A joyful day indeed for Maasin as the pilgrim image of the Immaculate Heart of Mary which hails from Pontevedra, Spain arrives at the very seat of the Diocese of Maasin, the Maasin Cathedral.
Josephinians lined up on the streets to welcome the blessed visitor. Responding to the cheers of ยกViva su Inmaculado Corazรณn! and ยกViva Cristo Rey! the image of the Blessed Mother entered through the main portal of the Cathedral with a salvo of petals increasing the joy of the hearts of each devotee. A welcome prayer and the Holy Sacrifice of the Mass was offered by Reverend Father Aldwin Flax Bagares, vicar of the Cathedral and Dean of the College of Nursing together with Rev. Fr. Danilo Rabe, Secretary to His Lordship, the Bishop of Maasin. In his homily, Reverend Father Rabe stressed the importance of the true devotion to the Blessed Virgin Mary; that the devotion to the Blessed Virgin is not a mere performance and does not only end inside the walls of the Church, but it should be a guide on how to live authentic Christian lives. Echoing the tune of the Salve Regina, incense was offered in front of the visiting image, thereby culminating the Holy Mass. A short catechism on the Brown Scapular and its connection to the Fatima devotion preceded the imposition after the Holy Mass.
Under the shelter of a Motherโs Heart, we find comfort and reassurance. And it is a heart that beats together with our Lordโs. Let us put our trust to the Lady who when asked by Lucia as to who she was replied โI am from Heavenโ. Let us put our confidence in her heart, which she holds in her hands. Let us take comfort in her promise at Fatima, โIn the end, my Immaculate Heart will triumph.โ
Grant that we may praise you, Most Blessed Virgin.
Give us strength against your enemies.
#ImmaculateHeartOfMaryOfPontevedra
______
Words: John Russel Manlangit | The Josephinian
Photos: Dunstan Louis Angub & Saimar Joseph Basong | The Josephinian
