TRAFFIC was stalled for seven hours in Barangay Poblacion, Lapu-Lapu City, Wednesday, Nov. 20, during the procession of the image of the Birhen sa Regla.

Fr. Bernard “Bong” Corpuz, parish priest of the Nuestra Señora Virgen de Regla National Shrine, said the activity was peaceful and orderly despite the rain and the stalled traffic.

Roderick Daño, deputy chief of the City Traffic Management System (CTMS), said they rerouted traffic at 4:30 p.m. from M.L. Quezon Highway when the procession started.

Around 20,000 to 30,000 devotees joined the procession, said Corpuz.

He said that the suspension of classes and work in the other cities also added to the bulk of traffic in Lapu-Lapu City.

Meanwhile, Cebu Archbishop Jose Palma, during his pontifical mass for the Nuestra Señora Virgen de Regla’s feast, said the faithful should reflect that it was the Virgin Mary’s devotion that made her Christ’s choice.

“Rain or shine, para kanato kini pagahimayaon sa Diyos sa pagpasidungog ni Mama Mary (God will glorify our honoring of Mama Mary),” said Palma.

Palma also reminded devotees on the 500th year of Catholic faith in 2021, which began during the arrival of the Senyor Sto. Niño in Cebu. (FVQ)