The day of the Immaculate Conception, celebrated on December 8, is a national holiday.
This day invokes the life and virtue of Virgin Mary, mother of Jesus, conceived without blemish, that is, without the mark of original sin, which received the title of Catholic dogma on December 8, 1854. Thus, it originates from celebration of this commemoration, which is a date of great significance for the Catholic Church.
But, long before it was considered a dogma, the celebration of the universal feast had already been decreed in 1476 by Pope Sixtus IV.
On March 25, 1646, King D. João IV organized a solemn ceremony, in Vila Viçosa, to thank Our Lady for the Restoration of the Independence of Portugal in relation to Spain.
He went to the church of Nossa Senhora da Conceição, declaring her the patron and queen of Portugal. Since that day, no other Portuguese king has worn a crown on his head, a privilege that would be available only to the Immaculate Conception.
It should be noted that for centuries, Mother's Day was celebrated on December 8, having been changed to May, as it is considered the month of Our Lady.
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