Contributed Photo from Sammy Navaja and Parish Social Communications Ministry
With waves carrying prayers and devotion, devotees witnessed the fluvial procession of the miraculous image of Nuestra Señora de Regla, marking the opening of the Shrine’s 290th Patronal Fiesta celebration earlier today.
A Send-off Mass was held at San Roque Parish in Cordova before the image was boarded on a vessel, which led 77 participating boats across the Mactan Channel. From Cordova’s Roro Port, the vessels passed through Cordova’s Roro Port, Barangays Ibo and Pusok, and the Mactan bridges before docking at Muelle Osmeña Port.
Upon arriving, the image was warmly received by devotees who joined the short solemn foot procession to Nuestra Señora de Regla Parish National Shrine.
Cebu Archbishop-Emeritus Jose S. Palma, D.D. presided over the 10:00 AM Opening Mass. Together with him were Rev. Fr. Benido Tumol, MSC (Shrine Rector), the Shrine’s Team of Pastors, and visiting priests.
Reflecting on the patronal fiesta’s theme, the good Archbishop-Emeritus reminded the faithful that the saints and those who have gone before us continue to guide and accompany us on our journey to the Heavenly Father. He encouraged everyone to stay united in faith and to help one another reach the day when we shall see the Father in glory.
He also led the faithful to reflect on the daily themes of the fiesta celebration, saying these mirror the daily realities of our earthly lives.
“Mga kaigsuonan, sa lain-laing tema gipahinumdum kita this is an imperfect world, ug unta, simple nga pangangada, alang natong tanan, ug pahinumdum. Mang-agi man ang linog, bagyo, baha, dunay ihatag nato ang Ginoo gasa – nga mas kusog kaysa sa linog, mas kusog sa bagyo, mas kusog sa baha – ang atong pagtuo, pagsalig, paglaum sa Diyos nga matumpag man ang mga buildings ug mga pamalay, pero padayon nga nagbarog kining atong pagtuo. Padayon nga magsalig kilta. Our faith is stronger than our fear,” he exhorted.
Various prelates will celebrate the Novena Masses leading to Fiesta Day. Cebu Archbishop Alberto Uy will preside over the Solemn Pontifical Mass on November 21 at 10:00 AM.