Nuestra Señora de la Divina Providencia de Siquijor
Siquijor, an island province in the Visayas island group infamously known as island of local witchcraft, sorcery and allegedly a den of “aswangs” – a mythical creature that devours children or induce harm to some people. Despite this unflattering portrayal of the province, the Catholic faith in the province prevailed with the presence of old Churches that are frequented by the locals. One of these chruches is the parish of Nuestra Señora de la Divina Providencia of Maria, siquijor where two know images are enshrined in this parish: the controversial Santa Rita de Cascia image known as “Black Mary” and the beautiful image of Nuestra Señora de la Divina Providencia, the patroness of Siquijor.
The image
The image of Nuestra Señora de la Divina Providencia is a beautiful de tallado image of the seated Madonna and Child where the Child Jesus seated at the lap of the Blessed Mother. Both image has a sweet and tender expression facing the beholder. The Virgin wears a yellow robe and her head is covered with a pink and blue mantle while the Child Jesus wears a pink robe.
Mater Divinae Providentiae of Scripione Pulzone
The origin of the devotion to Our Lady of Divine Providence
The title of “Mary, Mother of Divine Providence” is often traced to her intervention at the wedding in Cana. Christ’s first public miracle was occasioned in part by the intercession of his mother. She helped through her foresight and concern to avoid an embarrassing situation for the newlywed couple. Our Lady of Providence is sometimes also identified as Queen of the Home.
Devotion to Our Lady of Divine Providence originated in Italy, and spread to France and Spain. According to tradition, St. Philip Benizi, a Servite preist, prayed to Mary for help in providing food for his friars, and subsequently found several baskets of provisions left at the door of the convent. The devotion was brought to Puerto Rico in the early 1850s by the Servite Fathers.
In 1580, an Italian painter Scipione Pulzone painted the image of “Mater Divinae Providentiae,” which depicted the Blessed Mother cradling the Infant Jesus. From here, the story of this devotion will start its connection with the Barnabites Congregation (Formally known as the Congregation of the Clerics Regular of St. Paul (Congregation of the Clerics Regular of St. Paul founded by St. Anthony Zaccaria). The Barnabite connection begain 1611 when one of the Brnabites traveled to Loreto to pray for assistance in finding the financial resources to complete the Church of San Carlo, their motherhouse in Rome. Upon his return, they received the necessary assistance, and the Barnabites began to promote devotion to Our Lady of Providence.
Nuestra Señora de la Divina Providencia de Puerto Rico
Pulzone’s painting was given to the Barnabites in 1663. It was placed on the altar of a chapel on the first floor of the Saint Charles rectory behind the main altar. In 1732, a copy of the painting was placed in a location adjacent to the main altar of the church of San Carlo ai Catinari in Rome, where it drew many faithful visitors.
In 1774, Pope Benedict XIV authorized the foundation of the Confraternity of Our Lady of Providence that promotes special works of Christian charity or piety. Pope Gregory XVI elevated it to an Archconfraternity in 1839. In 1888, Pope Leo XIII ordered the Canonical Coronation of the image and approved the Mass and Office of Mary, Mother of Divine Providence. The feast of Our Lady of Providence in the Barnabite calendar is set on Saturday before Third Sunday of November.
In the Americas the devotion also got a stronghold in Puerto Rico and Indiana, USA. The devotion reached Puerto Rico in the early 1850s by the Servite Fathers and it gained many devotees due to the numerous miracles attributed to her. Nuestra Señora de la Divina Providencia was declared the patroness of Puerto Rico by Pope Paul VI on November 19, 1969. Her feast day is celebrated in many Puerto Rican communities. In 1925, Monsignor A.J. Rawlinson, chaplain of the Sisters of Providence of Saint Mary-of-the-Woods, Indiana, USA found a replica of Pulzone’s image of “Mater Divinae Providentiae” at Catholic University of America. Msgr. Rawlinson gathered historical information on the devotion to Our Lady of Divine Providence and then brought back prints of the painting to Saint Mary-of-the-Woods, Indiana. On May 1, 1925, the National Shrine of Our Lady of Providence was canonically erected at Saint Mary-of-the-Woods with the purpose of encouraging families to make Mary the queen of their homes.
Nuestra Señora de la Divina Providencia de Siquijor
The devotion in Siquijor
The devotion to Nuestra Señora de la Divina Providencia de Siquijor began when the Augustinian Recollects established a parish in Maria (then known as “Cangmeniac”), Siquijor in 1877. The parish was placed under the patronage of Our Lady of the Divine Porovidence. The origin of the image is unknown due to scant information available regaring this image. The virgin under this title gained a significant number devotees in the province and miralces were also reported though her intercession. The parish at present is currently under the Diocese of Dumagete and her feast day is celebrated every May 24.
The devotion to Nuestra Señora de la Divina Providencia shows us that through her motherly prayers, Mary can influence the design of Divine Providence in our regard. This title celebrates the role that the Lord entrusted to Mary, whose “loving providence is always wise and unfailing.”
Nuestra Señora de la Divina Providencia de Siquijor
As we end this blogpsot dedicated to Nuestra Señora de la Divina Providencia de Siquijor, here is a prayer to Our Lady under this title that is prayed by the Barnabites:
Virgin Mary, Immaculate Mother of Divine Providence, protect our life and sanctify us with the gift of grace. Obtain for us from the Father of mercy and the God of consolation pardon for our sins, reconciliation with our brothers and sisters, and comfort in the midst of afflictions.
Renew our hearts that they may be come worthy dwelling places of your Divine Son, Jesus.Help us in our struggles against mediocrity, self-seeking, and pride so we can generously serve our neighbor. We entrust ourselves to you, o Mary, in our pilgrimage in this world.
We invoke you as our guide and our defense against dangers. In the present tribulations, give us secure refuge. O sweet Mother of Divine Providence, turn your eyes to ward us, you who are our hope on earth. Grant that we may have you as our Mother in the glory of heaven. Amen.
Nuestra Señora de la Consolacion y Correa de Intramuros
Intramuros, the famed and iconic Walled City of Manila, is a place of history, faith, commerce, and education in these modern times. One of the most visited sites in the Walled City is the still-standing San Agustin Church of the Order of St. Augustine, the oldest existing church in Manila, that survived numerous natural disasters and the Second World War.
The Parish was originally dedicated to St. Paul of the Apostle and is currently dedicated to the Immaculate Conception of the Blessed Virgin Mary as its titular patroness. The iconic church is also known as the Shrine of Nuestra Señora de la Consolacion y Correa, the Patroness of the Augustinian Order and one of the few surviving venerated images of Old Intramuros.
The Virgen de la Consolacion y Correa of San Agustin became a silent witness to the colorful yet tumultuous history of Intramuros and the nation itself and numerous devotees of hers from different eras in our history knew how she manifests her love and provided much consolation to them for centuries in their times of desolation.
