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U.S. President Donald Trump congratulated all Catholic Americans this Monday on the Feast of the Immaculate Conception, one of the Catholic Church's principal Marian feasts, with a special message from the White House that recalled its importance in the country's history.
In an unusual statement, the president noted that the Immaculate Conception has "played a distinctive role in our great history," as she has been the patroness of the United States since the early years of the country's independence.
Trump said that the Immaculate Conception has deep roots in New Orleans, which commemorates her every January 8th due to the belief that she saved the city in 1815 during the battle against the British.
The White House used the statement to also recall the importance of the Virgin of Guadalupe as the major Marian celebration for Catholics in the United States and Mexico, which is celebrated on December 12th.
"As we approach the 250th anniversary of our glorious Independence, we recognize and give thanks, with gratitude, for the role of Mary as a promoter of peace, hope, and love in America and beyond our shores," the presidential message states.
Trump is not Catholic, but he maintains a very close political relationship with conservative Catholic movements, despite the opposition of the country's bishops to his anti-immigrant policy.
His administration has a strong presence of Catholics, including his Vice President, JD Vance; Secretary of State, Marco Rubio; and White House Press Secretary, Karoline Leavitt.
His predecessor, Democrat Joe Biden, is a practicing Catholic and on occasion celebrated the day by attending Mass, though not with a presidential message.
[Publicidad]