By Mark Jason Sabas
It has been a blessing and an honor to be among those who witnessed the Annual Intramuros Grand Marian Procession last Sunday, December 1, 2019, held at the Manila Cathedral. More than one hundred (100) carrozas bearing the different images of Our Lady from all over the Philippines gathered at this event, bringing with them the traditions of their native provinces and municipalities in honoring Mary. From the flamboyant chanting and dancing of the Pakilenyos to bring joy to the weeping Sorrowful Virgin, to the elaborate dancing of the the Caracol of the people from Imus for the Virgen del Pilar, we share with all the Filipinos the love for our Mother, the Queen of the Philippine Archipelago.
One child at the procession caught our attention as we strolled through the streets of Intramuros, when a carossa of Our Lady passed her. She exclaimed in loud voice, “Ayan kilala ko siya, sa amin yang Mama Mary na yan eh!” We all smiled at her, including the Capuchin brothers who acknowledged her childlike love for the Virgin Mary. This little girl recognized Our Lady of Lourdes as the Queen of their home, a constant reminder of her great love and presence in their family life. In spite of our drained energies, this child managed to refresh us and gave us another look at the Mary, The Cause of our Joy! May this little child’s faith remind us of our own faith.
Saint Maximillian Kolbe once said, “Never be afraid of loving Mary so much. You can never love her as Jesus did.” Let us approach Our Lady from a different angle of our faith. Let us walk into her footsteps and imitate her in her silent tribulations. May our fervent love and devotion always lead us to the cradle and warm embrace of her son Our Lord Jesus Christ as we lead simple yet exemplary lives.
With this endeavor to bring Our Lady to Intramuros, we thank the Capuchin Brothers who journeyed with us in this annual event, Rev. Fr. Eugenio Juanilo Lopez, OFMCap. Provincial Minister Order of Friars Minor Capuchin (Philippine Province) and General Director ARCHCON-PHI, Rev. Fr. Paul Perlado, OFMCap., the Provincial Secretary and all the Capuchin Brothers together with the Archconfraternity of Our Lady of Lourdes and the parishioners and devotees who joined us as we prayed and walked with the image of Our Lady through the streets of Intramuros, her former home.
May Our Lady of Lourdes, Health of the Sick, inspire us to be wounded healers of our community and society.
Our Lady of Lourdes, pray for us!
#CanonicalCoronationLourdes #NSOLLPH
