The celebration for the Feast of the Immaculate Conception began with a triduum at the Cathedral. The first day, December 5, Fr Christian Chambers officiated. The theme for his homily was Mary, Mother of Good Counsel.

We were told there are parents who tried their  best to raise their children. Yet some parents have been disappointed. The blessed Mother is our teacher and instructor. The spirit of prudence teaches us to accept our Blessed Mother.

In order to be with our Blessed Mother we must pray with a contrite heart. She alerts us to a crisis. When we have a crisis, confess it.  When we are in a crisis do what God tells us. We must obey the word of God. The Blessed Mother wants us to put our talent to use.

The second day, Cathedral Administrator, Msgr Cuthbert Alexander’s chose as his theme Mary, Mother of Divine Hope.

Those with hope are always assisted. We speak of faith, hope and charity as sisters. The people who followed Jesus in the gospel were people of hope. The Church honours the Blessed Mother as the Mother of Divine Hope.

Msgr Alexander told us, “We come this afternoon expecting Mary to give us hope. We expect her to intercede for us. It is God’s Holy Spirit, which causes that to happen. We know with confidence that our Blessed Mother will intercede for us.”

Fr Garth Eversley O Carm was the officiating priest on the third day. His theme was Mary, Cause of Our Joy. Fr Garth told us Mary’s sinless womb became a tabernacle of the Word made flesh. Rejoice with Mary. It is a joy of gratitude because she is the mother of our Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ.

The Annunciation, Visitation and Birth are causes of joy. The child John the Baptist acknowledged the presence of Mary when he leapt in the womb of his mother Elizabeth. The birth of our Lord brought joy to the world.

Mary understood that joy, and helps us to understand that joy. It is not the joy of being with one’s husband, wife or children, or having money in the bank. After the ascension the Apostles went away filled with joy, Mary who now sits with God is the cause of our joy.

At the end of the triduum, Sr Lynette Audain thanked the organisation, which assisted in carrying up the gifts to the altar for the three days.