Our Lady, Immaculately Conceived, Patroness of the United States of America

The provided podcast details the Immaculate Conception's role as the patroness of the United States, a designation made by U.S. bishops in 1846 and approved by Bl. Pius IX in 1847. It highlights the historical devotion to Mary under this title in the U.S., tracing back to the first bishop, John Carroll, and early church dedications.

The podcast explains that the Immaculate Conception refers to Mary's conception without original sin, which became a Catholic dogma in 1854, potentially influenced by the U.S. declaration.

Furthermore, it notes that the Immaculate Conception is also the patroness of other nations and is celebrated annually on December 8.