A feast called the Conception of Mary arose in the Eastern Church in the seventh century. It came to the West in the eighth century. In the 11th century it received its present name, the Immaculate Conception. In the 18th century it became a feast of the universal Church. It is now recognized as a solemnity. In 1854, Pius IX solemnly proclaimed: “The most Blessed Virgin Mary, in the first instant of her conception, by a singular grace and privilege... moreDecember 8: The Immaculate Conception of Mary
A feast called the Conception of Mary arose in the Eastern Church in the seventh century. It came to the West in the eighth century. In the 11th century it received its present name, the Immaculate Conception. In the 18th century it became a feast of the universal Church. It is now recognized as a solemnity. In 1854, Pius IX solemnly proclaimed: “The most Blessed Virgin Mary, in the first instant 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.” It took a long time for this doctrine to develop.
While many Fathers and Doctors of the Church considered Mary the greatest and holiest of the saints, they often had difficulty in seeing Mary as sinless—either at her conception or throughout her life. This is one of the Church teachings that arose more from the piety of the faithful than from the insights of brilliant theologians.
Even such champions of Mary as Bernard of Clairvaux and Thomas Aquinas could not see theological justification for this teaching. Two Franciscans, William of Ware and Blessed John Duns Scotus, helped develop the theology. They pointed out that Mary’s Immaculate Conception enhances Jesus’ redemptive work. Other members of the human race are cleansed from original sin after birth. In Mary, Jesus’ work was so powerful as to prevent original sin at the outset. In Luke 1:28 the angel Gabriel, speaking on God’s behalf, addresses Mary as “full of grace” or “highly favored”. In that context, this phrase means that Mary is receiving all the special divine help necessary for the task ahead.
However, the Church grows in understanding with the help of the Holy Spirit. The Spirit led the Church, especially non-theologians, to the insight that Mary had to be the most perfect work of God next to the Incarnation. Or rather, Mary’s intimate association with the Incarnation called for the special involvement of God in Mary’s whole life. The logic of piety helped God’s people to believe that Mary was full of grace and free of sin from the first moment of her existence.
Moreover, this great privilege of Mary is the highlight of all that God has done in Jesus. Rightly understood, the incomparable holiness of Mary shows forth the incomparable goodness of God.
GC John Kelmy
KCP, Priory of St. Michael the Archangel
The first candle of Advent, lit on the first Sunday (November 30, 2025), symbolizes hope and is often called the “Prophet’s Candle” or “Prophecy Candle.”
This purple candle represents the...
On this Thanksgiving, in the spirit of the Knights Templar, may we stand as humble warriors of Christ: grateful for all that God has entrusted to us, mindful of those who are poor, hungry, lonely, or oppressed, and ready to share our blessings as an act of holy charity.
Let us honor the fallen and those who have gone before us as faithful comrades now at rest, cherish the brothers and sisters God has placed at our side, and strengthen the bonds of family and friendship around the table.
As w... moreOn this Thanksgiving, in the spirit of the Knights Templar, may we stand as humble warriors of Christ: grateful for all that God has entrusted to us, mindful of those who are poor, hungry, lonely, or oppressed, and ready to share our blessings as an act of holy charity.
Let us honor the fallen and those who have gone before us as faithful comrades now at rest, cherish the brothers and sisters God has placed at our side, and strengthen the bonds of family and friendship around the table.
As we feast, laugh, and remember, may we wear the invisible cross of Christ on our hearts—living with courage, discipline, and gratitude, giving all glory to God alone.
Amen 🙏🏻
GC John Kelmy
KCP, Priory of St. Michael the Archangel
I want to remind you about our upcoming OMSDT Bible Study session, scheduled for Sunday, November 23, 2025, at 9:00 PM EST.
During this session, we will discuss the Book of Ecclesiastes. The Book of Ecclesiastes in the Bible explores the meaning and purpose of life from the perspective of “the Preacher” or “Teacher,” traditionally believed to be Solomon.
The book famously opens with the refrain: “Vanity of vanities! All is vanity!” highlighting the fleeting... moreDear Templar Brothers and Sisters,
I want to remind you about our upcoming OMSDT Bible Study session, scheduled for Sunday, November 23, 2025, at 9:00 PM EST.
