During the enthronement and welcome rites of the community inside Our Lady of Lourdes Chapel. (PHOTO: Anne Javier/ Association of Our Lady of Aranzazu)
SAN MATEO, Rizal — The Shrine Ministry together with the Parish Pastoral Council (PPC) has launched this year’s Lakbay Aranzazu, last May 9 at Our Lady of Lourdes Chapel in Barangay Guitnang Bayan 1, in preparation for the forthcoming fiesta celebration of the town’s principal patroness, Nuestra Señora de Aranzazu on September 9.
The occasion’s main highlight is the visitation of the replica image of Our Lady of Aranzazu to 16 chapels or Munting Sambayanang Kristiyano (MSK) under the parish’s territorial jurisdiction in span of 3 days.
A series of activities will be held. The first day visit includes the reception of the image, short discussion about the history and matters concerning Our Lady of Aranzazu, documentary presentation of the trilogy – The History, The Devotion, and The Coronation; and the transfer of the image to a chosen family of the community for an overnight stay (3 different houses for 3 days).
The replica image of Our Lady of Aranzazu during the street mass at Daang Tubo. (PHOTO: Mel Monterola)
The second day is a talk regarding the Year of the Clergy and Consecrated persons that will be followed by the Beso Manto. The last day of stay will be concluded by a street mass within the community.
According to Bro. Rey Balcos, Chairman of Shrine Ministry, the event is a perfect opportunity to bring Our Lady of Aranzazu closer to the people of San Mateo and to share the devotion for those who do not recognize the Virgin of Aranzazu, especially the people who reside in isolated communities.
“The Lakbay Aranzazu is a chance to bring the devotion to Our Lady of Aranzazu in every corner of the town, and a perfect opportunity for all the people from all walks of life to have a closer encounter with our Mother, Queen and Patroness.” Balcos said.
In the past decades, the tradition of Our Lady’s visitation in all parts of San Mateo (including the remote areas) have been actively conducted. It was known as Lakbay Dalaw during the time of Msgr. Balbago and was changed into Ang Pagdalaw when Msgr. Mediarito took over.
In our time, the Lakbay Aranzazu is just a revival of San Mateo’s old tradition for the Virgin of Aranzazu as a sign of our love and fidelity to our patroness and the devotees’ act of sharing the love of the Blessed mother for those yearning for her maternal affection.
SCHEDULE OF VISIT:
LAKBAY DALAW 1999: Aranzazu and devotees crossing San Mateo River. (PHOTO: Mariel Lorenzo)
May 9– Our Lady of Lourdes Chapel (Brgy. Guitnang Bayan 1)
May 16– Holy Family Chapel (Netra Community)
May 23– Chapel of the Child Jesus (Riza Village)
May 30– Our Lady of Manaoag Chapel (Patiis, Brgy. Malanday)
June 6– Immaculate Heart of Mary Chapel (Bankers Village)
June 13- St. Michael the Archangel Chapel (Villa San Mateo 1)
June 20- Sta. Ana Chapel (Brgy. Sta. Ana)
June 27- San Andres Apostol Chapel (Abuab)
July 4- Mother of Perpetual Help Chapel (Liamzon)
July 11- St. Pio of Pietrelcina Chapel (Villa San Mateo 6)
July 18– Our Lady of Fatima Chapel (Brgy. Dulong Bayan 1)
July 25– St. Clare of Assisi Chapel (Eaterview Subdivision)
August 1– San Jose Mangangawa Chapel (Lamar Village)
August 8– San Mateo Chapel (Brgy. Dulong Bayan 2)
August 15- Divine Mercy Chapel (Abuab)
August 22– Señor St. Cristo de Burgos Chapel (Brgy. Guitnang Bayan 2)
Christian Jasper Robles
Senior Writer, Website Team - Media Ministry
Christian is a graduate of Bachelor of Arts in Communication at Colegio de San Juan de Letran. He is a member of the writer’s team of Aranzazu Media and Public Information Ministry. A singer, performer, writer, church servant, and a Marian devotee. Currently, he is the secretary of Association of Our Lady of Aranzazu- Cofradia and member of Avant-Garde Singers. Passionate about writing different local religious traditions and Mariology matters; Christian is strongly dedicated in promoting and propagating the devotion to Our Lady of Aranzazu.
