The Novenary for the 289th feast in honor of Nuestra Señora Virgen de Regla (Our Lady of Rule), patron of Lapu-Lapu City, starts on Tuesday, November 12, 2024 with a fluvial procession.

The image of the patron was taken on board the “galleon” for the annual fluvial procession morning on Tuesday, November 12, 2024.

The procession took off from Cordova Roro Port, and sailed at Mactan Channel to the Muelle Osmeña (wharf) in Barangay Poblacion in Lapu-Lapu City. Approximately a hundred sea vessels participated in the procession such as pump boats, speedboats, and jet skis.

The annual fluvial procession was swarmed by both participants and spectators.

A throng of devotees gathered in the vicinity of Muelle Osmeña.

Mayor Junard Chan and Lapu-Lapu City Lone District Representative Cindi King-Chan led officials in the solemn foot procession from the wharf to the Nuestra Señora Virgen de Regla National Shrine Parish.

The Welcome Mass at 10 a.m. was officiated by Cebu Archbishop Jose Palma who called on churchgoers to strengthen devotion to the Blessed Virgin Mary, and deepen faith in God through the Blessed Mother.

Palma encouraged devotees to always hold on to hope.

The Lapu-Lapu City Police described the fluvial procession and the opening salvo of the novenary to be orderly despite the large crowd of about 3,000 individuals.

Deployment of security personnel continues, as of posting time, for the daily activities leading to the feast day on November 21, 2024.