Filipino Faithful Celebrate the Immaculate Conception, Cubao Cathedral Marks 75th Anniversary

Across the Philippines, one of the most beloved Marian feasts is the Solemnity of the Immaculate Conception, a title honored by countless churches and communities throughout the country. In the Diocese of Cubao, central Philippines, the celebration carried a deeper meaning this year as the Immaculate Conception Cathedral of Cubao marked its 75th Foundation Anniversary, a milestone that highlights God’s enduring work in the life of the parish community.

At the Immaculate Conception Cathedral and in parishes nationwide, Filipino Catholics gathered to honor Mary, who is venerated in the country as the Principal Patroness of the Philippines. In Cubao, the celebration became a moment to reflect not only on Mary’s unique grace but also on God’s dream for humanity.

During his homily, Bishop  Elias L. Ayuban, Jr., CMF of Cubao, emphasized that the feast reveals God’s original plan for His people. “Today, we celebrate God’s dream for the world – His dream of a humanity restored, redeemed, and filled with grace through Mary,” he said.

Bishop Ayuban reflected on the story of Adam and Eve, reminding the faithful that God never abandons His children. He recalled the divine question in Genesis, “Where are you?” and said this is not a question of anger but of love. “This is the question of a loving God… a father searching for his wounded children,” he explained.

Even in humanity’s fall, the bishop noted, God already planted hope. “Right at humanity’s darkest moment, God plants the seed of hope, and that hope is no other than Mama Mary,” he said. While Eve fell into sin, it was Mary who became the new beginning through her openness to God’s grace.

The bishop highlighted that Mary’s holiness is not her own achievement but God’s gift. “Mary did not save herself… God prepared our mother to be a pure and holy one who would freely welcome His Son into the world,” he said. The Immaculate Conception, he added, shows that God’s saving plan begins with grace, not human effort.

For today’s faithful, the celebration becomes a message of encouragement. “Grace does not wait for us to be perfect. Grace makes us capable of holiness,” Bishop Ayuban said, reminding the congregation that every person is called to share in God’s holiness.

He also assured the faithful that God can bring healing even from life’s wounds. “The book of Genesis gives us the wound, but Mary gives us healing… God can begin a new story. God is not finished with us yet,” he said.

Reflecting on Mary’s “yes” during the Annunciation, the bishop shared that obedience to God does not remove life’s difficulties but gives them meaning. “Mary’s yes did not guarantee an easy life, but it made everything meaningful,” he said. “Every time you say yes to God’s will, the story of your life changes.”

As the Immaculate Conception Cathedral of Cubao celebrates 75 years of faith, service, and devotion, the bishop invited the community to see Mary as a reflection of what all Christians are called to become. The Immaculate Conception is not only Mary’s story. It is a story of hope for all of us,” he said.

The celebration in Cubao mirrors the deep Marian devotion found throughout the Philippines, one that continues to inspire hope, renewal, and faith in God’s saving love.