Calls for peace, unity during Feast of Immaculate Conception

A 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.

Jimenez spoke of turmoil in the community, between families and individuals, urging listeners to “gather together as one under the guidance and protection of our Blessed Mother.”

“This 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. …We must be unified day in and day out,” he urged.

Jimenez challenged members of the Church to live their true Catholic identity in the most ordinary things as well.

“We need to reclaim this description of who we are…as Catholics—to see how we truly love one another. We need to seek what unites and overcome what divides,” he said.

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.

The celebration also featured a candle tribute to Blessed Mother Mary, where people lifted their candles and sang Abe Nanan Yu’us, exclaiming “Biba” as darkness set on Church grounds.

“The celebration is the same every year, but the feeling is different. Having MCS take part in it is something I can’t explain…It is a wonderful and moving experience,’ said school principal Frances Taimanao.

MCS, which has participated in this annual feast since the ’60s, 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.

“This is a great day for everyone. All the youth come and celebrate in a tribute to the Mother of Mothers alongside adults,” MCS theology teacher and campus minister Vir Abueme said.

For 8th grader William Blake Deleon Guerrero, the experience is unique and inspiring. “I feel like I am housed by God when I come here. I don’t feel alone. I get to spend time with friends here and celebrate the [Blessed Mother] Mary.”

The annual three-hour liturgical celebration is the patronal feast day for Spain, Korea, Portugal, Brazil, the Philippines, and the United States—nine months before the feast of the Nativity of Mary. The celebration is often referred to as the “dogma of the Catholic Church.”