San Remigio, Cebu is site for Asia’s 1st Capelinha de Fatima replica
LOOK: The municipality of San Remigio in northern Cebu is set to open next month its newest heritage and religious tourism destination. | Photos courtesy of the Municipality of San Remigio
CEBU CITY, Philippines – Church leaders and local government officials here are gearing up for the opening and consecration of Asia’s first Capelinha de Fatima replica.
The Archdiocese of Cebu on Wednesday, March 23, 2022, bared their plans, including a lineup of religious activities, in line with the blessing and consecration of the Capelinha de Fatima replica in San Remigio, which is slated this April 4.
Pilgrims will be allowed to enter and visit the new pilgrimage site on April 3.
“We are most eager and we look forward to April 3 and April 4. Knowing that this is a blessing and a very special blessing to us in Cebu,” said Cebu Archbishop Jose Palma.
The Capelinha replica, which is situated in Barangay Lambusan, will serve not only as the first of its kind in the Philippines but also in Asia.
It will also be the fourth replica in the world. The other three are located in New Jersey in the United States, Puerto Rico, and Brazil.
The church and devotees altogether pooled funds amounting to P35 million for its construction, which began last October 2020, said Msgr. Ruben Labajo, vicar general of the Archdiocese and project manager of the Capelinha.
During Wednesday’s press conference, Labajo said church leaders chose San Remigio, Cebu in order to draw more pilgrims in the northwestern part of the island.
“The chapel should be built in that place (Barangay Lambusan) for practical reason nga naa naman dire ang southern part naa na ang Simala, naa na ang kang Msgr. (Teofilo) Camomot… unya ari ta duul sa syudad, naa na ang Divine Mercy, naa na ang Rosary center sa Carmen,” explained Labajo.
“So, we decided that it should be in the northern part and in the western part. Because in the western part of Cebu wala kaayo didto’y shrines and pilgrimage site,” he added.
In addition, church officials selected Barangay Lambusan owing to its topography that symbolizes tranquility.
“Also, after discernment and prayers, the place was finally chosen. It’s overlooking the sea, cool kaayo ang place. The ambiance is very fitting for reflection,” Labajo said.
Blessing & Consecration
Meanwhile, the Archdiocese has also started planning safety and security measures needed for the scheduled blessing and consecration of the Capelinha in San Remigio.
Labajo said they are anticipating between 3,000 to 6,000 people, including church leaders, to join in the upcoming event.
“The pilgrimage site itself can accommodate more than 6,000 people. It’s a really big area and a lot of open space but with the recommendation from the IATF (Inter-Agency Task Force) of San Remigio, we cap the maximum at 6,000,” he said.
Minimum health standards such as observing social distancing and wearing face masks will also be implemented. However, the church will not require vaccination cards as a requirement upon entry.
Fr. Mhar Balili, secretary-general of the 500 Years of Christianity (YOC), said police officers from San Remigio, and nearby towns such as Tuburan, will also help in enforcing peace and order.
San Remigio is a third-class municipality located approximately 91 kilometers northwest of Cebu City.
/bmjo
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