St. Augustine: "The holy Virgin Mary"

“NOW with the exception of the holy Virgin Mary in regard to whom, out of respect for the Lord, I do not propose to have a single question raised on the subject of sin—after all, how do we know what greater degree of grace for a complete victory over sin was conferred on her who merited to conceive and bring forth Him Who all admit was without sin. . . .”

~St. Augustine: De Natura et Gratia, 42.

Immaculate Conception, by Mariano Salvador de Maella.

Oil on canvas, 1781; Museo del Prado, Madrid.