Cebuanos welcome return of 2016 IEC Pilgrim Symbol

CEBU, Philippines – Hundreds of Cebuanos yesterday welcomed back the Pilgrim Symbol of the 2016 International Eucharistic Congress after traveling to at about 80 archdioceses, dioceses and vicariates or prelatures around the Philippines.

The people patiently waited outside and inside the National Shrine of  Our Lady Of the Rule in Lapu-Lapu City, as the IEC Pilgrim Symbol arrived at the Mactan Cebu International Airport at about 10:20 a.m.

The pilgrim coordinator then brought the IEC Pilgrim Symbol into the Mactan-Benitor Buen Airbase of the Philippine Air Force for assembling it at the Chapel of Our Lady of Peace and Good Voyage.

The IEC Pilgrim Symbol motorcade followed from the airbase to the National Shrine of Our Lady of the Rule.

Gloria Sevilla of Gloanse Handcrafts, who was the designer and maker of the IEC Pilgrim Symbol, said: "Dako kaayo namong pasalamat nga ang among konsepto maoy nagustohan alang sa maong icon nga gisuroy tibuok Pilipinas."

Sevilla, who was with her husband Antonio, said that of all the masterpieces they made, the IEC Pilgrim Symbol was the most beautiful and the best.

Many people have already paid homage to the IEC Pilgrim Symbol, which the Sevilla couple said was created by the guidance of the Holy Spirit that they asked from God because of their firm belief.

Expecting that the IEC Pilgrim Symbol would be exposed to the sun and rain, as it travels around the country, the Sevillas said they built a replica that will be used in case the original will be damaged.

The Sevilla couple had urged the people, especially the Cebuanos, not to lose hope and faith in God.

"Dili gayud magpakawala og paglaum tungod kay saksi kami sa makanunayon nga pagdagayday sa grasya sa Ginoo ug nidapit kami sa mga nagpalayo sa Ginoo sa pagpaduol pagbalik ug tagamtamon ang grasya," said Gloria.

Father Daniel Mata, chairman of the IEC 2016 Pilgrim Symbol, told The FREEMAN: "Mapasalamaton kaayo ko nga malamposon ang pagduaw sa IEC pilgrim symbol sa tibuok lugar sa Pilipinas, sugod niadtong January 25 sa Diocese of Dumaguete ug gitak-opan niadtong November 10 sa Jolo, Sulu. Bisan og dunay mga ginagmay nga kakulian, nahuman ra gihapon ug luwas ang mga sakop niya nga nibalik sa Sugbo."

Mata said he was hoping that, during the IEC from January 24-31, 2016, many laity and religious congregations from all over the world will join the big celebration.

The Pilgrim Symbol will stay at the National Shrine of Our Lady of the Rule for a week and then on November 22, it will be brought to the IEC Pavilion for the Christ the King celebration.  (FREEMAN)