ILOILO City – Devotees of Nuestra Señora dela Candelaria (Our Lady of Candles) are once again preparing to express their deep faith in the upcoming February 2 Jaro religious and district fiesta via the perdon candles, believed to be miraculous.
The Jaro fiesta is one of the biggest in the country, with the century-old Jaro Metropolitan Cathedral attracting thousands of devotees across Western Visayas and from other regions.
Perdon candles hold a special place in the hearts of devotees, often lit during times of need, calamities, or when asking for divine intervention from “Nanay Cande”, their term of endearment for the Blessed Virgin Mary.
The blessing of perdon candles – one foot long and said to be a channel of divine graces – will highlight the Solemn Pontifical Mass on February 2 at 8 a.m., presided over by the Auxiliary Bishop of Cebu, Most Reverend Midyphil Billones.
Perdon in Spanish means forgiveness and for many, the candles symbolize hope and divine protection.
This hope is rooted in faith. The Marian image of Nuesta Señora de la Candelaria perched on the balcony of the cathedral, is widely believed to be miraculous.
“Lighting the perdon candle is a way to call on Our Lady of Candles for guidance and safety, especially during challenging times,” shared a devotee.
Legend has it that Marian image 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. Through the years the image reportedly grew to its present size.
The glass-encased image of the Virgin Mary was crowned by Pope John Paul II during a papal visit in 1981.
This cherished devotion to Nuestra Señora dela Candelaria is rooted in the annual Feast of the Presentation of the Lord, also known as the Purification of the Blessed Virgin Mary, commemorated every second day of February in the liturgical calendar.
On this day, candles are blessed, signifying God’s purity, omnipresence, and grace, as well as Jesus Christ as the Light and Savior of the World.
The blessing ceremony recalls Simeon’s words in the Gospel of Luke: “a light to the revelation of the Gentiles, and the glory of Thy people Israel” (Luke 2:32). These candles, symbolizing divine light, are a source of comfort for many devotees who believe in their miraculous power.
Devotees attribute the miracles to Mary who bears Jesus, the refuge and Savior of mankind. The Archdiocese of Jaro continues to honor this tradition, drawing thousands of faithful who trust in the spiritual significance of these candles./PN
