Angelite devotees expressed mixed reactions after the 70th anniversary celebration of the Virgen de los Remedios’ canonical coronation was moved to the Repository Chapel of the Arzobispado de Pampanga, with in-person attendance inside the chapel limited to designated lay representatives and clergy amid the province’s ongoing state of calamity.

The Roman Catholic Archdiocese of San Fernando announced the relocation of the September 8 celebration from the Bren Z. Guiao Convention Center to the Repository Chapel, citing changing weather conditions, severe flooding in various areas of Pampanga, and unfavorable conditions affecting the execution of the scheduled activities. 

While designated lay representatives and members of the clergy are encouraged to attend the 3:00 p.m. Mass inside the Repository Chapel, the lay faithful may participate within the chapel grounds or through the broadcast provided by the Archdiocesan Commission on Social Communications.

For some Angelites, the announcement brought disappointment, particularly because the 70th anniversary is a significant milestone and was expected to draw thousands of Kapampangan faithful. 

“I was so shocked when I learned that the celebration would be moved to the Repository Chapel,” Angelite devotee and HAU – University Student Council (HAU-USC) Director Jose Alfonso Palma said, citing that the chapel is relatively small compared to the number of devotees who usually gather for the Krusada.

Palma also pressed that physical gathering is an important component in celebrating the Krusada, where devotees from different parts of the province come together in their shared devotion to the Virgen de los Remedios.

“With the limited capacity, parang nawawala rin yung sense na pinagkakaisa tayo ng Birhen,” Palma stated, while acknowledging that the safety of devotees remains a priority.

Meanwhile, Jinea Ravel Regala, an Angelite and four-year attendee of the coronation, also expressed disappointment over the change.

“Honestly, I felt a deep sense of dismay. I completely understand that the decision was made for safety, yet I couldn’t help but feel a bit of disappointment because I believe many devotees had been looking forward to this day, and that includes me,” Regala said. 

Earl Lawrence Cruz, an Angelite and sakristan who has served at the Minor Basilica for seven years, said his initial sadness over the change eventually turned into relief after considering the unstable weather conditions.

“Safety must come first given the unpredictable weather, and true devotion is measured not by external grandeur, but by our collective safety, prudence, and unity in prayer,” Cruz said.

Clark Roque, a Campus Youth Ministry member and devotee, similarly acknowledged the challenges posed by the venue change. He viewed the situation as an opportunity to embody the spirit of the Krusada by extending assistance to people affected by the calamity.

“Although, I have seen other people who have silently, if not softly, opposed this decision… It is true that our faith should not even be prevented by flood or rain, but these seem to be extraordinary circumstances… While most may not be able to see the coronation or hear the Mass, I do think that God is there wherever there is charity and love towards their fellow neighbor,” Roque stated. 

With limited in-person access to the Repository Chapel to designated representatives, Angelite devotees are preparing to participate through alternative means, including attending celebrations on the grounds, joining local masses, and watching the livestream.

Gerald John Lozada, an Angelite devotee, takes his high hopes of being able to attend the celebration in the said venue. However, if the situation is not feasible, he might settle to join in the celebration via livestream or in the local mass.  

“I am hoping that I can still be able to take part even though there have been some changes… If this is not possible, I can take part by following what is going on in the celebration via the internet or here in our chapel,” Lozada noted.

Regala then said that the HAU Campus Youth Ministry also remains hopeful that they can participate in person, but is prepared to adjust depending on the final guidelines.

Palma, on the other hand, said he may participate online, acknowledging that although the celebration will feel different this year, his devotion remains unchanged.

“But even if I cannot be physically present, I still want to participate and pray…Whether online or from the grounds, what matters is that we continue to celebrate the Virgen with the same faith, love, and hope that Kapampangans have carried for the past 70 years,” Palma said.

Meanwhile, HAU announced a local commemoration of the milestone at the Chapel of the Holy Guardian Angel.

Along with the celebration, attendees are encouraged to offer relief goods as a sign of charity and devotion to the Virgen de los Remedios. The collected goods will support the university’s ongoing outreach efforts, particularly in areas affected by floods and landslides.