Last September 5, 2009, the Dolorosa held its 15th annual “fiesta”, celebrating and commemorating the “Our Lady of Sorrows” image of the Blessed Virgin Mary at the Immaculate Heart of Mary Church in Birchmount Rd in Scarborough, Ontario. Filipinos from different areas of Ontario gather to this annual event where they give devotion to the Seven Sorrows of Mary. These sorrows are symbolized by the seven daggers pierced in the heart of Mary from the prophecy of Simon foretelling the destiny of her son, Jesus. Such devotion is also being observed around the globe like Slovakia, Italy, the State of Mississippi, USA and several provinces and towns of the Philippines particularly the town of Dolores in Quezon Province where most of the devotees and organizers of the event in Toronto were born and raised before moving to Canada. Even those who live in the USA come to this annual event which also makes it as an annual reunion. Every year, more and more people come to the fiesta like on the last event they even have guests from Dubai and few Canadian who also enjoy the Filipino tradition.

 Aside from the fiesta, the “Dolorosa” is also active in various religious and church activities. One of which is participating in the annual gathering of different religious catholic groups in Canada at the Martyrs’ Shrine in Midland, Ontario. The group is also active in sending medical aid and financial support to their home-country and hometown, Dolores, Quezon.

 The Dolorosa in Toronto, Canada was founded in June 1994 with Philip Beloso as founding President.

 Devotees from Dolores, Quezon carry the image of Our Lady of Sorrows or Mater Dolorosa as they parade or as what they call “prusisyon” on Birchmount Rd and Danforth Ave. 

 People who walk at the procession pray the Holy Rosary until they reach back the church where a Mass is celebrated for the Feast.

 This year, the Dolorosa Fiesta and “prusisyon” was also joined by another religious group where they played musical instruments and displayed colorful costumes as they danced the “Ati-atihan”. 

 “Ati-Atihan” is a dance which means “make-believe” is another Catholic, religious custom observed in the Philippines.

         The Mass was celebrated at the Church of Immaculate Heart of Mary in Birchmount Rd Scarborough, Ontario. With Fr. Abet Macalipay and Fr. Al Alilio as the presiding priests of the event which was followed by one of the highlights of the event, dinner. The organizers of the Dolorosa Fiesta is always proud of providing free food to guests and devotees thru the helpful hands of the community that is led by the “Hermanos” and “Hermanas” or principal sponsors of every fiesta and of course, major corporate sponsors like Forex Toronto, UMAC Cargo, FV Foods, and Remit X.  Twelve lechons (roasted pork), Filipino sweets and desserts, rice and flowers were donated by these sponsors and also from dear friends and family in Toronto.

 This year, the Dolorosa recognized few of our fellow “kababayans” who always come to the fiesta for several consecutive years. Most of them are from the USA where they make effort to take their time off to celebrate the fiesta in Toronto. The awardees are: Rudy and Chato Homoroc, Lilith P. Alilio, Manuel and Jane Alilio (insert:awarded day after the fiesta), Nonie Dangca, Julia and Mariflor Cauyan, Andy and Dorie Fajutagana, and Clyde Repaso. The ceremony took place the night before fiesta at the Welcome Party, which is also held annually.

 The Dolorosa Fiesta 2009 was lead by the following “Hermanos” and “Hermanas”: (no particular order)

Danny and Marisa Panganiban (Silangan)
New Jersey

Rey and Myrna Carabio Labatete (Bulakin)
Chicago

Ruel and Eva Solis Gonzalvo (Pinagdanlayan)
Ohio

Erwin and Isabel Gumangan (Baguio city)
Ohio

Ramil and Anna Go (San Pablo City)
Ohio

Mutya ng Dolores: Clarisse Panganiban

Konsorte: Keith Marquez
 After every Fiesta, the long weekend of the event is ended at a picnic in Bluffer’s Park where more food is served and where people are together in a more relaxing and family-oriented gathering. This is also where people especially the new-comers, share their experiences with the rest and even announce their participation in the following fiestas.

 The Our Lady of Sorrows Academy (OLSA) Batch 1974 will lead the next Dolorosa Fiesta. It will be held on September 4, 2010 in Toronto, Ontario, Canada.

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