THE IMMACULATE CONCEPTION OF THE BLESSED VIRGIN MARYis Saturday, December 8, a Holy Day of Obligation. A Vigil Mass will be celebrated on Friday, December 7 at 6:00 p.m. On Saturday, December 8 there will be two Masses to fulfill the obligation; 8:00 a.m. and 12:05 p.m. (The Vigil Mass at 5 p.m. on Saturday fulfills the obligation for Sunday only.) This festival in honor of Mary is also the patron feast of our country. The United States is dedicated to the Immaculate Conception of the Blessed Virgin Mary. This is a day of prayer in honor of the Mother of our Lord and our country.