The image
Nuestra Señora de la Consolacion y Correa de Intramuros
The beautiful image of Nuestra Señora de la Consolacion y Correa de Intramuros is that of a de vestir image of Madonna and Child of Old Manila where she wears a plancha as her dress, a lace collar and veil and a light blue cape, the color of the Virgin of Consolation by Augustinian tradition. The Child Jesus on the other hand wears a full vestment. Both Mother and Child wear a crown while the Virgin sports her areola with stars and wears a set of jewels like earrings and an atocha. The Augustinian Cincture is worn by the Virgin and she holds the end of the black belt offering it to its beholder.
The origin of the devotion
The Appearance of the Blessed Virgin Mary to Sts. Monica and Augustine handed over the black leather cincture
The devotion to the Virgen de la Consolacion began when the Blessed Virgin Mary appeared to St. Monica of Tagaste, Mother of the future St. Augustine of Hippo who was at that time a wayward child who was very invested in the pleasures of the world. The Blessed Virgin appeared in mourning clothes and gave her cincture and asked Monica to wear it as a sign of her maternal consolation and protection.
Tradition has it that the Chord (Correa in Spanish) was immediately worn by Monica who later gave it to his son after his conversion. The Correa would later become part of the habit of the Augustinian Order that can still be seen in all branches of the Augustinian family.
There were two separate confraternities founded in the 15th century, the Confraternity of Our Lady of Consolation and the Confraternity of the Cincture of St. Augustine which later united into one by the power of the papal bull and formed an arch-confraternity which has affiliations all over the world. In 1575, it was ordained that all confraternities of the black leather belt should be aggregated to the arch-confraternity at Bologna, Italy.
The devotion in Intramuros
Nuestra Señora de la Consolacion y Correa de Intramuros
Being the lone survivor of the Second World War, San Agustin Church served as the solace of some of the well-known images in the area and it is no surprise that its patroness, the Nuestra Señora de la Consolacion y Correa de Intramuros was spared from the ravages of War. The exact date of her arrival is unknown yet it is believed that the Consolacion was already enshrined in San Agustin Church in her own altar since the Seventeenth century.
The image was kept hidden during the Second World War and it was later enshrined on her altar once again years after the War and stayed there since then. The original Niño of the Consolacion was sacrilegiously stolen on February 13, 2005, and a replacement image was soon commissioned.
Nuestra Señora de la Consolacion y Correa de Intramuros
The Cofradia de la Nuestra Señora de la Consolacion y Correa was founded in Intramuros in 1607, one of the oldest Marian confraternities in the country, and Manila became the seat of this devotion in Asia. The devotion later spread to the provinces. Many chapters were formed to share its privileges and indulgences. The confraternity gives spiritual monetary assistance to people especially the poor who wish to pursue religious vocations.
The Asylum of Our Lady of Consolation was built to aid the victims of the cholera outbreak of 1882. It was situated at the site where Don Bosco University in Mandaluyong now lies. The confraternity’s headquarters at present is at the San Agustin Church where its members are obliged to wear the Correa and members gather every September 4, the Virgin’s feast day.
Church Recognition
The Canonical Coronation of Nuestra Señora de la Consolacion y Correa de Intramuros
Due to the numerous miracles attributed to her intercession, the Mother of the Augustinian Order was Canonically Crowned on her feast day, September 4, 2000 – then the Great Jubilee Year.
The devotion at present
Nuestra Señora de la Consolacion y Correa de Intramuros on her fiesta
The devotion to Nuestra Señora de la Consolacion y Correa de Intramuros continues to flourish up to the present day and endured through the centuries. Every Saturday, masses were held in her honor. Her feast day is celebrated every September 4. On the Virgin’s feast day, devotees and members of the Cofraida gather in San Agustin Church and hold a general assembly, retreats, the recitation of the Coronilla of Our Lady of Consolation and Cincture, a solemn fiesta mass, acceptance of new members and procession.
The Very Rev. Fray Dante Morabe Bendoy, OSA, Prior Provincial of the Order of St. Augustine – Province of the Most Holy Name of Jesus in the Philippines, issued a decree shifting the fiesta celebration of the Virgen de la Consolacion y Correa in her Archdiocesan Shrine in Intramuros to the 2nd Sunday of September. The liturgical celebration on September 4 will be retained in honor of the Solemnity of the Virgin of Consolation in the Augustinian Liturgical Calendar. The decree was signed on October 9, 2023.
Nuestra Señora de la Consolacion y Correa de Intramuros
The Virgin also participates in the annual Grand Marian Procession every first Sunday of December where she is accompanied by the Augustinian friars, religious, devotees, and members of the Cofradia.
The Clausura Procession is held every last Saturday of the month after the mid-morning Mass. The image is passed on from one shoulder to another shoulder by devotees as the procession goes around the convent in the tradition of the early monastic period.
The Blessed Virgin Mary is venerated as the Mother of Consolation, because through her, God sent Jesus Christ the Consoler to the world. The devotion to Our Lady of Consolation and Cincture reminds us that there’s comfort, even in the parts of life’s pain and suffering. Mary is truly a mother to us because as a faithful disciple of her Son, she learned well the lessons of selfless love and generous service. As Mother of Consolation she is particularly near to those in need of companionship and comfort.
Nuestra Señora de la Consolacion y Correa de Intramuros, 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 P., “Salve Regina: On Crowning image of the Virgin Mary”, Diliman, Quezon City, Claret Communications Foundation Inc., 2015.
“Nuestra Señora de la Consolacion y Correa Novena”, San Agustin Church, Intramuros, Manila, 2000.
Sanchez, Francisco, “La Virgen Maria Venerada en sus Imagenes Filipinas”, Manila: Imp. De Santos y Bernal, 1904.
Credits to the owner of the photographs that were utilized in the blog post. +AM+DG+
Our Lady of EDSA, Mary Queen of Peace at the top of her Shrine in Ortigas Avenue
EDSA (Stands for Epifanio Delos Santos Avenue) – the long road that connects the cities of Makati, San Juan, Pasig, Mandaluyong and Quezon City that is known for many things: the ire of commuters, drivers and motorists for it’s infamous heavy traffic and the landmark of the historic People Power Revolution of 1986. The historic bloodless revolt became a pivotal point in Philippine history that is known for much bloodshed to gain freedom from foreign oppressors for centuries prior to this key event.
Over the years, numerous political figures of this bloodless revolt were hailed and despised over the years that were written in history books and in the press for decades after the event and sadly it is being overlooked and revised by some scrupulous parties at this present time. But looking on a more wider scope of this important event in our history, there is a key figure that is being obscured for decades yet she played a much important role in this turning point in our modern history – The Blessed Virgin Mary. Our Lady, as Mother and Protectress of our nation, under different titles and it’s corresponding representations, became a unifying force of his revolt like what she did in the Battles of La Naval in 1646 and to other key important events in our history which would show how much she cared for her Filipino children.
But before we threw into this discourse, we should have glimpse to the series of events that led to this peaceful revolt.
