Diocese of Cubao Bishop Honesto F. Ongtioco has declared every second Sunday of October as the Solemnity of Our Lady of the Holy Rosary of La Naval.
CBCP said the mandate was issued in a Declaration dated Sept. 8, 2023 by Bishop Ongtioco but was only made public on Monday, Sept. 25.
“The solemnity must be observed in all parishes and chapels beginning this year in accord with the declaration of Pope Paul VI and with the liturgical norms of the Church, the declaration read.
Bishop Ongtioco said that communities must observe all norms and guidelines in the exercise of the celebration as he encouraged the promotion of devotion to the Blessed Mother.
“All are likewise encouraged to promote the devotion and put into practice the virtues of the Blessed Virgin Mary that lead us closer to her Son, Jesus our Lord,” the Church leader said in his declaration.
The Declaration was made in time for the upcoming feast of Our Lady of the Holy Rosary of La Naval on Oct . 8, Sunday, at the National Shrine of Our Lady of the Most Holy Rosary (Sto. Domingo Church) in Quezon City.
Since 1646, the second Sunday of October each year has been celebrated in honor of Our Lady of La Naval. Thousands of devotees from around the country traditionally attend the holy masses and the much anticipated procession.
With the theme, “Mahal na Birhen ng La Naval: Pintakasi ng Sambayanang Kristiyano,” the festivities will start on Sept. 28 with the traditional enthronement of the canonically crowned Marian image.
Novena masses will be held at the Sto..Domingo Church from Sept. 29 to Oct. 7 at 6 a.m., 7:30 a.m., 9 a.m., 10:30 a.m., 12 noon, and 6 p.m.
Holy Masses will also be held at 4 p.m. and 7:15 p.m. on Oct. 1.
On Oct. 8, fiesta masses will be celebrated at 6 a.m., 7:30 a.m., 9 a.m., 10:30 a.m., 12 noon, 2:30 p.m., 5:30 p.m., and 7 p.m
The much awaited grand procession of the image of La Naval will be held at 4 p.m.
This year also marks the 50th year since La Naval de Manila became the patroness of the city.