DECEMBER 8 is the Feast of the Immaculate Conception, a celebration among believers of the Catholic Church in honor of the Virgin Mary.
The reason behind this celebration is sometimes mistaken for the virgin birth, when really what this signifies is the “sinless” state of Mary when she conceived Jesus.
The Philippines is the third largest population in the world professing on the Catholic faith. It is a special non-working holiday in the country, and the government has signed it into law on Mar. 2017.
The celebration of this holiday varies across the country. Some churches hold special masses, others hold grand feasts.
The Immaculate Conception also marks the start of the Christmas season in Philippines./PN
