TARLAC CITY, Tarlac (Oct. 21, 2025) – The streets of Tarlac City were transformed into a vibrant river of light and prayer on the evening of October 18, 2025, as the Diocese of Tarlac celebrated its 4th Grand Marian Procession. Held annually on the third Saturday of October, the event coincided fittingly with the local feast of Our Lady of the Most Holy Rosary La Naval de Tarlac.
This year’s celebration, anchored on the theme “Maria, kekaming kayantabe king pamaglakbe kang Kristung Pag-asa mi”, underscored the community’s plea for the Blessed Mother’s guidance in their spiritual journey.
The grand event began with a Holy Mass presided over by the Bishop of the Diocese of Tarlac, Most Rev. Roberto Mallari, D.D., who was joined by numerous clergy. In his homily, Rev. Fr. Robert Cabrera, Senior Parochial Vicar of San Sebastian Cathedral Parish, illuminated the profound significance of praying the Rosary.
“The mysteries of the Holy Rosary are complete—luminous, joyful, glorious, at kasama lagi ang sorrowful,” Fr. Cabrera reflected. “Ibig sabihin po na kahit mahirap ang sitwasyon, sa tulong ng ating Inang Maria, tumitibay ang ating debosyon.” He further emphasized that “…kasama natin ang Panginoon ang puno’t dulo ng ating debosyon.”
The procession was the night’s centerpiece, featuring 27 meticulously adorned images of the Blessed Virgin from across the diocese. Each image was enthroned on a brilliantly illuminated carroza, creating a tableau of faith, artistry, and communal effort.
The air thrummed not only with prayer but with the rhythm of a cultural dance, performed by devotees who moved gracefully alongside the carrozas, their steps a centuries-old expression of devotion that animated the entire procession.
The procession was distinguished by the presence of two canonically crowned images: Bataan’s Our Lady of the Rosary of Orani and the Mater Dolorosa of Capas. Adding also to this assembly was the revered La Dormición de la Virgen Maria de Cabanatuan. However, the defining highlight was the historic first appearance of the original Immaculate Conception of Concepcion, Tarlac—a moment of deep significance for the community.
The procession’s growth is a direct reflection of the deep-seated love the Tarlakenyos have for the Blessed Virgin. According to Bro. Vince Basco, one of the event’s founders and its chairman since 2023, the increasing participation is a testament to this fervent devotion.
“Mas madami ngayon at mas masaya kesa last year; ang mga sumali last year ay 23 images,” Bro. Basco shared, highlighting the event’s vibrant expansion. He explained the core mission of the TGMP: “Para mapakita natin kung gaano kalalim ang pagdedebosyon nating mga taga-Tarlac, at makita ng ibang mananampalatayang Katoliko kung gaano at paano ang pagdedebosyon natin sa ating Mahal na Ina, si Maria.”
The procession is more than a spectacle; it is a testament to deep, personal faith. Jei Kei Emata, a dedicated Marian devotee and camarero from Concepcion, shared his inspiring journey. His devotion began years ago when he, alongside Dale and his uncle Paulo answered a call during a local procession. This spark of faith led them to commission a replica of their town’s patroness, the Immaculate Conception, ultimately allowing them to participate in the procession.
Describing the experience as “both fulfilling and blessed,” Jei Kei also highlighted the challenges. “Behind that grandeur is a challenging process—from the vestments, flowers, carroza, to the lights. It was a test of faith, especially for us beginners who lacked materials and had to borrow from friends. Yet, through the intercession of our Blessed Mother, God never abandoned us in our struggles.”
As a youth minister, he added a crucial perspective: “It is our responsibility to adapt the sacred traditions of our forebears and introduce them to the next generation.”
Echoing this sentiment, Jan Latrell David, a four-time participant and the acting youth coordinator of the Vicariate of Saint Michael the Archangel, shared his insight. “The TGMP is a good eye-opener on the various titles of the Blessed Mother. It also raises awareness of the presence of these titles across the whole Diocese of Tarlac to encourage a strong devotion to them and enable the people to piously pray the Holy Rosary and live holy lives.”
The Tarlac Grand Marian Procession has a rich, albeit recent, history. It began in 2022 as a plan for a Grand Marian Exhibit. However, due to an overwhelming number of interested participants, the Confradia delos Camareros de la Ciudad de Tarlac decided to transform it into a simple vehicular procession.
This initiative was launched with the blessing and encouragement of the late Bishop Enrique Macaraeg and Fr. Robert Cabrera, with the goal of deepening devotion to the Blessed Virgin within the diocese. The event has grown exponentially each year, becoming more formal in 2023 with the participation of two crowned images and further expanding in 2024.
Now firmly established as an annual tradition, the TGMP successfully gathered hundreds of youth, laity, church servants, devotees, parishes, and camareros from every corner of the diocese. In its fourth year, the procession once again magnificently fulfilled its mission: to honor the vital role of Mary in the journey of every Christian. Viva, La Virgen!
