STA. RITA -- Kapampangans and other Filipino expatriates here will host their own version of the 57th Canonical Coronation Anniversary of the image of Virgen delos Remedios, in line with the Feast of the Nativity of the Blessed Virgin Mary on September 8.
The Ritenians of Southern California (expatriates who come from Sta. Rita town in Pampanga) in cooperation with the Apostolate of Virgen de los Remedios are sponsoring this year’s event.
This is also in accordance with the coronation ceremonies to be held in Pampanga at Villa del Sol Subdivision in the City of San Fernando, honoring Pampanga's beloved patroness under the said title.
The celebration in the United States on September 8 will be held at the Cathedral of Our Lady of the Angels. The Kapampangan community will be joined by the Spanish communities and Marian groups from different parishes in metro Los Angeles during the procession of Pampanga’s Virgen de los Remedios, according to Kapampangan expatriate Vidal Aguas.
Aguas, focal person for the event, said the festivity coincides with the 57th anniversary of her canonical coronation, a tradition that was brought to the United States by Kapampangan expatriates in Southern California.
A crown is presented to our Lady, as an expression of Mary’s dominion over her children that places them in the hands of the Blessed Mother.
The Filipinos' devotion to Virgen de los Remedios dates back to the galleon trades between Mexico and the Philippines in the 1500s. The oldest Marian image was brought by Spanish missionaries and is enshrined at Malate Church in Manila.
In 1952, Bishop Cesar Maria Guerrero entrusted Pampanga under the patronage of the Blessed Mother. He sent out the image of Virgen de los Remedios to visit every village, town and city where the people could gather in prayer and learn from Mary the right way to live, to find God and to live in harmony.
These visitations of our Lady continue up to the present day around the province. Daily Masses are held, the rosary is recited non-stop and in between prayers, the community shares in the prepared meals. Goods are collected and distributed to the needy while reconciliation, forgiveness and peace reign.
In 1956, Pope Pius XII bestowed the canonical crown to the revered image in recognition of Kapampangans’ devotion to Mary. Every September 8, the province of Pampanga gathers to re-enact the event. Latinos’ similar affection to the Blessed Mother brings them to the Cathedral of Our Lady of the Angels where a simultaneous celebration is held.