As I write this, the Solemnity of the Immaculate Conception of the Blessed Virgin Mary begins tomorrow, December 8, 2012. Why do I call the Blessed Virgin “the Immaculata”?

Many years ago my mother retired to a small town in Spain. Among the other expatriates living there was an American Catholic, although I didn’t know at first he was a Catholic, and I was not one myself. I was visiting briefly, before flying to Madrid to be on my way to Moscow.

One day in early December, he happened to remark to us: “I’m going to visit the Immaculata.” Then he set off up the steep hill above the town, where there was a church, set just a little higher than the ruined pre-conquest Moorish fortress.

There was something about the way he said it that struck me deeply. There wasn’t any fuss or anything portentous about his “visit” to the Immaculate Lady. It was a casual remark, but it was the sort of moment one never forgets.

Two years and a few months later I entered the Catholic Church. I can’t explain why, but it was a significant moment on my way to baptism.

Five years after my baptism, I asked the Blessed Virgin to help me write poetry. She has favored me with signs since then, and I think of her as my patroness.

Here is my tribute to her:

THE IMMACULATA

Blessed Virgin, Holy Mother
Tabernacle and protector,
Hear us when we speak your name,
To whom an angel glory came

All around you heaven-light
For those who have not lost their sight,
The brightness that the poets knew,
The draftsmen of a splendor drew

Workers into paint and clay
Of music that musicians play,
Sculptors of a harmony
That even sightless eyes can see

You are my patroness as long
As in my promise love is strong,
For so I swore to you my oath:
Obedience and labor both

Immaculate and faithful one
The honor of your Lord and Son,
Renew our hope as we renew
The vows of love we made to you

Pavel
December 6, 2012