With the upcoming celebration on December 9, the question “Is the Feast of the Immaculate Conception a holiday?” has been arising among Filipinos in recent days. The celebration, typically held on December 8, honors the Immaculate Conception of the Blessed Virgin Mary. 

For 2024, the Solemnity falls on a Sunday, coinciding with the Second Sunday of Advent. It prompts adjustments to the liturgical schedule.

However, according to a circular released by the Roman Catholic Archdiocese of Manila, the Feast of the Immaculate Conception 2024 will be observed on Monday, December 9. 

This adjustment follows liturgical rules stating that Sundays of Advent take precedence over other solemnities. 

Also Read: Is December 8 a Holiday in the Philippines?

Therefore, the official celebration of the feast will be transferred to December 9, allowing Catholic institutions and schools to commemorate it properly.

The transfer raises questions about whether December 9 is a holiday in the Philippines. 

While the Feast of the Immaculate Conception is a national special non-working holiday as per the Official Gazette Holidays 2024, this applies specifically to December 8. 

When the solemnity is moved to December 9, its holiday status remains uncertain unless a specific proclamation declares a holiday for that day.

Catholics observing the said holiday can still attend Mass and participate in liturgical celebrations for the transferred feast. 

While there has been no official declaration of this holiday, employees not working on December 9 will receive their full salary. Those working on this day are expected to be paid double for the first eight hours.

With this new adjustment, it emphasizes the importance of understanding the liturgical calendar while also reminding Filipinos to monitor announcements about holidays. 

The December 9 Immaculate Conception observance provides an opportunity for reflection, even as questions about its holiday designation persist.

Also Read: Is November 29, 2024 a Holiday in the Philippines

To know more about the said holiday, refer to the details below!

What is the historical significance of the Feast of the Immaculate Conception in the Philippines?

The feast commemorates the Catholic belief that the Virgin Mary was conceived without original sin. Declared a national special non-working holiday under Republic Act 10966, this solemnity highlights the deep Marian devotion among Filipinos. 

However, when December 8 falls on a Sunday, the celebration transfers to December 9, raising the question: Is the Feast of the Immaculate Conception a holiday on December 9? According to the Official Gazette, the special non-working status typically applies to December 8. A proclamation would be needed to extend this to December 9.

Why is December 9 significant if the Feast of the Immaculate Conception is on December 8?

In 2024, December 8 coincides with the Second Sunday of Advent, which takes precedence in the liturgical calendar. As a result, the Feast of the Immaculate Conception 2024 will be observed on Monday, December 9. 

While Catholics celebrate this solemnity, the question remains: Is December 9 a holiday in the Philippines? Institutions like Catholic schools may suspend classes, but unless officially declared, the broader holiday status remains uncertain.

How can Filipinos confirm if December 9 is a holiday in the Philippines?

To verify whether December 9 is officially a holiday, Filipinos should monitor government announcements. They can also consult the Official Gazette Holidays 2024. The designation of the December 9 holiday would depend on a proclamation by the President. 

Meanwhile, Catholic faithful can participate in Mass on that day to honor this transferred solemnity, whether or not it is a declared non-working day.

Sources: (1), (2)

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