Solemnity of the Immaculate Conception

Attend In Person or Watch the Livestream: December 8

Nine months before the Feast of the Nativity of the Blessed Virgin Mary (September 8), the Church celebrates the Solemnity of her Immaculate Conception. Acknowledging the belief held for centuries by the Fathers and Doctors of the Church, of councils and his predecessors, Pope Pius IX solemnly proclaimed the Dogma of the Immaculate Conception in 1854:

“We declare, pronounce, and define that the doctrine which holds that the most Blessed Virgin Mary, in the first instance of her conception, by a singular grace and privilege granted by Almighty God, in view of the merits of Jesus Christ, the Savior of the human race, was preserved free from all stain of original sin.”

Join us at the Basilica Shrine (500 East Chelten Ave., Philadelphia, PA 19144) on Friday, December 8, or watch the livestream as we celebrate the Solemnity of the Immaculate Conception. Plenary indulgences will be available to those who visit the Basilica Shrine and fulfill Church requirements. Confessions will begin at 10:30 a.m. (Eastern time, USA), followed by a prelude performance by the La Salle University Choir, and Holy Mass at 12:05 p.m. The livestream begins at noon.

Special Events at the Basilica Shrine

Advent is the first season of the liturgical year, a time of preparation that directs our hearts and minds to Christ's second coming and to the anniversary of Our Lord's birth at Christmas. At the Basilica Shrine, Advent is both solemn and joyous, a period of prayer, devotion, singing, and celebration. Visit us throughout December for these special events that will warm your heart and enrich your spirit.

The Basilica Shrine is located at 500 East Chelten Ave., Philadelphia, PA 19144.

Celebrate the Season with These Special Edition Christmas Cards

Share Mary’s powerful love and grace with your loved ones this Christmas. Browse our Christmas Spiritual Benefit Cards selection to share with your friends and family, and we will send them to you in time for the Christmas season. With your generous offering you will also be supporting The Basilica Shrine and the ministries of the Vincentians of the Eastern Province.

Weekly Novena Livestream to Return

The Basilica Shrine is pleased to announce that we will resume broadcasting our Perpetual Novena and Mass via YouTube every Monday starting January 8. The continuation of this livestream is only possible through the consistent viewership and support of the Miraculous Medal Family. Mark your calendar to tune in live at 12:00 noon every Monday (Eastern time, USA), or to watch the replay at your convenience. Support the broadcasts and all the ministries of the Central Association of the Miraculous Medal by visiting our website.

Give Faith-Based Gifts this Christmas

"The people who walked in darkness, have seen a great light; Upon those who lived in a land of gloom, a light has shone. You have brought them abundant joy and great rejoicing. They rejoice before you as people rejoice at harvest, as they exult when dividing the spoils." – Isaiah 9:1-2

This Christmas, give your loved ones faith-based gifts from our collection of relics, rosaries, and Miraculous Medals. All purchases directly support the Basilica Shrine and the ministries of the Vincentians of the Eastern Province.

Central Association of the Miraculous Medal CEO Mary Jo Timlin-Hoag and Spiritual Director Fr. John Kettelberger, CM, invite our CAMM devotees to travel with us on a spiritual journey as we enjoy the sights, sounds and tastes of Rome, Florence and the Tuscan countryside.

The package includes luxurious accommodations and guided tours of the Vatican Museum and Sistine Chapel, and holy sites dedicated to St. Francis, St. Clare, and the blessed Carlo Acutis.

Travelers are also invited to participate in a special Mass at Sant'Andrea delle Fratte where we will visit the altar dedicated to the Madonna of the Miracle. If you cannot travel with us, we invite you to send your petitions for Fr. John to place at the altar.

For pricing and details visit www.miracolotours.com and click the "NU CAMM ITALY" link. The password is "purple" (case sensitive). Or contact Rocco Claps at Miracolo Tours: 800-205-7413, Ext. 706.