Intramuros celebrates first-ever fiesta in honor of Our Lady of La Consolacion Y Correa

The Walled City of Intramuros, Manila has celebrated its first-ever fiesta, which coincided with the Feast of the Blessed Virgin Mary on September 8.

According to Dano Tingcungco's report on "24 Oras Weekend," Sunday, the celebration is called Fiesta de Intramuros and honors the feast day of Nuestra Señora de la Consolación y Correa.

The Manila City Council, through its Resolution No. 496, series of 2024, has declared her as the official patroness of Intramuros and bestowed her the title Queen and Protectress of the Distinguished and Ever Loyal City.

"The feast day celebrations of Our Lady of La Consolacion Y Correa shall be celebrated every year on the second Sunday of September at the Archdiocesan Shrine of Our Lady of La Consolacion y Correa San Agustin Church, Intramuros, Manila," Father Dante Morabe Bendoy, OSA said during the mass.

The fiesta features a week-long gathering called Dulce Septiembre or Sweet September where a series of masses, processions and salu-salo feast will commence.

Manila City Mayor Honey Lacuna said the Fiesta de Intramuros is a significant event not just for Intramuros but for the whole city as well.

"Ang San Agustin kasama lagi sa tourist destination. Magiging malaking bahagi ang pistang ito," she said.

The fiesta hopes to further boost the tourism industry in Intramuros and the devotion of the Catholic faithful to the Virgin Mary, which declined after World War II.

"During World War II all churches and residences are bombed except for San Agustin. Kasi nagtatago dito mga Amerikano," Clifford Chua, President Emeritus of San Agustin Parish Pastoral Council said.

"Pre-war malakas ang devotion. After the war, nasira lahat ng simbahan. Nawala ang mga devotee dito, nawala ang devotion."

—Jade Veronique Yap/MGP, GMA Integrated News