President and First Lady Attend the Altagracia Mass of Honor in Higüey

Dominican President Leonel Fernández led the traditional Mass on Thursday at the celebration of the Virgin of Altagracia, the patron saint of the Dominican Republic. The President was accompanied by his wife, First Lady Margarita Cedeño de Fernández.

Officiating at the Mass was Bishop of the Higüey Dioceses, Monsignor Gregorio Nicanor Peña Rodríguez.

Upon his arrival, the President was met in front of the church by Father Evaristo Areché and received military honors corresponding to his position: a 21-gun-salute from a battalion belonging to the First Regiment of the Presidential Guard.

Officiating at the Mass was Bishop of the Higüey Dioceses, Monsignor Gregorio Nicanor Peña Rodríguez.

Also attending the Mass was Foreign Minister Carlos Morales Troncoso; Presidential Administrative Minister, Luís Manuel Bonetti; Minister of Higher Education, Science and Technology, Ligia Amada Melo; Administrative Secretary of Education, Melanio Paredes; Lieutenant General Pedro Rafael Peña Antonio of the Armed Forces; Minister of Sports, Felipe Payano; Provincial Governor, Luís Rafael Cedeño and banker Alejandro Grullón, among others.