On the occasion of the Feast of the Immaculate Conception of the Blessed Virgin Mary on December 8, Philippine President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. urged Filipino Catholics to put their faith in God and in each other.
“Like Mary, may we also strive to resign from our individualistic tendencies and aspire to generously give ourselves without expecting anything in return,” the president said in his message.
“In the end, what we can bring into our everlasting home are those we cherish deep in our hearts, not the possessions we can only hold in our hands,” said Marcos.
He called on Filipino Catholics to revisit their “reason for being” and search for their vocation “in the spirit of unconditional obedience and abiding love.”
“I trust that no matter how uncertain the days ahead remain, we will soon understand the will of God and the purpose behind the journeys that we have only walked in faith,” he said.
“During periods of both adversity and triumph, we humbly implore divine providence, especially as we overcome our limitations, weakness, and flaws,” added the president.
He also urged the Filipino faithful to have confidence and faith in God and each other.
“As we allow our shared experiences to shape our history and lead us in achieving our nation’s aspirations, let us place our confidence in the Almighty and put our trust in one another,” he said.
“In the intersection of these things, we will certainly learn where to hold on and gain greater courage,” Marcos added.
He said told the Filipino people to anticipate the promises of “a brighter and more comfortable future” as they continue to work hard and pray for guidance.
Former president Rodrigo Duterte signed Republic Act 10966 in 2017, declaring December 8 as a “special non-working holiday” in commemoration of the Feast of the Immaculate Conception, the principal patroness of the predominantly Catholic Philippines.
December 8 is also declared a special non-working holiday under Proclamation 1236. – with a report from the Philippine News Agency
