Fil-Ams in LA to pray for persecuted prelates and clergy

A past Marian procession at the Cathedral of Our Lady of the Angels in Los Angeles. CONTRIBUTED

LOS ANGELES – Filipinos, Latinos, Marian groups, civic organizations and devotees will join in an afternoon procession during the annual pilgrimage to Mary on Sunday, September 22, at the Cathedral of Our Lady of the Angels.

This year’s celebration includes special prayers for all bishops and clergy all over the world, who are being persecuted and oppressed for their teachings and practice of the Catholic faith.

Archbishop Romulo Valles, president of the Catholic Bishops Conference of the Philippines has asked Filipinos to pray in solidarity with four Catholic bishops, three priests and a religious brother, among others, who are being charged with inciting sedition, libel and obstruction of justice by Philippine authorities.

Newly appointed Filipino auxiliary bishop Alejandro Aclan of the Archdiocese of Los Angeles will preside in the solemn concelebrated Mass. Catholic columnist and preacher Rev. Rodel Balagtas will deliver the homily; he will lead his “kabalens” from Minalin who are hosting this event.

The highlight of the festivities is the reenactment of canonical coronation of Virgen de los Remedios bestowed by Pope Pius XII in 1956.

Devotion to Virgen de los Remedios dates back to the galleon trade between Mexico and the Philippines in the 15^th century. One of the oldest Marian images is the Virgen de los Remedios enshrined at Malate Church.

With a growing communist movement in 1952, Bishop Cesar Maria Guerrero entrusted the province of Pampanga under her patronage. He sent out the image of Virgen de los Remedios to visit every village, town and city so that people could gather in prayer and “learn from Mary the right way to live, to find God and to live in harmony.” These visitations continue to the present day with daily Masses and recitation of the rosary.

Kapampangans in LA introduced the tradition of presenting a crown to our Lady every September, “as a symbol of her dominion over us, because we know we will always be in good hands – in the hands of a mother.”

There are places all over Spain and Latin America, even India, dedicated in honor of Virgen de los Remedios. At this time of year, Mexicans pay homage to the 18^th century image of Virgen de los Remedios in the Cathedral of Naulcapan.

Numerous miracles and answered prayers are attributed through the intercession of Virgen de los Remedios:  marriages strengthened; families reunited; the sick getting healed; disputes settled.

Everyone is invited to come in their national costumes and bring families and children. The event will live stream at the FB page of the Cathedral of Our Lady of the Angels.