Advent thought of the day - December 7 2017 - as we celebrate the Vigil of the Immaculate Conception of Mary

“This Virgin Mother of the Only begotten of God is called Mary, worthy of God, immaculate of the immaculate, one of the one.” 
Origen of Alexandria - Early 3rd century

“’Hail, full of grace.’ By these words, the angel shows that she was altogether excluded from the wrath of the first sentence, and restored to the full grace of blessing.”  -
Saint Augustine, Bishop of Hippo and Doctor of the Church, Sermon 123