A time for prayer and a 394-year old tradition in Intramuros

MANILA, Philippines - At a time when the nation seeks rehabilitation and healing from natural disasters, people find comfort not only from material aid, but also in the power of prayer. We stop many of our usual activities, but we never stop praying.

Hence, the feast of the Immaculate Conception with its grand Marian procession — a centuries-old tradition which originated in Intramuros on Dec. 8, 1619 — will be held on Sunday, Nov. 1, at 4 p.m., starting in front of the Manila Cathedral.

Intramuros Administration and the Cofradia de la Inmaculada Concepcion Foundation  have been organizing the annual rite since 1980 with the Armed Forces of the Philippines replicating the full-force military participation like in the processions of old.

“This event which combines spirituality with Filipino traditions can be one of the tourist attractions which the Department of Tourism can promote,” says IA administrator Marco Antonio Luisito Sardillo III. Aside from the La Inmaculada Concepcion Mater Purisima under the care of the IA, over 80 images of the Blessed Virgin are expected, including the the Nuestra Senora de los Dolores de Turumba from Pakil Laguna; Virgen Milagrosa del Santissimo Roasrio from Orani, Bataan, Visitacion de Piat from Cagayan; Virgen La Divina Pastora from Gapan, Nueva Ecija; and Nuestra Senora de la Consolacion y Correa from san Agustin Church, Intramuros.

Imelda Cojuangco, Danilo Dolor and Aurora Eizmendi are founding chairperson,vice chairman and president of the Cofradia. Comite de festejos chair is Conrado Escudero. Hermanas mayores for this year are Fe Rodriguez, Maritess Pineda and Mita Rufino.

There will be a Triduum of Masses on Nov. 26, 27 and 28 at San Agustiun Church at 11:30 a.m. First Holy Communion Masses will be held for 500 first communicants on Friday, Nov. 29 at 9 a.m. On Sunday, Dec. 1, the Hermanas Mayoreds Mass at 2 p.m. is followed by the grand procession which starts at Plaza Roma at 4 p.m.

Andres Soriano Jr. Ave (Aduana) will be closed to vehicles from 1 to 9 p.m. Motorists are advised to take P. Burgos Drive and Bonifacio Drive instead.