The emeritus bishop of Córdoba, Demetrio Fernández, inaugurated last Sunday the traditional Novena in honor of Our Lady of Covadonga, which is being celebrated these days at the Asturian shrine under the motto «Blessed Mary», with a homily in which he recalled the historical and religious significance of Covadonga: «Covadonga is the cradle of Spain».
The Novena began on August 30 and will continue until September 7, the eve of the feast of Our Lady of Covadonga. Fernández was in charge of preaching the first day, dedicated to «Mary, Lady of the Beatitudes», according to the Archdiocese of Oviedo. The official program confirms that the emeritus bishop of Córdoba opened a cycle of sermons that brings together priests and pastoral leaders from various areas of the Asturian Church.
«Covadonga is the cradle of Spain»
«Covadonga is the cradle of Spain and, precisely in these days, the Santina is very close to her people», stated Demetrio Fernández during his sermon.
The prelate explained that the liturgical celebration cannot be understood solely as the result of the initiative of the faithful. «The Liturgy has this capacity to bring us what we are celebrating and the celebration, although we put all our interest and all our collaboration, is above all something that comes from heaven», he pointed out.
A few days before the feast of Our Lady of Covadonga, which is celebrated on September 8, Fernández especially highlighted the closeness of the Virgin during the novena: «In these days already close to the feast of the 8th, the main feast of the Santina, the Virgin visits us in a special way. She comes to this place and draws near to us».
Fernández insisted that the Christian pilgrimage does not consist solely in the faithful approaching Mary. «Not only do we draw near to Her, but mainly it is She who draws near and attracts us, like a strong magnet, giving us, like a torrent of water, abundant graces, especially these days of the Novena and even more during the day of her feast», he affirmed.
«In the arms of Mary –said the emeritus bishop of Córdoba–, how good it is! Let us enjoy that motherhood of Mary who cares for us, cleanses us, nourishes us, protects us, makes us feel that protection of a Mother. How beautiful it is to have a Mother! That is what Mary is for us», he concluded.
The Novena continues until September 7
After Fernández’s inaugural sermon, on August 31 David Cuenca Manteca, archpriest of Avilés, spoke on «Mary, humble servant of the Lord», while on September 1 Jesús Domingo García Valle, archpriest of Villaviciosa, preached on «Mary, Mother of Consolation».
This Wednesday, September 2, it is the turn of Manuel Viego Tomás, episcopal delegate for Youth Ministry, with a sermon dedicated to «Mary, Mother of Tenderness».
The novena will continue on Thursday the 3rd with Jaime Sanz Santacruz, episcopal delegate for University Ministry, who will address «Mary, Queen of Justice». On the 4th, Manuel Alonso Martín will preach on «Mary, Mother of Mercy»; on the 5th, Edgar Michel Perales Barboza, on «Mary, Immaculate Heart»; and on the 6th, Roberto Gutiérrez González, prior of the Carmelites and president of CONFER Asturias, on «Mary, Queen of Peace». The abbot of Covadonga, David Cueto Rodríguez, will close the Novena on September 7 with «Mary, faithful at the foot of the Cross».
Every day, Mass is celebrated at 18:00 hours in the Basilica of the Shrine and is followed by the recitation of the Holy Rosary in procession with the image of the Santina to the Holy Cave, where the Salve and the hymn to the Virgin of Covadonga are sung. The events can be followed live through the Sanctuary’s YouTube channel. The official program also includes the daily celebration of Mass and the subsequent procession to the Holy Cave.
Jesús Sanz will preside over the Mass of Our Lady of Covadonga
The novena will give way on September 8 to the feast of Our Lady of Covadonga. The solemn Eucharist will begin at 12:00 hours and will be presided over by the archbishop of Oviedo, Jesús Sanz Montes, according to the official program.
The celebration will be broadcast live throughout Spain via TRECE. This year, the offering to the Santina will be made by the volunteers of the Sanctuary’s welcome service.