Archbishop Leonardo Z. Legaspi, O.P. of Caceres is leading penitential processions and the celebration of masses against the spread of the A (H1N1) virus and other diseases.
The practice of holding PERDON Processions during threatening instances of epidemics is not new. In 1882, Manila was stricken with cholera epidemic and was threatening the Ciudad de Nueva Caceres as there were already cases registered. The Vicar General, Fr. Pedro de la Torre, remembered that in his native town in Spain, Osa de la Vega, the people were spared from the epidemic in the years 1834, 1854 and 1855 when they made homage to the Divino Rostro (Holy Face).
Fr. De la Torre is said to have suggested to Bishop Casimiro Herrero, O.S.A. to enshrine the image of the Divino Rostro for veneration. The Bishop further ordered that the intercession of Our Lady of Peñafrancia be prayed for. Prayers were continuously held by the clergy and lay faithful. When the threat of the disease was dispelled, both images were carried for the first time together in September. After this, the clergy made a solemn vow that during solemn processions, they would carry the image of the "Divino Rostro with the image of Our Lady of Peñafrancia. Thus, began the devotion to the "Divino Rostro.
This year's processions and masses are held to ask for God's mercy and that the community be spared from the influenza pandemic and other illnesses, says the Archbishop.
He also enjoins all the clergy, religious and lay faithful of Caceres to beseech the divine assistance and mercy through the devotion to the Image of the Divino Rostro.
The three day PERDON Procession and celebration of Holy Masses in honor of the Divino Rostro are scheduled on June 16, 17, and 18.
June 16, 2009
7:00 p.m.: Paraliturgy at the Basilica
8:00 p.m.: Procession from the Basilica to the Cathedral
9:30 p.m.: Mass at the Quadricentennial Arch
June 17, 2009
7:00 p.m.: Mass at the Cathedral
8:00 p.m.: Procession
June 18, 2009
7:00 p.m.: Mass at the Cathedral
8:00 p.m.: Procession - Southbound