MANILA -- President Rodrigo Duterte urged Filipino Catholics on Saturday to emulate the qualities of the Virgin Mary in commemorating the Feast of the Immaculate Conception.

In a statement released by his office, Duterte said Filipinos should be guided by Mary's selflessness and faithfulness.

"Let us emulate Mary's qualities as a humble and caring person and remain guided by her faithfulness as we strengthen our devotion and nurture our lives with unconditional love and good deeds that will benefit the Filipino people," he said.

Duterte last year declared Dec. 8 a special non-working holiday in the entire country to commemorate the Feast of the Immaculate Conception.

The feast marks Mary's conception of her son Jesus free from original sin, keeping her "immaculate."

Duterte, in speeches, often criticizes teachings of the Vatican, and members of the Church hierarchy. He recently stepped up his verbal attacks against the clergy, the most recent of which is his "kill useless bishops" remark.

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But on Saturday, Duterte said he hoped that the story of the Immaculate Conception would serve as an inspiration to Filipinos.

"May the narrative of her Immaculate Conception be a constant reminder of her selflessness when she accepted the invitation to become the mother of Christ so that the plan of salvation would be realized," the President said.

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