By Julie Ann Loong
On the first Saturday of December this year, Nuestra Senora Bithen de los Remedios Parish became the most recent of the four parishes in our diocese to practice the Dawn Rosary.
With the sun still hiding below the eastern horizon, four women carried the andas of Our Lady of Mt Carmel on their shoulders as the assembly walked through the quiet streets of Tanapag in the early morning. The Glorious Mysteries were announced as the people made their way between the neighborhood houses and a few barking dogs. The duration of the route was perfect with the length of the rosary, and closing prayers were being said as the statue was carried back into the church. What followed was the celebration of Holy Mass presided by Rev Father Jayferson. As the mass ended, the orange sunrise was visible from the parish’s open windows and doors that also welcomed the soft, cool breeze of daybreak in December.
The parish of Nuestra Senora Bithen de los Remedios would like to give great thanks to God, Mother Mary, and all the parishioners who were able to attend. They also want to thank the family of the late Martina Kogure Benavente, who entrusted to them the statue of Our Lady of Mt. Carmel. May you be blessed by God for your generosity.
This is a beautiful experience in a devotion to the Blessed Mother that will continue to be celebrated every first Saturday of the month, meaning that the next one will be held on January 4, 2020. The rosary-procession begins at 5AM, and the route is the same one used during the parish fiesta. All are invited to set their alarms and attend the Dawn Rosary. Bring rosary beads, candles, and a heart prepared to begin your day with the Lord.
