Manila Archbishop Jose Cardinal Advincula called on the faithful to follow the example and emulate the virtues of the Blessed Virgin Mary.
In his homily during the special mass for the Solemnity of the Immaculate Conception on Friday, Dec. 8, at the Manila Cathedral in Intramuros, Manila, His Eminence encouraged mass goers to be like Mary - humble and faithful to God.
“As we honor Mary, we strive to emulate her total self-donation, her full participation in God’s humility,” the Church leader said.
Papal Nuncio Archbishop Charles John Brown co-celebrated the mass with members of the clergy of the archdiocese.
Prior to the celebration, the Intramuros Grand Marian Procession was held on Dec. 3. Novena masses were offered from Nov. 29 to Dec. 7.
The observance of the Feast of the Immaculate Conception celebrates the Roman Catholic dogma, “Ineffabilis Deus,” as defined by Pope Pius IX on Dec. 8, 1854, which affirmed the belief that the Blessed Virgin Mary, “in the first instance of her conception, was, by a unique grace and privilege by the Almighty God, in view of the merits of Jesus Christ, the Savior of the human race, was preserved free from all stain of original sin.”
Pope Sixtus IV approved the feast in 1476, and it was later extended to the Universal Church by Pope Clement XI in 1708.
Observed as a holiday in the country and as a holy day of obligation, the Immaculate Conception is the Principal Patroness of the Philippines.