Article by Phoenix writer Cristina Palmieri ’25:
On Monday, December 9, the Kellenberg family celebrated the Feast of the Immaculate Conception. The day was made a solemnity in 1708 by Pope Clement XI and commemorates the conception of Mary without original sin.
The celebrants for the three masses were Father Dan Griffiin, S.M., Bishop John Barres, and Father Matt Browne from St. Agnes Parish. Each priest gave an incredible homily, all driving home the point of Mary being an excellent role model and source of peace. Mary wholeheartedly trusted in God’s plan for her, a trait that every Kellenberg student can emulate.
Especially during the stressful trimester season, the Mass reminded the Kellenberg community that God’s will is always at play. Senior Mackenzie Ras shares, “Bishop Barres’ homily was powerful and an inspiration to all those who heard to trust in God and have faith in Him.”
Celebrating the Solemnity of the Immaculate Conception for the last schoolwide mass of 2024 is especially fitting as Kellenberg was established by the Marianist order. The Immaculate Conception emphasizes the message that the Marianists continuously display: to Jesus through Mary. “For us, we recognize the purity of Mary and how she was created by God to be part of Salvation History,” says Mr. Basile.
As Christmas approaches and the first trimester ends, this Mass served as a reminder to say yes to God’s will.
