Church prayers during Jaro Fiesta aimed at youth

By: Emme Rose Santiagudo

THE Feast of the Nuestra Señora de la Candelaria in Jaro, Iloilo City on Saturday also aimed at inspiring the youth.

In his message published in Jaro Fiesta Special Issue of Candle Light, Jaro Archbishop Jose Romeo O. Lazo said that this year’s celebration drew devotees, particularly the youth to the Catholic Bishops Conference of the Philippines (CBCP) Year of the Youth theme “The Year of the Youth in Mission: Beloved. Gifted. Empowered.”

“This year’s prayers go to the youth, for them to be able to see greatness of being disciples of Christ who walk by faith and not in sight, as stipulated on 2 Corinthians 5:7. For there is no greater darkness that can befall a person than to know not Christ is our light and Glory (cf. Luke 2:32),” Lazo said.

According to Lazo, the Feast of Candelaria is a fitting time to renew the commitment of the devotees to see in the light the realities of the country today.

“We rejoice for another year of grace and a brand-new opportunity to come together as Gods holy people and converge our paths at the National Shrine of Our Lady of Candles, Jaro, Iloilo City, as we celebrate the Presentation of Our Lord and the Purification of Our Blessed Mother this Jaro Fiesta 2019, he added.

Most Rev Angel N. Lagdameo, D.D., Archbishop-Emeritus of Jaro, addressed the parents, teachers, and communities to be with the youth in their path towards the development of their talents for the progress of the community.

“Let us prepare them to become good leaders and even politicians who will serve our country for the good of the community and for the Greater Glory of God,” he said.

He also encouraged the devotees to renew the country with the enthusiasm, learning, and courage of the youth.

Thousands of devotees flocked the Cathedral of the Archdiocese of Jaro, the national shrine of Our Lady of Candles on Saturday to celebrate the Feast of the Nuestra Señora de la Candelaria.

The Candelaria, which is considered the patroness of Western Visayas, is said to have miraculous powers.

The image of the Candelaria, which is already around 400 years old, is said to grow in size and was transferred to its present location at the façade of the cathedral because it could no longer fit in its original casing.