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🗓 Sunday, December 7 – St. Ambrose, Bishop & Doctor of the Church
Born into a Roman noble family, Ambrose was unexpectedly chosen bishop of Milan while still a catechumen. A brilliant preacher and defender of the faith, he guided St. Augustine to conversion and shaped Western theology through his writings, hymns, and uncompromising moral leadership. His feast reminds us that courage and clarity are gifts the Church needs in every age.
🗓 Monday, December 8 – Solemnity of the Immaculate Conception of the Blessed Virgin Mary
Today the Church celebrates the unique grace by which Mary, from the first moment of her conception, was preserved free from original sin in preparation to be the Mother of God. Long cherished in Christian devotion, the doctrine was solemnly defined in 1854 by Pope Pius IX. Mary’s Immaculate Conception reveals God’s plan of mercy and invites us to hope in the transforming power of grace.
🗓 Tuesday, December 9 – St. Juan Diego Cuauhtlatoatzin
The humble indigenous man to whom Our Lady of Guadalupe appeared in 1531, Juan Diego carried the miraculous tilma bearing her image to Bishop Zumárraga, leading to the conversion of millions in Mexico. Known for his gentleness and steadfast faith, he is honored as a model of obedience to God’s call and trust in Mary’s maternal care.
🗓 Wednesday, December 10 – St. Gregory III, Pope
A Syrian-born pope of the 8th century, Gregory III defended the veneration of sacred images during the iconoclast controversy and strengthened the Church throughout Europe through missionary work. His pontificate was marked by fidelity to the Incarnation and the dignity of the Church’s worship.
🗓 Thursday, December 11 – St. Damasus I, Pope
Elected in 366, Pope Damasus guided the Church through internal conflict, supported the primacy of Rome, and commissioned St. Jerome to produce the Latin Vulgate translation of the Bible. He honored the martyrs by restoring their tombs and inscribing poetic epitaphs, reminding Christians of the glory of their witness.
🗓 Friday, December 12 – Our Lady of Guadalupe
In 1531, the Blessed Virgin Mary appeared to St. Juan Diego on Tepeyac Hill, speaking with tenderness and identifying herself as the Mother of the true God. The miraculous tilma she gave him sparked one of the greatest evangelizations in history. Our Lady of Guadalupe is Patroness of the Americas, of the unborn, and of all who seek her Son with a trusting heart.
🗓 Saturday, December 13 – St. Lucy, Virgin & Martyr
One of the most beloved early martyrs, Lucy lived in Syracuse during the Diocletian persecution. She consecrated her life to Christ and refused marriage, giving her dowry to the poor. For her fidelity she suffered martyrdom around the year 304. As her name means “light,” she is honored as a symbol of Christ’s coming brightness in the darkness of winter and Advent.
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