photo of the Room of the Immaculate Conception

The feast of Mary, the Immaculate Conception, is celebrated on December 8th.  Sometimes, when people hear “the Immaculate Conception,” they confuse Mary for Jesus.  This, however, would not make sense since Jesus was conceived on the feast of the Annunciation (March 25th).

Mary as the Immaculate Conception was proclaimed dogma on December 8, 1854 by Pope Pius IX. On the day of the announcement, the weather was rainy and dreary.  So, at first, the Cardinals were against proclaiming it that day.  But, when the Pope went out to proclaim the dogma, the clouds parted and it was sunny.  Thus, the Immaculate Conception was made known.  Later, this room was dedicated to the Immaculate Conception.  The painting on the wall (photo above) depicts the announcement of the Immaculate Conception as dogma.

In the middle of the Room of the Immaculate Conception is a large piece of furniture, which holds facsimiles of the documents for the dogma of the Immaculate Conception.  This large piece of furniture is a bookcase.  On top of this bookcase is a statue of Mary, the Immaculate Conception.

 

Resources: our Virtual Pilgrimage to the Vatican Museums part 2 (watch on YouTube here)