By Ronel Austria

Published on July 23, 2024

TANAY, RIZAL, PHILIPPINES – Residents of Tanay have come together once again in a monthly display of faith and cultural heritage, honoring San Ildefonso de Toledo through a Monthly Devotion activity held at different barangays in the town every 23rd of the month.

The monthly devotion begins with a solemn procession from the parish church, where the statue of San Ildefonso is respectfully carried through the streets to a designated barangay. 

Central to the devotion is the recitation of the Holy Rosary, a communal prayer where participants seek intercession and blessings from San Ildefonso and the La Purisima Concepcion, the secondary patroness of the town.

Testimonies from community members before the Holy Mass then highlight personal experiences of grace and answered prayers, emphasizing the saint’s significant role in their lives.

A cultural highlight of the devotion is the dance or the “Pasayaw kay San Ildefonso” after the mass in honor of San Ildefonso.

As the saint’s image travels to different barangays each month—Plaza Aldea in April, Kay Buto in May, and Mag Ampon in June—it remains a symbol of unity and faith, visiting households for nightly prayers and reflection.

Throughout the month, devotees demonstrate their reverence by lighting candles on the relic of San Ildefonso, symbolizing their petitions and expressions of gratitude.

On the 23rd day of each month, a special prayer to San Ildefonso is recited after communion during Mass, reinforcing the community’s spiritual connection with their patron saint.

The devotion to San Ildefonso extends beyond religious observance; it serves as a unifying force within the community, fostering bonds of solidarity and preserving cultural traditions passed down through generations.

This monthly tradition not only strengthens the community’s spiritual foundation but also reinforces the values of reverence, prayer, and communal celebration that define the cultural identity of Tanay.