MANILA, Philippines — President Rodrigo Duterte on Sunday, December 8, encouraged the public to work in solidarity and build a progressive nation on the occasion of the feast of Immaculate Conception of Mary.
According to the Catholic Church, Immaculate Conception marks the conception of the Blessed Virgin Mary free from original sin by virtue of the merits of her son, Jesus Christ.
“I join the entire Filipino Catholic Community in celebrating the Solemnity of the Immaculate Conception of Mary,” Duterte said in a statement.
“The Blessed Virgin Mary’s exemplary life of piety and virtue honored today by our Catholic faithful nourishes the spirituality of our people as they in turn become agents of compassion and justice in our society,” the President said.
Duterte said that may the Blessed Virgin Mary’s “selfless and service and devotion to her family and absolute faith in the Almighty lights the path for all of us to overcome trying times.”
“May you be inspired by the Immaculate Conception to continue fostering peace and understanding among every citizen regardless of their faith. It is my hope that you will remain committed in realising genuine and lasting change so that everyone may attain their hopes and dreams,” Duterte added.
In December 2017, Duterte declared December 8 of every year as a special non-working holiday in celebration of the Feast of the Immaculate Conception by signing into law Republic Act No. 10966.