LIVING up to their name, Pueblo Amante de Maria (people in love with Mary), Kapampangans in the United States of America will hold two Marian events to honor the Blessed Virgin Mary on the month of her birthday.
The Lubaoenos of Southern California in cooperation with St. Casimir Parish will host a gala “Evening with Mary” on Saturday, September 8.
This will be preceded with the recitation of the rosary, floral offering and mass. A featured harpist will play during the formal dinner that will include auction and dancing. Proceeds will go to the altars of Virgen de los Remedios and Santo Cristo del Perdon at St. Casimir Church in the Los Feliz district where the images are reposed for veneration and private prayers.
The following Sunday, September 16, the Apostolate of Virgen de los Remedios and Santa Ana Club whose members are expatriates from Santa Ana, Pampanga will host the Virgen de los Remedios 62nd Canonical Coronation Anniversary at the Cathedral of Our Lady of the Angels in downtown LA.
Archbishop Emeritus Paciano Aniceto of Pampanga will preside over the Solemn Concelebrated Mass. Thousands of devotees including delegations from religious, civic organizations and Latino communities are expected to join the afternoon procession with their banners and ethnic costumes. Everyone is invited.
Devotion to Virgen de los Remedios was introduced in the Philippines by Pampanga first bishop Cesar Guerrero to get rid of communism in the province.
Her image was carried in procession all over, encouraging everyone to pray the rosary and for peace. Sixty-two years ago, Pope Pius XII bestowed the canonical crown on the revered image. Since then, Kapampangans all over the world have been praying to the Mother of God for peace, safety, source of livelihood, healing and family unity.