The Annual Feast of Nuestra Señora de la Soledad de Porta Vaga

The annual feast of Nuestra Señora de la Soledad de Porta Vaga is traditionally celebrated on the second and third Sundays of November. In 2025, the second Sunday fell on November 9 — the very day Super Typhoon Uwan made landfall in the Philippines, bringing fierce winds and heavy rain across Luzon, including the province of Cavite.

According to Philippine news reports, Typhoon Uwan significantly disrupted the celebrations in Cavite, forcing the cancellation or postponement of several activities, including the much-anticipated public concert honoring the beloved Virgen de Porta Vaga.

Meanwhile, in Barcelona, Spain, the weather could not have been more different. The skies were clear and inviting, allowing the Comunidad Filipina de Barcelona, guided by SAMAKABA ( Samahan ng mga Kabitenyo sa Barcelona) to joyfully hold their own “Fiesta de la Reina de Cavite.” The festivities featured traditional religious masses, a solemn procession, and the ever-lively Karakol dance — all carried out in devotion and gratitude.

During the masses, Fr. Lino de Castro reminded the faithful that November 9 is also the Feast of the Dedication of the Lateran Basilica — a celebration that dates back to A.D. 324, when Pope Sylvester I consecrated the Archbasilica of St. John Lateran in Rome. Revered as the “mother and head of all churches in the city and in the world,” the basilica’s feast underscores the unity and universality of the Catholic faith.

The commemoration of the Fiesta de la Virgen de Porta Vaga in Barcelona thus brought more than joy to the hearts of devotees concerned for their loved ones back home. It also offered deep spiritual comfort. As Fr. Lino reflected, Christians are called to treat their bodies with reverence and care, for the Holy Spirit dwells within them — a truth beautifully mirrored in the pure and faithful life of the Blessed Virgin.

¡Viva la Virgen de la Porta Vaga!

by Felix Capili
https://www.filbarcechurch.es/