The doctrine of the immaculate conception (Mary being conceived free from original sin) is not to be confused with her virginal conception of her son Jesus. This misunderstanding of the term immaculate conception is frequently met in the mass media. Catholics believe that Mary was not the product of a virginal conception herself but was the daughter of a human father and mother, traditionally known by the names of Saint Joachim and Saint Anne. In 1677, the Holy See condemned the belief that Mary was virginally conceived, which had been a belief surfacing occasionally since the 4th century. The Church celebrates the Feast of the Immaculate Conception (when Mary was conceived free from original sin) on 8 December, exactly nine months before celebrating the Nativity of Mary. The feast of the Annunciation (which commemorates the virginal conception and the Incarnation of Jesus) is celebrated on 25 March, nine months before Christmas Day. COUNT 5
QSN1 Is the view of the impregnation of Mary's pregnancy the same as the one held for the birth of her first child ? ANS1 doctrine of the immaculate conception (Mary being conceived free from original sin) is not to be confused with her virginal conception of her son Jesus QSN2 What is the view held at the Vatican regarding how Mary was actually given life into the world ? ANS2 Catholics believe that Mary was not the product of a virginal conception herself but was the daughter of a human father and mother QSN3 When did these contradictory views start to emerge ? ANS3 since the 4th century QSN4 When were contradictory views to  the belief of Mary's parentage struck down ? ANS4 1677, the Holy See condemned the belief that Mary was virginally conceived, QSN5 Who were the parents of Mary believed to be ? ANS5 Saint Joachim and Saint Anne