Our Lady of Loreto

The Pilgrim Image of Our Lady of Loreto, accompanied by disciples of the Blessed Virgin of Loreto, arrived safely and peacefully in Davao City on the evening of November 7, 2024. The following morning, November 8, marked the official start of the image’s visitation to the Archdiocese of Davao. At exactly 6:00 a.m., a Rite of Reception was held at San Pedro Cathedral Parish, welcoming the Blessed Virgin of Loreto’s image to the faithful of Davao.

The celebration continued with a Holy Mass and Rite of Reception, presided over by Rev. Fr. Diony Torentera, SDV. Following the Mass, the congregation received blessings, and Bro. Consorcio Cabiles in a brief interview shared the importance of devotion to the Virgin of Loreto, extending an invitation to all for the Pontifical Coronation of the patron on December 10.

The image remained at San Pedro Cathedral for the entirety of November 8, where the lay faithful had the opportunity to deepen their understanding of the Loreto devotion through a catechism led by Bro. Cabiles. The session was followed by an afternoon Holy Mass, concluding with a chanting ceremony attended by a substantial gathering of faithful.

On November 9, the image continued its journey as part of the Dalaw-Loreto pilgrimage, traveling to St. Joseph the Worker Parish in Sasa. A motorcade procession escorted the image from the Cathedral to the parish, where it was received by the entire parish community with great reverence. Upon arrival, an hourly vigil commenced and continued throughout the weekend, culminating in a Thanksgiving Mass and Farewell Rite on Sunday morning.

This visitation of the Blessed Virgin of Loreto brought the faithful of Davao together in deep reflection and prayer, strengthening their devotion and preparing them for the upcoming Pontifical Coronation in December. (Sem. Aljon Mayol)