A great short piece by Melinda Henneberger at Politics Daily.  Actually I like to see pieces like just as much in these surprising places–like PD–as in in the Catholic blogosphere since they reach the seekers, the curious, the doubtful and disbelieving, and make them think.  Happy Feast Day.

Yet for me, the Immaculate Conception is an acknowledgement of one woman in a way that honors us all. It’s what makes Mary the second Eve, the clean slate, full of grace, she who makes redemption possible. No less than when I was a kid, she’s this pillar for me, but also a brave feminist role model – and as it turns out, the teller of the tale. Now if only I can stay awake for Mass.

Read the rest here.

The Rev. James Martin, S.J., is a Jesuit priest, author, editor at large at America and founder of Outreach.