A pro-administration lawmaker on Thursday welcomed the Arroyo-led House leadership approval of a bill declaring Sept. 8 of every year as a special working holiday to commemorate the Feast of the Nativity of the Blessed Virgin Mary.
Parañaque City Rep. Gus Tambunting was referring to House Bill 7856 which he co-authored with the bill’s principal author, Ilocos Norte Rep. Rodolfo Fariñas. The bill was already approved on third and final reading at the Lower House by a unanimous voting of 206 lawmakers.
“I am very happy that this bill honoring our Lady, the Blessed Virgin Mary, has been passed by the House and has been transmitted to the Senate,” Tambunting, chairman of the House committee on games and amusement, said.
“In this Christmas season, when we remember the birth of our Lord, it is but fitting that we also remember his Mother, Mama Mary, whose faithful obedience to the will of God helped bring about our salvation,” he added.
Tambunting said “declaring her birth as a holiday in our country is definitely a great way of honoring her as it will allow all Filipinos to honor her in a special way.”
Fariñas said his bill shall be in honor and thanksgiving to The Lady, who conceived the Lord for the redemption and salvation of the entire humanity.
“The celebration of her birth shall be the Christians’ expression of love and devotion to the Blessed Virgin Mary,” he said.
“Saint Augustine described the birth of the Blessed Virgin Mary as an event of cosmic and historic significance, and an appropriate prelude to the birth of Jesus Christ,” Fariñas said.
According to the General Roman Calendar, Fariñas said September 8 is the ninth month following the solemnity of the Immaculate Conception of Mary which is celebrated on December 8.
Presently, Republic Act 10966, also principally authored by Fariñas, declares December 8 of every year a special non-working holiday in the entire country to commemorate the Feast of the Immaculate Conception of Mary.
He noted that RA10966, enacted on December 28, 2017, aims to enable Filipino Catholics to venerate and celebrate their devotion to the Blessed Virgin Mary.
While there are no exact accounts or documents on the birth of the Blessed Virgin Mary, Fariñas said the Protoevangelium of James, which was written at the early years of the 2nd century, filled in the historical accounts and provided for the evolution of the Christian belief and the development of the Christian piety.
“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,” Fariñas said.
He 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.”
Fariñas said that consecration and feasts are celebrated in accordance with the Roman Catholic dogmas which include the birth of the Virgin Mary.
