On Friday, the statue was brought to Santa Remedios Parish in Tanapag, attracting more than 500 devotees.
Tanapag held a procession from the village entrance to the parish church in honor of the world-famous image that was sculpted in 1947 based on the description of Sr. Lucia, one of the three young seers who saw the Virgin Mary from May to Oct. 1917 in Fatima, Portugal.
Terry Pua, a long-time resident in Tanapag but currently staying in Kagman, joined residents in welcoming the statue.
“I am specially praying for the healing of my Dad who is undergoing dialysis,” she said.
Christiana Michael along with the other members of the Ave Maria choir, a Palauan group that regularly sings at the Santa Remedios Parish, said she came from San Vicente to show her appreciation for the Holy Mother.
Carmen Selepeo said she and 24 other choir members joined the procession.
“We are very blessed and it helps strengthen our faith, and establish peace and unity in the village,” said Robert Magofna, a member of the Santa Remegios Pastoral Parish Council, referring to the statue’s visit.
Kiki Igitol and Ben Camacho, also members of the parish council, expressed joy at seeing the image of the Virgin Mary that has traveled the world many times, visiting more than 100 countries.
The procession was led by Fr. Art Aurelio, Santa Remedios Parish priest.
John Palacios, a parishioner, said the visit of the statue was very significant and “I am hoping this will bring more blessings and peace not only in Tanapag but throughout the CNMI.”
The statue, escorted by its custodians Carl Malburg and Patrick Sabat, arrived in Tanapag at 5:30 p.m.
Jeff Camacho, who has been facilitating the mobilization and safety of the statue since it arrived on Jan. 31, also joined the group.
As in other parishes, during the statue’s visit in Tanapag, parishioners held an overnight vigil at the church in which different groups presented spiritual programs.
