By Ben Cal/PNA
MANILA — Catholics around the world, including Filipinos, will celebrate on Saturday (Dec. 8) the Feast of the Immaculate Conception of the Virgin Mary, who was born free from original sin by virtue of the graces as Mother of Jesus Christ, the Son of God.
The Holy Bible says that God granted Mary exemption from the original sin at the first moment of her conception, keeping her “immaculate.”
The Catholic Church celebrates with solemnity every Dec. 8 the Feast of the Immaculate Conception in honor of the Blessed Virgin Mary.
For Catholics, Dec. 8 is a holiday of obligation, when the faithful must go to Mass, as on Sundays.
The Feast of the Immaculate Conception is one of the three holy days of obligation for Catholics every year. The other two are Christmas, Dec. 25, and Jan. 1, New Year’s Day.
The Holy Bible also relates how Mary was chosen by God, when an Angel announced to her that she would be Mother of Jesus Christ, who will save mankind from perdition.
Mary was shocked at her being chosen by God to be the Mother of the Son of God but accepted it with all humility.
