CEBU, Philippines - Devotees will witness yet again the reenactment of the “Pagkanaug sa Birhen” this coming February 10, which sets the last day of the novena in honor of the annual fiesta of Our Lady of Lourdes.
The novena mass, which started last February 2, was fulfilled by the Cofradia de la Virgen de Lourdes, spearheaded by the president of the organization, Nena Gullas.
Rev. Fr. Benjie Gamos will preside over the 9th day novena mass while internationally acclaimed University of the Visayas – Chorale will lend their songs of hymns and praises during the celebration.
One of the highlights of the novena is the “Pagkanaug sa Mahal nga Birhen sa Lourdes,” the commemoration of the reenactment of the miraculous event when the Holy Virgin appeared before St. Bernadette in Lourdes, France.
The reenactment of “Pagkanaug sa Birhen” is one of the traditions that was organized by the late Don Juan and Doña Andrea Rivera, the parents of the mother of the Gullas clan, Inday Pining Rivera Gullas.
The theme for this year is “Mama Mary: Hope of the People.”
The annual solemn festivity in honor of the Holy Virgin holds a nine-day novena from February 2 to 10 while the feast day falls on February 11.
On the actual feast day, a solemn concelebrated mass will be held at the Basilica Minore del Sto. Niño at 4 p.m., which will be followed by a solemn procession. (FREEMAN)