Mary’s Immaculate Beginning

We trace the Immaculate Conception from Scripture’s hints and Old Testament types through the Fathers, medieval debate, and the 1854 definition, showing how Mary’s grace magnifies Christ’s redemption. Along the way, we clear up the Virgin Birth confusion and answer common objections with clarity and charity.

• biblical foundations in Luke 1:28 and Genesis 3:15
• Mary as new Eve and Ark typology
• patristic testimony to Mary’s unique holiness
• medieval debates and Duns Scotus’ preservative redemption
• Trent’s caution and space for development
• Ineffabilis Deus as definitive articulation
• difference between Immaculate Conception and Virgin Birth
• responses to biblical and historical objections
• Mary’s role in salvation history and hope for believers

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The Immaculate Conception Collection

Open by Steve Bailey

Chapters

• 0:33 Welcome And Episode Overview
• 0:45 Setting The Theme: Immaculate Conception
• 2:52 Scripture And Early Typology
• 4:57 Ministry Resources And Invitation
• 6:33 Patristic Voices On Mary’s Holiness
• 9:11 Medieval Debate And Duns Scotus
• 13:09 From Trent To Ineffabilis Deus
• 17:13 Inside The Papal Definition
• 20:20 Distinguishing From The Virgin Birth
• 22:16 Old Testament Foreshadowing
• 24:37 Common Objections And Catholic Responses
• 28:28 Mary’s Role In Salvation History
• 30:43 Conclusion And Spiritual Invitation
• 32:11 FAQ Lightning Round
• 36:09 Closing And Special Offer

Transcript

SPEAKER_00: 0:22

Hello, family. Welcome to Journeys of Faith Super Saints Podcast at Brother Joseph Fry Aldenhoven here at your service. Be sure to look at the description for special information of interest to you. And also, there's more to this blog article, Understanding the Dogma of the Immaculate Conception, Scripture, Tradition, and Papal Definition. For centuries, the mystery of the Immaculate Conception has stood as a luminous beacon in Catholic belief, illuminating the Church's unwavering reverence for the Blessed Virgin Mary, the awe-inspiring dogma that Mary, by a singular grace of God, was preserved free from original sin from the very moment of her conception resonates deeply within hearts seeking to understand the fullness of God's mercy and the beauty of salvation history. Yet despite its profound significance, the immaculate conception remains one of the most misunderstood and at times overlooked realities of Catholic doctrine. At Journeys of Faith we recognize the yearning among Catholics and seekers alike to rediscover and explain the treasures of our faith, the miracles, the saints, and the immense maternal love of Mary. Our devotion to Eucharistic miracles and Marian apparitions has continually led us back to this central truth that God, in preparing Mary to be the pure vessel of the incarnate word, revealed not only his power but his boundless tenderness for humanity. In this article we invite you to journey with us as we explore the roots and meaning of the Immaculate Conception, tracing its foundations in Scripture, its nourishing growth through tradition, and its glorious affirmation in the papal definition. By immersing ourselves in these sources, we not only reaffirm our own faith but deepen our appreciation for the radiant holiness to which every Christian is called. Let's walk this path together, drawing inspiration for Mary's unique role in salvation and allowing her story to rekindle our longing for God's grace in our own lives. Biblical foundations of Mary's sinlessness. The doctrine of the Immaculate Conception often invites seekers to revisit the pages of sacred scripture, searching for hints and shadows that speak of Mary's unique grace. Though the precise phrase Immaculate Conception does not appear in the Bible, the undercurrents of Mary's sinlessness run deep in the narrative of salvation history. In Luke 128, the angel Gabriel greets Mary with words unlike any used for another. Hail, full of grace, the Lord is with you. The Greek term kechirito mean carries the nuance not just of present grace, but of a fullness and perfection of grace bestowed uniquely upon Mary. Early church fathers saw this extraordinary greeting as a sign of her singular role and her preservation from sin. Genesis 315, the proto-evangelium or first gospel, sets the stage for Mary's part in salvation. God promises that the woman's offspring will crush the serpent's head, establishing a radical enmity between the woman and the serpent, between Mary and Sin. This extraordinary rivalry implies a total opposition to the power of the evil one, foreshadowing Mary's freedom from original sin. Echoes of Mary's purity resound in typologies from the Old Testament, the Ark of the Covenant, crafted with the purest gold, carried the presence of God for Israel, so too Mary becomes the pure Ark who bears Christ Himself. Just as the Ark was set apart by God and treated with reverence, tradition sees Mary as singularly reserved, made immaculate to bear the incarnate word. These passages, illuminated by centuries of prayer and contemplation, reveal a biblical mosaic that points toward