CAPITOL HILL, Tarlac—Marian devotees once again can catch a glimpse of the different images of the Blessed Virgin Mary as the Provincial Government of Tarlac and the Diocese of Tarlac formally opened the 7th Marian Exhibit at the Museo de Tarlac, September 1.
The month-long annual exhibit will run for the month of September themed, “Vivire Christus est [My Life is Christ]”
On display are the 91 images and 24 framed images of Virgin Mary that came from the Dioceses of Tarlac and Pampanga.
Rev. Fr. Elmer Gonzales, Spiritual Director of the Marian Exhibit, thanked the late congressman Jose “Aping” Yap and narrated how the Marian Exhibit started in the province.
“Thank you to Tatang Aping, for making the Marian Exhibit possible in the province, It was Tatang Aping who suggested that we should have also the exhibit in Tarlac,” Fr. Gonzales said.
Last year the exhibit recorded more than 30,000 visitors.
Most Rev. Enrique Macaraeg, Bishop of Tarlac said in his speech that this Marian Exhibit is a good reminder on the role of Mother Mary in our lives.
“The exhibit is a very good reminder for all of us the role of Mary our Mother in our lives, keep the devotions to Mother Mary because Mary is very close to Jesus.” The Bishop explained.
Tarlac City Mayor Maria Cristina Angeles in her message thanked the organizer for making the exhibit possible and said that it is a rallying call to venerate Blessed Mother as the path towards salvation and peace.
“Thank you Fr. Elmer and Gov. Susan Yap for making this experience truly worthwhile and possible,” Angeles said adding that “Today is a proof of the enduring devotion of Tarlaqueños to the Blessed Virgin Mary.”
This year’s Hermano Mayor, Felipe Corpuz thanked all those involved in the preparation of the exhibit and said that there are unrecorded sacrifices that were done because of the love for Virgin Mary.
“Thank you Fr. Elmer and the people of the Museo for all your sacrifices in making this exhibit possible, this only proves your love to Mama Mary.” Corpuz said.
In a statement, Yap lauded the efforts of Fr. Elmer and Bishop Macaraeg and the Diocese for this year’s exhibit and she made an assurance that she will support what her late Father Tatang Aping have started.
Culmination rites will be at the Bulwagan ng mga Gobernador on September 30.
Mayor Concepcion Zarate of Pura, Capitol’s Arsenio Lugay II, Dr. Estrelita Cunanan of DepEd, Thelma Corpuz and other Marian Devotees graced the opening./ABL-PIO