The replica in the Philippines of the “Voto de Covadonga” was celebrated this year for 3 days from September 22 to 24. Members and friends from Luzon, Visayas and Mindanao participated virtually. The highlight of the activity was held on the 24th with a mass followed by a short program.
On September 22 which was the first day of the celebration, each group from Luzon, Visayas and Mindanao was asked to send in their prayers and petitions with a photo of Our Lady using an interactive app.
Some ACIT members sent photos with their families and a prayer accompanying it. Some creatively expressed it through a poem while others offered a prayer of thanksgiving and petitions. You can see the result by clicking here.
Songs
On the second day of the celebration, each grouping was encouraged to sing a song to Our Lady Some more creative groups composed a song which turned out to be a competition. A video of each group singing a song to Our Lady was sent to the organizers. To the pleasure and enjoyment of everybody, several original compositions were made. Iloilo group composed and sang Our Lady, Queen and Mother while Health and Wellness Home in Quezon City sang a Marian song to the tune of Paru-parong Bukid with its original lyrics. Some sent their original composition individually and other groups sang beautiful songs to Mary.
The highlight of the celebration was a mass held at the Jesuit Retreat House in Malaybalay, Bukidnon where 2 members, Elna Lauresta and Evangeline Digamon were physically present. After the virtual mass, a program followed. This was also one of the most awaited parts of the celebration, it was a chance to see the members all over the country virtually. The collated videos of each group were shown which brought each one to be in reflective mode while watching the presentation.
Donation
As part of this yearly activity during the Voto de Covadonga a particular group or parish of choice is given an aid. This year, the organizers chose to give donations to the seminary of San Carlos, Negros Oriental and the sponsorship to the scholarship grants offered by the Cebu Group both ACIT and PA in their celebration of the 50th years of presence of the Teresian Association in that city.
The days of celebration concluded with gratitude in the hearts of everyone whereby physical presence and distance were not hindrances to carry out the activity in a very meaningful and solemn way.
Jane Villanueva.
