Feature:

Celebrating Leganes’ Legacy of Faith

By Pepin

The town fiesta of Leganes, Iloilo last April 3-5, 2011 did not only gather people to witness the colorful and energetic performances of various competing tribes in the Saad Festival, but also to honor St. Vicent Ferrer, the patron saint of the town.

Thousands of religious devotees from all parts of Western Visayas flocked at the shrine, which was built way back in 1858, to hear mass and to light vigil candles to the saint, whom they called as the “Wonder Worker” and the “Angel of Judgment.” The religious tradition also included the “Palapak” or the threading of the image of the miraculous saint to the body of the devotees.

A lot of people suffering from various sickness and disabilities were spotted in the faithful crowd. They were all hoping for a miracle to happen through the intercession of St. Vincent Ferrer. Other devotees wiped the medium-sized image, standing at the left side of the church, with their handkerchiefs as they asked for healing, while little children gave the saint their sweetest kiss and greetings. 

After the concelebrated mass, people bought candles, rosaries, scapulars, and prayer booklets at small business stalls located outside the church, while others continued to pray their novenas. 

The theme for this year’s religious celebration, “The Parish and the Municipality united in a journey towards a progressive community,” denoted unity among the different sectors of the town. According to Rev. Fr. Gerardo P. Arroyo, the Parochial Vicar of Leganes, the town should work altogether to achieve progress both in the level of the material and of the spiritual. He also sets the patron saint as an inspiration in working for further developments. 

Lighting a candle of hope.

 Calling upon the Wonder Worker

The "Palapak" tradition.

Pray for us.

Rosaries, Prayer Booklets, and more.