Cofradia and Intramuros Administration hold grand Marian procession
The Cofradia de la Inmaculada Concepcion, under the dedicated leadership of its founding chairperson Imelda O. Cojuangco and in association with Intramuros Administration, is spearheading a series of activities honoring Our Lady of the Immaculate Conception whose feast is on Dec. 8.
Foremost among the activities of the Cofradia is the 29th annual grand Marian procession on Sunday, Dec. 7 starting at 4 p.m. at the grounds of the Manila Cathedral. Joining the procession are 90 images of the Blessed Virgin Mary, in her various titles, coming from various parts of the country.
Preceding the procession is the hermanas mayores Mass to be officiated by Archbishop Diosdado Talamayan of Tuguegarao at 2 p.m. at the Manila Cathedral. Hermanos mayores for this year’s celebration are Mr. and Mrs. Oscar Violago.
A triduum of Masses will be held at the Manila Cathedral from Dec. 3 to 5 at 12 noon.
On Saturday, Dec. 6, 500 school children from Tondo and the depressed areas of Manila will receive their First Holy Communion after attending a series of catechetical instructions sponsored by the Cofradia.
This year was an active one for the organization, as it undertook various activities promoting devotion to the Blessed Virgin Mary and encouraging spiritual growth among its members.
To support the restoration of the 18th-century Shrine of Our Lady of the Abandoned (Nuestra Señora delos Desamparados), one of Manila’s outstanding but unrecognized heritage structures, the Cofradia organized a dinner-musicale, “Serenade, My Heart at Thy Sweet Voice,” at the Hotel InterContinental Manila.
Another concert, “Ave Maria,” a collection of songs dedicated to Mama Mary, was held at the Camarin dela Virgen at the Sta. Ana Church, the first ever presented in this historic location. Both concerts were conceptualized and presented by Danny Dolor, Cofradia vice chairman.
In this connection, the organization published the book Santa Ana Church, A Historical Guide, authored by Dr. Jaime C. Laya, eminent cultural administrator and Cofradia trustee.
A significant undertaking of the organization was the turnover of 10 houses to the St. Hannibal housing project of the “Pondo ng Pinoy” under the auspices of His Eminence Gaudencio Cardinal Rosales.
The Cofradia board of trustees is composed of: Imelda Cojuangco, Rori Eizmendi, Danny Dolor, Jaime Laya, Zita Feliciano, Rosita Lesaca, Helen Ong, Offie Recto, Fe Rodriguez, Marietta Santos, Allan Tengco, Vicky Tengco, Ado Escudero, Lulu Castañeda, Nenuca Blardony, and Sonya Mathay.
The Comite de Festejos 2008 is headed by Ado Escudero, chairman, with Allan Tengco, Danny Dolor, Deiy Arionday, Clifford Chua, and Jun Pablo, members.
Marian devotees, students, and the general public are invited to attend the triduum and join the procession highlighting the celebration of the Feast of the Immaculate Conception.
