The capital of Málaga celebrated on September 8 the feast of its Patroness, the Virgin of Victory, with a seasonal mass at the Cathedral, a floral offering, and a procession. Bishop Satué presided over his first patronal Eucharist.
Málaga celebrated this Tuesday, September 8, the feast of its main Patroness, the Virgin of Victory, on a day that combined religious rites with popular tradition. The statue, which depicts the Virgin seated on a cliff with the Child Jesus, has accompanied the people of Málaga for 539 years, as reported by Diario Sur.
The events began at 11:00 AM with a parade by the music band of Miraflores and Gibraljaire. At 11:30 AM, the seasonal mass was held at the Cathedral, officiated for the first time by the Bishop of Málaga, José Antonio Satué, who will celebrate one year at the head of the diocese on September 13.
The Eucharist was co-celebrated by the emeritus bishop of Málaga, Jesús Catalá; the emeritus archbishop of Pamplona and Tudela, Francisco Pérez González; and numerous priests, including the preacher of the novena, Gonzalo Martín. The image of the Patroness presided over the altar under a wooden canopy, surrounded by white flowers and candles.
In his homily, Monsignor Satué called for the recovery of three values "as well-known as they are sidelined in practice": humility, gratitude, and fidelity. He warned of the "cult to new idols" and the "voracity of a few that fractures human fraternity", and called for us to "arm ourselves spiritually and morally" so that the goodness sown in the heart opens paths of hope.
"This rearming of the heart seems a priority to me," the bishop emphasised.
Regarding humility, he cited the Málaga thinker María Zambrano, recalling that she never believed "in reason as power, but as clarity that is achieved with humility". He also linked pride with confrontations: "It leads us to believe that we are always absolutely right" and to condemn "those who do not think like us," he stated.
As for gratitude, he invited everyone to "lift their gaze" to thank for the gifts received and mentioned the blessed Mother Carmen del Niño Jesús and Mother Petra de San José, who were from Antequera and Valle de Abdalajís, respectively. Regarding fidelity, he lamented that we live in an era of "liquid commitments".
After the mass, the day continued with the floral offering and traditional dances. In the evening, the Virgin returned to her sanctuary in a triumphant procession through the streets of the city centre, closing a day in which the city dedicated itself to its Patroness.
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