Icon of Virgen de los Remedios
LOS ANGELES — Members of the Filipino and Hispanic communities, Marian groups, civic organizations and devotees will join an afternoon procession for this year’s annual pilgrimage to Mary on Sunday, September 20 at the Cathedral of Our Lady of the Angels.
A solemn Mass and floral offering will follow the procession led by His Excellency Florentino Lavarias, D.D., newly appointed archbishop of San Fernando, Pampanga.
The festivity coincides with the 59th canonical coronation anniversary of Virgen de los Remedios. “A golden crown will be presented to our Lady, as an expression of Mary’s dominion over her children that places them in the hands of the Blessed Mother,” said press release for the festivity.
Devotion to Virgen de lo Remedios dates back to the galleon trades between Mexico and the Philippines in the 1500s. The oldest Marian image in the Philippines was brought by Spanish missionaries and is enshrined at Malate Church.
With a growing communist movement in 1952, Bishop Cesar Maria Guerrero entrusted the province of Pampanga to the patronage of the Blessed Mother. He sent out the image of Virgen de los Remedios to visit every village, town and city so that “people could gather in prayer and learn from Mary the right way to live, to find God and to live in harmony.”
These visitations continue to the present day in Pampanga. Daily Masses are held, rosary is recited and the community shares the prepared meals. Goods are collected and distributed to the needy while reconciliation, forgiveness and peace reign.
In 1991, the faith of the Kapampangans was made stronger with the devastation of Mt. Pinatubo eruption. Since then, the province has risen from the ashes and recovered with a bustling economy.
In 1956, Pope Pius XII bestowed the canonical crown to the revered image in recognition of Kapampangans’ devotion to Mary. Every September, Kapampangans gather to re-enact the event.
For the past nine years, a celebration is simultaneously held at the Los Angeles Cathedral, which brings together Filipinos and Latinos who have similar affection to Virgen de los Remedios. This year’s event is hosted by the Angeles City USA Association in cooperation with Apostolate of Virgen de los Remedios.
Numerous miracles and answered prayers are attributed through the intercession of Virgen de los Remedios: “Marriages are strengthened, families reunited, sick get healed and disputes are settled.”
Mary’s image will be on display at the Cathedral a week before and after the celebration to allow devotees to present their petitions. The event is open to the public.
For particulars call (818-636-9661) or send email: aguadelosangeles@aol.com
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