𝗖𝗘𝗟𝗘𝗕𝗥𝗔𝗧𝗜𝗡𝗚 𝗧𝗛𝗘 𝗡𝗔𝗧𝗜𝗩𝗜𝗧𝗬 𝗢𝗙 𝗧𝗛𝗘 𝗕𝗟𝗘𝗦𝗦𝗘𝗗 𝗩𝗜𝗥𝗚𝗜𝗡 𝗠𝗔𝗥𝗬

The Metro Dumaguete College Community gathered in faith and thanksgiving to celebrate the Nativity of the Blessed Virgin Mary, beginning with the praying of the Holy Rosary dedicated to Our Lady and culminating in the celebration of Holy Mass.

The Holy Mass was presided over by Rev. Fr. John Renil F. Quiliope, who led the MDC Community in prayer and reflection on the life and mission of the Blessed Virgin Mary.

The celebration was joined by MDC President and CEO, Dr. Delma P. Manila, CESO V, VP for Finance, Margielen P. Alcoreza, VP for Administration Dr. Alwina P. De Mira, together with members of the faculty, staff, and student community.

Why does the Church celebrate Mary's birth?

The Church celebrates the Nativity of the Blessed Virgin Mary every September 8, nine months after the Solemnity of her Immaculate Conception. Although the Bible does not narrate the circumstances of Mary's birth, the Church's ancient tradition celebrates her Nativity because of her unique role in God's plan of salvation. Mary was chosen by God to become the Mother of His Son, Jesus Christ.

Mary is honored because of what God's grace accomplished in her and because she freely cooperated with that grace. Catholics do not worship Mary—worship belongs to God alone. Rather, we honor her as the Mother of Jesus and ask for her maternal intercession.

Her life continually points us toward Christ.

This is why the Holy Rosary is such a fitting devotion. In praying it, we do not turn away from Christ; with Mary, we contemplate the mysteries of Christ, asking her to pray with us and for us. A Grotto, Flowers, and Prayer

At the conclusion of the Holy Mass, the newly constructed MDC Marian Grotto was blessed.

The MDC Community then offered flowers and continued in prayer before the image of Our Lady.

These are beautiful outward expressions of Marian devotion—but their meaning goes deeper. The flowers symbolize our love and honor for Mary, while our prayers express our confidence in her maternal intercession.

We honor Mary so that, with her, we may draw closer to Jesus.

Her fiat remains an enduring model for every MDCian:

“Behold, I am the handmaid of the Lord. May it be done to me according to your word.”

— Luke 1:38 Mary teaches us that formation is ultimately preparation for a mission.

May the Blessed Virgin Mary, Mother of God and our Mother, continue to intercede for the entire MDC Community and inspire every MDCian to learn with purpose, live with integrity, serve with generosity, and respond courageously to God's call.

Our Lady, Seat of Wisdom, pray for us.

Our Lady of the Most Holy Rosary, pray for us.

Happy Feast of the Nativity of the Blessed Virgin Mary!