A Dark Turn in Philippine Modern History
Former President Ferdinand Marcos and former First Lady Imelda Marcos
We will begin the narrative in 1969 where Ferdinand Marcos was re-elected for Presidency by a landslide defeating Sergio Osmeña Jr. (The Constitution at that time was the Constitution of 1935, were the President can be re-elected for a second term.) During time, he and his wife, former First Lady Imelda Marcos gained much popular support because of how they managed the government during his first term as President. However during the election of 1969, this election was married with much controversy from violence and charges of fraud, and Marcos’s second term began with increasing civil disorder.
During the 1970’s growing discontentment of his regime began with a series of riots that began the period of unprecedented chaos in years to come. On September 21, 1972, President Marcos declared Martial Law charging that a Communist rebellion threatened. The 1935 constitution was replaced with the 1973 Constitution that provided the president with direct powers. A plebiscite of that same year gave Marcos to remain in office beyond the expiration of his term. By 1973 some 3,000 people had been killed and hundreds of villages burned. Throughout the 1970s poverty and governmental corruption increased, numerous reports of violation of human rights increased, press freedom was limited and Imelda Marcos, Ferdinand’s wife, became more influential. Martial law remained in force until 1981, when Marcos was reelected, amid accusations of electoral fraud for his Third term for Presidency.
The mid 1980’s would lead to a more series of events that will lead to 1986 Popular Revolt. It began on August 21, 1983, opposition leader Senator Benigno “Ninoy” Aquino Jr. was assassinated at Manila Intermational Airport (now Ninoy Aquino International Airport), which incited a new, more powerful wave of anti-Marcos dissent.
Former President Corazon Aquino with the National Pilgrim Image of Our Lady of Fatima
In 1986, President Marcos called for a Snap Election to show to other nations that the Filipino people still have their support to him and his opponent was the widow of the assassinated Senator Aquino, Mrs. Corazon “Cory” Cojuangco Aquino.
The February 1986 Presidential Snap election saw a discrepancy of results from the Commission of Elections (COMELEC) which declared Marcos as the winner while Cory Aquino won in the results from the National Movement for Free Election (NAMFREL).
The discrepancy and alleged cheating of the results sparked a national outrage with the COMELEC results due to charges of massive fraud and violence were leveled against the Marcos faction. This event would became the pinnacle of the national movement to depose the Marcos regime for good.
The People of God pleads to it’s Mother
The Catholic faithful were also weary with the chaos of the Martial Law years. Numerous priests, seminarians and religious were also being held victims of the regime because of their help and support to the rebels and freedom advocates. Compelled by the horrors of the time and by the strong call from the faithful, the Catholic Bishop’s Conference of the Philippines declared the National Marian Year, to celebrate the 2000th birthday of the Blessed Virgin Mary from December 8, 1984 – December 8, 1985. The declaration of Marian Year dedicated to her birth was unique for no other nation did this. During the last remaining months of the Marian Year from September 8 – December 8, 1985, the faithful, headed by the bishops, went into high gear – asking for prayer and fasting for peace for the country. Our Lord and Our Lady did not turn a deaf ear to the pleadings of the Filipino faithful, What happens next is unexpected that changed the course of Philippine history that awed the world.
The People Power Revolution
An army of prayers and flowers
The saga of EDSA Revolution culminated in a four-day tension-filled event when the rebel group in the Armed Forces of the Philippines was discovered by the Marcos troops and was ordered to be arrested. The Archbishop of Manila, Jaime Cardinal Sin, enjoined the people to go out in the streets to protect the rebel leaders. The Catholic faithful heeded the call and massed along EDSA, fronting Camp Crame where the rebel leaders — headed by then Defense Secretary Juan Ponce Enrile and Armed Forces Vice Chief of Staff Fidel Ramos — were holed and thus escorted by the people against impending bombs from the Marcos loyal troops.
The people milled around the rebel leaders, bringing nothing with them but rosary beads, flowers, food and images of the Blessed Virgin Mary, the Santo Niño, Crucifixes among others. Hundreds and thousands of religious priests and sisters, parish priests and their parishioners including onlookers and curiosity seekers stayed on the whole of EDSA, immobilizing the tanks sent out to crush the rebel leaders and, according to reports, even the people. The masses of people in the streets continued to pray the Rosary endlessly. Some offered garlands of flowers to the soldiers who stood guard. Some brave nuns climbed up on the tanks that were approaching. Those who stayed in their homes sent supplies of food and drinks to the streets.
Wary of the situation, President Marcos had sent a full army — with tanks and armored vehicles — to Manila in order to control the seemingly unstoppable public demonstrations against his administration. He planned to stop at nothing in order to gain control – even if that meant massacring the crowds on the streets. The civilians continued their protests, notwithstanding the danger when they would lie down in front of the tanks to stop them from penetrating the crowd.
The callejera image of the Virgin of La Naval de Manila arriving at EDSA for the popular revolt
The Intervention of the Nation’s Mother and Queen
In the early days of the revolt, the callejera image of Nuestra Señora del Santisimo Rosario – La Naval de Manila came out from Sto. Domingo Church, escorted by the Dominican friars, seminarians, religious and devotees, making her way to the revolution grounds to give strength and hope for the Filipinos who gathered to fight for their freedom by praying the rosary.
Soon after, on February 23, 1986, the National Pilgrim image of Our Lady of Fatima emerged from the crowds that was being carried by Defense Minister Juan Ponce Enrile, later became a Senator, and Lt. Gen. Fidel V. Ramos, who would became President of the Fourth Republic as they addressed the crowd on EDSA following their defection from the Marcos regime.
The National Pilgrim image of Our Lady of Fatima arriving to the peaceful revolt
As the soldiers tried to advance, they saw up in the sky what appeared to be a cross-like figure, but this did not hinder them from pursuing their goal, and they continued to press on toward the crowd. The Rosary was recited continuously; the melody of Ave Maria sounded after each decade.
What would happen next will left a deep impression to the soldiers that will lead to a change in their hearts. While preparing for an assault, all of a sudden, the soldiers were awestruck, stopping dead in their tracks. The soldiers saw a “beautiful woman encased in immense bright light and dressed as a nun” became clearly visible, standing in front of the tanks. The light was dazzling as the crowds saw her appear. According to these soldiers, the beautiful lady dressed in blue with heavenly eyes appeared in front of them, extended her arms outward and spoke in a voice that was clearly audible to everyone,
The appearance of Our Lady during the EDSA Revolution
“Dear soldiers, stop! Do not proceed. Do not harm my children. I am the queen of this land.”
The soldiers then dropped their weapons, withdrew from pressing forward and joined the throngs of people to turn and fight with them against the Marcos regime. The soldiers claimed that the woman who appeared to them was the Virgin Mary. A television station was covering the event which prompted thousands of residents of the Philippines to run out of their homes in celebration: “Mother Mary is with us!”
