Archdiocese Of St. Louis

Isaac was nearly sacrificed by his father, Abraham, who was obeying the will of God. But, the timely intervention of an angel, and the appearance of a ram saved Isaac. Later in salvation history, another ram-like figure appears as a sacrifice. This is Mary, the Mother of God, who sacrificed herself through her "fiat" - her "yes" to God's will. The Feast of the Immaculate Conception is celebrated on December 8th, but some cultures prepare for the feast by lighting votive candles on December 7th, the eve of the Feast. This custom dates back to when Pope Pius IX asked Catholics around the world to light votive candles on December 7th, 1854, the day before he was to declare the dogma of the Immaculate Conception. This tradition is known as "Dia de las Velitas" or "Day of the Little Candles." The Colombian community of St. Louis will gather on Saturday, December 3rd, 2016 to celebrate Dia de las Velitas with Mass and lighting of the votive candles. Mass begins at 5pm at the Cardinal Rigali Center (20 Archbishop