The following article is an eyewitness account of the events of the historic homecoming of the original image of Nuestra Señora de Guia as witnessed by the writer of this article.
On a breezy Sunday morning, the 29th of October 2023, history came alive as an extraordinary event unfolded at the Ermita Shrine in Manila, Philippines. A special car, meticulously prepared for the occasion, stood on the patio, ready to embark on a momentous journey that would resonate with the modern generation of Marian devotees. It was a day of unparalleled significance, as the renowned and miraculous original image of Nuestra Señora de Guia began a historic homecoming to the heart of the Walled City of Intramuros.
This momentous occasion marked the return of the Virgin after 53 years since the First Papal Visit by St. Paul VI to the Manila Cathedral and a staggering 123 years since the revered icon had last graced the halls of the Cathedral, the throne of the Patrona Jurada de Manila for centuries. The air was filled with anticipation and reverence as the centuries-old traditions and rich cultural heritage of the Philippines converged to welcome back this cherished religious relic to its rightful place.
As the echoes of the past intertwined with the present, it was a day when faith and history intertwined, offering a unique opportunity for both old and new generations to witness the return of Nuestra Señora de Guia to the Manila Cathedral. This article explores the significance of this homecoming and the profound impact it had on the Filipino faithful, highlighting the historical context and the deep-seated devotion that unites a nation in celebration of its spiritual heritage.
A celebration of spiritual bouquets at the Cathedral
As part of the Rosary Month celebrations at the Manila Metropolitan Cathedral – the Minor Basilica of the Immaculate Conception, a series of visiting Marian images has been organized to encourage the faithful to present their spiritual bouquets – the Holy Rosary – to the Mother of God. These images represent various facets of Philippine Marian that garnered devotion, history, and acclaim that span centuries.
The month-long festivities commenced with the momentous visit of the original image of Nuestra Señora de la Salud from the Order of Augustinian Recollects, followed by the original and Pontifically Crowned image of Nuestra Señora de la Asuncion de Maasin from the Shrine and Cathedral of Maasin City in Southern Leyte. Also, the Vicaria image of Nuestra Señora del Santisimo Rosario – La Naval de Manila, hailing from her National Shrine in Quezon City, joined the celebration. Additionally, a replica of the renowned Capelinha image of Our Lady of Fatima, the Cathedral’s own Our Lady of the Pillar, and a new image of Our Lady of the Miraculous Medal from her shrine in San Marcelino, Manila, made their presence felt.
Originally, this celebration included the replica of the centuries-old image of Nuestra Señora de Guia. But as the days gone by, on 25 October 2023, it was announced that the original miraculous and Pontifically crowned image of Nuestra Señora de Guia will make a special homecoming to her former temporary home after more than five decades since the first Papal Visit in 1970.
La Patrona Jurada at the Manila Cathedral
The link between the venerable image of Nuestra Señora de Guia and the Manila Cathedral began on 22 September 1762 when the holy image was immediately evacuated from her Shrine in Ermita after the British troops took over Ermita, Malate, and the old Santiago and remained there until April 1764 when the English evacuated the Manila.
The image would later seek refuge at the Manila Cathedral for a longer period of time after the earthquake of 1771 destroyed the Ermita Shrine and the Archbishop of Manila, Archbishop Pedro Payo, OP issued the decree dated 8 April 1877 to have the image enthroned at the Chapel of the Sagrario (Chapel of the Blessed Sacrament) at the Cathedral and stayed there for 147 years. During her stay at the Chapel of the Sagrario, she later became known as the Nuestra Señora del Sagrario and became the Inmaculada of the Cathedral as she witnessed different important events in within the Walled City.
While the Virgen de Guia was housed at the Chapel of the Sagrario in the Cathedral, the residents of Ermita had been requesting her return for several years. In response, the tradition of “Bota Flores,” or the act of tossing flowers, began as both a protest and a plea for the return of their patroness to her shrine in Ermita. This event took place annually on December 17. The initial efforts were led by the Order of the Augustinian Recollects and were later continued by the Order of the Franciscan Capuchins. These endeavors, spearheaded by Fr. Ricardo de Torres, OFM Cap, Fr. Remegio del Papiol, OFM Cap, Fr. Marcelino de Salt, OFM Cap, and Fr. Vicente de Pamplona, OFM Cap who were then the Parish Priests of Ermita Church, working for the petition for the return of the Image from the Cathedral of Manila to her original Parish in Ermita. Eventually, on 17 December 1918, the image of Nuestra Señora de Guia was successfully returned to the Ermita Shrine.
