ILOILO City – Preparations for the Jaro district fiesta of Nuestra Señora dela Candelaria, patroness of Western Visayas, have entered full swing as the Archdiocese of Jaro formally began its novena masses and opened the sale of traditional perdon candles ahead of the February 2 celebration.
The novena masses started on January 24, while the sale of the distinctive pink perdon candles began Monday, January 26, at the Libreria Religious and Souvenir Shop inside the Jaro Cathedral.
Individual candles are priced at P40 each, while a pack of five costs P200.
The Libreria is open from Monday to Saturday, 9 a.m. to 12 noon and 1:30 p.m. to 5 p.m.
On Sundays, devotees may purchase perdon candles from 7 a.m. to 7 p.m.
In local Catholic tradition, the perdon candle is one of the most recognizable symbols of devotion to Nuestra Señora dela Candelaria (Our Lady of Candles). Devotees usually light the candle when asking for favors, seeking forgiveness, or praying for protection during times of danger and calamity.
The blessing of candles will be held during the solemn pontifical Mass on February 2, 2026 at 8 a.m., to be presided over by Jaro Archbishop Midyphil Billones.
An anticipated Mass for Our Lady of Candles will be celebrated on February 1, followed by the coronation rites of Our Lady of Candles after the 5 p.m. Mass, also to be led by Archbishop Billones.
The Archdiocese announced that this year’s fiesta theme is “Nuestra Señora dela Candelaria: Bearing the Light for Deeper Faith and Obedience Towards Accountable Stewardship.”
“As we carry our candles and offer our prayers, may we be inspired to carry that same light into the world. Let this feast be a renewal of our commitment to walk in faith and obedience, ever mindful of our calling to be accountable stewards of God’s many graces. May the light of Christ, through the intercession of the Blessed Mother, shine brightly in our hearts and homes today and always,” the Archdiocese reminded the faithful.
Meanwhile, a full schedule of novena, anticipated, and fiesta-day masses has been lined up at the Jaro Cathedral, with celebrations in both Hiligaynon and English, to accommodate the expected influx of devotees from Iloilo City and neighboring provinces.
The Candelaria fiesta is among the most important religious observances in Western Visayas, drawing thousands of pilgrims annually to Jaro to honor the region’s patroness and renew their faith./PN
