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Helen Flores - The Philippine Star
December 9, 2025 | 12:00am
A devotee carries an image of the Blessed Virgin Mary outside the Manila Cathedral during the Fiesta Mass for the Feast of the Immaculate Conception on December 8, 2025.
Edd Gumban
MANILA, Philippines — As the Catholic faithful celebrated the Feast of the Immaculate Conception yesterday, President Marcos expressed hope that the occasion would inspire wisdom and discernment among national leaders and strengthen unity and hope among Filipinos.
In his message, the President said the religious occasion invites reflection on the life of the Blessed Virgin Mary.
“As we honor the Blessed Virgin Mary, may her example of purity, devotion and unwavering faith inspire us to lead lives anchored in grace and purpose,” he said.
“Through her intercession, may our leaders be guided by wisdom and discernment, our institutions purified at the root and our people united in hope. Let us draw strength from her life as we continue building a nation that places God at its center and holds fast to the dignity of every Filipino,” the Chief Executive added.
Marcos, a Catholic, said the Feast of the Immaculate Conception serves as a reminder of the importance of beginning a mission with good intentions and the right values, as Mary’s life began entirely in God’s favor.
“This celebration also invites us to reflect as a people. The Immaculate Conception reminds us that the way we begin matters. Our intentions shape our outcomes, and the spirit in which we start a mission influences the fruit it bears. If we sow pride, we reap division; if we sow deceit, we reap distrust,” the President said.
“But if we begin with truth, humility and compassion for the least among us, we can build a more just and peaceful Bagong Pilipinas: a nation where integrity, service and the common good guide our every action,” he added.
Vice President Sara Duterte also expressed hope that the celebration of the Feast of the Immaculate Conception would bring hope and unity, especially amid ongoing calamities and political turmoil in the country.
“In the midst of the calamities, political turmoil and conflicts in society, we hope that this celebration would help us bring hope, provide support for each other and work toward progress,” she said in a statement.
She urged Filipinos to reflect on the Virgin Mary’s resilience, saying: “Let us remain steadfast in our beliefs, align our actions for the common good and together build a stronger, more compassionate Philippines.”
Manila Archbishop Jose Cardinal Advincula, meanwhile, urged the faithful to draw renewed strength from Mother Mary as the nation faces a corruption scandal and persistent poverty.
“Mary is a star who gives light in the middle of darkness. There are times when we feel that all hope is lost, such as the country facing the issue of corruption and continued poverty experienced by the people. Let us turn our eyes to Mary, from her let us draw our renewed strength, energy and bravery when facing our challenges in life,” he said in his homily during the noon mass at the Manila Cathedral. — Evelyn Macairan
