On 05 December, 2010 the Filipino community in Lyon will host the most important religious activity in the whole of Europe. A replica of Our Lady of La Naval de Manila has been donated to the Basilica of Lyon, France, which is not only one of the biggest economic centers in France but also the city where there is the biggest Catholic community in the country. The image of the Virgin Mary will be formally installed at the crypt of the city of Lyon’s basilica, Fourvičre, to permanently join other images of the Virgin Mary from 10 different countries. Their Eminence Cardinals Philippe Barbarin and Gaudencio Rosales of Lyon and Manila respectively will head the eminent personalities for the occasion and will concelebrate the Holy Mass consecrating our status in one of the most vital monuments of the Roman Catholic Church in France.

The Philippines will be represented on that day by no other than Her Excellency Rora Navarro-Tolentino, the Philippine Ambassador Extraordinaire to France, who incidentally has spearheaded this project along with the cooperation of the Consul of the Republic of the Philippines in the region, Atty. Jean-Jascques Rinck.
 
Most certainly, an event of such stature will be attended by the local luminaries headed by the Mayor of Lyon, Mr. Gérard Collomb, Prof. Jean-Dominique Durand, President of the Fourvčre Foundation, Msgr. Jean-Marie Jouham, Rector of Fourvičre, Atty. Jean-Jacques Rinck, Consul of the Republic of the Philippines in the Department of Rhône-Alpes, the Filipino artisans who have sculptured and worked on the intricate embroidery work of the Virgin's garment and the Filipino donors of the Image of the Virgin, headed by ex-Ambassador to France, Mr. Jose Abeto Zaide.
 
Under the watchful eye of the Vice-Rector of the Basilica of Fourvičre, Rev. Father Loys de Saint Chamas, acting as the Overall Chairman of the Ad Hoc Committee for this historic day, various tasks have been laid out to make this event into a success for the Filipino catholic community in general. He will be assisted by a team of volunteers from the local Filipino community of this city who considers him instrumental in forging the sense of belongingness to one root among the Filipino residents, a critical element in federating the Filipino parishioners into a solid community. His genuine devotion for the Filipinos in general can be traced back from the time he spent a few months in the Philippines to undertake his mission to work with the Catholic Church’s flock here and around the world. And on this note, he has been directly responsible to develop the Basilica of Fourvičre into a pilgrimage point for Filipinos in France and its neighbouring countries where there are a growing number of Filipino settlers.
 
Various festivities honouring Our Lady of La Naval de Manila have been organized in Fourvičre since the arrival from the workshop in the Philippines that gave life to Her image till Her final destination into the crypt of the basilica on May 16, 2010. A Holy Mass was also celebrated on July 25, 2010, while a more elaborate celebration will take place on October 10, 2010 at 3:30 p.m., the day of the Virgin's feast day, which, incidentally, is also a big celebration in Santo Domingo Church in Quezon City, Philippines that draws a large number of pilgrims and devotees.
 
The Installation Ceremony will be carried out according to the following program:
 
2:00 P.M. Gathering and Formation of the Procession Participants
3:00 P.M. Concelebrated Mass, Fourvičre Chapel
4:30 P.M Reception at the premises of the Basilica
 
For those of you who wish to stay overnight in Lyon, we can arrange with local Filipino residents where you may stay with no extra cost from your part or assist you in hotel reservations, if necessary.
 
Confirming your participation not later than November 02, 2010 to the following contact person will be highly appreciated:
 
Ms. Liz Maquet
Tel: +33 4 72 26 48 07 (after 8:00 P.M.)
Cell phone: +33 (0)6 60 66 13 15
E-mail: asso@pinoysbest.com
 
We would like to take this opportunity to invite anyone who would wish to show their generosity in terms of any amount of monetary contribution to shoulder the sundry expenses this event will entail such as, candles, food and drinks for the pilgrims and devotees, fresh flower decoration of the Virgin Mary's palanquin and altar, etc. Thanks in advance for referring to the above contact point for this.
 
The Filipino Catholic community in Lyon will warmly welcome you to join hands with them in making this event a success for all Catholic Filipinos in Europe!!
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