The rosary is one of the most popular Marian devotions in the country where we can see people holding their rosaries in homes, churches, chapels, processions, daily commute, and everywhere we go as a part of our identity as Filipino Catholics. The Numerous rosary shrines, rosary confraternities, and prayer groups were scattered all over the county attest to the wide scope of the devotion which played crucial roles in the country’s long yet tumultuous history.
One of the rosary shrines and image that became the center of the rosary devotion in Rizal province is that of Cardona, Rizal where the devotion to the Virgin of the Rosary continues to flourish and miracles continue to draw devotees to her shrine up to this day.
The Visage of the Queen
The venerable image of Nuestra Señora del Santisimo Rosario de Cardona – Virgen de Sapao is a de vestir image of the Madonna and Child under the title of Our Lady of the Rosary. The image is fashioned in the typical iconography of Philippine Santo Rosario images that is seen the country: the large bastidor, a regal dress, manto, rostrillo and the estrellas for the Virgin, a royal robe and bib to the Child Jesus, the traditional accessories from the baston de mando and scepter and the diagnostic rosary. For this image, she often wore her beautifully crafted plancha. The carving of both Mother and Child shows a recreation of the Filipino Chinese style with sinitic eyes, fine elongated noses, and small lips. The image is presented standing on a base with clouds, cherubs and a garland of flowers that is enthroned at the main altar for veneration of the faithful.
The Beginning of the devotion
The origins of the devotion to Our Lady of the Rosary of Sapao in Cardona, Rizal began when the Franciscan Missionaries arrived in Sapao, the old name of Cardona. The Franciscans established a Visita dedicated to St. Francis of Asssi in 1608. An image of the Blessed Virgin Mary was enshrined in the visita that the locals called “Nuestra Senora de Sapao”. A miraculous spring, called “Fuente Bendita”, was located near the visita where the faithful would bathe in the water and venerate the image of the Virgin.
According to local tradition, the image was once enshrined at San Geronimo Parish in Morong. The townsfolk would notice that the amorseco burs from Sapao can be seen stuck in the image. The people then realized that the Virgin wished to be enshrined in Sapao. The image was later transferred to the said town and the church was dedicated in honor of Our Lady of the Holy Rosary. The Parish of Our Lady of the Holy Rosary of Sapao was later established in 1872.
Miracles
Numerous miracles were attributed to the intercession of the Virgin of Sapao over the centuries that were duly recorded and passed on to different generations of devotees. One instance is when a woman was able to bear a child after praying to the Virgin.
During the Japanese occupation, a group of people went into hiding in the spring and prayed for the Virgin’s help to hide them in sight of the Japanese soldiers. The enemy soldiers left without seeing anyone at the spring. Another instance was during the days leading to the end of the Second World War and the liberation of the country, the Japanese forces burned Cardona before they surrendered to the American forces. The townspeople saw how the Japanese soldiers were throwing fireballs at the Church. However, the people were surprised that the church was spared from the fire yet the houses and the municipal hall were burned down.
One stormy day, the waters from Laguna de Bay reached the town which leads to flooding which is destroying the town. Yet when it reached the vicinity of the parish, the flood water did not reach the parish.
Church Recognition
With the continuous flow of devotees and miracles that were attributed to the Virgin of the Rosary of Cardona, the Parish was elevated to the status as the “Diocesan Shrine of Our Lady of the Holy Rosary” on August 17, 2017, and its elevation rites took place on October 1, 2017.
The image of Nuestra Señora del Santisimo Rosario de Cardona, “Virgen de Sapao” was granted the honor of Episcopal Coronation on September 27, 2018. On January 12, 2022, Pope Francis, thru the Papal Decree issued by the Congregation of Divine Worship and the Discipline of the Sacraments granted the Pontifical Coronation of the image. The Coronation Rites took place on October 7, 2022.
The devotion at present
The devotion to Nuestra Señora del Santisimo Rosario de Cardona – Virgen de Sapao continues to flourish up to this day. Devotees and pilgrims continue to flock to the Virgin’s shrine, especially on her feast day on October 7, the Feast of Our Lady of the Rosary. The Municipality of Cardona holds the annual “Sapao-an Festival” on the eve of the Feast of Our Lady of the Rosary where the devotees and the whole of Cardona perform street dancing in honor of Our Lady of the Most Holy Rosary. The shrine have a devotional day dedicated to the Virgin of the Rosary every Seventh of the Month called “Siete Dia Devocion” where devotees and parishioners would offer their rosary prayers and a votive mass in her honor.
The impact of the rosary on the lives of the faithful is immense where they experience a sense of peace, security, and a contemplative connection with the Our Lord Jesus Christ and the Blessed Virgin Mary when praying the Rosary. Through the rosary, the devotees and the faithful live their Catholic faith in connection with Our Lord while Our Lady guides them and exercises her role as a guide, mediatrix, and advocate. Let us pray the rosary unceasingly, especially in these times of confusion and uncertainty, that she will grant peace and healing in our divided society and live in accordance with the Will of her Son.
Nuestra Señora del Santisimo Rosario de Cardona – Virgen de Sapao, Ipanalangin mo kami!
References:
“Churches in Rizal”, Retrieved from https://www.rizalprovince.ph/pages/tourism-churches.html on January 5, 2022.
Diocesan Shrine of Our Lady of the Holy Rosary, “Kasaysayan ng Nuestra Señora del Santisimo Rosario de Cardona – Virgen de Sapao”, Diocesan Shrine of Our Lady of the Holy Rosary, Cardona, Rizal, 2022.
Sanchez, Francisco, “La Virgen Maria Venerada en sus Imagenes Filipinas”, Manila: Imp. De Santos y Bernal, 1904.
Photos:
Cruz, Dan Raphael of DC Photography
Daquioag, Michael of Buen Viaje Ph
Diocesan Shrine of Our Lady of the Holy Rosary of Cardona, Cardona, Rizal Facebook page
Figueroa, Jun of Antipolo Cathedral
Special thanks to the Diocesan Shrine of Our Lady of the Holy Rosary of Cardona, Cardona, Rizal
Pintakasi 