In the heart of Iloilo City, amidst the challenges and uncertainties of our times, Jaro Archbishop Most Rev. Jose Romeo O. Lazo offers a beacon of hope to the Catholic faithful. Furthermore, through the veneration of ‘Our Lady of Candles’, he vividly reminds us of the enduring presence of divine guidance and illumination in our lives.
A Message of Light and Guidance
During the solemn pontifical Mass in celebration of the feast of Nuestra Señora de la Candelaria, Archbishop Lazo reflected on this year’s theme,
“Virgen sang Candelaria, Tagdala sang Iwag kag Ubay sa Amon Pagpanglakaton bilang Simbahan.”
This theme, which translates to “Our Lady of Candles, Bearer of Light and Guide in our Journey as a Church,” underscores the significance of Our Lady as the one who introduces Jesus, the light, for sharing with others.
Synodality and Our Collective Journey
Rev. Fr. Angelo Colada, director of the Archdiocese of Jaro Commission on Social Communication, elaborated on the theme. He linked it to the church’s call for synodality, emphasizing that this journey of communion, participation, and mission invites the faithful to carry the light of Jesus.
This light guides us toward salvation and encourages us to do so with humility and obedience to God’s will.
Celebrating Faith and Tradition
The celebration commenced with a foot procession from the Archbishop’s Residence to the cathedral. Subsequently, the traditional rite of blessing perdon candles took place. These candles symbolize Christ as the light of the world, providing hope in times of darkness, anxiety, and fear.
The pandemic, alongside everyday challenges and calamities, has cast a shadow over the world, making the symbol of the perdon candle more pertinent than ever.
Honoring Our Lady of Candles
The festivities also included the traditional coronation of the Marian Image, a re-enactment of the coronation by Saint John Paul II during his Apostolic visit in 1981. This unique image, the only one in the country canonically crowned by a Pope and Saint, stands as the Patroness of Western Visayas and was elevated to a national shrine in 2011.
A Beacon of Hope and Solidarity
As the faithful of Iloilo City and beyond celebrate Our Lady of Candles, we are reminded of our collective responsibility to bear the light of Christ in our hearts. This celebration is not just a reflection of our devotion but a call to action — to illuminate our path and those of others with love, hope, and faith.
Unity in Faith and Action
The celebration of Our Lady of Candles serves as a powerful reminder of our journey as a church. Moreover, it unifies us in our mission to spread the light of Christ. In these trying times, let us remember the message of Our Lady of Candles. It calls us to be bearers of light and guides in our journey, while also embodying the virtues of humility and obedience.
Sources: THX News & Philippine News Agency.