While the supposed vision happened, the soldiers also recount that when Marcos’ central command gave the order to fire on the demonstrators, according to Jesuit Father Nilo Tanalega, the artillery unit made excuses, saying: “Sorry, sir, we cannot get the machine to read the correct coordinates for the target.” And, “Sir, something is wrong with our cannon.” – it’s malfunctioning.” And the attack was averted and later joined the people in the bloodless revolt.
In his recollections, Cardinal Sin vouches for the veracity of the apparition and said:
“Yes, my heart was telling me that this was indeed Mary. And since they obeyed this woman who appeared to them – and did not follow orders to fire upon the people, then President Marcos had nobody to give him any power or support. This is when he fled from the Philippines. That was the end of him.”
The Cardinal added that he did not know the soldiers – but that they came in tears to him, awestruck by the “beautiful heavenly lady.” The Cardinal also revealed that he met with Sister Lucia, the only living visionary from Fatima, just before he was about to travel to the United States to first tell of the Virgin’s visit at a press conference. Although Sister Lucia had no access to newspapers, radio, television, or magazines, he was amazed that she knew and recounted every detail to him of what had happened.
The End of the dark times
On February 25, 1986, Cory Aquino sworn her oath of Presidency at Club Filipino that morning amidst the immense crowd. In the afternoon of that same day, Ferdinand Marcos also sworn his oath at the balcony of Malacañang palace in front of his loyal supporters and cronies. However, Marcos’s domestic and international support eroded, and he fled the country on Feb. 25, 1986, eventually obtaining asylum in the United States. Once the news of his departure was announced by the late June Keithley-Castro on national television, the whole nation rejoiced and thanked God and Our Lady for the freedom they obtained without any bloodshed.
The successful and landmark revolution shocked the world and gained much admiration that it became the springboard of other key revolutions in world history from the fall of the Berlin Wall that divided Germany in 1989 and the Velvet Revolution in Prague, Czech Republic that same year.
The Shrine
The Shrine of Our Lady of EDSA, Mary, Queen of Peace
The idea of a shrine of peace to serve as a memorial of the People Power Revolution came as an inspired thought to His Eminence Jaime Cardinal Sin two days after the dictator fled to exile in Hawaii. Cardinal Sin was riding in the car together with Bishop Gabriel Reyes, then Auxiliary Bishop of Manila, en route to Camp Aguinaldo to celebrate a Thanksgiving Mass. They came upon the intersection of EDSA and Ortigas, and Bishop Reyes pointed it out to the Cardinal as the spot where intrepid but gentle nuns and young men and women stood in front of the tanks and offered flowers to the soldiers.
At that corner, on an empty lot had stood two huge billboards of the Family Rosary Crusade, featuring the image of the Blessed Virgin Mary and the slogans, “The family that prays together stays together” and “A world at prayer is a world at peace.” This coincidence could not but evoke the reality of Our Lady’s presence at the Popular Revolution.
Original sketch of Our Lady of EDSA bronze monument
Realizing this, the two could not help but recall the story of the “La Naval de Manila” of 1646 and the Battle of Lepanto, which was fought on October 7, 1751. They would later realize that there should be a memorial shrine to thank the Lord and the Blessed Mother for the peaceful EDSA Revolution.
Cardinal Sin then set into motion a series of steps to turn his idea into reality. The owners of the land, the Ortigas and Gokongwei families, were approached and they donated the prime corner lot. The architectural and structural design for the church was undertaken by Architect Francisco Mañosa with preparatory work from National Artist Architect Leandro Locsin and Architect William Coscolluela.
Architect Mañosa designed the Shrine to evoke the freedom of movement and celebratory spirit of the original EDSA Revolution. The Shrine is to open out to the streets with the image of Our Lady of Queen of Peace, as sculpted in bronze by the late artist Virginia Ty-Navarro, forming the apex of the structure. The promenade is accessible through cascading stairs and ramps from EDSA and Ortigas Avenue.
The center of this plaza faces the convergence of the two main roads and has become the site of the Eucharistic celebration held each year to commemorate the People Power Revolution.
The iconic image by Virginia Ty-Navarro and the altar and processional image by Willy Layug
The Image of Our Lady of EDSA
The iconography of the Virgin of EDSA in art holding a dove and an olive branch – both traditional symbols of peace. The patronal image for this particular shrine is unique, as its design follows that of the statue atop the shrine roof. The Blessed Virgin Mary, crowned and clad in golden robes, has her arms outstretched and her Immaculate Heart exposed, while two or three white doves rest at her hands and feet.
There were three images of Our Lady of EDSA can be seen and venerated by the faithful, the now iconic bronze image of Virginia Ty-Navarro, and the altar and processional image carved by Willy Tadeo Layug of Pampanga that can be venerated closely by the faithful who would flock her shrine.
The Shrine complex at present
The completion and later history
The construction of the original Shrine was near completion by late November of 1989 and preparations were underway to have it inaugurated on December 8, 1989, the Solemnity of the Immaculate Conception.
But once again the country was rocked by threats to its democracy. An attempted coup d’etat broke out on November 29, 1989. The inauguration had to be postponed as the government thwarted the rebellion of a military reformist group. At the height of the uprising, some of the military rebels entered the Shrine, but did not do any damage to the unfinished structure.
EDSA Shrine during the so-called “EDSA Dos”
His Eminence did not postpone the set inauguration certain that, with prayers to the Blessed Mother, the Shrine would be completed by December 8. The putschists finally surrendered on December 7. Amid the somber aftermath of the failed coup, but with quiet rejoicing among the faithful, the Shrine of Mary Queen of Peace (Our Lady of EDSA) Shrine was formally consecrated to God and dedicated to the Blessed Mother on December 15, 1989.
The shrine would later be the stage of another Popular Revolt in 2001, the so-called “EDSA Dos” and the reactionary “EDSA Tres” where the people ended the regime of former President Joseph Estrada due to grounds of corruption and sworn the second woman President of the Republic, former President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo. The Erap loyalist were upset of the turn around that they staged the so-called “EDSA Tres” which it failed the attempt to have former President Estrada reclaim his Presidency through the same popular movement.
As of present time, the shrine became a solace in the middle of the busy streets of Ortigas were people from all walks of life flock her shrine to have their moment of inner peace in the Shrine of the Queen of Peace.
The iconic statue after it’s recent restoration work at present
Reflection
As we gazed upon the iconic bronze statue of Our Lady of EDSA, she reminds us that she is indeed our Mother that looks over her children and keep them hopeful of a more joyous and peaceful life now and in the future.
The EDSA Revolt was a shining moment for the faith of the people in a God who listens. It was also the people’s faith and trust in the Blessed Virgin Mary, the Queen and Mother of the Philippines, which gave the people persistence in patiently waiting for the freedom that they fought for years and for the end of the oppressive regime.
Despite the recent ridicule and revisionism of some scrupulous parties who tried to erase the great memory of the revolt, let us keep in mind that it is for us, the Filipino people that we did this landmark revolution for the sake of our future and this also proves how Our Blessed Mother cared for us that she joined us in this journey for our freedom that we enjoy now as what she did in the Naval battles of 1646 as if she is saying: “As I saved your people from the Dutch centuries ago, so I will save them now.”
