‘Stay close to Mary, be holy’

Hundreds of pilgrims flocked to the Marian shrine in Simala, Sibonga town, southeastern Cebu, yesterday to celebrate the birthday of the Blessed Virgin Mary, whom Catholics and several Christian denominations honor as the mother of Jesus Christ.

They lit colored candles to pray for good health, healing, success, good relationships and other intentions in the church under the care of the Marian monks of the Eucharistic Adoration.

The altar, decked with yellow chrysanthemums and white orchids, was described as bongacious, Filipino slang for “grand,” by Cebu Archbishop Jose Palma, who officiated a morning Mass.

In his homily, the archbishop encouraged the congregation to imitate Mary’s virtues.

“Through Mama Mary, the Savior was born. If we want to grow in holiness, we should have a devotion to her,” he said.

In an interview, Palma said the number of devotees show “that indeed Mama Mary has a way of attracting devotion to her… bringing people to her son, Jesus,” said Palma, who will head the Catholic Bishops’ Conference of the Philippines starting December.

“Some people are surprised and question why we have such a great love for Mama Mary. It’s because God has chosen her. There are a million women in the world but there can only be one Mother of God and this is Mama Mary,” he said.

Palma said that amid their trials, people should heed Mary’s invitation for them to do what Jesus commands.