* December 7 – Vigil of the Immaculate Conception  * Elements that paved the way for Christian virginity --- An initiative of the Mary of Nazareth Association December 7 – Vigil of the Immaculate Conception  Elements that paved the way for Christian virginity Mary writing the Magnificat, by Marie Ellenrieder, 1833 Before Mary, even though a woman's infertility was considered shameful among the Jews, many elements were paving the way for Christian virginity. For example, the great importance attributed to a bride’s virginity. It is also apparent in the context of the Promise and the Covenant. But in Mary, virginity knew its true measure—Mary is the only woman in the New Testament who is given the title of virgin (Lk 1:27; Mt 1:23). It is important to examine in turn two facts that can appear independent but are corollaries of each other—Mary’s virginal conception (Lk 1:35) and her perpetual virginity (Lk 1:34). In this regard, we must distinguish the Immaculate Conception from the virgin birth. The first refers to the fact that Mary was conceived without sin, the second consists in the fact that Mary conceived Jesus of the Holy Spirit, and gave birth to him, while keeping her virginity. Jeanine Hourcade All images from Wikipedia www.mariedenazareth.com Let’s pray together  Hail Mary, full of grace, the Lord is with thee. Blessed art thou among women, and blessed is the fruit of thy womb, Jesus. Holy Mary, Mother of God, pray for us sinners now, and at the hour of death. Amen.