Manila, Jan. 1 -- Catholic Church officials reminded the faithful to be inspired by the virtues of the Blessed Virgin Mary.

In separate New Year's messages, Manila Archbishop Jose Cardinal Advincula and Catholic Bishops' Conference of the Philippines (CBCP) president Archbishop Gilbert Garcera urged Filipino Catholics to follow Mary's example and welcome the new year with a trusting heart.

"We believe in God who walks with us and remains faithful to us. We turn to Mary, the Holy Mother of God. She did not have clear answers when she said yes to the message of the Angel," the head of the Archdiocese of Manila said.

He added that the Virgin Mary did not understand what was happening, but she gave her trust in God.

"She did not fully und...