Marian devotees get to show faith during IEC ‘final Mass’

CEBU, Philippines - Marian devotees got the unforgettable experience of performing again for the 51st International Eucharistic Congress yesterday during the enthronement of the Our Lady of Guadalupe at the religious event’s culminating activity at the South Road Properties.

Among them was Guil-lerma Lim, 64, who braved the scorching heat as her “little” way of thanking God for sparing her family and friends from Yolanda’s wrath in November 2013.

She hailed from Tacloban City, which was among those badly battered by the supertyphoon, but transferred top Cebu 1978 when she got married.

“Bisan kun naingon adto they were able to recover,” she said.

The “Enthronement” of the Our Lady of Guadalupe is a ritual recognizing Mary’s great place in God’s plan for the salvation of His people.  Lim said her IEC experience was the most unforgettable experience of her life.

“I’m already 64 years old, I won’t have any other chance to experience this huge religious event,” she said “tears of joy” welling up her eyes.

Citing the 51st IEC theme “Christ in You, Our Hope of Glory”, Lim said people must reflect on it to strengthen their faith.

“Dili na makita ang faith dayon so you have to feel it and you have really to believe in it and then live out your faith,” she said.

“I get my strength from the Eucharist because without Eucharist I have no God,” added the 15-year Marian devotee.

 Her and other Marian devotees ushered the image of the Our Lady of Guadalupe during a short procession before the start of the Statio Orbis or final Mass. — (FREEMAN)