Marian Procession Resumes

After three years, the Grand Marian Procession of the Blessed Virgin Mary resumed on Saturday, May 17, 2023. The procession was always held annually from Ateneo de Davao University – Matina Campus to San Pedro Cathedral as a homage of the Blessed Mother days prior to the feast of the Visitation of the Blessed Virgin Mary. It was suspended since 2020 when the COVID-19 pandemic struck. Hundreds of people from all walks of life joined the procession, one of the much-awaited and most spectacular gatherings of Marian images in the Archdiocese.

Marian devotees joined the Archdiocesan Grand Marian Procession with the theme, “Mary, Mother of Hope, Do whatever He Tells You.” The event started with the recitation of the Holy Rosary with an offering of roses after every mystery. After the Rosary, the Holy Mass was presided by the shepherd of the Archdiocese of Davao, Most Rev. Romulo G. Valles, D.D. He pointed out that Jesus is hope for all sinners with the intercession of the Blessed Virgin Mary. Before the final blessing, He mentioned that he was happy seeing many youth devotees attend the Marian Procession because the role of the youth is important for they are the future of the Church and will continue the tradition to make our Mother Mary known. After the Mass, Mrs. Lydia Malot shared her story when the Blessed Virgin Mary answered her prayer if the face of the tragedy of her son. Mary accompanied her through triumphs and trials in life.

The following Marian images were brought during the procession: Our Lady of Fatima, Mother of Mercy, Our Lady of the Miraculous Medal, Mary Mediatrix of all Graces, Our Lady of Covadonga, Our Lady of the Assumption, Immaculate Heart of Mary, Twin Hearts, Birhen sa Regla, Mary, Undoer of knots, St. Mary of the Perpetual Rosary, Our Lady of Guadalupe, Our Lady of the Blessed Sacrament, Our Lady of All Nations, Our Lady of Czestochowa, Our Lady of the Rosary and Our Lady of Lourdes.

Indeed, The Blessed Virgin is our Mother who is our refuge who will also lead us to Jesus, her Son. May the Blessed Virgin Mary’s intercession be our guide, our light, and our way that leads us to her Son.

Ave Maria!

(Paul Angelo L. Gastanes | Photos by Brenda P. Milan)