House OKs bill declaring Sept. 8 special working holiday to commemorate nativity of Virgin Mary

Filipinos may soon have more opportunities to express their devotion to the Blessed Virgin Mary.

This was after House of Representatives unanimously approved on third and final reading the measure seeking to declare September 8 of every year a special working holiday to commemorate the Feast of the Nativity of the Blessed Virgin Mary.

House Bill 7856, filed by Ilocos Norte Representative Rodolfo Fariñas, aims to honor and give thanks to the Blessed Virgin Mary who conceived Jesus Christ to redeem and save the entire humanity.

“The celebration of her birth shall be the Christians’ expression of love and devotion to the Blessed Virgin Mary,” he said.

The General Roman Calendar, Fariñas said, says September 8 is the ninth month from the solemnity of the Immaculate Conception of Mary, celebrated on December 8.

Last year, President Rodrigo Duterte signed RA 10966, which Fariñas also principally authored, declaring December 8 of every year a special non-working holiday to commemorate the Feast of the Immaculate Conception of Mary.

Although there are no exact accounts as to the birth of the Blessed Virgin Mary, the Protoevangelium of James, written in the 2nd century, provided the historical accounts and paved the way for the evolution of the Christian belief, Fariñas said.

"In the Philippines, Catholicism is fervent and deep devotion to the Blessed Virgin Mary is reflected by the celebrations, particularly acts of veneration, praying for miracles, and the attribution of granted petitions through intercession," he said.

“Traditional beliefs and venerative practices handed down to generations of pious believers highlight the important role of the Blessed Virgin Mary in our Christian faith,” he added.

Co-authors of the measure include Pangasinan Representative Marlyn Primicias-Agabas, ABANG LINGKOD party-list Representative Joseph Stephen Paduano, Pasay City Representative Emi Calixto-Rubiano, and Parañaque City Representative Gus Tambunting. — RSJ, GMA News