Duterte to Filipino Catholics: Emulate Virgin Mary’s selflessness

FILE: President Rodrigo Roa Duterte delivers his speech after leading the groundbreaking ceremony for the construction of the Panguil Bay Bridge in Tubod, Lanao del Norte on November 28, 2018. ACE MORANDANTE/PRESIDENTIAL PHOTO

MANILA — President Rodrigo R. Duterte on Saturday joined the Filipino Catholic community in commemorating the Feast of the Immaculate Conception of the Virgin Mary, urging them to emulate her selflessness.

“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,” Duterte said in an official statement.

“I wish you a happy and meaningful occasion,” he added.

Duterte acknowledged the traits of the Virgin Mary, which include “simplicity, kindness, and humility.”

“Every year, our thoughts and hearts unite to celebrate the life of Virgin Mary whose simplicity, kindness, and humility we truly adore and admire,” Duterte said.

He pointed out how Filipinos, in times of difficulty, have always considered the Virgin Mary as “an epitome of faith.”

“Since the advent of Christianity in the Philippines, she has been an epitome of faith and a source of inspiration for our people, especially during times of challenges and uncertainties,” Duterte said.

The President also cited how the Virgin Mary, although shocked at her being chosen by God to be the Mother of the Son of God, accepted her new role with all humility.

“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,” Duterte said.

The Catholic Church celebrates the Feast of the Immaculate Conception in honor of the Blessed Virgin Mary every Dec.

8.

It is a holiday of obligation, when the faithful must go to Mass, as on Sundays.

The Feast of the Immaculate Conception is one of the three holy days of obligation for Catholics every year apart from Christmas, Dec. 25, and Jan. 1, New Year’s Day.