by Santosh Digal

Filipino bishops declare today, Feast Day of the Holy Name of Mary, a national day of prayer for peace and justice. They call on all the faithful to take part in the third national pilgrimage to the Shrine of the Mediatrix of all Grace.

Manila (AsiaNews) – Today, the Feast Day of the Holy Name of Mary, the Catholic Bishops' Conference of the Philippines (CNCP) invited the faithful around the country to take part in the Third National Pilgrimage for Conversion, Consecration and Reparation in the Philippines. The main rites are being held at the Shrine of the Mediatrix of all Grace in Lipa City, south of Manila.

In a letter, CNCP Chairman Angel N. Lagdameo urged the faithful to visit the Blessed Mother who "has always shown her concern in times of difficulties, tragedies, and seeming hopelessness."

The reference is to a pastoral letter issued by the CNCP two weeks ago titled 'Strengthening and Prophesying in Hope' in which the bishops encouraged the reading and study of the Compendium of the Social Doctrine of the Church and declared this year the 'Year of Social Concerns'

In doing so the prelates called on the faithful to return to God (conversion), work together for a better nation (reparation), and make a commitment to God to seek always what is good for all humanity (consecration).

In their letter they also announced that today, September 12, would be a National Day of Prayer.

The combination of popular devotion to Mary and calling on Catholics to pray for peace and justice reflect "love for the Lord and our nation".

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