THIS year’s 14th Grand Marian Exhibit at the Santa Rita de Casia Parish in Sta. Rita town is enough to satisfy every Marain devotee from all walks of life. The exhibit that is currently housed in the historic church, has gathered arguably the best Marian images in the locale.
Organized by the Parish Youth Ministry of Sta. Rita and the Confradia ning Cintas, the 50 or so images highlight not only the many titles and honors accorded to the Blessed Virgin but also the artistry and exquisite taste of both the artists that made the images and the people that care for them.
More than just devotional pieces, each and every Marian icon is in fact an expression of art. From the delicate painting (encarna) that make them look lifelike, to the woodcarving and the meticulous beading, embroidery and design that is given the vestments is already something to marvel about. The lengths that a Marian devotee would undertake to make his or her image worthy of admiration are limitless.
But each effort given every image is only brought about by the desire to inspire among the people, and devotees of Marian images, that same devotion that will help them find their way to God.
The Marian exhibit in Sta. Rita town is different in the sense that it is not presented in a mall or a fancy gallery but in the bosom of the principal church of the town. The exhibit invites everyone to offer prayers and reflect on their lives within the solemn ambiance of the church.
Glenn Emmanuel Canlas, chief organizer of the event for so many years, said that the images in the exhibit also show the life of Mary based on Bible accounts and the traditions held by the Roman Catholic Church.
The images also showcase the popular imagery unique to the Philippines that are accorded the Blessed Mother.
Marian devotees can still get a glimpse of this wonderful exhibit at the Sta. Rita de Casia Parish Church from September 8 to 13. The final day of the event will be capped by a solemn procession of some of the participating images.
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