NewsWhore
09-25-2009, 02:10 PM
With songs, applause and reverence, yesterday afternoon hundreds of worshipers honored Our Lady of Mercy, the Patroness of the Dominican Republic, during the traditional annual procession that is held in the Colonial Zone.
Flanked by two lines of ladies dressed in white and accompanied by the strains of music from the bands of the Presidential Guard and the Dominican navy, the image of the Virgin was carried through several streets in the area after leaving the church erected in her honor in 1555. The procession began with the National Anthem.
"Long live Our Lady of Mercy!" cried many of the bystanders, while others raised their hands and gazed at the statue surrounded by flowers. Besides the religious fervor of the Virgin's pious followers, the procession also aroused the curiosity of tourists and locals who visit the Colonial Zone who - with cameras in hand - including cell phones, recorded the details of this Dominican religious and cultural celebration. After going down Las Mercedes Street, the procession stopped in front of the National Pantheon on Calle Las Damas. There, once again, the National Anthem was played.
Ringing bells welcomed the Virgin as she returned to her altar. "Viva la Virgen de Las Mercedes" was repeated once more by the faithful. The patroness was granted this title in the year the nation gained its independence. (1844)
In La Vega, thousands of people visited the Santo Cerro sanctuary, attending Mass and the feast day celebrations.
More... (http://www.dr1.com/index.html#12)
Flanked by two lines of ladies dressed in white and accompanied by the strains of music from the bands of the Presidential Guard and the Dominican navy, the image of the Virgin was carried through several streets in the area after leaving the church erected in her honor in 1555. The procession began with the National Anthem.
"Long live Our Lady of Mercy!" cried many of the bystanders, while others raised their hands and gazed at the statue surrounded by flowers. Besides the religious fervor of the Virgin's pious followers, the procession also aroused the curiosity of tourists and locals who visit the Colonial Zone who - with cameras in hand - including cell phones, recorded the details of this Dominican religious and cultural celebration. After going down Las Mercedes Street, the procession stopped in front of the National Pantheon on Calle Las Damas. There, once again, the National Anthem was played.
Ringing bells welcomed the Virgin as she returned to her altar. "Viva la Virgen de Las Mercedes" was repeated once more by the faithful. The patroness was granted this title in the year the nation gained its independence. (1844)
In La Vega, thousands of people visited the Santo Cerro sanctuary, attending Mass and the feast day celebrations.
More... (http://www.dr1.com/index.html#12)