Hundreds of devotees filled the streets of downtown Cebu today for the 348th Fiesta de la Consolacion, marking nearly three and a half centuries of devotion to Our Lady of Consolation with the theme: “Mary as Our Mother of Hope”.

The celebration began with a 2:00 pm Mass at the Basilica Minore del Santo Niño, presided over by Rev. Fr. Cyril Jeth Tagalog, OSA. Rev. Fr. Alberto Benedict Soliman, OSA delivered the homily, joined by concelebrants Rev. Fr. John Jericho Mier, OSA, Rev. Fr. Jules Van Almerez, OSA, and Rev. Fr. James Alibong, OSA.

The devotion traces its roots to Saint Monica, mother of Saint Augustine, who according to tradition received a vision of Mary during her darkest hour. Grieving her husband’s death and her son’s wayward life, Monica was given a leather cincture—a belt—as a sign of divine consolation and protection. The cincture became a visible reminder of Mary’s presence, reminiscent of her enduring faith and the grace of her disposition even after seeing his own son crucified on the cross.

In Fr. Soliman’s homily, he recalled Fr. Manoling Francisco’s song:”Malilimutan ba ng ina/Ang anak na galing sa kanya?/Sanggol sa kanyang sinapupunan/Paano niya matatalikdan/Ngunit kahit na malimutan/Ng ina ang anak niyang tangan.” The message resonated with the congregation: while Mary offers consolation for life’s sorrows, the faithful are called to become “bearers of Mary’s consolation” to others.

Following the Mass, a solemn foot procession passed through the streets of downtown Cebu. The route began at Osmena Boulevard, moved through Colon Street, then along Mabini Street to P. Burgos Street, crossing between Patria de Cebu and the Cebu Metropolitan Cathedral before returning to the Basilica.

Members of the Cofradia de la Nuestra Señora de la Consolacion y Correa led the procession, joined by families and devotees drawn to the centuries-old tradition. Participants carried rosaries and images while prayers echoed through the downtown streets.

The devotion to Our Mother of Consolation has been central to the Augustinian Order since at least the 17th century. Also known as Our Lady of the Cincture, the devotion connects the experiences of Saints Monica and Augustine with Mary’s role as comforter and protector. This year’s theme, “Mary: Our Mother of Hope,” emphasized the relevance of the devotion in today’s time. /Kaiss and SMG