(Baclaran, Philippines) Last June 23, 2022, during the 6th day of Novena-Mass in preparation for the Feast of Our Mother of Perpetual Help, a year-long celebration of the 75 years of Perpetual Help Novena in Baclaran Church was launched. The theme of the celebration is “Amen: 75 Taon ng Pagpapala at Pasasalamat Debo(Mi)syon 1948-2023” (Amen: 75 Years of Blessings and Thanksgiving Debo[Mi]syon 1948-2023). Most Rev. Antonio R. Tobias, D.D., Bishop-Emeritus of the Diocese of Novaliches, presided over the Eucharist, which was concelebrated by some Redemptorist priests of the Vice-Province of Manila.
Bishop Tobias reminded the devotees of our identity as “pueblo amante de Maria”, a people devoted to Mary. The Philippines is a nation known for its love for Mary. We see in Mary a mother who is always ready to help her children in need. Thus, we have established a strong relationship with the Blessed Mother. After 75 years, Filipinos continue praying for their special intentions to Our Mother of Perpetual Help. The bishop also challenged the devotees by encouraging them to live out the “debo(mi)syon” spirituality, most especially at this present time. He urged everyone present at the celebration to be missionaries by doing good works for their fellow Filipinos.
Jasmin Jardeleza
Photos: Baclaran Church Multimedia
