( 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.
No comments:
Post a Comment