We have many Saints and they have special days or 'feast days' to help celebrate each of them. This week we have two Saints to recognize, St. Nicholas' feast day is December 6.
Mary, the Holy Mother of God is celebrated many times throughout the Church year. December 8 is the feast of the Immaculate Conception. This feast celebrates Mary and her saying "YES" to God.
Mary had a visit from the Angel Gabriel, who told Mary that she was going to have a very special baby, Jesus. Mary did not question the Angel or God. Here is what is written in the Gospel of Luke:
In the sixth month, the angel Gabriel was sent from God to a town of Galilee called Nazareth,
to a virgin betrothed to a man named Joseph, of the house of David, and the virgin’s name was Mary.
And coming to her, he said, “Hail, favored one! The Lord is with you.”
But she was greatly troubled at what was said and pondered what sort of greeting this might be.
Then the angel said to her, “Do not be afraid, Mary, for you have found favor with God.
Behold, you will conceive in your womb and bear a son, and you shall name him Jesus.
He will be great and will be called Son of the Most High, and the Lord God will give him the throne of David his father,
and he will rule over the house of Jacob forever, and of his kingdom there will be no end.”
So Mary was the first follower of Jesus. That makes her a very special saint.
