MORE than 12,000 people attended the opening festivities of the pilgrim visit of the Virgin Mary of Lindogon in Cebu City yesterday.
During the welcome mass held at the IEC Pavilion in Barangay Mabolo, Cebu Archbishop Jose Palma said he expects more people to attend the three-day pilgrim visit of the image, which includes a visit at the Basilica Minore del Santo Niño today.
At 8 a.m. yesterday, the image of the Virgin Mary left the Marian Shrine of Lindogon in Sibonga escorted by a convoy.
Before reaching Cebu City, the convoy had a brief stop in Talisay City to allow devotees there to have a glimpse.
The image arrived at the IEC Pavilion at 12 noon. A mass presided by Palma followed.
In his homily, Palma said the visit of the image of the Virgin Mary of Lindogon is timely considering that October is the month of the rosary.
He believes the image’s visit to Cebu City will inspire Catholics to continue their devotion to the Virgin Mary.
Palma urged devotees to pray the rosary for peace among families and in the world.
“Mama Mary is the source of physical, spiritual and moral healing. We feel the love of God through her,” he said.
Even though the Shrine of Lindogon in Sibonga has yet to be confirmed by Vatican City as an authentic Marian shrine, Palma believes that a recognition from the Holy See is not needed.
Proof
He said the proof that there is a miracle in Lindogon is the droves of people coming to the shrine.
After the mass, the image of the Virgin Mary of Lindogon will stay at the IEC Pavilion overnight for the “It’s All About Her” concert organized by the Kapandesal Multipurpose Cooperative.
Funds raised by the concert will be used for construction of two classrooms and a laboratory for the Our Lady of Lindogon Foundation Inc.
After the overnight vigil, the image of the Lady of Lindogon will be brought to the Basilica Minore del Santo Nino for a mass there before going back to Sibonga.
Police said the image’s trip from Sibonga to Cebu City was peaceful.
Police Regional Office 7 Director Noli Taliño said, “Smooth yung pagdating ng convoy niya kasi meron tayong mga escort na vehicle at along the way meron tayong security na nilagay (The arrival of her convoy was smooth because we deployed security along the way).”
Almost half of the pavilion’s capacity of 12,000 was filled by pilgrims from the different parts of the province.
Before the convoy’s arrival, security was already tight inside the pavilion with police officers checking every devotee’s bag.
Emergency rescue units were on standby.
A total of 500 police officers were detailed in every corner of the street and 24 police vehicles and 30 motorcycles joined the convoy.
There was a slight traffic when the convoy arrived but it was managed by traffic enforcers.