Diocese of Antipolo Bishop Ruperto Santos will consecrate Laguna de Bay, the largest inland body of water in the country, on Aug. 5, to pray for protection and safety from tragedies brought about by inclement weather.
“As we consecrate the Laguna de bay, offering our prayers to God for safety as we enter the habagat season and La Niña, and also to commemorate the first anniversary of the Talim tragedy (July 27, 2023). This consecration is a moment of reflection, prayer, and unity for our community, seeking divine protection and blessings,” said Bishop Santos in a statement Wednesday, July 31.
A Holy Mass will be celebrated at 8 a.m. at the Diocesan Shrine and Parish of the Most Holy Rosary in Cardona, Rizal. Parishioners, students from the San Francisco Parish School and priests from the Vicariate of Sta. Ursula and St. Jerome are expected to attend the Eucharistic celebration.
It will be followed by a procession at 9 a.m. from the church going to Pritil in Cardona where a para-liturgy will be held. A fluvial procession carrying the image of the Our Lady of the Holy Rosary follows.
The procession is expected to reach the shores near the Our Lady of Lourdes in Talim Island at 10 a.m. Prayers for the eternal repose of the souls of those who perished in the Talim Island tragedy last year will be offered at around 10:30 a.m. To recall, around 27 people perished when MB Aya Express capsized on its way to Talim Island last year.
At 11 a.m., a procession led by parishioners from the Sta. Ursula Parish and students from the Binangonan Catholic College will head to Binangonan, Rizal for the Rite of Consecration of the Laguna de Bay.
“We invite all parishes and towns along Laguna de Bay to conduct a mini procession headed by their respective parish priests with your patron saint, going to the shore of the lake at 11:30 a.m. so that we will all together pray the Prayer of Consecration,” said Bishop Santos over Radio Veritas.