Ched Rick Gatchalian

Devotees flock to the Manila Cathedral in observance of the Feast of the Immaculate Conception on December 8, 2020. Mark Demayo, ABS-CBN News/File

Article (news)

‘Emulate’ Mary’s ‘service with humility, compassion’: Marcos Jr. says ahead of Feast of Immaculate Conception

Katrina Domingo

ABS-CBN News

<div><span class="fr-img-caption fr-fic fr-dib" style="width:958px"><span class="fr-img-wrap"><img src="https://od2-image-api.abs-cbn.com/prod/editorImage/1733558363637173253179173420201208-immaculate-conception-manila-cathedral-MD3.jpg" style="width:960px" class="fr-fic fr-dib" alt="Devotees flock to the Manila Cathedral in observance of the Feast of the Immaculate Conception on December 8, 2020. Mark Demayo, ABS-CBN News/File "/><span class="fr-inner" style="text-align:left">Devotees flock to the Manila Cathedral in observance of the Feast of the Immaculate Conception on December 8, 2020. <em style="text-align:left">Mark Demayo, ABS-CBN News/File </em></span></span></span>MANILA -- President Ferdinand &quot;Bongbong&quot; Marcos Jr. urged Filipino Catholics to emulate the Blessed Virgin Mary “by serving others with compassion and humility”, ahead of the celebration of Feast of the Immaculate Conception. </div><div><a class="fr-green fr-strong" href="https://www.abs-cbn.com/news/nation/2024/11/29/manila-archdiocese-catholics-no-longer-obliged-to-attend-holy-mass-on-dec-9-1310" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">Filipino Catholics not obliged to attend Dec 9 Mass for Feast of Immaculate Conception</a></div><p>The feast, observed every 8th of December, “is a day of profound significance that honors the role of the Blessed Virgin Mary in the life of Jesus Christ and God&#x27;s plan for humanity&#x27;s redemption,” Marcos Jr. said in a statement a day ahead of the occasion.</p><p>He stated that the celebration holds great meaning among Catholics and invites people to &quot;reflect on the themes of grace, purity, and devotion.” </p><p>“As we celebrate this holy feast, I encourage my fellow Catholics and Filipinos to emulate Mary by serving others with compassion and humility, especially as we strive to build the Bagong Pilipinas we desire for our people,” he said. </p><p>“Let us lead and embrace the journey towards holiness and remain connected through the common aspiration to live a life filled with integrity, devotion, and love,” Marcos Jr. continued. </p><p>The President underscored the importance of observing religious events, saying that faith “offers stability, purpose, and hope-pillars” in a “constantly changing world.</p><div><a class="fr-green fr-strong" href="https://www.abs-cbn.com/news/nation/2024/11/25/solemnity-of-immaculate-conception-2024-moved-to-december-9-1851" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">Solemnity of Immaculate Conception 2024 moved to December 9</a> </div><p>“Religion and faith continue to foster a sense of community and belonging that plays a central role in helping us navigate the complexities of life,” he said. </p><p>“It offers stability, purpose, and hope-pillars that contribute to the mental, emotional, and spiritual health of every Filipino,” he added.</p>

<p>President Ferdinand "Bongbong" Marcos Jr. urged Filipino Catholics to emulate the Blessed Virgin Mary “by serving others with compassion and humility”, ahead of the celebration of Feast of the Immaculate Conception.</p>

President Ferdinand "Bongbong" Marcos Jr. urged Filipino Catholics to emulate the Blessed Virgin Mary “by serving others with compassion and humility”, ahead of the celebration of Feast of the Immaculate Conception.