Manila (AsiaNews) – On September 29 more than a thousand young people dressed as angels will dance in the streets of San Rafael, a town in Bulacan province (north of Manila). They will celebrate the annual Angel Festival on the feast day of the Archangel Rafael.

Celebrations will begin in the morning with Mgr Rolando Tria-Tirona, Bishop of the Prelature of Infanta, celebrating mass in the San Rafael parish church and will come to a close when the images of the seven archangels and the Blessed Virgin Mary will be carried in the 'Archangels' Procession'.

This year has something special. San Rafael's parish priest, Fr Denis Espejo, will honour 60 married couples, who are celebrating 50 and 60 years of marriage, with 'Golden Couples Awards'. Saint Rafael is traditionally called upon to improve relations, especially between husband and wife.

Father Espejo added that "it is fitting that on the feast of the Angel Rafael, who serves God's glory, we pay tribute to these couples, whose loyalty and commitment are an example to us all, hallmarks of a truly Christian marriage."

Felipe Sacdalan, 91, and his wife Rosalina, 87, are the oldest couple. They have been married for over 60 years. (SE)