ILOILO City – Devotees seeking miracles, special favors or simply expressing gratitude are expected to gather at the Jaro Metropolitan Cathedral today.
The center of attraction is the Marian image of Nuestra Señora de la Candelaria (Our Lady of Candles) perched on the cathedral’s balcony. It is widely believed to be miraculous.
However in this time of pandemic, the Archdiocese of Jaro deemed it prudent to prohibit the Catholic faithful from kissing or touching the stone image up close.
Father Angelo Colada, director of social communications of the Archdiocese of Jaro, said they are closing the twin stairs leading to the balcony to prevent people from crowding and avoid possible transmission of coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19).
“Sugod 4 p.m. sa Lunes until sa adlaw sang fiesta closed na ina,” he said.
This year’s celebration, he added, is so different from the previous years, citing various restrictions to stem virus transmission.
For one, the annual procession from the Archbishop’s residence to the Jaro Cathedral during the concelebrated Mass today has been scrapped.
While recognizing the important role of religious activities to the Ilonggos, Collada stressed the safety and lives of loved ones against COVID-19 should be the primordial concern.
He reiterated: “Wala nasandig sa external nga ginahimu naton ang tuod-tuod nga debosyon kundi yara sa aton pagtuo kag tagipusuon.”
Legend has it that the image of the Virgin Mary was fished out of the Iloilo River in 1587. Even if only a foot tall then, it could not be lifted by a group of able-bodied fishermen – until they decided to bring it to Jaro. The glass-encased image reportedly grew to its present size over the centuries.
Every year, thousands of devotees from across Western Visayas visit the image crowned by Pope John Paul II during a papal visit in 1981.
But this year, Colada discouraged visits of pilgrims especially those from far places.
“Magsimba na lamang sa ila parish matapos nga may hiwaton man nga misa bilang pagselebrar sang kapistahan ni Nuestra Señora dela Candelaria,” said Colada.
He advised the faithful to attend church services through Facebook live streaming or Masses aired live on local television networks and radio stations.
Colada likewise urged those physically joining the celebration at the cathedral to wear facemask and face shield and observe social distancing.
“Kag every now and then mag-disinfect sang kamot gamit ang alcohol. Avoid ang crowded nga lugar,” saidColada.
He said the homily of Archbishop Jose Romeo Lazo may focus on this year’s fiesta theme, “The Gift of Candelaria, motherhood, discipleship and mission.”
The following is the schedule of the masses at the main altar:
* 4 a.m. (Hiligaynon)
* 6 a.m. (English)
* 8 a.m. (Hiligaynon) – Pontifical Mass
Blessing of Candles and Solemn Concelebrated Mass with Most Reverend Jose Romeo Lazo, Archbishop of Jaro
* 10 a.m. (Hiligaynon)
* 12 p.m. (English)
* 3 p.m. (English)
* 5 pm. (English) – Pontifical Mass, Solemn Concelebrated Mass with Most Rev. Marvin A. Maceda, Bishop of the Diocese of San Jose de Antique
* 7 p.m. (English)./PN
