President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. encouraged the Filipino faithful on Friday to draw inspiration from the narrative of the Immaculate Conception in overcoming limitations and to gather strength and fortify their Christian faith by sharing their blessings to the poor and marginalized.

“During these challenging times for our country, let us draw inspiration from the narrative of the Immaculate Conception as we overcome our limitations and draw on our strengths to see the world with grateful hearts and explore the deep meaning of our purpose in life,” the President said in his message during the observance of the Feast of the Immaculate Conception of Mary.

“May this auspicious occasion allow us to fortify our Christian faith and inspire our fellow faithful to share our blessings to the poor and marginalized as a way of perpetuating peace, generosity, and kindness around us.”

President Marcos also asked the nation to fervently pray for the continued guidance of the Lord Almighty and the intercession of the Blessed Virgin Mary as the people join hands to build the Bagong Pilipinas that Filipinos aspire for.

The feast of the Immaculate Conception is a celebration by the Catholic community of Mary’s conception without sin. Even though the feast day occurs in the liturgical season of Advent, which prepares for the birth of Our Lord Jesus Christ, the Immaculate Conception refers to the conception of Mary in the womb of her mother, St. Anne.

The observance of the feast began with a Papal encyclical by Pope Pius IX when he formally defined the dogma of the Immaculate Conception, Ineffabilis Deus, on December 8, 1854. *PND*