Catholics observe the Feast of the Immaculate Conception

Despite the rain, many Catholics went to churches on Friday, Dec. 8 to observe the Feast of the Immaculate Conception, according to a report on Unang Balita by Victoria Tulad.

At the Immaculate Conception Cathedral in Cubao, Quezon City, some devotees attended Mass as early as 5:30 a.m.

Mass is held as early as 530am at the Immaculate Conception Cathedral of Cubao to celebrate the Feast of the Immaculate Conception; other masses will be at 6:10am, 7am, 1030am and 12nn. @gmanews @UnangHirit pic.twitter.com/HcFiome9Tz

— Victoria Tulad (@victoriatulad) December 7, 2017

Some devotees of the Blessed Virgin Mary said they attend Mass every year on December 8 as a form of thanksgiving.

Mass will also be held at the Immaculate Conception Cathedral at 10:30 a.m. and 12 nn.

The celebration of the Feast of the Immaculate Conception will last for a week at the Diocese of Cubao.

On Saturday, the diocese will hold a fun run and community games. There will also be a senior citizens' singing contest and choral competition.

On Sunday, the image of the Blessed Virgin Mary will be brought out for a procession at 3:30 a.m.

The diocese will also host a caracol dancing contest on Sunday.

Provinces

In Laoag City, Ilocos Norte, devotees likewise trooped to churches to attend Mass despite the rains, according to a report on Balitanghali by Mariz Umali.

The image of the Blessed Virgin Mary was also brought out for a procession which was accompanied by a band.

In Baao, Camarines Sur, devotees also woke up early to attend Mass.

The Feast of the Immaculate Conception is a holy day of obligation. Catholics are expected to attend Mass.

Manila Cathedral

Meanwhile, at the Minor Basilica and Metropolitan Cathedral of the Immaculate Conception, more popularly known as Manila Cathedral, a Mass was also held for the Blessed Virgin Marry.

The cathedral is likewise celebrating the 60th anniversary of its post-war construction.

The Catholic Church regards the Blessed Virgin Mary, the mother of Jesus Christ, as pure and without original sin from the time she was conceived by her mother, Saint Anne.

The Immaculate Conception is recognized as the patron saint of the Philippines in accordance with the apostolic letter Impositi Nobis issued by Pope Pius XII on Sept. 12, 1942. —KG, GMA News