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GUIDED BY MARY: QUIAPO CHURCH HOLDS COMMISSIONING AND RENEWAL FOR PRAYER AND DEVOTION MINISTERS

Dec. 10, 2025 05:47 PM

Manila, Philippines – December 8, 2025

Every year on December 8, the entire country celebrates the Solemnity of the Immaculate Conception of the Blessed Virgin Mary, Principal Patroness and Protectress of the Philippines. This national observance was officially recognized through Republic Act No. 10966, which declared December 8 a special non-working holiday to honor the Blessed Mother and allow the faithful to commemorate this significant Catholic feast.

During the 7am Holy mass of Rev. Fr. Jade Licuanan, he highlighted the theology behind the Immaculate Conception. He explained that Mary, conceived in the womb of St. Anne, was preserved from inheriting Original Sin, not by her own merit but as a singular grace from God.

This privilege was granted because Mary was chosen to become the Theotokos the Mother of the Divine Son, the Messiah. God desired that the womb destined to carry the Savior of the world be pure, worthy, and untouched by the sin inherited from Adam and Eve.

Fr. Jade emphasized that this mystery reveals God’s loving plan for salvation, prepared long before the birth of Jesus. He also reminded the faithful of the deeper meaning of the December 8 celebration: “Naniniwala po ako na hindi lang para magpahinga tayo, hindi lamang para magpunta ng simbahan, kundi tayo ay inaasahan ng ating bayan na ipagdasal ang kapakanan ng ating bansa.” (I believe that this day is not only for us to rest or to go to church, but also because our nation expects us to pray for the welfare of our country.)

One of the highlights during the 3pm mass which presided by Rev. Fr. Jonathan Noel Mojica is the Commissioning of the new members of the Prayer and Devotion Ministry, along with the renewal of commitment of existing members. This solemn moment affirmed their dedication to fostering prayerfulness, promoting devotions, and assisting in the spiritual life of the community.

The renewal was followed by a community procession honoring the Blessed Mother. The faithful walked with devotion through the streets surrounding Quiapo Church, expressing their love for Mary, who continually invites all to purity of heart and unwavering trust in God.

As the Filipino people honor Mary under the title of the Immaculate Conception, the Church invites not only the servants of the church but everyone to deepen their devotion, renew their trust in her maternal care, and commit themselves to prayer for the nation. In a world longing for peace and hope, Mary full of grace remains a guiding light who leads the faithful closer to Christ.

May this celebration inspire all Filipinos to live with faith, purity, and steadfast hope, just as the Blessed Mother exemplified throughout her life.

 

 

 

Ge Lim Castillo | Quiapo Social Communications