CITY OF SAN FERNANDO As a large number of faithful are expected to join the 66th anniversary of the canonical coronation of the Virgen de los Remedios today, September 8, the Archdiocese of San Fernando headed by Archbishop Florentino Lavarias has issued guidelines for those who will physically attend the celebration amid less restrictive measures versus Covid-19.
In its advisory, the Archdiocese, in cooperation with the Lubao local government and Philippine National Police, emphasizes to the public the following guidelines:
FACEMASK: As the pandemic still rages, the faithful are reminded to wear facemasks and observe minimum health protocols including social distancing.
ROSARY, CANDLE AND WHITE HANKIE. Most important in the celebration of the canonical coronation of the Virgen de los Remedios is the Rosary, a white handkerchief and a small candle essential in the praise of Pampanga's patroness.
PROTECTIVE RAIN GEAR: It's habagat season and another tropical depression is expected to enter the Philippine Area of Responsibility by late Wednesday or early Thursday, according to state weather bureau PagAsa. It will be best to bring an umbrella or rain coat and other rain protective gear.
TUMBLER: As bottled water is not allowed, the faithful are advised to bring their own tumblers.
DEFINITELY NOT: Strictly prohibited are backpacks, belt bags, or any big bag, sharp objects
and drones.
The Archiodecese emphasized in its advisory that it discourages bringing along small children or anyone who is not physically well. Marshalls and the PNP have the capacity to report any suspicious activity, it stressed.
Parking
Parking has also been identified for those trooping to the celebration in Lubao town:
Beginning in Barangay San Nicolas 2nd, park only on the LEFT SIDE of the Jose Abad Santos Avenue if you are coming from San Fernando.
Those joining the celebration can also park near the DHVSU Lubao campus, though parking is limited and the road will be closed by 3:45 a.m.
Traffic will be rerouted and roads will be closed. The Archdiocese tells the faithful to expect moderate to heavy traffic build up and recommends the public to arrive early.
The theme of this year's celebration, "Pamaglacbe abe-abe, Indung Maria Cayantabe, Calam ning Dios iyang idake caring sablang milelele," focuses on the practice of Synodality, which took place during the local phase of the Synod.
Back to the "Bayan ng Lubao"
The Vicariate of Saint Augustine of Hippo will host the celebration this year, with the canonical coronation to be re-enacted in Lubao, the birthplace of Christianity in the province. The first seeds of faith were planted and received by our Kapampangan ancestors in Lubao 450 years ago.
The novena and re-enactment of the coronation will be open to the public and will be live broadcast by the Archdiocesan Commission on Social Communication.
"As we continue to develop and grow in our faith, we are grateful to the Father, Son, and Holy Spirit for bringing Christianity to our province. We renew our commitment to proclaiming the Lord's love and mercy through Mary, the First Disciple, the first follower and pilgrim, and thus the ideal model of genuine Christian discipleship," the Archdiocese said.