A Homily for the Solemnity of the Immaculate Conception of the Blessed Virgin Mary, by Father Terrance Klein

“You may think you know my story,” says Mary, having galloped into the movie on horseback. “Trust me. You don’t.”

Despite the popularity of pilgrimages to the National Shrine of Our Lady of Champion, located in Wisconsin, the apparition was not officially approved for worship until 2023.

Praying with these mysteries reminds us of the inherent worth of the poorest and most marginalized in our world.

The luminous mysteries show Jesus’ light in the world. Jesus is fully human and fully divine, and the mysteries we contemplate seem to give full recognition to each, through stories of Jesus living out his public ministry.

The fruits of each glorious mystery are listed as follows: faith, hope, wisdom, devotion to Mary and the grace of a happy death. Slowly but surely, I could see them playing out in my own life.