“Kindness is the language which the deaf can hear and the blind can see.” – Mark Twain
The centuries-old tradition of honoring Our Lady of the Immaculate Conception continues to live on and inspire many Filipinos. Recently, thousands of devotees gathered in Intramuros, Manila for the Grand Marian Procession. The Cofradia de la Immaculada Concepcion organized the event, in cooperation with the Intramuros Administration.
Philanthropic Cofradia founding chairman Meldy Cojuangco and devout Comite de Festejos chairman Ado Escudero led the annual rite, which started with a Hermanas Mayores Mass officiated by Manila auxiliary bishop, His Eminence Bernardino Cortez. A procession that featured some 60 venerated images of the Blessed Virgin from shrines, parishes and private individuals from all over the country followed. Dressed in their best finery, the images were carried by around 90 carrozas beautifully bedecked with flowers and lights.
Joining the celebration were the hermanas and senior members of the Cofradia, who rode the carruajes following the carrozas all throughout the parade. The procession started and ended in front of the Manila Cathedral and passed through the Intramuros streets.
Highlighting the grand tradition was a ceremony symbolizing the turn-over of duties to this year’s hermanas Lory Yulo, Cor Yulo Ebdalin and Baby Javelosa.
Truly an uplifting experience!
Greetings
Happy birthday to our celebrator today, Dr. Jaime Laya.
Advanced birthday greetings to Wilcon’s Lorraine Belo, Jan. 9; Winnie Go, Jan. 10; Jayelles Holdings (Philippines), Inc. vice president Allan Litton and Gen. Ismael Villareal, Jan. 12; Cynthia Santiago and Conrad Calalang, Jan. 13; and Dingdong Eduque and Archie King, Jan. 14.
Happy wedding anniversary to Paing and Mely Hechanova. May you share many, many more cherished years together.
So how was your week?
(For comments and inquiries, please e-mail me at jjlitton@indanet.com.)