Palace on Feast of Immaculate Conception: ‘Emulate Mary’s qualities’

MANILA — Malacañang yesterday urged the public to follow Mary’s qualities such as humility, noting that they must remain guided by Mary’s faithfulness.

“Let us emulate Mary’s qualities as a humble and caring person and remain guided by her faithfulness as we strengthen our devotion and nurture our lives with unconditional love and good deeds that will benefit the Filipino people,” a statement signed by President Rodrigo Duterte read.

In 2017, Duterte signed Republic Act No. 10966 which considered Dec. 8 a special non-working holiday.

Malacañang added that Mary has been an “epitome of faith” and a “source of inspiration” for Filipinos during times of “challenges and uncertainties.”

Malacañang also reminded Filipinos of Mary’s selflessness when she accepted the invitation to become the mother of Jesus Christ.

“May the narrative of her Immaculate Conception be a constant reminder of her selflessness when she accepted the invitation to become the mother of Christ so that the plan of salvation would be realized,” the statement added.

Amid Duterte’s tirades against the Church, Malacañang still joined the Filipino Catholic community in celebrating the Solemnity of the Immaculate Conception of Mary.

Last Dec. 5, Duterte attacked the Catholic Church again and even threatened the lives of bishops.

In a speech at the awarding ceremonies for the 2017 Presidential Award for Child-Friendly Municipalities and Cities (PACFMC) at the Malacañang, Duterte said: “[I]tong mga obispo ninyo, patayin ninyo. Walang silbi iyang mga gagong iyan. All they do is criticize.”