Catholic Fire

Solemnity of the Immaculate Conception Old Calendar: The Immaculate Conception of the Blessed Virgin Mary Today's Mass Readings Today's Gospel Meditation with Fr. Philippe on the Immaculate Conception On This Day in Catholic History 1854 Pope Pius IX (1792–1878) issued his encyclical letter Ineffabilis Deus declaring the Immaculate Conception of the Blessed Virgin Mary. 1864 Pope Pius IX issued an encyclical letter, Quanta Cura , in which he denounced modern heresies and errors and stated that the purpose of civil government was “to protect the Church” and to resist any encroachment on its liberty. 1869 The First Vatican Council began. 1962 The first session of the Second Vatican Council closed. Birthdays 1765 - Eli Whitney , American inventor (d. 1825) 1861 - William C. Durant , American automobile pioneer (d. 1947) 1894 - James Thurber , American writer (d. 1961) 1911 - Lee J. Cobb , American actor, The Song of Bernadette (1943), The Miracle of the Bells (1948), (d. 19...

Today is the feast 0f Our Lady of Lourdes and the 15th World Day of the Sick. To read the Holy Father's Message on this day, go here. Just a reminder that Catholics who, under the usual conditions, participate in prayer services for the World Day of the Sick today, February 11 — ordinarily the feast of Our Lady of Lourdes — can obtain a plenary indulgence . For details, go here. For a a virtual pilgrimage to Lourdes that explores the life of this great saint of poverty and penance – many high quality and unique photos, go here . Official Site of Lourdes Place Your Petition at the Grotto of Lourdes The 150th Anniversary of the Apparitions