Recalling that at Lourdes, France in August 1983, the Holy Father suggested that it would be “opportune to celebrate the bimillenium of the Birth of Mary” (Homily during the Mass, August 15, 1983), we desire to make the suggestion a reality.
As a Catholic people, we have been historically and culturally characterized by our deep devotion to Mary, the Blessed Mother of God, the Patroness of our nation. We have been called the “pueblo amante de Maria”, a people looking up lovingly to her asking her to bring us closer to her Divine Son.
We recognize the tremendous flow of divine grace coming to the nation through the intercession of Our Mother. Such efficacious intercession we continue to need most especially at this critical juncture of our nation’s history.
Realizing all this, the Catholic Bishops’ Conference of the Philippines unanimously approved on July 11, 1984 that a Marian Year be celebrated to mark the two thousandth anniversary of the Birth of the Blessed Virgin Mary.
Therefore the Philippine Hierarchy now hereby proclaims the year beginning December 8, 1984 and ending December 8, 1985 as a MARIAN YEAR FOR THE PHILIPPINES.
It is hoped that it would occasion serious reflection on the place of Mary in the Divine Plan of Salvation, stir up greater love for her, and inspire our people with new life and courage to live the faith in these troubled times.
For a well-coordinated and fruitful celebration, a National Marian Year Committee has been organized, headed by His Eminence Jaime Cardinal Sin, Archbishop of Manila. This National Committee will be ready to assist the dioceses in their local celebrations.
Given in Manila on this 8th day of September in the year of Our Lord 1984.
For the Catholic Bishops’ Conference of the Philippines:
(Sgd.)+ANTONIO Ll. MABUTAS, D.D.
Archbishop of Davao
President, CBCP
