\n\t\t\t\tSenior students of Mount Carmel School pull the statue of the Blessed Mother onto Church grounds at the end of the lukao. (Thomas A. Manglona II)\n\t\t\t\t<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\t\t<\/div>\n
\nA unified community is the greatest gift we can give Blessed Mother Mary, according to Fr. Ryan Jimenez, Apostolic Administrator for the Diocese of Chalan Kanoa. Jimenez called for peace and unity amongst parishioners in his homily during the Feast of the Immaculate Conception at Mt. Carmel Cathedral Tuesday.<\/p>\nJimenez spoke of turmoil in the community, between families and individuals, urging listeners to \u201cgather together as one under the guidance and protection of our Blessed Mother.\u201d<\/p>\n
\u201cThis identity that we have as children of our Blessed Mother should also be expressed beyond this afternoon. This idea of being one and children of God should be lived out day to day. \u2026We must be unified day in and day out,\u201d he urged.<\/p>\n
Jimenez challenged members of the Church to live their true Catholic identity in the most ordinary things as well.<\/p>\n
\u201cWe need to reclaim this description of who we are\u2026as Catholics\u2014to see how we truly love one another. We need to seek what unites and overcome what divides,\u201d he said.<\/p>\n
After Mass and the crowning of the Blessed Mother by MCS senior Cathryn Javier, those in attendance participated in the traditional lukao or procession of the Blessed Mother, led by altar servers, several Church ministries, and the students of Mount Carmel School while praying the Holy Rosary.<\/p>\n
The celebration also featured a candle tribute to Blessed Mother Mary, where people lifted their candles and sang Abe Nanan Yu\u2019us, exclaiming \u201cBiba\u201d as darkness set on Church grounds.<\/p>\n
\u201cThe celebration is the same every year, but the feeling is different. Having MCS take part in it is something I can\u2019t explain\u2026It is a wonderful and moving experience,\u2019 said school principal Frances Taimanao.<\/p>\n
MCS, which has participated in this annual feast since the \u201960s, was present that night to once again share their voices and lead the diocesan community in song, Liturgy of the Word, Liturgy of the Eucharist, and procession.<\/p>\n
\u201cThis is a great day for everyone. All the youth come and celebrate in a tribute to the Mother of Mothers alongside adults,\u201d MCS theology teacher and campus minister Vir Abueme said.<\/p>\n
For 8th grader William Blake Deleon Guerrero, the experience is unique and inspiring. \u201cI feel like I am housed by God when I come here. I don\u2019t feel alone. I get to spend time with friends here and celebrate the [Blessed Mother] Mary.\u201d<\/p>\n
The annual three-hour liturgical celebration is the patronal feast day for Spain, Korea, Portugal, Brazil, the Philippines, and the United States\u2014nine months before the feast of the Nativity of Mary. The celebration is often referred to as the \u201cdogma of the Catholic Church.\u201d<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"
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