MANILA, August 7, 2013— The Archdiocese of Lipa is gearing up for the second Marian regatta around Taal Lake in Batangas to pay tribute to Blessed Virgin Mary on her birthday.
The fluvial procession will feature several boats bearing images of the Virgin Mary on September 8.
The activities, however, will start as early as Sept. 7 at the San Nicolas town, including the launching of the photo contest, food and trade fair and cultural shows.
The following day, the procession will start at 4:00am, in the different designated points in the nine towns surrounding the lake.
Fr. Nonie Dolor, director of the Archdiocesan Commission on Social Communications and Mass Media, said that this year, the participants will be limited to those aged 14 to 60.
He also said that, with the advice of the authorities, people with disabilities are discouraged to join the fluvial procession.
By 6:00am, after the blessing of the boats, the boats will set to the middle of the lake and at a given signal will move clockwise around the volcano, setting off to San Nicolas as the final port destination.
After the procession, a Mass will follow at the San Nicolas’ covered court.
Aside from celebrating the Blessed Mother’s birth, the regatta is also aimed to remind people of their duty to protect the lake.
Last year, fish kill incidents hit several towns around the lake that led to a loss of 2,105 metric tons of fish with estimated value of P148.7 million.
This year’s theme is “Through Mother Mary of Lake Taal, Faith and Total Progress for Stewards of God’s Creation”.
Dolor said one of the highlights in this year’s celebration is the signing of Covenant for Environmental Protection and Preservation, especially the Taal Lake and Pansipit River by mayors of the towns surrounding the lake, Church authorities and concerned government and non-government agencies. (CBCPNews)
