Palace urges Catholics to continue fostering peace and understanding

MANILA, Philippines — President Duterte yesterday urged Catholics to promote peace and understanding and to help create an inclusive nation as they celebrate the feast of the Immaculate Conception of Mary.

Duterte, who has been at odds with the Catholic Church because of the bishops’ critical stance on the deaths tied to his drug war, in a message said the Virgin Mary’s selfless service and devotion to her family and absolute faith in the Almighty “lights the path for all of us to overcome trying times.”

“May you be inspired by the Immaculate Conception to continue fostering peace and understanding among every citizen regardless of their faith or creed. It is my hope that you will remain committed in realizing genuine and lasting change so that everyone may attain their hopes and dreams,” Duterte said in a statement.

The President likewise stressed that as Filipinos embody the Blessed Virgin Mary’s holy example in everyone’s daily lives, he encourages everyone to work in solidarity to build a progressive, prosperous and inclusive nation. 

Duterte said Mary’s exemplary life of piety and virtue “nourishes the spirituality of our people” as they become “agents of compassion and justice in our society.”

Immaculate Conception is a Catholic dogma stating that Mary, the mother of Jesus, was conceived without original sin. – With Edith Regalado