Porta Mariae inaugurated tomorrow

MANILA, Philippines - Porta Mariae, a commemorative arch of the tercentenary or 300th celebration of the devotion to the Blessed Virgin Mary in front of Naga City’s Metropolitan Cathedral, will be inaugurated tomorrow.

The grand portal, 18 meters wide, four meters deep and 11 meters high, is almost complete and is just undergoing finishing touches. The 10-foot tall brass image of the Lady of Peñafrancia and two angels have been hoisted on top of the monumental gate.

The main portal at the center can accommodate at least eight persons while the two small gates can accommodate three persons in the two supporting columns on the left and right sides.

“The rite of opening doors marks a time of elation and thanksgiving,” Caceres Archbishop Leonardo Legaspi, O.P., D.D. said of the incoming inauguration.

The Archdiocese of Caceres conceived Porta Mariae and it was brought into reality by the Peñafrancia Devotees of Metro Manila Foundation Inc., headed by retired Lt. Gen. Salvador Mison, which launched a fund-raising campaign around the globe to finance the project.