On December 8, we celebrate the Immaculate Conception, patroness of Spain, in the midst of Advent. It is one of the most beloved holidays of the year, and also one of those with the most prayers. We share the most beautiful ones, what they mean, and how to pray them at home.
What we celebrate on December 8
The Church believes that the Virgin Mary was preserved from original sin from the first moment of her existence: God prepared her this way to be the Mother of his Son. In Spain, this truth was defended for centuries, long before Pope Pius IX proclaimed it a dogma in 1854. That is why the Immaculate is our patroness and that is why here we greet each other with the “Ave María Purísima.” We tell you more in The Immaculate, December 8: traditions and gifts for the long weekend and in the symbols of the Immaculate.
1. “Blessed be your purity”
The prayer to the Immaculate that we learned as children. It is a traditional Spanish prayer, simple and beautiful, to pray every morning or every night.
Blessed be your purity
and eternally so be it,
for the whole God delights
in such graceful beauty.
To you, heavenly princess,
holy Virgin Mary,
I offer to you on this day
soul, life, and heart.
Look at me with compassion,
do not leave me, my Mother.
2. “Tota pulchra es, Maria”
A very ancient antiphon that is sung on the feast of the Immaculate. Its name means “You are all beautiful, Mary.” This is its beginning in Latin and its translation:
Tota pulchra es, Maria,
et macula originalis non est in te.You are all beautiful, Mary,
and there is no original stain in you.
3. “Oh Mary conceived without sin”
The jaculatory that the Virgin asked to be engraved on the Miraculous Medal in 1830, when the Immaculate was not yet a dogma. It is the shortest prayer to the Immaculate and can be prayed at any time:
Oh Mary conceived without sin, pray for us who have recourse to you.
You have its history in Prayer to the Virgin of the Miraculous Medal.
4. “Ave María Purísima”
More than a prayer, a very Spanish greeting, which is still used when entering a convent or starting confession:
— Ave María Purísima.
— Conceived without sin.
5. A prayer for her feast
We suggest this simple prayer for December 8, to pray alone or with family:
Immaculate Virgin, our Mother: you who were all God's from the first moment, teach us to say yes like you. Take care of our family, of those we love, and of those who are far away. Prepare our heart to receive your Son this Christmas, and never let go of our hand. Amen.
When to pray to the Immaculate
- From November 29 to December 7: her novena. We explain it step by step in Novena to the Immaculate Conception.
- On December 8: her feast, a day of precept in Spain.
- Every Saturday, the day the Church dedicates to the Virgin.
- Every morning or every night, with the “Blessed be your purity.”
Carry the Immaculate with you
Her medal is a beautiful way to always carry her devotion and a gift with much meaning for an Inma, a Concha, a Conchi, or a Purísima on her saint. You have ideas in Gifts for an Immaculate and in Medal of the Immaculate: meaning and how to give it as a gift.
Carry the Immaculate with you
The most beautiful medals in the world are at Khartes.
Marian and Bárbara
The most beautiful medals are at www.khartesmadrid.com. Follow us on Instagram: @khartesmadrid.