CAMDEN – Calling the Blessed Virgin Mary “God’s fresh start” after the actions of Adam and Eve, Bishop Dennis Sullivan celebrated the Solemnity of the Immaculate Conception on Dec. 9 in the city’s cathedral.
The Virgin Mary was “the perfect vessel, in whom God, out of his gracious and compassionate love … desired to save humanity from the calamity of the fall of Adam and Eve,” Bishop Sullivan preached to those gathered in the Cathedral of the Immaculate Conception. “Our good and gracious God offered us a second chance.”
In his homily, Bishop Sullivan reflected upon the Gospel reading in which Mary responds affirmatively to the angel Gabriel’s announcement that she be the mother of Jesus. In her fiat, Mary is a reminder for all “to be open to the many intrusions of grace in our lives.”
Photo Gallery: Solemnity Mass for Immaculate Conception
“May we respond to these unsuspecting, limitless, gracious instances of grace, as she certainly responded, as she mothered the Son of God to be the savior of the human race,” he said.
The solemnity commemorates Mary’s preservation from original sin from the moment she was conceived. Traditionally celebrated Dec. 8 in the Catholic Church, the date this year coincided with the Second Sunday of Advent, transferring the holy day of obligation to Monday.
The Cathedral’s faith community were joined in the pews for the noontime Mass by religious women, diocesan staff and students from the University of Rutgers-Camden campus. Concelebrating Mass were Coadjutor Bishop Joseph Williams; Father Robert Hughes, diocesan Vicar General and Moderator of the Curia, and Father Adam Cichoski and Father Stephen Robbins, parish pastor and parochial vicar, respectively. Deacon Charles Schiapelli assisted.
During the liturgy, five Sisters, Servants of the Immaculate Heart of Mary ministering in the Diocese of Camden renewed their vows to their vocation. “May these sisters know our appreciation for their witness to Christ and their building up of the Church,” Bishop Sullivan said as the sisters stood before him.
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