THE historic Fort Pilar Shrine in Rio Hondo village, Zamboanga City was the center of activities Wednesday, October 12, 2022, as Zamboangueños here and around the world marked the feast day of Our Lady of the Pillar, this city’s patron saint.
Religious activities kicked off at 4 a.m. with the Mañanita Mass and followed by a series of Masses at 6 a.m., 7:30 a.m. and 9 a.m.
The grand procession started at 3 p.m. from the Metropolitan Cathedral of the Immaculate Concepcion in La Purisima Street in Zone 3 village to the Shrine in Rio Hondo village where the Pontifical Mass was presided over by the Most Reverent Moises Cuevas, apostolic administrator of Zamboanga, and followed by Masses at 6:30 p.m. and 8 p.m.
The Shrine of Our Lady of the Pillar was opened to all pilgrims for 24 hours starting October 11 until October 12.
The nine-day novena Mass that began October 3 preceded the feast day Wednesday, October 12 with thousands of devotees from all walks of life attending the daily religious activity.
The religious activities of the feast of Our Lady of the Pillar were held face-to-face after a two-year hiatus due to the coronavirus disease 2019 (Covid-19) pandemic.
“This year, we are grateful for the opportunity to finally resume many of our Fiesta activities face-to-face,” Mayor John Dalipe said in his message Wednesday, October 12, to the Zamboangueños.
As part of the security measures, Dalipe issued Executive Order 058 prohibiting the following: unauthorized flying of drones (except those from the Philippine National Philippines, Armed Forces of the Philippines and City Administrator’s Office), bringing of backpacks and wearing of bull caps, fedoras, waistcoats/chalecos and hooded or non-hooded jackets at the Fort Pilar Shrine from October 3 to 13.
The public was also advised to strictly comply with the minimum health standards, as the Covid-19 pandemic continues to exist.
October 12 is a special non-working holiday in Zamboanga City pursuant to Republic Act 7350 to provide the Zamboangueños the opportunity to celebrate Fiesta Pilar.
Originally known as Real Fuerza de Nuestra Señora del Pilar de Zaragoza, the Fort Pilar Shrine "is a 17th-century military defense fortress built by the Spanish colonial government in Zamboanga City."
The fort, which is now a regional museum of the National Museum of the Philippines, is a major landmark of the city and a symbol of its cultural heritage.
Outside the eastern wall is a Marian shrine dedicated to Our Lady of the Pillar, the patroness of the city. (SunStar Zamboanga)