Molo celebrates 232nd patronal fiesta
Expect heavy traffic in Molo district today as its people celebrate their 232nd patronal fiesta in honor of St. Anne. The theme for this year's fiesta is "Kabataan: Bugay nga Balaan, Gugma sang Ginikanan, Paglaum sang Simbahan."
The parish lead by its parish priest Rev. Fr. Tomas Delicana opted to give due importance to the children in this year's patronal fiesta celebration. Issues affecting children from social, moral and even physical aspect were likewise made as theme during the nine-day novena masses held in honor of St. Anne.
An image of St. Anne teaching the Blessed Virgin Mary to read the Holy Scripture can be found in the main altar of the church. The Molo church is the only Gothic church in the entire country built outside Manila. For Catholics, St. Anne is the mother of the Blessed Virgin Mary and grandmother of Jesus Christ.
In today's con-celebrated mass, Most Rev. Antonio J. Ledesma is the main celebrant. It will be held at 9:00 a.m. Officials of the church and of the city government are expected to attend in the Eucharistic celebration.
Most Rev. Angel Lagdameo, Archbishop of Jaro officiated yesterday's anticipated fiesta mass. Also yesterday, theology seminarians in the Visayas along with 25 priests held a mass in St. Anne's Parish.
There will be seven masses today in honor of Saint Anne. The masses will be at 5:00 am, 7:30 am, 9:00 am, 10:30 am, 3:00 pm, 5:00 pm and 6:30 in the evening. After the 5 am mass, there will be a procession.
The district of Molo is not only known for its Gothic style church with 16 female saints but also for the famous pancit molo which is a signature dish of the place.
The themes during the nine-day novena masses were Kabataan nga May Ginikanan sa Luwas sang Pungsod; Kabataan nga Napwersa sa Pagpangita sang Palangabuhian; Kabataan nga Biktima sang Aborsyon; Kabataan nga Naga-antus sang Kapintas sang Ginikanan; Kabataan nga Naga-antus sang Makamamatay nga Balatian Kaangay sang Kanser; Kabataan nga Nangin Biktima sang Ginadilian nga Droga; Kabataan nga Ilo kag wala sang Puloy-an; Kabataan nga Biktima sang Nagkalain-lain nga Pang-abuso and Kabataan nga may Diperensiya sa Lawas kag Panghuna-huna.
The novena masses were sponsored by the different individuals who are devotees of St. Anne, the 18 barangays of Molo, schools and universities, commercial establishments and different organizations.
Other than the Eucharistic celebration, members of the Molo Police Station will also be deployed to maintain traffic and peace and order during the celebration. Uniform and non-uniformed police personnel will be posted specifically in the church and in the plaza.