ILIGAN CITY – Thousands of devotees of Saint Michael the Archangel flocked to this city for the “Rito sa Pagpakanaug” (rite of descending) of the patron saint’s image that signaled the start of the nine-day novena on Friday, September 20, a week before his feast day on September 29.
DEVOTEES of Saint Michael the Archangel attend the patron saint's rite of descending in Iligan City on Friday, September 20.
Devotees chanted “Viva Senor San Miguel!” as his image was lowered from the altar of Saint Michael the Archangel Cathedral.
A Mass at 6 a.m. was held following a procession where devotees danced and chanted praise and thanksgiving for all the blessings, healing, and protection they received from Saint Michael.
A devotee, Florentino Empoc, 74, of Barangay Ubaldo Laya here, was seriously ill during his childhood.
Empoc’s doctor gave up on him and told his parents to pray before Saint Michael.
They prayed and saw him stand and Empoc became a devotee since then.
Reynaldo dela Cruz, 72, and Cris Bagamaspad, 29, said they inherited their devotion to Saint Michael from parents and ancestors.
"Ako ang sumunod sa panata ng aking ama kada piyesta," Cris said. (I followed my father’s vow every fiesta)
Police have implemented measures to secure the event graced by Mayor Frederick W. Siao, among other prominent personalities.
The religious activity was one of the highlights of the month-long Diyandi Festival here.