Aleteia logoAleteia logoAleteia
Thursday 21 November |
The Presentation of the Blessed Virgin Mary
Aleteia logo
Spirituality
separateurCreated with Sketch.

What does the Bible say about Mary’s Immaculate Conception?

NIEPOKALANE POCZĘCIE

Renata Sedmakova | Shutterstock

Philip Kosloski - published on 12/07/22

The Bible supports the Catholic teaching that Mary was conceived without any stain of sin.

The Roman Catholic Church celebrates the Solemnity of the Immaculate Conception of the Virgin Mary on December 8. It is a feast that recognizes Mary’s conception without any stain of sin.

While not explicitly mentioned in the Bible, the dogma of the Immaculate Conception is supported by various scripture passages.

Full of grace

In the Gospel of Luke, Mary is called “full of grace,” a term that reflects her “immaculate” (from the Latin for “without stain”) state.

And he came to her and said, “Hail, full of grace, the Lord is with you!”

Luke 1:28

The Catechism of the Catholic Church explains this connection.

Through the centuries the Church has become ever more aware that Mary, “full of grace” through God, was redeemed from the moment of her conception. That is what the dogma of the Immaculate Conception confesses, as Pope Pius IX proclaimed in 1854. The most Blessed Virgin Mary was, from the first moment of her conception, by a singular grace and privilege of almighty God and by virtue of the merits of Jesus Christ, Savior of the human race, preserved immune from all stain of original sin.

CCC 491

The single verse from Luke is the most direct affirmation from the Bible that Mary was immaculately conceived.

Tags:
Devotions and FeastsVirgin Mary
Enjoying your time on Aleteia?

Articles like these are sponsored free for every Catholic through the support of generous readers just like you.

Help us continue to bring the Gospel to people everywhere through uplifting Catholic news, stories, spirituality, and more.

2025-Aleteia-Pilgrimage-300×250-1.png
Daily prayer
And today we celebrate...




Top 10
See More
Newsletter
Get Aleteia delivered to your inbox. Subscribe here.