STA. RITA -- Fifty images of the Virgin Mary are currently on exhibit at the Sta. Rita de Casia Parish in commemoration of the Feast of the Nativity of the Virgin Mary, a celebration held most dear by Marian devotees here and the Roman Catholic community.
The 14 Grand Marian Exhibit features the images of Mary under the titles and honors accorded by the Roman Catholic Church and the people and communities all over the world.
The images range from the events in the life of Mary both from the Bible and Roman Catholic tradition, as well as popular titles and representations unique to the Philippines.
Glenn Canlas, focal person for the event, said the exhibit will run from September 8 to 14 and will be capped by a grand procession of some of the participating images.
Marian images where brought in from different religious art enthusiasts from the different barangays here and neighboring parishes in Guagua, Sasmuan, Lubao and Bacolor.
The event is a yearly occasion for people to relearn the values and lessons from the life of Mary.
Religious art collector Romy Dizon said the event is not just a religious activity but also an art exhibit of the best Marian images as well as of the craftsmanship and artistry of local artists and craftsmen that executed them.
"Religious iconography is also an art form. It is one of the ways that people show their respect for what they believe in," Dizon said.