Fr. Remegio del Papiol, OFM Cap would later return to Spain and would suffer martyrdom during the Spanish Civil War on 22 January 1937. He was beatified together with other Martyrs of the Spanish Civil War and was beatified on 21 November 2015.
The Virgin would return to the Manila Cathedral on 27 November 1970 during the First Papal Visit to the Philippines by Pope St. Paul VI after the Papal Mass. After the Mass was offered, he blessed and kissed the hands of the Virgin who was enshrined at the Cathedral’s sanctuary. He would later gifted the image a precious crown and estrellas and a special coronation rite was held using these gifts on 16 May 1971.
The Homecoming
As the news of the Virgin’s homecoming spread throughout social media, devotees and pilgrims immediately flocked to the Manila Cathedral to witness this historic event in the history of Marian devotion in the country. Ample preparations were made both at the Ermita Shrine and the Manila Cathedral for this occasion with a special car prepared for the Virgin’s homecoming that will be used for a traslacion procession.
A solemn procession began from the Ermita Shrine and as the Virgin arrived in Intramuros, the Knights of Columbus welcomed the Virgin and escorted her until they reached the facade of the Manila Cathedral. A solemn welcome rites took place once the Virgin arrived at the Cathedral and was highlighted with the coronation of the image.
Two masses followed immediately after the welcome rites with the first Mass led by His Excellency Bishop Broderick Pabillo, DD, and Rev. Fr. Estelito Villegas, Rector and Parish Priest of the Ermita Shrine for the second Mass. It was during the second morning mass that Rev. Fr. Jacob Meyer, Chaplain of the USS Ronald Reagan the US Navy, concelebrated the Mass with the US Navy in attendance.
Throughout the visit, an unceasing vigil was held throughout the day as devotees and pilgrims flocked the Cathedral to venerate up close and personal the Sworn Patroness of Manila for years since her last visit in 1970. As the last Mass of the day was offered, the tradition of Bota Flores (flower tossing) and the recitation of the Loa followed which was last performed before her return to Ermita in 1918 and was witnessed by devotees present for this special occasion.
After the farewell rites, the Virgin was escorted back to her shrine in Ermita closing another significant chapter in the history of the image and devotion to Nuestra Señora de Guia – La Patrona Jurada de Manila. After the historic homecoming, a replica was placed at the Cathedral the following day for the week as planned.
Postscript
Weeks later, the Shrine announced her return of the original image of Nuestra Señora de Guia to Intramuros for the second time for the annual Intramuros Grand Marian Procession set for 3 December 2023. The Virgin once again made her triumphant return to the Walled City as she stayed once again at the Manila Cathedral and later joined with the other Pontifically Crowned images in the Philippines for the procession.
Conclusion
The homecoming of Nuestra Señora de Guia at the Manila Cathedral stands as a testament to the faith and devotion of the Filipino people. It rekindled the spiritual connections of generations past and illuminated the path for those who will carry the torch of devotion into the future. Nuestra Señora de Guia’s presence continues to be a source of strength and inspiration for all who seek solace and guidance.
Her return is a symbol of unity and a testament to the power of faith that is forged by history and unwavering devotion. The return of this cherished Marian figure is proof of the unbreakable tie that unites a people with their spiritual heritage — a tie that is as solid and long-lasting as the ages themselves.]
Nuestra Señora de Guia – La Patrona Jurada de Manila, pray for us!
References:
Aviado, Lutgarda , “Madonnas of the Philippines”, Manlapaz Press, Quezon City, 1972.
Barcelona, Mary Anne, “Ynang Maria: a celebration of the Blessed Virgin Mary in the Philippines”. Ed. Consuelo B. Estampa, P.D. Pasig City, Anvil Publishing Inc, 2004.
delos Reyes, Michael, “Patrona Jurada – Centuries of Devotion to the Nuestra Señora de Guia”, Claretian Communications Foundation, Inc., Quezon City, 2023.
Romanillos, Emmanuel Luis A. “The Augustinian Recollects in the Philippines, Hagiography and History”, Recoletos Communications, Inc., Quezon City, 2001.
Sanchez, Francisco, “La Virgen Maria Venerada en sus Imagenes Filipinas”, Manila: Imp. De Santos y Bernal, 1904.
Photos:
Dacquioag, Michael of Buen Viaje PH
Guanlao, Eric Paul
Inocencio, Glenn
Malabanan, James Benedict
Naval, Wilfred Jason of My Religious Journey
Romero, Patrick Dominick
Pintakasi 