Domingo de Ramos

 Palm Sunday is the first day of Holy Week  It is the day when we commemorate the day Jesus Christ entered Jerusalem riding on a donkey and was greeted by the people waving palm branches.

In the Catholic church, it is observed with the blessing of palm branches and is usually taken home to be used as a sacred sign inside the house to ward off evil spirits. It is usually placed at the door or windows. 

During mass, a narration of the Passion of Christ , or the story of Jesus's sufferings and crucifixion , is done instead of the homily. 

The significance of Palm Sunday for us Catholics is to remind us to welcome  Jesus Christ in our lives and follow him. 

Nuestra Señora de la Candelaria de Jaro

 

       ( credits to the rightful owner of the photo )

The Our Lady of Purification and Candle is the patroness of Western Visayas enshrined in Jaro Cathedral or the Metropolitan Cathedral of Saint Elizabeth of Hungary. A Blessed Mother holding the Child Jesus at one hand and a candle on the other hand. Its feast day is celebrated every February 2 which we all know as Candelaria. 

Part of local tourist's itinerary when visiting Iloilo City  is to see the venerated icon enshrined at the balcony of the church. 

Through the years, I have witnessed the Ilonggos  devotion to Candelaria as shown during Sunday when people would climb the stairs towards its glass  case  at the balcony to offer their prayers and intentions  and light candles. On February 2 , there is a grand procession with ladies carrying banners of the Litany of the Blessed Virgin Mary.  Then there's the distribution for sale of the perdon candles which is believed to be miraculous  and must be lighted in times of need.  Another is the traditional palapak or where small replicas of candelaria is placed on the head of the devotee who is seeking for  cure of their illnesses, or to simply just bless them.  And lastly, the usual handaan at every residents of Jaro. 

With these, Jaro is considered the religious capital of Western Visayas.