Mary's Mary's sinlessness not as an isolated privilege, but as a gift preparing her to be the mother of our Redeemer. Journey deeper in faith with journeys of faith. Are you inspired to explore the profound mysteries of the Immaculate Conception and other treasures of Catholic teaching? At Journeys of Faith, we invite you to embark on a deeper spiritual journey with the resources and experiences trusted by the Catholic faithful since 1980. Discover what makes our ministry unique, comprehensive Catholic resources, dive into classic and original books, acclaim virtual pilgrimage videos, and exclusive gifts designed to nurture your spiritual growth, authority, and Eucharistic miracles, the saints, and Marian devotion. Access the wisdom accumulated over decades through our pioneering works, best-selling titles, and EWTN series. Virtual pilgrimages, experience world-renowned shrines, and holy sites from your home with immersive and educational virtual tours pioneered by Bob and Penny Lord. Large online and physical store. Find Catholic books, digital media, DVDs, rosaries, and distinctive devotional items all rooted in authentic church teaching. Active global community. Join thousands of faithful parish leaders, catechists, families, and seekers who count on journeys of faith for inspiration and formation. Take the next step on your faith journey. Visit Journeys of Faith to browse our store, access virtual pilgrimages, and discover the richness of Catholic tradition all at your fingertip. Patristic witness to the Immaculate Conception. The roots of the Immaculate Conception, the belief that Mary was preserved from original sin from the moment of her conception, extend deep into the early centuries of the church. While the dogma was not formally defined until 1854, the voices of the church fathers reveal a reverence for Mary's exceptional holiness and purity that echoes across ages. Early Christian writers like Saint Irenaeus describe Mary as the new Eve, whose obedience untied the knot of Eve's disobedience. This comparison found in Against Heresies highlights the church's growing recognition of Mary's unique role in salvation history. In the words of Saint Ephraim the Syrian, Mary is called all pure, asserting that no stain of sin would dare be present in her. The language, while poetic, reflects more than literary embellishment, it speaks to an ancient conviction of her sanctity. Saint Ambrose of Milan, writing in the fourth century, offers another early affirmation. Mary, a virgin not only undefiled, but a virgin whom grace has made inviolate free from every stain of sin. Such testimonies cited by later theologians point to a tradition that, though not yet articulated in precise dogmatic language, already held Mary apart in the mysterious plan of redemption. Over the centuries, saints and theologians like Saint Augustine and Saint John Damascene would grapple with the mystery of Mary's sinlessness, striving to harmonize it with the doctrine of universal original sin. Augustine insisted on Mary's unique holiness, declaring that when sin is treated there can be no inclusion of Mary. Theologians gradually refined their understanding always with deep reverence for the mother of God, and these patristic voices reverberating through scripture, liturgy, and spiritual writings paved the way for a fuller articulation of the Immaculate Conception, demonstrating that the Church's conviction about Mary's immaculate beginning was rooted not just in one era, but in the living and continuous tradition of faith, prayer, and love and development of the doctrine in medieval theology. The medieval period was a time of profound reflection and debate in the life of the church, especially regarding the Immaculate Conception. Although Christian devotion to Mary ran deep from the earliest centuries, medieval theologians wrestled with articulating how her conception could be free from original sin while affirming the universal need for Christ's redemption. By the 12th century, theologians like Saint Bernard of Clairvaux expressed hesitation questioning whether such a privilege would exempt Mary from needing salvation. Saint Bernard, while loving Mary dearly, believed that attributing sinlessness from the first moment of her existence might undermine the universality of Christ's saving work. In contrast, other thinkers, notably blessed John Dun Scotus, advanced the doctrine through the celebrated principle of preservative redemption. Scottus argued that Mary, in being conceived without sin, benefited more perfectly than anyone from her son's merits. She was redeemed not by being lifted out of sin, but by being preserved from it altogether in anticipation of Christ's sacrifice. Franciscan and Dominican schools vigorously debated the doctrine even as devotion to Mary's sinless conception spread among the faithful. Liturgical feasts honoring the Immaculate Conception began to appear, particularly in England and among the Eastern churches, reflecting a growing sense of awe before God's unique preparation of Mary. By the late Middle Ages, the belief in Mary's immaculate beginning emerged ever more