Friday, October 17, 2008 Pampanga's patroness crowned at cathedral
CITY OF SAN FERNANDO -- Thousands of Marian devotees filled to capacity the Cathedral of Our Lady of the Angels the other day in line for the 52nd Canonical Coronation Anniversary of Virgen de los Remedios.
A group of flower-bearing boys and girls ushered the three-hour long ceremonies with the entry of the Virgin's replica flown in from the Philippines followed by the image of Santo Cristo del Perdon.
According to Vidal Aguas, Filipino expatriate in California, Auxiliary Bishops Oscar Solis and Pablo David, as special emissaries of Los Angeles Cardinal Roger Mahoney and Archbishop Paciano Aniceto, respectively, were the main celebrants joined by 12 priests from Metropolitan Los Angeles, San Diego, San Francisco and Pampanga.
Before the Solemn Concelebrated High Mass, the Canonical Decree issued by Pope Pius XII in 1956 was read and then followed by the crowning of the Virgin.
The Cruzada ning Pamanisi (Penance) at Lugud (Love) was established by Pampanga's first bishop Cesar Maria Guerrero to turn to the Blessed Mother for help.
At that time, peasants and farmers were up in arms against landowners. The poor were taking up arms against government and a godless ideology was sweeping across the province, threatening the Catholic faith and recently created Diocese of San Fernando.
The images of Virgen de los Remedios and Santo Cristo del Perdon were taken in procession all over the province and the rosary was recited every hour, every day. This act rallied Kapampangans to renew their faith and stand the tide of socialism and communism at their doorsteps.
Wherever the Virgin went, thousands gathered in prayer and penance, sinners were converted, the sick miraculously healed. The tradition of lamak flourished, inspiring the rich to share their resources with the poor. Pampanga was saved from physical and spiritual destruction.
In recent years, the Kabalens turned again to their Ima and Patroness to rise from the ashes of Mt. Pinatubo eruption and good governance in their province.
Today, replicas of the Virgen and Santo Cristo continue to visit every parish, town and community including Los Angeles and Canada. (IOF)
