ILOILO City – The district and religious fiesta of Jaro is one of the biggest in the country. Yearly, it attracts thousands of devotees.
The Archdiocese of Jaro is prepared for the influx of people to the Jaro Metropolitan Cathedral to pay homage to Nuestra Señora dela Candelaria (Our Lady of Candles), the patroness of Jaro, on Thursday, Feb. 2.
Since cases of coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) are on the decline, the archdiocese expects many devotees to hear in-person masses, said Reverend Father Angelo Colada, director of the Archdiocese of Jaro’s Social Communication Office.
While social distancing will no longer be imposed, Colada said, people are highly encouraged to wear facemask and bring hand sanitizer or alcohol.
The Archdiocese of Jaro will also allow devotees to offer prayers and flowers to the Marian image of Nuestra Señora dela Candelaria perched on the cathedral’s balcony. Lighting of candles on the balcony, however, is prohibited.
At the height of the COVID-19 pandemic, devotees were temporarily prohibited from climbing up and kissing or touching the stone image up close.
The religious procession in the afternoon of Feb. 1 will push through, too. The crown of Nuestra Señora dela Candelaria will be paraded around Jaro Plaza.
The Jaro Archbishop Jose Romeo O. Lazo will lead the crowning of the venerated image.
A traditional procession to be attended by various church organizations will be held at 4 p.m. on Feb. 2.
The archdiocese already coordinated with the Philippine National Police (PNP) to beef up security measures as well as with the city government’s Public Safety and Transportation Management Office (PSTMO) for traffic management.
Colada encouraged the faithful to offer prayers, petitions or intentions during masses:
For grotto masses
* 4:30 a.m. (Hiligaynon) – Rev. Fr. Maynard Balofinos
* 5:30 a.m. (English) – Rev. Fr. Gremas Lacson
* 6:30 a.m. (Hiligaynon) – Rev. Fr. Joemarie Villalobos
* 7:30 a.m. (English) – Rev. Fr. Bunnie Reydel Ambao
* 8:30 a.m. (Hiligaynon) – Rev. Fr. Nathaniel Gentizon
* 9:30 a.m. (English) – Rev. Fr. Michael Pete Salmo
* 10:30 a.m. (Hiligaynon) – Rev. Fr. Joaper Geraneo
* 11:30 a.m. (English) – Rev. Fr. Ron Michael Alquisada
* 3:30 p.m. (Hiligaynon) – Rev. Fr. Ryan Fernando Teves
* 6:30 p.m. (English) – Rev. Fr. Aris James Java
* 7:30 p.m. (Hiligaynon) – Rev. Fr. Victor Emmanuel Pendon
For main altar masses
* 4 a.m. (Hiligaynon) – Rev. Fr. Rey Zerrudo
* 6 a.m. (English) – Rev. Fr. Julius Jacobres
* 8 a.m. Solemn Pontifical Mass with Blessing of Candles (Hiligaynon) – Most Rev. Jose Romeo O. Lazo, Archbishop of Jaro
* 10 a.m. (Hiligaynon) – Rt. Rev. Msgr. Higinio Velarde Jr.
* 12 p.m. (English) – Rev. Fr. Renato Cuadras
* 3 p.m. (Hiligaynon) – Rev. Fr. Vito Competente, Jr.
* 5:30 p.m. – Solemn Concelebrated Mass (English) – Most Rev. Midyphil B. Billones, auxiliary bishop of Cebu
* 7 p.m. (Hiligaynon) – Rev. Fr. Arnel Pelonia
* 8 p.m. (English) – Rev. Fr. Paul Lovell Javier
Moreover, the baptismal rites are scheduled from 8 a.m. to 11 a.m. on Feb. 2 in La Isabelita Hall./PN
