Happy Patronal Feast

The U.S. Bishops petitioned the Vatican to name Mary, under the title of the Immaculate Conception, as patroness of the United States. Pope Pius IX did so a decade before he officially proclaimed the dogma of the Immaculate Conception of Mary. This beautiful feast reminds us that God's care for us goes beyond the normal boundaries and encompasses all of history. What a risk God took in allowing Mary to participate in the saving actions of her son as she was conceived. But Mary proved worthy of the trust as she said a simple, "Yes" to God's invitation to be the Theotokos - The God Bearer.
The photo is the altarpiece in the chapel of the Immaculate Conception at the North American College in Rome. It depicts Mary surrounded by dancing angels.

An anonymous 13th century poet wrote this beautiful "Hymn to the Virgin." It was famously set to music by Benjamin Britten when he was only 16 years old and it remains one of his most accomplished works.

Of one that is so fair and bright Velut maris stella (like the star of the sea),
Brighter than the day is light, Parens et puella: (mother and girl)
I cry to thee, thou see to me, Lady, pray thy Son for me, Tam pia, (how holy)
That I might come to thee Maria.

All this world was forlorn Eva peccatrice (Eve, the sinner),Till our Lord was y-born De te genetrice (from you was born)
With ave it went away Darkest night and comes the day Salutis (health);
The well springeth out of thee, Virtutis (virtue).

Lady, flower of everything, Rose sine spina (rose without thorns),
Thou bear Jesu, heavens king, Gratia divina (by divine grace):
Of all thou bearst the prize, Lady, queen of paradise Electa (chosen):
Maid mild, mother es Effecta (it is accomplished).