2T devotees witness fluvial parade for Birhen sa Regla

CEBU, Philippines — Around 2,000 devotees joined yesterday the fluvial procession of the image of Our Lady of the Rule (Virgin of the Rule), Lapu-Lapu City’s patron.

Senior Superintendent Limuel Obon, chief of Lapu-Lapu City Police Office, said the fluvial procession ended orderly and no untoward incidents were recorded.

"It was generally peaceful," he said.

He said the fluvial procession was a success, adding that the participating vessels and the devotees cooperated for the smooth flow of the procession.

The fluvial procession is part of Lapu-Lapu's celebration of the feast of its patron saint, which will be on November 21.

Uniformed personnel including force multipliers were deployed to assure the safety and security of the devotees during the fluvial procession.

The holy image, which boarded on a galleon, left at the Pacific Cebu Resort in Barangay Subabasbas at around 7 a.m. and ferried off Mactan Channel.

The galleon arrived at Muella Osmeña, signaling the end of the procession.

Devotees and students from various schools danced on the street to welcome the image.

Mayor Paz Radaza and other city officials carried on their shoulders the image to the Virgen Dela Regla church in a foot procession.

In a strong display of faith, Radaza said, thousands of devotees took part in the procession and Mass as a show of devotion to the lady patron.

“Nindot kaayo sa feeling,” she said.

Following the transfer of the holy image, the Holy Mass started past 9 a.m.

The housing of the holy icon in the church marks the start of the nine-day novena, which will end on November 20.

The old icon of the Mahal nga Birhen sa Regla has been looked up to by devotees as miraculous. (FREEMAN)