In Conceptione Immaculata Beatæ Mariæ Virginis

Our Lady of Lourdes. Crowned in 1876 by Pius IX.
"Que soy era immaculada Concepciou." 

Today is the feast of the Immaculate Conception of the Blessed Virgin Mary.

"We declare, pronounce, and define that the doctrine which holds that the most Blessed Virgin Mary, in the first instance of her conception, by a singular grace and privilege granted by Almighty God, in view of the merits of Jesus Christ, the Savior of the human race, was preserved free from all stain of original sin, is a doctrine revealed by God and therefore to be believed firmly and constantly by all the faithful." 

Pope Pius IX issued the Papal Bull “Ineffabilis Deus” in 1854.

MEMORARE, O piissima Virgo Maria, non esse auditum a sæculo, quemquam ad tua currentem præsidia, tua implorantem auxilia, tua petentem suffragia, esse derelictum. Ego tali animatus confidentia, ad te, Virgo Virginum, Mater, curro, ad te venio, coram te gemens peccator assisto. Noli, Mater Verbi, verba mea despicere; sed audi propitia et exaudi. Amen.

REMEMBER, O most gracious Virgin Mary, that never was it known that anyone who fled to thy protection, implored thy help, or sought thy intercession was left unaided. Inspired with this confidence, I fly to thee, O Virgin of virgins, my Mother; to thee do I come; before thee I stand, sinful and sorrowful. O Mother of the Word Incarnate, despise not my petitions, but in thy mercy hear and answer me. Amen.

I am attaching to this post a study of St Robert Southwell's poem, St Peter's Complaynt which I offer to our Blessed Mother on this her feast day. Here is a link to the PDF followed by an extract from the Dedication:

👉     St Peter's Complaynt pdf

     "In this poem, St Robert Southwell explores Peter’s sin and infidelity, together with their terrible effects on Peter and on the victims of his sin. Peter’s detestation of his sin leads him to a strict examination of conscience, heartfelt contrition, a deeply-felt yearning for forgiveness and a sincere purpose of amendment. 
     Southwell’s artistry and the depth of his spiritual insight have produced a striking piece of poetry as well as a profound prayer. The underlying notions of sin and repentance formed the motivation and inspiration for this study which analyses the ideas and language of the poem. 
     After the proof-reading version of this edition had been printed, I noticed that the number of pages was one hundred and fifty-three. This tallies exactly with the number of fishes caught in the miraculous draught:

     “Jesus saith to them: Bring hither of the fishes which you have now caught. Simon Peter went up, and drew the net to land, full of great fishes, one hundred and fifty-three.” [John xxi. 10-11]

     It also tallies with the number of times the Ave Maria (Hail Mary) is said in the full recitation of the Rosary. I hope this remarkable ‘coincidence’ betokens a favourable reception for this little work.
 

     With fervent prayers for the intercession of St Peter and St Robert Southwell, this little work is offered as a gift to the Immaculate Heart of Mary on her feast day, begging that she ask her Son to show His mercy to the repentant sinner and to heal the victims of his sins."

Totus tuus ego sum

Et omnia mea tua sunt;

Tecum semper tutus sum:

Ad Jesum per Mariam.