Roman Catholics observe Thursday, May 12, the feast day of the miraculous Our Lady of the Abandoned (Nuestra Señora de los Desamparados) and that of another well-loved saint, Saint Pancratius.
Commemorative masses will be celebrated at the Diocesan Shrine and Parish of Our Lady of the Abandoned (Ina ng mga Walang Mag-ampon) in Marikina City to coincide with the celebration of the 332nd parish fiesta. A canonically crowned image of the Virgin Mary under the title Our Lady of the Abandoned is enshrined at the Diocesan Shrine of the Our Lady of the Abandoned in Marikina City.
At the Our Lady of the Abandoned Parish in Poblacion, Muntinlupa City, Bishop Jesse Mercado will celebrate the fiesta mass at 6:15 p.m. to coincide with the 159th parish fiesta. A holy mass will also be offered at 6 a.m.
Saint Pancratius or Saint Pancras is popularly venerated in many parts of the world as the patron saint of children.
Saint Pancras was a Roman citizen who converted to Christianity during the third century at a time of intense Christian persecution. He was martyred at the young age of 14 around the year 304 for refusing to renounce his faith.
Over the years, devotion to the young saint grew in popularity in many countries including the Philippines. The St. Pancratius Chapel in Paco, Manila is often visited by devotees.
In Rome, Italy, his major shrine is visited by hundreds of pilgrims and tourists every year.