In these dark times in our church and our country, let us once again implore her intercession to grant us true peace and deliver us from the impending dangers that might come, if we do not return back to God.
Our Lady of EDSA, Mary Queen of Peace, Pray for us and our country!
References:
“A Marian Pilgrimage, A Guide to Marian Churches in Metro Manila”, Sinag-Tala Publishers Inc., Makati City, 2000. “Apparition in Manila, 1986,” Retrieved from http://www.divinemysteries.info/manila-philippines-1986/ on February 25, 2019. Reyes, Gabriel & Mañosa, Francisco, “EDSA Shrine: God’s Gift, Our Mission”, Retrieved from http://www.edsashrine.org/2016/08/the-story-of-edsa-shrine.htm on February 25, 2019. “La Naval de Manila and the EDSA Revolution”, Retrieved from https://youtu.be/xMpI02Pe_pQ on February 25, 2019. Tesoro, Salud, (1988), “Mary conceived without sin, Mary, Mother of God”, Intramuros, Manila,.
Credits to the owners of the photos that were used for this blogpost. +AM+DG+
The old La Naval de Manila Procession in Intramuros years before the Second World War
A depiction of Intramuros
Whenever we pass the area of the Manila City Hall going to Quiapo-Tondo-Sampaloc area, we always see an imposing wall on the opposite side of the iconic City Hall – the famed centuries old walled city of Intramuros. The area of Intramuros (Which literally mean “Within the Walls”) during the Spanish period was considered as Manila and the arrabals surrounding the walled city from Quiapo, Santa Ana, Santa Cruz, Sampaloc, Bagumbayan (now the Luneta area), Tondo, Binondo, Paco, Pandacan and Ermita are known as “Extramuros”.
Since its foundation in 1571 with the conquest of Miguel Lopez de Legazpi and its construction sometime later, Intramuros became one of the nerve centers of the Philippine Catholic Faith, next to Cebu, for it was chosen as the seat of Catholic Church in the country with the foundation of the Archdiocese of Manila from its parent Archdiocese of Mexico in 1555, several religious orders established their mother houses inside the Walled City and built magnificent churches that pilgrims visited over the centuries.
Map of old Intramuros
The religious orders, namely the Augustinians, the Franciscans, the Dominicans, the Jesuits, the Augustinian Recollects and the Franciscan Capuchins introduced several devotions and religious images to the country over the centuries and these became part of our Catholic faith and even played important roles in Philippine history. The devotion to the Eucharist, the Blessed Virgin Mary in her several attributes and the saints was easily adopted by the people and the images that are associated with them became focal point of devotions and celebrations over the years.
But the peace and quiet period in the Walled City turned to an end with the destruction of World War 2. All churches were bombed and completely destroyed, with the exception of San Agustin Church in Intramuros and years later, the Manila Cathedral was rebuilt. Fortunately, some important miraculous images were spared from the destruction of War due to their preventive safekeeping and were later moved to their new shrines outside Manila, other images were not as fortunate for they were victims of the destructive war. Without any further a do, here are some images who survived the destruction of World War 2 and now venerated in their new Shrines, or in some cases were hidden in museums and oratories..
Nuestra Señora del Santisimo Rosario – La Naval de Manila in Intramuros
Nuestra Señora del Santisimo Rosario – La Naval de Manila Previous Provenance: Iglesia de Santo Domingo, Intramuros, Manila Current Provenance: Santo Domingo Church – National Shrine of Our Lady of the Most Holy Rosary, La Naval de Manila
The history of Intramuros is not complete without mentioning the miraculous image of Nuestra Señora del Santisimo Rosario – La Naval de Manila and its grand procession that was once enshrined in the Old Santo Domingo Church in Intramuros. The image of the Virgin of La Naval, also called as the “Santo Rosario” was carved in 1593 by an unknown Chinese Sculptor upon the request of then Governor General of the Philippines – Don Luis Perez Dasmariñas and art direction of the officer-turned Dominican Priest Don Hernando delos Rios Coronel. Years later, the image was donated to the Dominican Fathers and was enshrined in her own altar in the Gospel Side of the church. Miracles were later reported through the intercession of the Virgin of the Rosary of Santo Domingo Church.
Nuestra Señora del Santisimo Rosario – La Naval de Manila at present
The devotion to the Santo Rosario reached its peak with the Five Naval battles of 1646 where the Spanish-Filipino troops protected the islands from invading Dutch. The two old ill equipped Galleons, the Encarnacion and the Rosario were able to defend the islands against 18 big and well-equipped warships. Before the battle, the whole armada vowed to walk barefoot to her shrine in Santo Domingo if victory will be theirs – and it happened, they fulfilled this vow and the Arzobispado of Manila declared the victory a miracle through the intercession of the Santo Rosario which was later called as the Virgin of La Naval and a Grand Festival is in order to commemorate the event, and the festivities is well attended.
With numerous miracles that she continued to lavish her devotees, she was canonically crowned on October 5, 1907, in Plaza Magallanes in Intramuros and the event was well attended by Filipinos, Spaniards, and Americans. She was the first Filipino Marian image to receive such honor from the Holy See.
During the Second World War, the Santo Domingo Church was destroyed yet the Virgin and other images, along with almost all important documents were kept in a vault and they were later moved to the University of Santo Tomas and finally to her current home in her new location in Quezon Avenue, Quezon City.
Nuestra Señora de Lourdes of Quezon City
Nuestra Señora de Lourdes of Quezon City Previous Provenance: Iglesia de Nuestra Señora de Lourdes, Intramuros, Manila Current Provenance: National Shrine of Our Lady of Lourdes, Quezon City
There were two images of Our Lady of Lourdes in her National Shrine in Retiro, Quezon City, the “Primera Imagen” which is the oldest surviving image of Our Lady of Lourdes in the country, and the Pontifically Crowned “Venerada Imagen” altar image.
The Primera Imagen of Our Lady of Lourdes at the National Shrine of Our Lady of Lourdes in the country
When the Capuchins arrived in 1882, they settled in Intramuros as their headquarters in Asia. The Capuchin Church was initially dedicated to the Divina Pastora then later to the Virgin of Lourdes when people began to flock to the grotto that they built with a beautifully carved image of Our Lady of Lourdes done by Manuel Flores in 1892 that was enshrined there. With numerous miracles that were reported through the intercession of Our Lady of Lourdes, the Capuchin Friars later asked the same sculptor to carve the altar image two years later and a bigger church was later built with the bigger image in the center.
An Archconfraternity was later established to further propagate the devotion to the Lady of the Grotto who appeared to St. Bernadette Soubirous in 1858. The popularity of the Virgen de Lourdes was unparalleled in almost every Catholic home in the country, one could see a grotto of the Lourdes Virgin enshrined in their gardens.
