Feast of Our Lady of Loreto

Manila Archdiocese Archbishop Jose Cardinal Advincula will preside over a concelebrated high mass at 6 p.m. Friday, Dec. 10, at the Archdiocesan Shrine of Our Lady of Loreto in Sampaloc, Manila, in solemn commemoration of the 408th fiesta of Our Mother of Loreto (Our Lady of Loreto).

Our Lady of Loreto is a Marian title that refers to the Holy House of Loreto (Santa Casa di Loreto) in Loreto, Italy, where the Blessed Virgin Mary was born and where the Annunciation was believed to have taken place.

The title also refers to an ancient statue of Our Lady that was found inside the house.

The Eucharistic celebration will be preceded by enthronement rites. A solemn procession follows the mass. In the morning shrine rector and parish priest Monsignor Emmanuel V. Sunga will celebrate a holy mass at 7 a.m. Novena masses were held from Dec. 1 to 9.

In Sampaloc, Manila, Our Lady of Loreto is venerated as the patron saint and protector against fires and the guardian of households.

The Holy House of Loreto is considered as the first shrine dedicated to the Blessed Mother. It has been visited by Marian devotees, pilgrims, and tourists for centuries. The house is under the direct authority and protection of the Holy Father. Saint John Paul II had always carried with him a signage of Our Lady of Loreto for protection against air disasters whenever he traveled during his pontificate.