clearly as an expression of Christ's love and the church's hope. Theologians and mystics alike found in this doctrine a powerful witness to God's grace, setting the stage for its eventual and definitive affirmation in the centuries to come. So from Dunskotas to the Council of Trent, the conversation about the Immaculate Conception did not emerge overnight, it was shaped by centuries of prayer, scholarship, and holy debate within the church. In the late Middle Ages, one of the key figures to ignite the conversation was uh the Franciscan theologian blessed John Dunscotus, 1266 to 1308, at a time when the idea of Mary being preserved from original sin was hotly contested, even questioned by some of the greatest theologians, such as Saint Thomas Aquinas. Dunscotus offered a path forward grounded in both reason and faith. Dunscotus proposed that Mary was indeed redeemed by Christ, but in a unique way, she was preserved by a singular grace from inheriting original sin from the very moment of her conception. This was not a privilege apart from Christ's merits, but rather the most perfect application of his redemptive work. As Dun Scottis famously posed potuit, decuit, ergo fet, God could do it, it was fitting, therefore he did it. His defense became a rallying cry for those seeking to articulate Mary's profound relationship with her divine son. The centuries that followed saw growing popular devotion to Mary's sinless conception, especially throughout Europe. Poets, artists, and everyday believers celebrated this mystery in hymns, prayers, and sacred art. Still, official doctrinal clarity was slow in coming. Theologians up to the high Middle Ages wrestled with harmonizing the dogma with Christ's universal saving work. The debate persisted until the Council of Trent 1545 to 1563, when the Church responded to the Protestant Reformation's challenges to Catholic doctrine. Trent reaffirmed the universality of original sin and Christ's saving grace, but crucially, it carefully avoided condemning the doctrine of the Immaculate Conception. In fact, the Council explicitly stated that it was not its intention to include the Blessed and Immaculate Virgin Mary, Mother of God, under its decree on original sin. In doing so, the council honored centuries of Marian devotion and opened the way for further theological development, setting the stage for the eventual dogmatic definition that would come centuries later. Throughout these centuries, the church's faithful clung to Mary as the model of perfect discipleship and trust in God's will. The journey from the subtle arguments of Dun Scotaus to the protective caution of the Council of Trent reflects the careful discernment the church brings to her most precious mysteries and the enduring love that Christians hold for the Mother of God. The road to any fabulous deus tracing the history of the Immaculate Conception Dogma is to journey through centuries of prayer, debate, and devotion. The early church pondered deeply the words of Scripture and the meaning of Mary's role in salvation, history. The angels greeting at the Annunciation, hail, full of grace, Luke 128, echoed in the hearts of theologians and the faithful alike, who sensed that there was something uniquely pure about the Mother of God, yet precise theological clarity would take generations to unfold. Throughout the Middle Ages, debate flourished. Saint Augustine and other church fathers wrestled with original sin and its transmission. Meanwhile, from monasteries to cathedrals, the faithful kept alive a conviction that Mary was preserved from sin from the first moment of her existence, even as theologians like Saint Bernard of Clairvaux and Saint Thomas Aquinas hesitated, wishing to safeguard Christ's unique role as redeemer. Momentum for the doctrine grew, fueled by the spiritual insights of figures like Blessed Don Scotus. He argued that Mary's preservation from sin was itself a result of Christ's redeeming grace, applied in a unique and preemptive way. This insight opened new theological doors, popular piety followed suit. Feasts dedicated to Mary's Immaculate Conception spread from east to west, quietly transforming the church's liturgical landscape. Centuries passed, but the voice of the faithful did not falter. Petitions poured into Rome imploring the Holy See to speak definitively. In 1849, Pope Pius IX sent a letter primum to bishops worldwide asking if they believed the Immaculate Conception could be defined as a doctrine of faith. The response was a resounding yes. On December 8, 1854, in the Apostolic Constitution in the Fabilis Deus, Pope Pius IX solemnly declared that the most blessed Virgin Mary was preserved free from all stain of original sin in the first instant of her conception. This declaration was the fruit of centuries of faith, study, and devotion, a radiant moment for the church that continues to inspire the faithful to reverence God's providence and the singular grace bestowed upon Mary. The heart of the dogma of the Immaculate Conception beats within the words of Inefabilis Deus, the Apostolic Constitution issued by Blessed Pope Pius IX on December 8, 1854. This