the celebration of the feast of christ the king and nuestra señora de los remedios 

Viva Cristo Rey! and Viva la Virgen! (Long Live Christ the King!) and (Long Live the Virgin!) 

Written by: Aila Dejaros 

Layout by: Aurora Isabel Madali

November 21, 2022 | 4:10 P.M.

The 20th of November 2022,  marked as the feast of Jesus Christ the King and Nuestra Señora de Los Remedios, was greeted by cloudy skies and occasional rains; however, organized events still continued. A fiesta high mass for the feasts held at 9:00 a.m. at Malate Catholic Church was presided over by His Eminence Jose F. Cardinal Advincula, and concelebrated by Parish Priest, Rev. Fr. Leo Distor, MSSC (Missionary Society of St. Columban), other Columban Fathers assigned in Malate Catholic Church and guest priests from the Archdiocese of Manila and other Religious Congregations.

The reflection given by Cardinal Advincula in his homily related solidarity, the act of life-giving, and mercy to Christ as king and to his mother Mary. 

It has been implied that solidarity serves as a symbol of Jesus’ kingship, a king who is among His people and cares for them. A real king should not be defined as someone privileged and out of the commoners’ league. People are encouraged to know and make others feel that they are not alone, defined otherwise as the communion of faith in God and all. Moreover, Jesus and Mary, as life-givers, encourage people to be life-givers as well—to help, hope, and love one another, especially those who are forlorn and greatly discouraged. The cardinal concluded his reflection by reminding people to be merciful, compassionate, charitable, and loving, like Jesus and Mary, as well as to be agents of solidarity, bearers of life, and missionaries of faith, mercy, and compassion. The mass ended with a performance from Rev. Fr. Leo Distor and the church choir.

After the mass, several Malatean students had the honor to meet and be introduced to Cardinal Advincula by Mr. Philip Bongcahig. Following the conclusion of the Eucharistic Celebration, the local band "Tribu Malate'' performed at the parish parking lot before being invited to perform on the school grounds of Malate Catholic School. After the mass and brief performance, a rosary praying session inside the Malate Catholic Church was held at 2:00 P.M.

This was then followed by the Lakbay ni Maria procession led by the church at 4:00 P.M., which started from the Malate church grounds and roughly went around the vicinity of Ma. Orosa, San Andres, Quirino Avenue, and Mabini. The faithfuls were seen equipped with candles, prayer pamphlets, and umbrellas alongside the various bands that came to perform for the occasion. 

The procession lasted for about an hour and thirty minutes, and was immediately followed by the Enthronement of Nuestra Señora de los Remedios led by Fr. Andrei Paz, MSSC. This image of Mary was welcomed with a shower of flowers and praise from the attendees.

The enthronement was followed by a prayer for the dear Virgin of Remedies and concluded with acknowledgments and gratitude to everyone who helped and participated. The final utterance of thanks signifies the success of the live celebration of the feast of Jesus Christ the King and Nuestra Señora de Los Remedios after two years of being impeded by the Covid-19 pandemic.