'Un pueblo Amante de Maria': Celebrating the Blessed Virgin's Birthday in Philippines

In Cebu, Philippines, the celebration of the Blessed Virgin Mary's birthday on September 8, 2024, was a vibrant testament to the phrase, “Un pueblo amante de Maria” (a people in love with Mary).

Various events across the Archdiocese of Cebu illuminated the depth of Filipino Catholics’ devotion to the Mother of God.

A musical concert featuring twelve original Marian compositions, a series of Mariology lectures, and a grand dawn foot procession were just a few of the activities that reflected the deep affection and reverence for Mary.

The phrase “Un pueblo amante de Maria” captures the essence of Filipino devotion, as highlighted by Jesuit theologian and mariologist, Fr. Catalino Arevalo, who once said, “To understand Filipino Catholics, one must understand their love for Mary.”

One of the main highlights was a Marian song festival titled, “Gasa Kang Mama Maria” (Gift for Mama Mary), which featured original songs performed by local talents.

Organized by the World Apostolate of Fatima (WAF) Cebu Archdiocese, the event aimed “to make Mary more known and loved for God’s greater glory.”

The concert, held in a shopping mall, was preceded by a mass celebrated by Cebu Auxiliary Bishop Ruben Labajo, the WAF Cebu Archdiocese Spiritual Director.

In addition to the musical celebration, the Seminario Mayor de San Carlos hosted a two-part lecture series titled “Mary in Theology and Popular Piety.”

The lectures, held on consecutive Saturdays, were led by Fr. Abel Villarojo, a theologian with a doctorate in Sacred Theology from the University of Navarra and additional studies in Marian theology from Oxford University.

Around a hundred participants received certificates of completion for attending the lectures.

On the dawn of September 8, the traditional “Walk with Mary” procession saw over two thousand Marian devotees participating.

Keitch Dean Satiniaman, coordinator of the Archdiocese Council of Children of Mary, noted that 18 Marian images under different titles joined the procession, including three canonically crowned images: Patrocinio de Maria Santissima of Boljoon, Nuestra Señora de Guadalupe de Cebu, and Nuestra Señora de Regla of Lapu-Lapu City.

Joining these was the lone Christologically crowned image in the Philippines, the Sto. Niño de Cebu. The procession concluded with a Eucharistic Celebration at the Plaza Independencia, presided by Cebu Auxiliary Bishop Midyphil Billiones.

The "Walk with Mary" has been organized by the Association of the Children of Mary Vincentian-Marian Youth of the Archdiocese of Cebu for 39 consecutive years, a testament to the long-standing tradition of Marian devotion in Cebu.

Meanwhile, the Our Lady of the Rosary Parish in Cebu City marked the Blessed Virgin’s birthday with the enthronement of a newly carved image of Mary under the avocation of Our Lady of the Holy Rosary.

Cebu Auxiliary Bishop Ruben Labajo commissioned the piece from a renowned sculptor in Paete, Laguna. Standing nearly six feet tall, the wooden image, adorned with an ornate embroidered dress and faux jewelry, was enthroned on September 7, followed by a pontifical mass presided over by Bishop Labajo.

He described the image as “beautiful,” explaining, “It is this human dimension in the appreciation of the image which could draw the faithful to visit the parish church, pray, and hopefully be led to a deeper devotion, first to Mary and then to Jesus.”

The Santo Rosario parish church, located in the bustling heart of Cebu City, is expected to attract thousands of visitors, many of whom will likely pause to honor the newly enthroned image of Mary.