This morning, I was schooled on what the "Immaculate Conception" is all about.

Here's how the conversation started:  I was a dinner the other night with my family, and my sister reminded everyone that today is a Holy Day of Obligation, the "Immaculate Conception of Mary".

Having been brought up Catholic, I thought that I had a firm understanding of what today's celebration commemorated.  Come to find out, I was very wrong.

As it says at this link, "The Immaculate Conception: 8 things to know and share", #1 has my name all over it:

#1:  There’s a popular idea that it refers to Jesus’ conception by the Virgin Mary.

It doesn’t.

Instead, it refers to the special way in which the Virgin Mary herself was conceived.

The site then goes on to quote scripture to explain more.

Thinking that it was referring to Jesus and Mary, this morning I did quick math, and commented "if today is conception, then how could Jesus have been born on Christmas?"

Well, a few quick phone calls and several Facebook comments pointed me in the right direction, and now I know the meaning behind today's celebration.

Thanks to all who pitched in to set me straight, especially Ryan who sent this link:  much appreciated!

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