FOR THE LOVE OF THE BLESSED MOTHER | Marian devotees join the annual “Walk with Mary” procession along Osmeña Boulevard in Cebu City at dawn on Sunday, Sept. 4, 2022, the first time it is held since the COVID-19 pandemic was declared in March 2020. (Photo courtesy of the Basilica Minore del Santo Niño de Cebu)
CEBU CITY, Cebu, Philippines — The prayer walk for the Blessed Virgin Mary returned to this city on Sunday after two years, drawing at least 2,000 Marian devotees who joined the two-kilometer dawn procession.
The procession, held annually from the city’s Fuente Osmeña Rotonda to the Basilica Minore del Santo Niño de Cebu as a homage to the Blessed Mother days prior to her birthday on Sept. 8, was suspended since 2020 after the COVID-19 pandemic struck.
“We are very grateful because after two years that this annual ‘Walk with Mary’ was put on hold due to the pandemic, we are now here again to gather as God’s people,” said Fr. Christian Sambajon of the Congregation of the Mission, who presided over the postprocession Mass held at the Basilica’s Pilgrim Center.
Overwhelmed
“I’m overwhelmed by the number of people who joined the walk and showed our deep devotion to Blessed Virgin Mary, our mother,” he added.
“The pandemic is still here but we have the Blessed Virgin Mary with us. It is quite reassuring that during these times, no matter what happens, Mary is with us. When we walk with Mary, she brings us closer to her son, Jesus,” he said.
It was noted that despite the city government’s decision to relax the mask mandate, most of those who joined the procession still wore face masks.
The “Walk with Mary” is an annual event organized by the Children of Mary of the Archdiocese of Cebu to commemorate the birth of the Blessed Virgin. The procession this year carried the theme “Our Blessed Mother as Companion for a Synodal Church.”
Images of Our Lady of the Miraculous Medal and St. Joseph were placed on board separate flower-decked carrozas during the procession.
According to the Cebu City police, at least 2,000 people joined the dawn procession. No untoward incident was recorded during the event.
—ADOR VINCENT MAYOL
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