In a circular released on November 14, 2024 by the Archdiocese of Manila, it was explained that according to the Liturgical Calendar, the commemoration of the first Sunday of Advent must precede the day of the Immaculate Conception.
Due to the first Sunday of Advent and the Solemnity of the Immaculate Conception coinciding on the same Sunday, the church decided to postpone the latter to December 9.
"May we remind you that this year's celebration of the Solemnity of the Immaculate Conception will be celebrated on December 9, Monday," said Father Carmelo Arada, Vice Chancellor of the Archdiocese of Manila.
"Solemnities that fall on a Sunday of Advent or Lent are transferred to the following Monday unless they occur on Palm Sunday or on Sunday of the Lord's Resurrection," he added.
The Solemnity of the Immaculate Conception is a holy day of obligation for Catholics. Despite the observation being moved to Monday, Catholics are still obliged to attend Holy Mass on this day.
There has been no report yet from Malacañang as to whether the nationwide holiday will also be moved to December 9.
December 8 is a special non-working holiday throughout the country under Republic Act 10966, which was enacted during the time of former President Rodrigo Duterte.
(Photos by Dexter Terante)