document served as the official declaration that the Blessed Virgin Mary, by a singular grace privilege, was preserved free from all stain of original sin, an event of divine mercy anticipated by the merits of her Son, Jesus Christ. Let's look closer at some of the pivotal passages and what they mean for Catholics seeking a deeper understanding of this profound mystery. The Most Blessed Virgin Mary, in the first instance of her conception, by a singular privilege and grace granted by God in view of the merits of Jesus Christ, the Savior of the human race, was preserved, exempt from all stain of original sin. This sentence encapsulates the heart of the teaching. Mary's preservation from original sin was not a parallel redemption apart from Christ, but directly rooted in the foreseen merits of her Son. God who exists outside of time applied these merits from the very first moment of Mary's existence. Here, the document affirms that nothing is impossible for God's providence and mercy. Another essential passage states for such a wondrous dignity and fullness of grace so far above all the angels and saints makes manifest the splendor of an entirely unique holiness. The document highlights Mary's fullness of grace, a phrase echoing Luke 128, indicating an interior complete harmony with God's will. She is not placed above the need for salvation, but given its most perfect application. Her unique holiness is not for her sake alone, but as a signpost for all Christians, signaling what God intends to perform in each soul. Finally, inefabilis Deus addresses objections within the tradition. The Catholic Church did not propose new doctrine, but King Seikishur wa de chinter but handed down ancient and constant faith even from the earliest times. Pius IX roots the dogma not in theological novelty, but in the unbroken thread of tradition. The belief in Mary's sinless conception is shown as implicit in the early fathers' liturgical prayers, and the census fidelium, the sense of the faithful in every age, the declaration serves to confirm and illuminate the faith Catholics have always held, even when lacking precise language. In these key passages, in a fabulus Deus elevates the immaculate conception from cherished devotional insight to divinely revealed dogma. Through its poetic, careful language, it invites the faithful to marvel at God's generosity and to see in Mary's singular grace a promise of hope and sanctity for all believers. How the dogma differs from the virgin birth. The Immaculate Conception is often misunderstood even among devout Catholics as referring to the conception of Jesus in the womb of Mary, in truth. The Immaculate Conception is a distinct dogma that centers on Mary herself. According to church teaching, the Immaculate Conception means that Mary, from the very first moment of her existence, was preserved free from original sin by the singular grace and privilege of Almighty God in view of the merits of Jesus Christ. In other words, it's about how Mary was conceived, not Jesus. This distinction becomes clear when we contrast the dogma with the virgin birth. The virgin birth proclaims that Mary conceived Jesus by the power of the Holy Spirit without human intervention. Jesus was born of a virgin. While the virgin birth highlights Christ's divine origin and Mary's perpetual virginity, the Immaculate Conception magnifies God's provenient grace, preparing Mary to be the pure vessel and mother for his son. Both doctrines reveal profound mysteries of salvation, but they work on different timelines and theological foundations. The Immaculate Conception reaches back to the moment Mary herself entered existence, emphasizing her singular holiness and absolute purity. The virgin birth, meanwhile, focuses on the moment Jesus took flesh in Mary's womb. To summarize, the Immaculate Conception is about Mary being conceived without sin. The virgin birth is about Christ being conceived and born of a virgin. Both doctrines beautifully intersect in salvation history, but each illuminates a unique tapestry of God's plan and Mary's extraordinary role in it. Mary and typology and Old Testament foreshadowing. Throughout salvation history, the figure of Mary is beautifully prefigured in the Old Testament through typology, those persons, objects, and events that serve as anticipatory symbols of her singular role in God's plan. Understanding these biblical typologies not only illumines the dogma of the Immaculate Conception, but also deepens our appreciation for the seamless unity between Scripture and tradition in Catholic belief. Consider Eve, the mother of all the living. Where Eve's yes led to the fall, Mary's fiat ushers in redemption. Her immaculate conception makes possible a new humanity in Christ. Early church fathers like Saint Irenaeus recognized this new Eve motif. Just as Eve emerged from a pure earth, so too was Mary preserved by God's grace from the stain of original sin, so she could be a fitting vessel for the word incarnate. The Ark of the Covenant, crafted of the finest gold, untouched by impure hands, set apart for the holiest of purposes, stands as another radiant