Maasin City, known for housing the 200-year-old image of the Nuestra Senora de la Asuncion in the Maasin City Cathedral, now celebrates as the Catholic Bishops’ Conference of the Philippines (CBCP) recently approved the designation of the Diocesan Shrine of the Our Lady of Assumption as a National Shrine. This recognition elevates the importance of the Mahal nga Patrona not just for the local community of Maasin but for the whole Diocese.
This significant event is being celebrated not only by the locals of Maasin but also by the people throughout the Diocese and the Philippines. This approval is thanks to His Excellency Precioso Cantillas, SDB, DD, Bishop of Maasin, and his team, who tirelessly made efforts to achieve this remarkable accomplishment. Following this event, the Bishop of Maasin has prepared an array of activities in honor of the Mahal nga Patrona, including the Vicarial and Catholic School Pilgrimage to the Shrine of Mahal nga Patrona.
In the spirit of Franciscan devotion and unity with the whole Diocese of Maasin, the Franciscan College of the Immaculate Conception (FCIC), represented by the High School and College Student Body Organizations, accompanied by the Moderator of the High School Student Council, Mr. Rowen Jay Loquillano, and the head of the Campus Ministry, Sister M. Josela Truya, OSF, actively participated in the recent Vicarial and Catholic School Pilgrimage to the Shrine of Mahal nga Patrona held last July 15, 2024, in the Maasin Cathedral alongside the priests, religious, pilgrims, and parishioners of the Vicariate of the Our Lady of the Immaculate Conception, Baybay City. This pilgrimage coincided with two significant events, the monthly celebration of the Mahal nga Patrona and the Pirigrasyon sa Dambana sa Mahal nga Patrona organized by the Diocese of Maasin.
The pilgrimage began with the Novena to the Mahal nga Patrona, followed by the Public Recitation of the Office of the Assumption of the Blessed Virgin Mary. The Bishop of Maasin, His Excellency Precioso Cantillas, SDB, DD, presided over the Eucharistic Celebration with the Anointing of the Sick, and all pilgrims joyfully received the Sacrament. Bishop Cantillas stressed in his homily that pilgrims who devote themselves to the Mahal nga Patrona receive the Mother of Jesus and acknowledge Him as their Savior. After the Eucharistic celebration, a Candlelight Procession was made, enjoined side-by-side by the locals, pilgrims, and devotees of the Mahal nga Patrona.
The pilgrimage served as a powerful testament to the School’s commitment to its Catholic identity and its deep connection to the cultural and spiritual heritage of the FCICians.
The Franciscan College of the Immaculate Conception rejoices with joyful hearts and hopeful souls for this blissful and divine celebration. Viva Mahal nga Patrona!
