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Manila Bulletin devider Philippines devider National devider Duterte wants Filipinos to 'be kind to one another'

Duterte wants Filipinos to 'be kind to one another'

Published Dec 8, 2020 03:22 pm

As Catholics all over the world celebrate the Feast of the Immaculate Conception of Mary, President Duterte appealed to Filipinos to be guided by the life of the Virgin Mary and be kind to one another regardless of faith.

Church goers stand outside the Manila Cathedral during the morning mass in line with the Feast of the Immaculate Conception at Intramuros, Manila on Tuesday (Jansen Romero / MANILA BULLETIN)

In his message for the observance of the religious holiday in the Philippines, the President advised Filipinos to draw strength and inspiration from the Virgin Mary especially now that the country is facing a lot of challenges.

"Let us all draw strength from the holy life and example of the Virgin Mary so we may remain steadfast, joyous, and hopeful amidst the many challenges we face today as a nation," he said.

Duterte likewise hoped that all Filipinos will be kind to one another regardless of faith.

"May her Immaculate Conception guide us all, whatever faith we may hold, to be kind to one another during these trying times as we look forward to a better future in this life and beyond," he said.

On December 23, 2017, President Duterte signed Republic Act (RA) No. 10966, declaring December 8 of every year a special non-working holiday across the country.

"December 8 of every year is hereby declared a special non-working holiday in the entire country to commemorate the Feast of the Immaculate Conception of Mary, the Principal Patroness of the Philippines," the RA read.

The Feast of the Immaculate Conception is a holy day of obligation for Catholics. It is one of the three holy days of obligation declared by the Catholic Church in which Catholics must hear Mass.

The other days of obligations are New Year’s Day and Christmas Day.

According to the dogma of the Catholic Church, Immaculate Conception was the conception of the Blessed Virgin Mary in the womb of her mother, St. Anne, free from original sin as God willed it as Mary was destined as the Mother of Jesus Christ.

Aside from the Philippines, it is also the patronal feast day of Argentina, Brazil, Korea, Nicaragua, Paraguay, Spain, the United States, and Uruguay, by Pontifical designation and decree.

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