CEBU, Philippines — Hundreds of devotees of the beloved Virgin Mary participated in the annual Walk with Mary to mark her birthday on Friday, September 8, 2023.
This year's theme is Our Blessed Mother as Companion for a Synodal Church, led by the Association of the Children of Mary Immaculate-Vincentian Marian Youth Archdiocese of Cebu.
Archbishop Jose Palma himself, along with the priests of the Archdiocese of Cebu, led the procession with the people early in the morning of Sunday.
The procession started from Asilo de la Milagrosa Chapel Grounds to Plaza Independencia where the holy mass was held which the archbishop led.
During the procession, more than 10 carrozas participated, consisting of Snr. Sto. Niño de Cebu; St. Joseph; La Santisima Niña Maria; Mater Dolorosa; Virgen de Alegria; Salus Populi Romani; Our Lady Queen and Empress of China; Our Lady of the Most Holy Rosary; Our Lady of Fatima; Our Lady of Lourdes; Nuestra Señora de la Consolacion y Correa; Nuestra Señora del Carmen La Limpia; Nuestra Señora de Regla; Nuestra Señora de Guadalupe de Cebu and Our Lady of the Miraculous Medal.
In his homily, Palma said that people should listen to their peers regardless of their state in life.
“You must listen to the wishes of your fellow man not only with the ear but also with the heart, especially our poor brothers and sisters,” Palma said.
In addition, Palma said life is a journey that everyone should help each other, encourage each other to become a person pleasing to the Lord.
This is so that, at the end of life’s journey, the destination would lead to God’s abode.
The prelate revealed that all achievements and works would be in vain if they are not taken to heaven. (CEBU NEWS)