VP Sara to Catholics: Show mercy to people facing injustice

MANILA, Philippines — Vice President Sara Duterte yesterday called on Filipino Catholics to help the needy, extend mercy to people facing injustice and love to impoverished communities as the Church marked the Feast of the Immaculate Conception.

Duterte said Filipinos should rise to the Virgin Mary’s example of compassion, empathy and generosity especially in times of trials and hardships.

“The enduring faith and steadfast joy exemplified by the Blessed Virgin Mary demonstrates an example of unwavering love that remains dauntless in the face of challenges and tribulations,” the Vice President said in a statement.

“We are encouraged today to live up to her virtues of compassion, empathy and generosity, which underscored the resilience she exemplified in the face of loss and sorrow,” she added.

Duterte also urged the public to stay resilient and rooted in their faith amid trying times.

“May the solemn observance of this day invite us all to join hands in prayer as we extend a helping hand to the needy, show mercy to those who are facing injustices, and extend love and kindness to our kababayan in the underserved and unserved communities,” she said.

“Let us be guided by our resilience that is rooted in faith in every trying time as we look forward with profound hope and optimism to a better future for every Filipino,” Duterte added.

The Catholic church celebrates the Feast of the Immaculate Conception yearly on Dec. 8 to honor the doctrine that Mary, the mother of Jesus, was conceived without original sin.