculate Conception invites us to reflect on this exceptional grace, and on the love of God that allowed Mary to be so blessed that she could fully accomplish her mission as Mother of God.

The Pope traditionally lays a bouquet of flowers at the foot of an 11-metre-high marble column in the Spanish Steps in Rome, supporting a statue of Mary that pays homage to her Immaculate Conception.

You can still ask for a rose to be laid down throughout the day.

I am giving a rose

Saturday 7 December

11 :15 am: pilgrims’ mass at the Rosary Basilica
3:00 pm: rosary at the Grotto
9:00 pm: torchlight Marian procession

Sunday 8 December

10:00 am: international mass at the Basilica of Saint Pius X, presided over by Archbishop Micas, followed by procession to the Grotto for the Angelus and floral tribute to the Immaculate Conception
2:30 pm: ode to the Immaculate, musical meditation led by the Sanctuary’s cantors and musicians, at the Rosary Basilica
3:00 pm: rosary at the Grotto
5:00 pm: vespers celebration
9:00 pm: torchlight Marian procession