During this session, we will discuss the Book of Ecclesiastes. The Book of Ecclesiastes in the Bible explores the meaning and purpose of life from the perspective of “the Preacher” or “Teacher,” traditionally believed to be Solomon.
The book famously opens with the refrain: “Vanity of vanities! All is vanity!” highlighting the fleeting and often puzzling nature of human existence when sought apart from God.
To join the meeting, please use the following Bible Study information:
- Meeting ID: 872 3146 2430
- Passcode: 107447
I warmly invite you to join us for our Bible Studies on the second and fourth Sundays of each month. Let’s come together in faith and fellowship to draw closer to God and to one another through His Word. I truly look forward to sharing this sacred time with you.
“Now may the Lord bless you and keep you; may the Lord make His face shine upon you and be gracious to you; may the Lord lift up His countenance upon you and give you peace” (Numbers 6:24-26).
Blessings,
GC John Kelmy
KCP, Priory of St. Michael the Archangel
OMSDT
O Christ, gentle Shepherd, as evening falls and silence gathers beneath Your watchful light, grant strength anew in the ministry entrusted to Your servant. In humility and hope, I lift before You the nameless multitude—the homeless who wander without rest, the hungry who thirst for daily bread, the marginalized whose dignity is denied, the addicted and afflicted longing for deliverance, and all whose spirits are broken by sorrow or despair.
Merciful Savior, encircle each one with Your compassio... moreO Christ, gentle Shepherd, as evening falls and silence gathers beneath Your watchful light, grant strength anew in the ministry entrusted to Your servant. In humility and hope, I lift before You the nameless multitude—the homeless who wander without rest, the hungry who thirst for daily bread, the marginalized whose dignity is denied, the addicted and afflicted longing for deliverance, and all whose spirits are broken by sorrow or despair.
Merciful Savior, encircle each one with Your compassion, sheltering them in Your love. Teach me a priest’s heart: open to suffering, steadfast in service, and courageous in witness to Your mercy. May Your peace descend on those persecuted for Your name, granting them courage and the gentle assurance of Your presence.
In the quiet of this compline hour, unite us all, broken yet beloved, within the healing shadow of Your Cross. Enable me to bear light in the night, to comfort the weary, and to embrace the outcast as vessels of Your grace.
Protect and strengthen all who labor for justice and hope. Let holy charity be my guide, so, upheld by Your Spirit, I may proclaim Your love to those most forgotten. Beneath Your wings, may we each find rest and renewal until the morning dawns in the fullness of Your peace.
Amen.
GC John Kelmy
KCP, Priory of St. Michael the Archangel
Show compassion rather than judgment, including towards yourself. Everyone is facing struggles. Today, look in the mirror and reassure yourself, saying, "It's alright, it'll be okay."
GC John Kelmy
KCP, Priory of St. Michael the Archangel
Today, we pause in reverent gratitude to remember and celebrate all who have served in the United States Armed Forces. Their courage, sacrifice, and unwavering devotion have safeguarded the freedoms we hold dear.
Each veteran, known and unknown, stood watch so that we might live, worship, and walk beneath the blanket of freedom they so bravely secured.
For every moment of fear faced in the field, every tear shed in separation, and every life laid down for the sake of peace—our hearts bow in h... moreToday, we pause in reverent gratitude to remember and celebrate all who have served in the United States Armed Forces. Their courage, sacrifice, and unwavering devotion have safeguarded the freedoms we hold dear.
Each veteran, known and unknown, stood watch so that we might live, worship, and walk beneath the blanket of freedom they so bravely secured.
For every moment of fear faced in the field, every tear shed in separation, and every life laid down for the sake of peace—our hearts bow in humility and thanksgiving.
May God, in His infinite mercy, bless our veterans and their families, granting them the peace that surpasses all understanding.
Let us never take lightly the cost of our liberty, and may our gratitude be not just spoken in words, but lived through service, compassion, and unity in our communities.
Eternal rest to the fallen, and enduring honor to the living—your service is our strength, and your legacy our freedom’s steadfast light.
In thy Holy name, I pray.
Amen
GC John Kelmy OSB
KCP, Priory of St. Michael the Archangel
