Fiesta Pilar grand highlight: Celso, Bongbong, Beng, Erbie lead procession
Zamboangueños once again showed unity and strength in keeping with the Fiesta Hermosa 2009 theme “celebra kita con un voz, un tono y un sueño,” as multitudes join the grand procession and mass at the Shrine in celebration of the feast day of Nuestra Señora de la Virgen del Pilar yesterday.
The procession began at the Metropolitan Cathedral in La Purisima and culminated at the Fort Pilar Shrine where the High Mass with Zamboanga Archbishop Romulo Valles as main celebrant, followed.
Mayor Celso Lobregat, Ilocos Norte Congressman Ferdinand “Bongbong” Marcos, Congresspersons Beng Climaco and Erbie Fabian and members of the City Council, Archbishop Valles and other sectoral leaders led devotees in marching the streets in prayers.
Bearing rosaries, images of the La Virgen del Pilar and other religious icons, the devotees braved the scorching sun illustrating their undying devotion and affection to the patron saint.
Mayor Lobregat has continuously reminded the residents to concentrate on the religious aspect of the celebration amid the socio-cultural presentations of the Fiesta celebration.
“As we rejoice and celebrate the 2008 Zamboanga Hermosa Festival, let us not forget the most important figure in this occasion: the Nuestra Señora La Virgen del Pilar, our most revered patron saint,” he said.
The mayor thanked the residents for participating in the different events specifically the religious activities, in celebration of the fiesta.
Devotion to the Nuestra Señora la Virgen del Pilar, the city’s most revered patron saint, is the bond that keeps Zamboangueños—regardless of age, religion, race, gender and status in life— living here or abroad, together and united.
Many Zamboangueños living abroad including their friends come to Zamboanga during the Fiesta to pay homage to the La Virgen. Others who cannot make a homecoming, undertake their own celebration in commemoration of the feast day of the patron saint.
Mayor Lobregat has urged everyone to continuously revere the La Virgen and ask for continuous guidance and protection. He likewise urged the residents to include in their prayers the victims of typhoons Ondoy and Pepeng in Luzon. “Let us not only pray for Zamboanga City but for the entire country and the world.” (Sheila Covarrubias)