Marcos to Pinoys: Share blessings with the poor

(UPDATE) PRESIDENT Ferdinand Marcos Jr. on Friday urged the Filipino faithful to draw inspiration from the narrative of the Immaculate Conception in overcoming limitations and strengthening their Christian faith by sharing blessings with the poor and marginalized.

In his message during the celebration of the Feast of the Immaculate Conception, Marcos called on Filipinos to «embrace the virtues of purity, modesty, and faith.»

«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,» Marcos said.

«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,» he added.

Likewise, the President 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 (New Philippines)» that Filipinos aspire for.

«We pray for continued hope and divine guidance in building the Bagong Pilipinas that we aspire for,» he said.

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 9th when he formally defined the dogma of the Immaculate Conception, Ineffabilis Deus, on Dec. 8, 1854.