Pope Francis urged Catholics to treasure genuine relationships over money and comforts in a Eucharistic celebration of the Immaculate Conception at the St. Peter’s Basilica in the Vatican on Sunday.

“What is the use of having a full bank account, a comfortable home, and unreal virtual relationships if our hearts remain cold, empty, and closed? What is the use of achieving great financial growth in privileged countries if half the world is starving or ravaged by war and the others look on with indifference?” Pope Francis said during his homily.

“Let us look to Mary Immaculate and ask her to conquer us through her loving heart. May she convert us and make us a community in which filial, spousal, and maternal love may be a rule and criterion of life,” he added.

The Pope also urged Catholics to be like the Blessed Mother, who is “every ready to make room for the Lord in her plans and aspirations.”

Meanwhile, a procession was held in Barangay Conception, Marikina City, in celebration of the Feast of the Immaculate Conception.

ICYMI: Mga aktibidad sa pagdiriwang ng Pista ng Immaculate Concepcion, umarangkada na sa Brgy. Concepcion, Marikina City. | via @dzbbsamnielsen pic.twitter.com/3FcRtWqnTK

— DZBB Super Radyo (@dzbb) December 8, 2024

December 8 celebrates the Solemnity of Immaculate Conception, which commemorates the conception of the Blessed Virgin Mary without original sin.

It was announced earlier that the celebration of the Solemnity of the Immaculate Conception had been moved to December 9, as it coincided with the second Sunday of Advent.

However, Filipino Catholics are not obliged to attend the Mass on December 9 following the Catholic Bishops' Conference of the Philippines’ (CBCP) request.

21 new cardinals

Pope Francis celebrated the Mass with 21 newly appointed cardinals, including CBCP president Bishop Pablo Virgilio David.

“I have asked them, my brothers, to help me in my service as pastor of the universal church. They have come from many parts of the world, bringing great wisdom in order to contribute to the growth and the spread of the Kingdom of God,” Pope Francis said.

David's promotion to cardinal was announced on October 6.

In a video message, David thanked the Filipino faithful who prayed for him.

David is the 10th Filipino cardinal, joining Cardinals Jose Advincula of Manila and Luis Antonio Tagle, pro-prefect of the Vatican's Dicastery for Evangelization.

Of the 21 new cardinals, eight were from Europe, five were from Latin America, five were from Asia, two were from Africa, and one was from North America. — BM, GMA Integrated News