Catholics mark feast of Immaculate Conception

CATHOLICS worldwide attend Mass today, December 8 to mark the feast or Solemnity of the Immaculate Conception, one of the “holy days of obligation” in their liturgical calendar.

Catholics have a special regard for the most Blessed Virgin Mary because it is their belief that she was, “from the first moment of her conception, by a singular grace and privilege of almighty God and by virtue of the merits of Jesus Christ, Savior of the human race, preserved immune from all stain of original sin.”

The Catechism of the Catholic Church also instructs that the “splendor of an entirely unique holiness” by which Mary is “enriched from the first instant of her conception” comes wholly from Christ.”

In the Philippines, where the Virgin Mary is especially venerated by millions of devotees, the feast will be celebrated starting with dawn Masses — some at grottoes of the Our Lady of Lourdes.

Catholics are in the midst of Advent, which is their spiritual preparation for Christmas Day. Advent marks the start of the Catholic liturgical calendar.

Report from GMA News Online