MANILA, Philippines — “Mary’s faithfulness, humility, simplicity, and thoughtfulness are truly admirable virtues to elevate at a time where there is much strife in the modern world.”Secretary Martin Andanar of the Presidential Communications Operations Office (PCOO) issued this message on Sunday, Dec. 8, as Catholics celebrated the feast of the Immaculate Conception. ADVERTISEMENT“May we remember Mary’s selfless acceptance of her sinless conception of our Lord Jesus Christ which led to the realization of God’s planned and promised salvation,” Andanar said in a statement. According to the Catholic tradition, Immaculate Conception marks the day that the Blessed Virgin Mary, free of original, conceived Jesus Christ. 10966, which declared Dec. 8 of every year as a special non-working holiday in celebration of the Feast of the Immaculate Conception. In his message on Sunday, Duterte encouraged the public to work in solidarity and build a progressive nation“May you be inspired by the Immaculate Conception to continue fostering peace and understanding among every citizen regardless of their faith.

Source: Philippine Daily Inquirer December 08, 2019 09:00 UTC