The Catholic faithful of Isabela City gathered in solemn devotion for the Santa Procesión, marking the eve of the 175th Patronal Fiesta of the Cathedral Parish of Sta. Isabel de Portugal. This year’s celebration carries the theme, “175 Years of God’s Faithfulness through Santa Isabel: Hope Amidst Challenges.”
The procession was led by Parochial Vicar Rev. Fr. Ronel Antonio, Rev. Fr. Joselito Delos Reyes, Rev. Msgr. Jose Roel Casas, Rev. Fr. Elizer Mondragon, OFS, and several consecrated brothers from other parishes in the Prelature of Isabela de Basilan. Prior to the procession, traditional religious rites were held, including the Mudada de Santa Isabel or the ceremonial changing of the icon’s vestments, followed by the Salutacion, Veneracion, and final Novena. The procession then culminated in a Visperas Mass at the the cathedral.
For its part, the City Government of Isabela under Mayor Sitti Djalia Turabin-Hataman’s cause of a “culturally diverse and proud” city for all Isabeleños, and through the City Tourism Office organized various activities under the banner of Fiesta Alegria de Isabela 2025 in recognition of the significance of the said observance to the creation of Isabela City’s cultural and historical identity. It is a contribution highlighted in RA 12220 authored by then Basilan Lone District Representative Mujiv Hataman which declared July 08 of every year as a Special Working Holiday in Isabela City in celebration of the feast of Sta. Isabel de Portugal to be known as Fiesta Alegria de Isabela. (Words by M. Guerrero, CIO/Photos by KJ Evardo, IsaTV)
