‘Assumption’ feast draws 10,000; Bishop hits ‘drug war against poor’

By Freddie G. Lazaro,

STA. MARIA, Ilocos Sur — Over 10,000 Catholic devotees and tourists trooped to the historic UNESCO heritage church in this town to hear the mass for the celebration of the feast of “Our Lady of the Assumption” Monday.

Reverend Father Jerry Avisa said heavy rains spawned by the “habagat” or southwest monsoon did not hinder catholic devotees from attending mass celebrated by Achbishop Marlo Peralta of Archdiocese of the Nueva Segovia.

In his homily, Bishop Peralta cited the significance of respect for the life of every person.

“We need to respect life. No person has the authority to take the life of anyone. How a person could be reformed if his/her life has been taken by any person?” Peralta said.

The bishop said the ongoing war on drugs waged by the national government is a war against the poor, because most of those being killed belong to poor families

The Santa Maria Church, built in 1765, is an attraction to both tourists and Catholics in Ilocos Sur. It is not only a reminiscent of the four centuries of Spanish domination of that area but also a unique structure with a diversified architectural design of bricks and mortar.

Avisa said that the feast of Our Lady of Assumption (NuestraSeñora de la Asuncion) is regularly set on the 15th day of August annually.