There is a special opportunity on the big screen to help you enter deeper into your Advent preparations: Today, December 14 and December 17, there is a limited-time showing of the docu-drama I Am The Immaculate Conception.
Produced and directed by Michal Kondrat, this film offers viewers a profound encounter with Mary, the Mother of God. Within its narrative, a team of experts examines revelations, studies Greek Scripture texts, and delves into the dogma of the Immaculate Conception. As a result, a new understanding emerges—one that illuminates Mary’s vital role in God’s saving design and reveals her significance in the larger tapestry of salvation history.
Some may wonder how meditating on the Blessed Mother is connected to Advent and Christmas.
As Lent is a time of preparation for Easter, so Advent is a time to prepare for Christmas. And as we ready our hearts, minds and souls to welcome the Christ-child on Christmas, we’ve encountered an interesting stretch of days. December 8, 10 and 12 mark the celebrations of the Immaculate Conception, Our Lady of Loreto and Our Lady of Guadalupe, respectively.
So where is the connection?
If you study any statue or painting of the Blessed Mother, you’ll notice where Her eyes and Her hands are directed: always toward Jesus. She continuously guides us to Him. Even in depictions where Jesus isn’t visibly present—such as when She is gazing heavenward or lowering Her eyes humbly in images of the Immaculate Conception—She never draws attention to herself. Instead, Her presence and posture serve to honor and lead us to Him.
So it’s actually very fitting that we have these celebrations of Our Blessed Mother in the midst of Advent.
Now the other question that arises is on the Immaculate Conception: what is it? Is it in reference to Jesus or the Blessed Mother?
In 1854, Pope Pius IX solemnly defined the doctrine of the Immaculate Conception, proclaiming that the Virgin Mary was conceived without the stain of original sin. Just four years later, in 1858, the Marian apparitions at Lourdes affirmed this teaching when the Blessed Mother identified herself to St. Bernadette Soubirous as “I am the Immaculate Conception.”
And only a year later, in 1859, Our Blessed Mother appeared to Adele Brise as Our Lady of Champion, in Wisconsin. These events are vital because when our Blessed Mother gave her ‘yes’ to the Archangel Gabriel, it allowed her to be the perfect, immaculate vessel in which to carry our Holy Lord.
I Am The Immaculate Conception. explores the profound mystery and significance of Mary’s sinless conception, reflecting on why this dogma holds such importance for our Catholic faith.
What does Our Lady’s title as the Immaculate Conception mean for the United States? In an exclusive bonus segment following the film, the rector of the Basilica of the Immaculate Conception in Washington, D.C., discusses Mary’s longstanding importance in U.S. history and explains why the nation’s bishops chose to consecrate America to her under this title.
Go prepare your heart, mind and soul these days for the birth of our Lord by watching I Am The Immaculate Conception.
For tickets and a complete list of theater locations, visit RelevantRadio.com/Movie.
