I had the most wonderful experience celebrating the Feast of the Immaculate Conception tonight! On this Wednesday night, the feast day fell on my regular rotation night for my visit to Rayburn Prison. The men were excited to celebrate this feast. Our usual routine is to celebrate the upcoming Sunday liturgy. But tonight the men wanted to celebrate the feast that is one of only two infallible declarations of the Church.
They picked out the appropriate songs: Immaculate Mary and Hail Holy Queen Enthroned Above. And they sang with vigor, perhaps because they learned these songs in their youth, or because their time in jail has afforded the time to study their faith and appreciate the teachings of the Church.
The men were attentive as I explained the Immaculate Conception and I carefully answered questions as a few, like many Catholics on the outside, thought this feast was about Jesus being conceived. It was a beautiful experience to see the depth of understanding of the Immaculate Conception as the evening wore on.
The ministry entrusted to me at Rayburn Prison continues to be a wonderful blessing as I approach two full years of visiting and praying with these men.
I look forward to the opportunities to be with the men at least twice more before Christmas.
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