The actual celebration of the feast of the Holy Rosary depends on knowing the real reason behind it, according to the Parish Priest of the Santísimo Rosario on Sunday, Oct. 1.

Rev. Fr. Paul Reagan Talavera, O.P. said during his homily for the Misa Mayor in celebration of the Parish Fiesta that the lavish programs of the barangays as part of the feast would be a waste if the Patroness Lady of the Rosary is not acknowledged as the very reason for the celebration.

Talavera questions if conducting different programs, such as building up a stage, having zumba sessions, singing contests, and beauty pageants in the areas that he visited to hold masses are enough to celebrate the feast.

“[We have to] remind them how we are celebrating the Feast of the Rosary of the UST,” he said.

Talavera hoped that students and teachers, along with other religious sisters, benefactors, parish servants, and community sectors, would gather to pray the rosary, especially during the procession following the mass.

He emphasized the importance of coming together during the feast, encouraging people to share their stories about the rosary.

“It is a challenge to unite the Parish and University community; we have a lot of entities, but we can [unite] because we belong to the Parish of our Lady of Rosary,” he said.

Despite the different walks of life and backgrounds, the devotion to Our Lady of the Rosary brings these people together, according to the Talavera.

Talavera expressed that his motivation for strengthening the devotion to the rosary is that there are still many people, even graduates of the University, who still need to learn about the existence of the Image of the Rosary despite existing even from the Intramuros campus.

Talavera ended the homily by hoping that people would remember their own stories of the rosary for their continuous devotion.

After the Misa Mayor, the devotees walked in procession carrying the image of the Our Lady of the Most Holy Rosary from the Parish, going through the different streets around the University: P. Noval, I. delos Reyes, P. Paredes, Lerma, Alfonso Mendoza, Laon Laan, R. Cristobal, Dapitan, Algeciras, P. Florentino, Dos Castillas, Espana Blvd, Earnshaw, and S.H. Loyola Street.

The closing rites after the procession marked the end of the 81st celebration of the Fiesta del Santisimo Rosario with its motto, “Birhen ng Santisimo Rosario: Talang Gabay ng Pamilyang Pilipino.”