Every second Saturday of November, the Patrocinio de Maria parish in Boljoon town, southern Cebu celebrates its feast in honor of its patroness, Nuestra Señora de Patrocinio.
Boljoanons, their relatives, visitors and friends would always find time to take a leave from work and business activities to go home and spend the All Souls Day and the nine-day novena in honor of their patroness.
The image of Nuestra Señora Patrocinio de Maria (center) standing with other images at the convent of Boljoon Church.
Boljoanons take pride in their pristine beaches, abundant potable water, and agricultural produce, beautiful hills and above all the warm and friendly neighborhood.
The church of Boljoon is also a source of pride. It was declared by the National Museum as one of the national cultural treasures.
The church has a magnificent gilt wood “retablo” or altar piece with nine niches for the estofado images. This retablo is the most prominent piece of art in the church interior. Ceiling paintings depict the monogram of the Blessed Virgin Mary and other symbols of the Catholic church. On the left side of the church is a cemetery and parish convent on the right. Farther right from the church is a square belfry with five huge bells. Back of this belfry is the Escuela Catolica (Catholic School), which is a wooden building with double stair cases. The parish museum showcases old vestments of priests, original antique images and century-old records.
The 416th fiesta celebration, which will be held today and tomorrow, in Boljoon is themed “Year of the Poor which in all places and circumstances, Christians, with the help of their pastors are called to hear the cry of the poor” which is reflected in its religious and social activities.
Rev. Fr. Jose “Joey” Belciña, the parish priest, shared that “the parishioners of Boljoon have a great role and responsibility in the preparation of the fiesta. More than anything else, people should be involved in the Eucharistic celebration. We are making sure that the church is filled with parishioners and devotees during the nine-day novena and mass. As we host the 51st International Eucharistic Congress in Cebu, let us be reminded that the Eucharist should be at the core of our celebration.”
Last October, the parish and the local government of Boljoon sponsored a mass wedding and confirmation in preparation for this celebration. Cultural, sports and social activities are held every night which are sponsored by the local government units, Department of Education District of Boljoon, religious organizations and non government organizations.
Locally termed as “Palutaw,” a fluvial procession of the image of the Patrocinio de Maria will be held today at 5 a.m. from the shores of barangay Poblacion to barangay Granada and back.
At 4 p.m., Cebu Auxiliary Bishop Dennis Villarojo will be the main celebrant of the Vesperas Mass. He will be joined by the concelebrating priests who are mostly natives of Boljoon. After the mass, the processional image of the Nuestra Señora Patrocinio de Maria holding the child Jesus and a scepter will be out for a solemn procession on the major streets of Poblacion.
On Nov. 14, Cebu Archbishop Jose Palma will be the main celebrant of the pontifical mass together with Boljoanon priests and priests from other parishes at 10 a.m.
As a tradition, another procession of the image of Patrocinio de Maria will be held and will follow the same route after the 4 p.m. mass.
Since the establishment of Boljoon as a parish in 1960, more and more devotees come to pray for her intercession and protection. Based on the town’s history, Augustinian Missionary Fr. Julian Bermejo sought refuge and protection from the Patrocinio de Maria when he and his comrades chased the Moro pirates invading the town. In the writings of Fr. Fabian Rodriguez, a cholera broke out in nearby towns of southern Cebu. This epidemic did not reach Boljoon, as the townfolks invoked for the motherly protection of the Blessed Mother.
Numerous prayers were answered and diseases were healed due to the loving intercession and protection of the Patrocinio de Maria. Ramil Medrano, a parishioner and worker at the Patrocinio de Maria parish, recalled that there are countless devotees who are living witnesses of her many miracles.
Devotees shared their testimonies of miracles and healing through the prayers of the Nuestra Señora Patrocinio de Maria. That is why they are always coming here to pay homage to her. /Niño Jay R. Romares, Mary Jane Tan and Lovely Ann Palacio of Patronage of Mary Development School, Boljoon, Cebu