ILOILO City – Thousands of Marian devotees across Western Visayas are expected to gather on September 8, as the Archdiocese of Jaro leads a daylong commemoration of the nativity of the Blessed Virgin Mary through solemn Masses and a grand procession.
According to Reverend Father Angelo Colada, spokesperson of the Archdiocese, the day will begin with an archdiocesan-wide gathering of the Barangay Sang Virgen in San Enrique, Iloilo.
“First, the Barangay Sang Virgen of the Archdiocese of Jaro will celebrate their event archdiocesan-wide. Thousands of devotees, especially members of the Barangay Sang Virgen, gather every year, and this year’s venue will be in San Enrique, Iloilo. In the morning of September 8, there will be a Mass led by Archbishop Billones, and thousands of devotees are expected to attend,” Colada said.
In the afternoon, the Cofradia de la Virgen Maria en Panay will host the 4th annual Marian procession titled “Mary for You: Journey with Mary.”
The foot procession will begin at 1 p.m. at San Jose Placer Parish Church and end at the National Shrine of Our Lady of Candles at the Jaro Metropolitan Cathedral.
A Solemn Mass will cap the celebration at 5:30 p.m., to be presided over by Archbishop-emeritus Jose Romeo Lazo, D.D.
“Ang ma-join sa procession, open gid, but ang mga images maga-participate, especially mga Marian titles, private-owned and parish-owned, kon sa aton pa, mga ginapanag-iyahan sang mga pribado nga mga pamilya kag sa mga parokya, more or less 30 images ang maga-join sa sini nga grand Marian procession,” Colada explained.
He added that thousands more are expected to participate, including schools, Catholic institutions, and religious organizations.
“Sa aga, kay all over the archdiocese nga Barangay sang Virgen members. Sa hapon naman may gin pang–invite kita mga schools, private schools, Catholic schools, different religious organizations, so linibo man,” he said.
Colada stressed the significance of the event, calling Mary’s birth “the dawn of salvation history.”
“The celebration of Mary’s birth holds profound significance for several reasons. Firstly, her birth is seen as the dawn of salvation history. In Catholic theology, Mary is regarded as the Theotokos, or ‘God-bearer,’ which emphasizes her critical role in the incarnation of Jesus Christ. By celebrating Mary’s birthday, we acknowledge that it was through her that the Savior entered the world,” he said.
Authorities have assured security measures.
“Naga-coordinate gid kita sa aton kapulisan kag sa aton nga traffic management, sa mga traffic rerouting nga matabo. Then mga medics naton naka-ready naman,” Colada said.
He expressed hope that the event will deepen faith and unity.
“Kabay pa nga ang devotion kay Mama Mary mangin mapag-on pa gid, para makatukod kita sang isa ka community nga centered sa aton Ginoo,” he said./PN