type. Just as the Ark bore the presence of God in the wilderness, Mary bears the living God in her womb. Ancient interpreters marveled that if the Ark was treated with such reverence, how much more should we venerate Mary, whom God prepared from the first moment of her existence to be all holy and undefiled? Images such as the enclosed garden of the Song of Songs or the closed gate in Ezekiel's vision, Ezekiel 44 2, further echo Mary's singular holiness and perpetual purity, signs that God alone enters and transforms. These typologies build a mosaic of anticipation, underscoring that the Immaculate Conception is not a theological addendum, but rooted in the very narrative arc of salvation history. The Old Testament's veiled symbols reach their fulfillment in the new, as God's plan unfolds with breathtaking precision and mercy. Objections and Catholic responses. Exploring these concerns with clarity is essential for deepening our understanding and devotion. Objection one, the Bible doesn't mention the Immaculate Conception. One frequent challenge is the claim that the Immaculate Conception is not explicitly stated in sacred scripture. Detractors often cite the absence of a verse directly articulating Mary's preservation from original sin. Catholic response. The Church's response is rooted in both Scripture and tradition. While the Immaculate Conception is not stated verbatim, the foundations are implicit in key biblical passages. For example, the angel Angel Gabriel's greeting in Luke 128, hail full of grace, the Lord is with you, is seen as evidence of Mary's extraordinary sanctity. The Greek word kecherito mean implies a fullness and perfection of grace, underscoring her unique role in salvation history. Furthermore, doctrinal development guided by the Holy Spirit allows the church to discern and proclaim truths that, while not overtly written, are fully harmonious with the faith handed down from the apostles. Objection two How can Mary be sinless if all humans inherit original sin? Some question how Mary could be conceived without original sin when Scripture teaches all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God in Romans three twenty three. Catholic response Catholic theology distinguishes between original sin, the fallen state inherited from Adam and Eve, and personal sin, acts committed by a person. The Church teaches that Mary was preserved from original sin by a singular grace and privilege granted by God in anticipation of the merits of Christ's redemptive sacrifice. In this sense, Mary becomes the new Eve, her yes counteracting Eve's disobedience. Far from contradicting Scripture, this teaching magnifies Christ's saving power, which is so great it can redeem not just from sin, but even from the stain of original sin at the moment of conception. Objection three Isn't the Immaculate Conception a late invention? Critics sometimes argue that the Immaculate Conception is a late addition to Catholic teaching, formerly defined only in 1854 by Pope Pius IX. Catholic response while the dogma was solemnly defined in the nineteenth century, belief in Mary's sinlessness dates back to the earliest centuries of Christianity. The Church Fathers, such as Saint Ephraim and Saint Augustine, wrote of Mary as all holy, blameless, and immune from all sin. The doctrine matured over time, clarified by robust theological reflection and the census fidelium, the sense of the faithful. Far from a novel novel development, the papal definition in 1854 was the culmination of centuries of prayerful consideration, not its origin. Through these responses, the Catholic Church demonstrates that the Immaculate Conception is not only scripturally and historically grounded, but also a powerful testament to God's providence and love for humanity. Role of the Immaculate Conception in Salvation History. From the earliest moments of salvation history, God's plan unfolded with a remarkable coherence. Promises whispered in Eden fulfilled in Bethlehem. The Immaculate Conception of Mary marks a pivotal intersection in this divine tapestry, a singular grace prepared by God that echoes across centuries of faith. The doctrine holds that Mary was preserved from original sin from the very first instant of her conception. This extraordinary privilege was not given merely for her own sake, but precisely because of her unique vocation as the mother of God. In saving Mary preemptively through the merits of Jesus Christ, God ensured that the body through which the word would be made flesh was entirely pure and unstained. The Immaculate Conception then isn't an isolated miracle, it's foundational to understanding Christ's incarnation and redemptive mission. Just as the Ark of the Covenant was constructed according to God's instructions to be a worthy dwelling for His presence, so Mary was prepared as the new ark, the living tabernacle for the Son of God. Through her, humanity's yes to salvation takes tangible form. Theologians and saints have long written about how Mary's holiness magnifies Christ's saving work. Her immaculate conception reveals God's power to heal the deepest wounds of sin and prefigures