Menu

“PRIMERA SALIDA”: BUENA HORA JOINS SOLEDAD NG MAYNILA GRAND MARIAN PROCESSION 2026

Jul. 15, 2026 11:10 AM

Under one sky and one faith, Manila bore witness on July 12, 2026, to the Soledad ng Maynila Grand Marian Procession — a historic moment of devotion, unity, and love for the Blessed Mother, held at Kartilya ng Katipunan.

This annual celebration was led by the Manila Department of Tourism, Culture and the Arts (DTCAM) in partnership with the Cofradia de Nuestra Señora de la Soledad de Manila. It once again brought together devotees of the Blessed Virgin Mary from all over the Philippines.

A magnificent sight greeted those who attended as 80 images of the Blessed Virgin Mary took part in the procession. They came from various shrines, parishes, chapels, religious organizations, and private devotees. Each image reflects the rich heritage of Marian devotion in the country and stands as proof of the Filipino people’s enduring love and veneration for the Mother of God.

One of the featured participants this year was Nuestra Señora de la Buena Hora from the Minor Basilica and National Shrine of Jesus Nazareno (Quiapo Church). Her participation held special significance because this was her first time to join the Soledad ng Maynila Grand Marian Procession, her Primera Salida. Because of this, Quiapo Church prepared meticulously and proudly carried out the historic participation of one of the shrine’s oldest Marian devotions.

The devotion to Nuestra Señora de la Buena Hora is considered one of the oldest Marian devotions in Quiapo. Although its exact origin is not fully known, the devotion was revived and formally presented to the public on August 15, 2017, as a return to an important part of the shrine’s spiritual history.

Known as the “Virgin of the Good Hour,” this devotion reminds us that the Blessed Virgin Mary always accompanies her children at every stage of their lives — in times of hope, trials, prayer, and even in times of need — continually leading them to her Son, Jesus Christ. This honor is also connected to the tradition of Virgen de las Flores, which is celebrated every month of May.

The celebration began with a Holy Mass at around 4:00 PM, presided over by Rev. Fr. Daniel Voltaire “Danichi” Hui, Parish Priest, together with Rev. Fr. Douglas D. Badong (both former Parochial Vicars of Quiapo Church) and other priests as concelebrants. In his homily, Fr. Danichi encouraged the faithful to imitate the Blessed Virgin Mary’s unwavering faith, humility, and complete trust in God’s will. He emphasized that Mary remains the model of faithful service, compassion, and true discipleship of Christ.

After the Mass, the grand procession began, led by the image of San Nicolas de Tolentino, the second patron of the Parish of Nuestra Señora de la Soledad de Manila. As the devotees slowly made their way through the streets of Manila, each image made a colorful journey accompanied by heartfelt prayers, songs,bands,  Karakol dancers and sincere devotion.

In the middle of the procession, heavy rain suddenly poured down. However, this did not stop the journey of faith. Instead, many Camareros and devotees considered it a blessing and a sign of overflowing love and grace from heaven. Despite the rain, every participant remained steadfast. Joy, faith, and determination to fulfill their vow as an offering of love to the Blessed Virgin Mary could be seen on their faces.

The highlight of the procession was the grand appearance of Nuestra Señora de la Soledad de Manila, the patroness of the celebration. Her arrival was met with cheering from parshioner’s and devotees, recognizing her unique role as the Mother of the Church and a model of suffering, hope, and complete trust in God.

 

More than just a cultural and historical celebration, the Soledad ng Maynila Grand Marian Procession 2026 became a powerful expression of the living Marian devotion of the Filipino people. It showed the unity of the Church, the continuation of the rich tradition of honoring the Blessed Virgin Mary, and the strong faith that continues to be passed down from one generation to the next.

Amid the challenges of modern times, devotion to Mary remains alive in the hearts of every believer. Under her various glorious titles, she continues to lead her children toward a deeper relationship with Jesus Christ and inspires them to remain steadfast in faith, hope, and love.

May the intercession of the Blessed Virgin Mary continue to serve as a light to the path of Christians, and may the Soledad ng Maynila Grand Marian Procession remain a living witness to the faith of the Filipino people for generations to come.

-Marion Allen B. Albaladejo ‎HDN Central Worship Chair