The Pontifically Crowned altar image of Our Lady of Lourdes
When the Lourdes Church was destroyed, the miraculous smaller image and altar image was easily taken away and was first kept in the sacristy of San Agustin Church, then later at the University of Santo Tomas, and finally to her new home in Retiro, Quezon City. In 2019, Pope Francis, through the decree issued by the Congregation of Divine Worship and the Discipline of the Sacraments, granted the Canonical Coronation of the venerable image of Nuestra Señora de Lourdes of Quezon City. The altar image received the honor of Canonical Coronation on August 22, 2020.
Nuestra Señora de la Salud in Intramuros
Nuestra Señora de la Salud Previous Provenance: Iglesia de San Nicolas de Tolentino, Intramuros, Manila Current Provenance: San Nicolas de Tolentino Parish, Quezon City
The image of Nuestra Señora de la Salud of the Augustinian Recollects was brought to the Philippines in 1623, along with the famous Señor Nazareno of Quiapo, Manila. The image was first enshrined in her own church in Bagumbayan, now Luneta, which was dedicated to St. John the Baptist.
The venerated image was transferred to Intramuros three times when the Bagumbayan Church was destroyed until it was permanently enshrined in the old San Nicolas Church of the Recollects in Intramuros.
One of the most notable miracle of the dark Virgin of Health was during the infamous Chinese uprising in 1639. A novena was held in her honor to ask for the health of the army and to establish peace. The novena were held with grand solemnity, attended by no less than the Archbishop of Manila, the city officials, the Royal Audiencia, and the great multitude of the faithful, who profited much from the devotion to the Virgen de la Salud. She generously granted that which they asked for and celebrated her feast day with much grand and solemnity. Since then, the devotion to the Virgin of Health flourished.
Years later, the War broke out and San Nicolas Church was one of the unfortunate casualties. The Virgin, along with the miraculous Crucifix of Casiguran, an ivory image of St. Michael the Archangel and a chalice given by Pope Leo XIII were spared and immediately transferred to the sacristy of San Sebastian Church. As for the other images that are mentioned earlier, they were all destroyed by the War.
Nuestra Señora de la Salud at present
The Virgin was later evacuated to the sacristy of Minor Basilica of San Sebastián in Quiapo, Manila and moved later to the new mother house of the order in Quzon City. The image was later donated to the Museo Recoleto in the 1980’s and stayed there since then.
In 2016, the image returned to Intramuros to participate at the annual Grand Marian Procession that sparked the revival of the devotion. At present, the Augustinian Recollects are now making efforts to revive the devotion to the Virgin of Health.
Estampa of Santo Cristo del Tesosro
Santo Cristo del Tesoro de Colegio de Santa Isabel Previous Provenance: Colegio de Santa Isabel, Intramuros, Manila (Old campus) Current Provenance: Colegio de Santa Isabel, Ermita, Manila (present campus)
The image of Santo Cristo del Tesoro of Colegio de Santa Isabel of Intramuros was also one of the most celebrated images in Intramuros and acclaimed as one of the so-called “Palladium of Intramuros” together with the Virgin of La Naval of the Dominicans and the now destroyed San Francisco de las Lagrimas of the Franciscans.
The image arrived in the country in 1631 from Acapulco for the Real Casa de La Misericordia. It was a gift of Don Juan Lopez, a captain who gave up the career of the sword, for that of charity. He was then bookkeeper of the above mentioned charitable institution.
The crucifix was placed in a shrine near the treasury of the Real Casa de La Misericordia as a guardian keeping a vigilant eye on the treasures of his beloved children. In fact, the crucified Christ proved that the treasury remained inexhaustible in spite of the many poor whose cries for alms and mercy were unfailingly answered.
Facial details of Santo Cristo del Tesosro
In times of drought, the Archbishop of Manila with his parishioners joined in a solemn procession in honor of this image, imploring for rain, and the events that followed did not fall short of the trust he and the people of Manila had placed in the Black Crucified Christ.
In the wake of the Second World War, the Santo Cristo was whisked away from the old Santa Isabel College to San Agustin Church and later transferred to Colegio de Sta. Rita of old Calumpang (now Plaza del Carmen of Quiapo). During the Japanese occupation, devotion to Santo Cristo del Tesoro found its way into the dreaded Fort Santiago and other places of torture. Freed or liberated prisoners form the fort went to the chapel of the Señor with fervent and humble thanksgiving. The image was later transferred to his new shrine in the relocated campus in Ermita, Manila.
Nuestra Señora de la Consolacion y Correa de Intramuros
Nuestra Señora de la Consolacion y Correa de Intramuros Previous Provenance: Iglesia de San Pablo (San Agustin Church), Intramuros, Manila Current Provenance: San Agustin Church, Intramuros, Manila
Being the lone survivor of the Second World War, San Agustin Church served as the solace of some of the well known images in the area and it is no surprise that its patroness, the Nuestra Señora de la Consolacion y Correa de Intramuros was spared from the ravages of War. The exact date of her arrival is unknown yet it is believed that the Consolacion was already enshrined in San Agustin Church in her own altar since the Seventeenth century.
The devotion to the Virgen de la Consolacion began when the Blessed Virgin Mary appeared to St. Monica of Tagaste, Mother of the future St. Augustine of Hippo who was at that time a wayward child who is very invested to the pleasures of the world. The Blessed Virgin appeared in mourning clothes and gave her cincture and asked Monica to wear it as a sign of her maternal consolation and protection. Tradition has it that the Chord (Correa in Spanish) was immediately worn by Monica and later gave it to his son after his conversion.
Nuestra Señora de la Consolacion y Correa de Intramuros at present
The Augustinians later adapted the Correa together with their habit when they are formally founded thru the Papal Bull “Cum quaedam salubria,” issued on July 15, 1255 by Pope Alexander IV which ordered a number of religious monks to gather for the purpose of being amalgamated into a new Order of Hermits of Saint Augustine which is called “The Grand Union”, contrary to the popular belief that St. Augustine himself founded the Augustinian Order. A confradia was later founded in the country under her patronage for the propagation of the devotion to the Lady of Consolation and for promoting the spiritual life of St. Augustine.
The image was kept hidden during the Second World War and it was later enshrined to her altar once again years alter after the War and stayed there since then. The original Niño of the Consolacion was sacrilegiously stolen on February 13, 2005 and a replacement image was soon commissioned. The Mother of the Augustinian Order was Canonically Crowned on her feast day, September 4, 2000 – then the Jubilee Year.
Nuestra Señora del Santisimo Rosario de Universidad de Santo Tomas
Nuestra Señora del Santisimo Rosario de Universidad de Santo Tomas Previous Provenance: Friary Chapel of University of Santo Tomas, Intramuros, Manila (old campus) Current Provenance: Santisimo Rosario Parish, UST Central Seminary, Sampaloc, Manila
The beautiful venerated image of Nuestra Señora del Santisimo Rosario of the Royal, Pontifical and Catholic University of Santo Tomas, the oldest Universtiy in Asia, was once enshrined in a chapel in the old campus of the University. In an interesting note, the University was actually under the patronage of Our Lady of the Most Holy Rosary and it is originally named as “Colegio de Nuestra Señora del Santisimo Rosario”.
