Overview
- In Toledo, the city renewed its uninterrupted 1617 municipal vow to uphold Mary’s conception without original sin, with Mayor Carlos Velázquez reciting the original oath.
- The Toledo procession included a representation of the 1585 Milagro de Empel, recalling the Spanish Tercios’ historic bond with the Immaculate.
- December 8 is an inamovible public holiday in Argentina, when families customarily assemble the Christmas tree and attend Mass.
- Dioceses across Argentina, including Jujuy and Salta, carried out novenas, pilgrim Masses, processions and parish celebrations throughout the day.
- The doctrine was solemnly defined by Pope Pius IX in 1854 after centuries of Iberian devotion and royal advocacy that secured papal support in 1661.