Devotion and religious fervor once again overflowed in the Libertad municipality, with the lowering of the venerated image of Saint Matthew the Apostle, formally beginning its patron saint festivities and commemorating 311 years of tradition in that town in the state of Anzoátegui.
In the parish church, during Holy Mass, the patron saint was brought down from his niche to reunite with the parishioners. The parish administrator of St. Matthew's Church, Father José Manuel Carreño, recalled the closeness of the apostle and evangelist, highlighting how his life teaches us about the miracles, feelings, and teachings of Jesus Christ.
Father Carreño also reflected on the joy that fills the people during these holidays, despite the country's recent difficulties and circumstances. "God has shown us his mercy and that he does not abandon us, since faith can do great things," he said, while encouraging the faithful to keep hope alive.
After the liturgical ceremony and the expression of gratitude to the collaborators who made the day possible, with applause and songs, the devotees witnessed the moment when the image was within their reach, opening the opportunity for neighbors and visitors to approach the temple to renew promises, give thanks and ask for favors.
The priest explained that the program will not be confined to the church; the traditional novena will be combined with a procession of the image through different parts of San Mateo. Additionally, the official parade in honor of the patron saint will take place on September 19th.
The highlight of the celebration will be on September 21, the day of Saint Matthew the Apostle and the date on which the anniversary of the founding of the town is commemorated.
On this day, at midnight, the patron saint's birthday will be sung, and two masses will be held, one at 10 a.m., officiated by the bishop of the Diocese of Barcelona, Monsignor Jorge Aníbal Quintero, and another at 6 p.m., followed by the traditional procession from the church to the entrance of the town, on Trunk Road 16.
