FILIPINO Catholics are keeping their faith alive as they commemorate an important event on September 8: the Feast of the Nativity of the Blessed Virgin Mary.
Mary is known to be the mother of Jesus and the wife of Joseph. While Sacred Scripture does not give an account of her birth, the Catholic Church celebrates it every September 8 as one of the oldest Marian Feasts and an important part of the liturgical calendar.
Mary’s birthday is celebrated nine months after the Immaculate Conception of Mary on December 8, a belief that she was born free of original sin.
In the Philippines, the commemoration of the Feast of the Nativity of the Blessed Virgin Mary has been declared a special working holiday through Republic Act 11370. This means that classes in school and work in offices and establishments will continue.
Still, Marian devotees have several ways of celebrating Mary’s birth, including attending masses and sending their intentions to the Blessed Virgin Mary.
But does this commemoration of the Feast of the Nativity of the Blessed Virgin Mary also hold significance among young Catholics?
Gen Zs’ belief in Mary
For several Catholic Gen Zs, the answer to the question would be “yes.”
Raphaelle Angeline Rodriguez, an 18-year-old communication research student, told republicasia that believing in Mary strengthens her Catholic faith.
“Catholic faith is already stapled in our culture as Filipinos but shouldn’t be forced [on] anyone,” said Rodriguez. “As a Gen Z, Mama Mary has a significant role in the Catholic faith and shouldn’t be out of the picture whenever we practice our faith.”
Broadcasting student Alexis Fei Caceres, 20, echoed this and said that her belief in Mary nourishes her relationship with God.
“By believing, praying, and trusting in her, naniniwala ako na whatever she grants is what God has allowed,” she stressed.
Meanwhile, Art Justin Penullar, 20, described Mary as “a symbol of compassion and humility” and that she can be both a spiritual role model and a guide for individuals, particularly those who seek her help in prayers.
Family’s influence
These young individuals shared that their families played a huge part in their belief in Mary.
Rodriguez said her family actively practices their Catholic faith and continues to remind her to keep her faith alive even if she does not go to church regularly.
This also applies to Caceres and Penullar, with the former saying that her parents raised her to believe in Mary.
“[Believing] in Mama Mary doesn’t hinder or limit me from doing the things I want in life,” said Caceres.
Penullar, on the other hand, said that praying to Mary makes him calm and feel that he is “truly guided by someone who understands [his] struggles.”
“Her presence brings me peace, and I feel a deep sense of comfort knowing she’s watching over me,” he emphasized.
Expressing belief in Mary
Gen Zs continue to show their belief in Mary in different ways, and among them is participating in the traditional Block Rosary.
The Block Rosary is a devotion where an image of the Blessed Virgin Mary is brought to different houses in a village, where families and neighbors will gather to pray the Rosary.
Abegail Tongson, whose belief in Mary was also influenced by her family, shared that she grew up hearing stories about Jesus’ mother and witnessing the Block Rosary.
“Kada baranggay iniikot nila si Mama Mary, kada bahay, tapos magro-rosary kami every 6:00 PM,” the 20-year-old broadcasting student recalled. “Kaya in that way, lumaki kami sa belief na Mama Mary is real.”
Giezel Faith Pascua, 20, also grew up praying the Rosary, with her mom teaching her the traditional Hail Mary prayer where people ask for the intercession of the Blessed Virgin Mary.
She recalled that when her dad passed away, her family prayed the Rosary and offered Mary roses to guide his soul in his journey.
“I find comfort in [doing it] because I believe that she hears our prayers and accepts the roses we are giving her,” the college student said.
Likewise, Caceres was taught to pray seven Hail Marys a day, believing that this would grant her “a lot of blessings.”
“After praying to her, I always ask for her guidance and peace for my family because, for me, it’s what matters the most—to be led in life [in] the right direction,” she stressed.
Before the Feast of the Nativity of the Blessed Virgin Mary, the Diocesan Shrine and Parish of St. Mary Magdalene in Kawit, Cavite opened the 39th Kawit Grand Marian Exhibit 2024 which featured over 80 images of the Blessed Virgin Mary.
In the photos shared by the church, some young individuals were seen taking part in the exhibit’s launching last month.
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