Palma: Mary continues to look after her flock
Mariane devotees pray before the image after a mass officiated by Archbishop Jose Palma at the archbishop residence. (CDN PHOTO/TONEE DESPOJO)
Catholics all over the world celebrate the birthday of the Blessed Virgin Mary today.
In anticipation of this red-letter day for the Church, a prayer walk was held from the Capitol to D. Jakosalem Street in uptown Cebu City at dawn yesterday.
Over a thousand people joined the procession dubbed “Walk for Mary” in Cebu City, the cradle of Christianity in the Philippines.
“All of us who love God are children of Mary,” said Cebu Archbishop Jose Palma who presided over an open air Mass outside his residence.
“Before Jesus died on the cross, He gave Mary to us as mother. May Mama Mary continue to be our guide as we journey in life. May she bring us to her son, Jesus,” he said in his homily.
The 63-year-old prelate said that Mary continues to look after the flock entrusted to her by Jesus.
“Mama Mary walks with us. Yes, we have ups and downs in life. And we thank Mary for being part of our joys and successes. But let us always remember that when we feel low and burdened with problems, Mama Mary is always there.
“As a community, we experience her motherly love. We often consider the Philippines to be ‘Pueblo Amante de Maria’ (a people in love with Mary). We know, in the first place, that Mary loves us. And so we’re grateful,” he added.
An image of Our Lady of the Miraculous Medal was enthroned on a flower-decked altar in the compound near the life-size image of St. John Paul II.
John Paul II, who was declared a saint last April 27, was a Marian devotee.
The annual procession in Cebu City started in 1985 and is held in the first Sunday of September. This year’s activity was organized by the Association of the Children of Mary Immaculate – Vincentian Marian Youth.
All Masses today are dedicated to Mary.
Archibishop Palma will preside over a 3 p.m. pontifical Mass at the Marian shrine in Simala, Sibonga town, where thousands of pilgrims are expected to flock.
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Catholics to mark birthday of Blessed Virgin Mary
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