President Marcos enjoined the Filipino faithful on Friday to draw inspiration from the Virgin Mary by being a blessing to everyone, especially the poor and marginalized.
In his message on the Feast of the Immaculate Conception of Mary, Mr. Marcos urged Filipino Catholics to embrace the virtues of purity, modesty and faith exemplified by the Blessed Mother.
“During these challenging times for our country, let us draw inspiration from the narrative of the Immaculate Conception as we overcome our limitations and draw on our strengths to see the world with grateful hearts and explore the deep meaning of our purpose in life,” President Marcos said.
“May this auspicious occasion allow us to fortify our Christian faith and inspire our fellow faithful to share our blessings to the poor and marginalized as a way of perpetuating peace, generosity, and kindness around us.”
He said the virtuous life of the Blessed Virgin Mary is celebrated because the traits she had “made her worthy to become the mother of Jesus Christ.”
The Catholic community celebrates the Feast of the Immaculate Conception in reference to Mary’s conception without sin.
The President also prayed for continued hope and divine guidance in building his “Bagong Pilipinas” (New Philippines) governance brand.
The observance of the feast began with a Papal encyclical by Pope Pius IX when he formally defined the dogma of the Immaculate Conception, Ineffabilis Deus, on Dec. 8, 1854.
Former President Rodrigo Duterte declared Dec. 8 a special non-working holiday under Republic Act 10966 in commemoration of the Feast of the Immaculate Conception.