Dear Friends in Christ:

The Solemnity of the Immaculate Conception of the Blessed Virgin Mary is traditionally celebrated on Dec. 8.  This year Dec. 8 falls on a Sunday, the Second Sunday of Advent.  Since the Sundays of Advent are more prominent and take precedence, the Solemnity of the Immaculate Conception will be transferred to the following Monday, Dec. 9.  

All the Faithful are reminded that the Immaculate Conception is observed as a Holy Day of Obligation.  We are obliged to celebrate the Sacrifice of the Mass in honor of the sacred mystery of prevenient grace that prepared the young virgin of Nazareth to be the mother of the Redeemer and share in the saving work of her Son, Jesus.

As Catholics across the Diocese of Sacramento gather to honor Our Lady of Guadalupe, Mother of the Americas and one of the patron saints of the diocese, Bishop Jaime Soto and Auxiliary Bishop Rey Bersabal will preside at celebrations in her honor.