History is silent on where the image came from and who carved the image for a chapel in the old Intramuros Campus. In a study conducted by the Committee for the Centenary of the Canonical Coronation of Nuestra Señora del Santisimo Rosaio – La Naval de Manila speculated that the opus was done either by Maximo Vicente or Graciano Nepomuceno which is yet to be confirmed.
When the then newly constructed UST Campus in Sampaloc, Manila was completed, another chapel was also constructed for the Virgin. The Chapel was among the earliest edifices in the Campus of the University of Santo Tomas. It was completed on November 13, 1932 and it was later became a parish in 1942, this chapel likewise became the center of the liturgico-sacramental life of the students and parishioners up to the present.
Nuestra Señora del Santisimo Rosario de Universidad de Santo Tomas at present
On September 28, 1942, the image of Nuestra Señora del Santisimo Rosario – La Naval de Manila, which was saved from the bombings that destroyed the Old Santo Domingo Church in Intramuros, was transferred to the University of Santo Tomas and enshrined at the main altar of the UST Chapel. Thus, the first fiesta celebration of the Santisimo Rosario Parish, set on October 7, the universal feast of the Holy Rosary, was graced by the presence of the historical image of the Blessed Mother, and this went on for several more years until the year 1954, when the La Naval was solemnly transferred to her new and permanent temple, the Santo Domingo Church in Quezon City.
The original parish image was then restored to its former place at the high altar, until the implementation of the liturgical reforms of the Second Vatican Council. The Feast day of the University’s patroness was moved from Second Sunday of October to First Sunday of the same month to give way for the traditional Feast of the La Gran Señora de Filipinas. The Fiesta is well attended by its parishioners and most importantly, by its students to pay homage to patroness of the Universtiy.
Nuestra Señora de Aranzazu de Colegio de San Juan de Letran
Nuestra Señora de Aranzazu de Colegio de San Juan de Letran Previous Provenance: Colegio de San Juan de Letran, Intramuros, Manila Current Provenance: Colegio de San Juan de Letran, Intramuros, Manila
For some Filipino faithful, the term Aranzazu is synonimous to San Mateo, Rizal where the Virgin, under this unique title is acclaimed as the Patroness of the Pueblo since 1716. However, the devotion to Nuestra Señora de Aranzazu already existed in Intramuros before it was introduced to San Mateo, Rizal.
The image of Nuestra Señora de Aranzazu shows the Blessed Virgin Mary with the Child Jesus in his arm holding a scepter and an apple on top of thorn tree and a quadrilateral bell on one of its trunks appearing to a shepherd named Rodrigo de Balzategui.
A Spanish captain brought the first image of the Virgin Mary from Mexico sometime in 1732. The devotion to the Virgin of Aranzazu in Letran flourished that led to the establishment of the Archconfraternity of Nuestra Senora de Aranzazu on December 16, 1772 by virtue of a Pontifical Brief issued by Benedict XIV on September 18, 1748.
Nuestra Señora de Aranzazu de Colegio de San Juan de Letran at present
The confraternity was installed amid solemn ceremonies at the Letran Chapel and the image occupied the epistle side for public veneration on December 16, 1772 and its members grew in numbers. Devotions to her in the succeeding years were held with much fervor, at which the members attend decked in their special gala uniform of white tunic, red cape and a blue band with a medal with her image on it. Her feast day was once celebrated every December 16.
During the War years, the image was spared from the damages the war have caused to the Walled City. Probably it was in that period that the hiding of the image to the public began and only a few, with the exception of the Dominican Friars who run the Colegio and stewards of the image, could get a glimpse of once celebrated images of Our Lady in Intramuros. At present, the image is kept in a private chapel of the Friars in the college and the image is exposed on rare special occasions.
Apoteosis de Santo Tomas de Aquino
Apoteosis de Santo Tomas de Aquino Previous Provenance: Iglesia de Santo Domingo, Intramuros, Manila Current Provenance: National Museum, Manila
Probably, one of the least known miraculous image of Old Intramuros that survived the Second World War. The painting of the St. Thomas Aquinas – the Prince of Theologians and popularly known as the “Angelic Doctor”- in full glory, was attributed to Damian Domingo, the celebrated mestizo painter during the early years of the Spanish era.
The painting is said to be enshrined in old Santo Domingo Church in Intramuros and being flocked by pilgrims. In 1819, the Archbishop of Manila, Juan Antonio Zulaybar y Aldaope, OP granted indulgences to the faithful who will recite the “Our Father”, the “Hail Mary” and the “Glory be”before this particular painting as it is inscribed in this painting.
The painting was one of the treasures that were kept in the vault of Old Santo Domingo and it was later kept in the Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas once retrieved. The painting is currently on display in the National Museum.
*Note: Apotheosis (Apoteosis in Spanish) – the elevation of someone to divine status
Santo Niño – El Conquistador
Santo Niño – El Conquistador Previous Provenance: Iglesia de San Pablo (San Agustin Church), Intramuros, Manila Current Provenance: Museo de San Agustin, San Agustin Church, Intramuros, Manila
Another image that was once celebrated within the Walled City is the ivory image of Santo Niño – El Conquistador. The image of the Santo Niño is clad in a conquistador regalia with a crown, scepter and a globus cruciger – symbols of power and domination. The origins of the image is unknown yet it is believed that it was enshrined since the Seventeenth Century to the Gospel side of the altar, along with the image of Nuestra Señora de la Consolacion y Correa de Intramuros which was located in the epistle side of the altar up to the present.
The Fiesta of the El Conquistador is celebrated with much pomp and solemnity and enjoyed much devotion from the entire Intramuros populace. However, during the Second World War, the image, along with the La Consolacion were hidden for sometime for safekeeping until both were re-enthroned after the War. At present, the image is now located in San Agustin Church Museum for preservation.
Mary, Help of Christians of Parañaque City
Mary Help of Christians of Parañaque Previous Provenance: Manila Metropolitan Cathedral, Intramuros, Manila Present Provenance: National Shrine of Mary, Help of Christians, Parañaque City
The devotion to Mary, Help of Christians began in the Philippines with the appointment of Salesian Archbishop William Piani as Apostolic Delegate to the Philippines. In 1922, he brought the statue of Mary Help of Christians to Manila and was first enthroned at the Manila Cathedral.
In 1942, during the Japanese occupation, the statue was brought to the Shrine of Nuestra Señora de Loreto in Sampaloc, Manila for safekeeping. During those years, the Archconfraternity of Mary help of Christians in the Philippines was organized. The archconfraternity continuously offered novenas and masses every 24th day of each month to Our Lady. Perhaps due to Archbishop Piani’s influence, the following parishes adopted Mary Help of Christians as titular and Patroness in different places in the country. Years later, in 1994 the image was transferred to the National Shrine of Mary, Help of Christians in Betterliving, Parañaque City while a new image of was enthroned in the original chapel in Manila Cathedral in 2016.
