Countdown to Christmas - Feast of the Immaculate Conception

On this Feast day, 8th December, many Italians attend mass to honour Mary, the Mother of Jesus.



It is a special day in Rome which starts early with firemen placing a wreath of white roses on the statue of the Virgin Mary in Piazza Mignanelli.



Throughout the day more flowers are bought, in procession, to the base, of the statue and services held there.





All this is a prelude to the main event at 4.00pm when the pope appears to bless yet another wreath and offers prayers.