the ultimate restoration promised to all believers. This singular grace isn't a detour from Christ's mission, but a profound sign of his victory, a reminder that God's grace always precedes, accompanies, and brings to fulfillment every step along the path to salvation. In contemplating the Immaculate Conception, the faithful are invited to marvel not only at God's providence for Mary, but at the hope extended to every soul. In her the future of humanity looks brightened by grace, the dawn that anticipates the sun of justice himself. Conclusion Embracing the mystery of the Immaculate Conception. The dogma of the Immaculate Conception stands as a radiant testimony to God's boundless love and the special place of Mary in salvation history, grounded in sacred scripture nourished by centuries of living tradition and solemnly proclaimed by Pope Pius IX in 1854, this belief affirms that from the very first moment of her existence Mary was preserved free from original sin, prepared by God to be the spotless vessel of the Savior. For the faithful, the Immaculate Conception invites reflection on the generosity of divine grace and Mary's singular yes that changed the world. At Journeys of Faith we recognize that understanding and embracing this mystery can deepen our devotion, drawing us closer to Mary and through her to Christ Himself. As we contemplate Mary's purity and singular role, we are inspired to trust in God's mercy and strive for holiness in our own lives. No matter where you are on your journey of faith, let the Immaculate Conception be a beacon, reminding us of the transformative power of grace and the hope that flows from Mary's Immaculate Heart. May her example guide us, her prayers sustain us, and her son lead us ever closer to the Father. Frequently asked questions about the Immaculate Conception. What is the dogma of the Immaculate Conception? The dogma of the Immaculate Conception is a core Catholic teaching that proclaims the Blessed Virgin Mary was, by a unique grace from God, preserved from original sin from the first moment of her conception. This singular gift was given to Mary in preparation for her role as the mother of Jesus Christ. Does the Immaculate Conception refer to Jesus or Mary? It refers to Mary, although many people confuse the term with the conception of Jesus, the Immaculate Conception specifically means Mary's conception in the womb of her mother, Saint Anne, without original sin. When was the dogma of the Immaculate Conception officially defined? The doctrine was solemnly defined as dogma on December 8, 1854. This momentous proclamation was a culmination of centuries of theological reflection and devotion within the church, which Pope defined the Immaculate Conception as dogma. Pope Pius IX definitively proclaimed the dogma in his apostolic constitution in a fabulus deus on December 8, 1854. What biblical passages are cited in support of the Immaculate Conception? While the doctrine is not spelled out explicitly, Catholics highlight passages such as Luke 128, where the angel Gabriel greets Mary as full of grace, as pointing to her sinless state. Genesis 315, referring to the enmity between the woman and the serpent, is also traditionally seen as foreshadowing Mary's unique role. Is the Immaculate Conception explicitly stated in Scripture? No, the doctrine is not explicitly stated in Scripture. However, Catholics believe it is consistent with biblical revelation and is supported by a centuries-old tradition of prayer, reflection, and teaching guided by the Holy Spirit. How does church tradition support the immaculate um immaculate conception? The church's tradition, writings of the early church fathers, prayers, liturgies, and the consensus of saints recognizes and venerates Mary as uniquely pure and free from sin. Over the ages, this conviction deepened, culminating in the dogmatic definition by Pope Pius the Ninth. What is meant by preserved from all stain of original sin? This phrase means that from the first moment of her existence, Mary was wholly untouched by the inherited consequence of Adam and Eve's sin. By a special grace, she was created immaculate, filled with God's life and love, so she could become the worthy mother of the Savior. Why is the Immaculate Conception important in Catholic theology? The Immaculate Conception highlights God's abundant grace and the special destiny of Mary in salvation history. It assures Catholics of God's power to save and prepare, and presents Mary as the new Eve, completely open to God's will and a model for faithful discipleship. How is the Immaculate Conception different from the virgin birth? The Immaculate Conception is about Mary being conceived without sin in her mother's womb. The virgin birth, on the other hand, refers to Jesus being born of Mary, who remained a virgin before, during, and after his birth. Both mysteries reveal the extraordinary ways God acted in the lives of Mary and Jesus. Be sure to click the link in the description for special news item. And since there is more to this article, finish reading and check out the special offer. Visit Journeysoffaith.com website today.