Diocesan Shrine and Parish of St. Mary Magdalene - Diocese of Imus

I explored the Diocesan Shrine and Parish of St. Mary Magdalene in Kawit, Cavite on October 29, 2023, just ahead of All Saints Day. As one of the oldest churches in Cavite and the Philippines, it stands as a testament to the enduring history of the region. Dedicated to Jesus' disciple Mary Magdalene, the church carries a rich legacy.

My visit coincided with the vibrant Parade of Saints, a unique tradition where students, church members, and the community adorn themselves as saints, challenging the notion that Halloween should be exclusively spooky.

A standout feature of this parish is the distinctive Caracol dance performed by parishioners. Unlike the traditional dance, theirs is more intricate, executed with grace and liveliness. I first witnessed the Caracol ng Kawit during their participation in the Grand Procession of St. Francis of Assisi, and it left me enamored with their captivating performance.

Let us continually aspire to embody the qualities of Mary Magdalene, exemplifying loyalty to the Lord, steadfastly following His teachings. May we refrain from dwelling on our past, recognizing that in Christ, our past holds no significance. What truly matters is how we choose to live our future and present in communion with Him.