Mama Mary birthday: Where to celebrate as an ‘On-the-Go’ Cebuano

The birthday of Mama Mary is a special celebration in Cebu, the Queen City of the South which is also known for its stunning beaches and rich cultural heritage.

As devotees of the Roman Catholic religion, Cebuanos pay homage to one of the great pillars of Christianity, the Blessed Virgin Mary, on her birthday.

As Cebuanos commemorate Mama Mary’s birthday, CDN Digital compiled a selection of churches in Cebu City that busy Cebuanos can conveniently visit following their work commitments, academic pursuits, or simply to partake in the festivities on this significant occasion.

1. Basilica Minore del Santo Niño

The Basilica Minore del Santo Niño in Magallanes St., Cebu City has lined up masses in light with the Nativity of the Blessed Virgin Mary. From 5 a.m. on Friday, September 8, devotees can celebrate mass up until 6 p.m. This is according to the schedule posted on their official Facebook page.

Pilgrims may gather here to offer prayers, light candles, and seek the intercession of the Santo Niño and Mama Mary. The basilica is beautifully adorned with flowers and colorful decorations during this time.

Basilica Minore del Santo Niño’s opening mass for the observance of the Nativity of the Blessed Virgin Mary on Friday, September 8, 2023. | Screengrab from Basilica Minore del Santo Niño

2. The Archdiocesan Shrine of Our Lady of Guadalupe de Cebu

Cebuano Marian devotees could visit the Our Lady of Guadalupe de Cebu Parish, home to the miraculous image of Our Lady of Guadalupe, in Barangay Guadalupe, Cebu City.

One of the activities planned by the parish is its first Nochenita Rosary in celebration of the Nativity of Mama Mary. 

The ‘Nochenita Rosary’ at the Archdiocesan Shrine of Our Lady of Guadalupe de Cebu during the church’s celebration of the Blessed Virgin Mary’s nativity | Photo by: Archdiocesan Shrine of Our Lady of Guadalupe de Cebu FB Page

The Nochenita Rosary was held on September 7, 2023, and parishioners were given the chance to venerate the original image of the Our Lady of Guadalupe de Cebu to offer prayers and greetings to the Blessed Mother.

According to the archdiocese’s official FB page, the Archdiocese will follow their weekday mass schedule on this special day, from Mondays to Fridays, 6 am, 5:30 pm, and the last mass at 7:00 pm, which is celebrated in English. 

3. Our Mother of Perpetual Help Parish, Redemptorist Church

Cebuanos could also visit the Our Mother of Perpetual Help Parish (OMPH) Redemptorist Church Cebu, Queens Road, Cebu City, to offer greetings to the Blessed Virgin Mary. 

As per information provided on their Facebook Page, the church is scheduled to hold a dedicated noon Mass service to commemorate the birth of the Blessed Virgin Mary.

The Redemptorist Church in Cebu City. CDN PHOTO/JUNJIE MENDOZA

4. Our Lady of the Sacred Heart Parish – Capitol

The Our Lady of the Sacred Heart Parish, situated along Escario St., Cebu City has also lined up masses in celebration of Mama Mary’s birthday. 

According to their official Facebook page, the church has planned Mass celebrations at 12:15 pm and 5:00 pm, both conducted in English and will conclude the special day with a Cebuano Mass at 6:00 pm.

This photo provided by Councilor Joel Garganera shows the Our Lady of Sacred Heart Parish (Capitol Parish).

5. The Cebu Metropolitan Cathedral

On Mama Mary’s birthday, parishioners of the Cebu Metropolitan Cathedral in P. Burgos St., Cebu City, welcomed the special day with a procession at around 4 a.m., bringing the Holy Image of Mama Mary with them.

As indicated on their Facebook page, The Cathedral’s Mass schedule commences at 6:00 in the morning, with each subsequent morning Mass held at one-hour intervals. 

For the afternoon on September 8, the church will begin its English Mass at 12:15 p.m., followed by Cebuano Masses at 3:00 p.m., 4:00 p.m., 5:00 p.m., and 6:00 p.m., all of which are part of the special day’s celebrations.

On Friday, September 8, 2023, parishioners gather at the Cebu Metropolitan Cathedral Cathedral, partaking in a procession to offer their prayers in honor of the birth of the Blessed Virgin Mary. | Screengrab from the Cebu Metropolitan Cathedral

Whether you’re a devoted Catholic or simply seeking to immerse yourself in the local culture, the Queen City of the South offers a unique and heartwarming celebration that you won’t want to miss. Join the faithful as they come together to honor the Blessed Virgin Mary in this meaningful and soulful celebration.   /rcg

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