Virgen de la Soledad de Intramuros
Virgen de la Soledad (Mater Dolorosa) de Intramuros Previous Provenance: Iglesia de Santo Domingo, Intramuros, Manila Current Provenance: Santo Domingo Church – National Shrine of Our Lady of the Most Holy Rosary, La Naval de Manila
One of the earliest known Holy Week images in the country is that of the image of the Nuestra Señora de La Soledad (More popularly known as the “Mater Dolorosa”) of old Santo Domingo Church in Intramuros. Though the origins of this image is unknown yet it garnered a devotional following in Old Manila and the “Hermandad del Santo Entierro y Virgen de la Soledad”, the Hermandad in charge of the Good Friday procession of the old Iglesia de Santo Domingo was given formal approval by Pope Clement VIII in 1598.
The image is usually decked on her silver andas for the Solemn and Somber Good Friday processions led by the Dominican Order, the Beatas of Beaterio de Santa Catalina, students of Colegio de San Juan de Letran and University of Santo Tomas, the military and the high ranking officials, including the Capitan General of the colony. The image is also accompanied by the different saints of the Passion and the Señor Yacente.
The Dolorosa image, along with the image of San Juan Evangelista, survived the Second World War and was kept first the UST Sampaloc Campus and later in the present Santo Domingo Church in Quezon City. At present, the image can still be seen every Good Friday during the annual televised Siete Palabras and later on the Good Friday procession in the afternoon.
Santo Cristo de Casiguran
Santo Cristo de Casiguran Previous Provenance: Iglesia de San Nicolas de Tolentino, Intramuros, Manila Current Provenance: Museo Recoleto, Mira Nila Homes, Quezon CIty
The small crucifix of Casiguran was brought to the old San Nicolas de Tolentino Church in Intramuros from Casiguran, Quezon by the Augustinian Recollect missionaries when they left that mission area in 1704. Believed to be miraculous, tradition has it that the Crucified Christ gave absolution to a dying Recollect missionary who hid together with his flock in the forest of Casiguran to escape Moro pirates. It also recorded that whenever there will be an impending danger or natural disasters that would befall Casiguran, the head of Christ would turn to it’s direction as a warning to the faithful. Recently, there were some witnesses said that the head of Christ also turned to the direction of Leyte days before the devastating typhoon Yolanda (Internationally known as ‘Haiyan’) hit the island province. At present, the miraculous crucifix is currently kept in the Museo Recoleto for safekeeping.
The lasting value of the surviving images of old Intramuros
These miraculous images that are miraculously preserved during the Second World War is quite astounding for it only shows the Hand of God is working in our midst. These images are silent testaments and witnesses to the enduring faith the Filipinos have for centuries despite its rich, colorful and tragic history that shaped Philippine history. The survival stories of these miraculous images tells us that with God, we can endure every havoc or tragedy that we will face in our lives.
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. Mary, Help of Christians Fiesta 2000 Souvenir Program, National shrine and Parish of Mary, Help of Christians, Betterliving Subdivision, Parañaque City. Rubia, Rommel, OAR, “La Salud: the Black Virgin of Health”, Recoletos Communications, Order of Augustinian Recollects, Province of St. Ezekiel Moreno, Quezon City, 2016. Sanchez, Francisco, “La Virgen Maria Venerada en sus Imagenes Filipinas”, Manila: Imp. De Santos y Bernal, 1904.
Photos:
Choia, Davy Landicho, Miguel Yu, Biggie Some photographs that were used in this blogpost are credited to its owners.
The Image of Nuestra Señora de Guia is considered as the oldest Marian statue in the Philippines. There were different historical theories regarding the origin of this image, either from the Ferdinand Magellan expedition or from Chinese traders. The wooden Black Madonna statue is locally venerated as patroness of navigators and travelers since the Spanish times, the image is enshrined at the Archdiocesan Shrine of Nuestra Señora de Guia, popularly known as the Ermita Church, in Ermita, Manila.
Features of the Image
Made of molave (Vitex cofassus) wood, the statue stands about 50 centimetres (20 in) and is characterized by dark skin with a long, light brown hair. The image is depicted as the Immaculate Conception, she is dressed in both a manto and a stylized tapis, the traditional wraparound skirt of Filipino women.
Actual Condition of the image of Nuestra Señora de Guia
Upon close inspection, the image reveals a sarong-like bodice painted in the Chinese tradition of red, blue and gold paint… the unusual stance of the virgin, from the conservative stiffness of body line, has a bent torso very much like the Chinese goddess Kuan Yin.
Among her regalia is a scepter, a set of jewels given by Archbishop of Manila Cardinal Rufino Santos in 1960, and a golden crown donated by Pope Paul VI during his visit to the Manila Cathedral on May 16, 1971.
Details of the face of the original image
At present, the pandan leaves (whether a real or plastic pandan leaves) are incorporated around the image’s base as one of its iconic attributes. The statue is notable for its narrow, almond-shaped eyes, which some consider evidence of a Chinese origin for the statue.
These characteristics shows the probability that the image may have come from an Asian or if brought by galleon traders, it could have been commissioned to an artist who gets inspiration from Asian models. In spite of its old age, the De Guia retained the ruddiness of its cheek and its youthful allure. It conveys an oriental charm Filipinos can easily identify with
History
The discovery of the image
According to the Anales de la Catedral de Manila, the crew of Miguel López de Legazpi discovered a group of animist natives worshiping a statue of a female figure in a pandan bush, later identified as the Virgin Mary along the seaside of what is now Ermita. Later accounts claimed the statue was brought by Ferdinand Magellan in 1521 and was given as a gift to Rajah Humabon, whose realm included what is now Cebu City to the Kingdom of Maynila.
The origins of this image is still in question by Ecclesiastical and Secular Historians for different theories arises to her origin: whether it is brought by Ferdinand Magellan because of its close resemblance to the Sto. Nino de Cebu, whether it is brought by Chinese merchants and the image is actually that of a Taoist deity “Kuan Yin” because of its oriental features and stance as evidently shown, or whether the image was brought by Blessed Odoric of Pordenone, a Franciscan Missionary for his Missionary work in Bolinao, Pangasinan in 1324 for the image was actually that of the Immaculate Conception. Regardless of these historical circumstances, historians reconcile to the fact that the De Guia image is the oldest Marian image in the Philippines.
Estampa of Nuestra Senora de Guia
On May 19, 1571, the sovereigns Rajah Sulaiman III and Rajah Matanda ceded the Kingdom of Maynila to the Spanish Empire, with López de Legazpi consecrating the city to both Saint Pudentiana and Our Lady of Guidance. In 1578, Phillip II of Spain issued a royal decree invoking Our Lady of Guidance to be “sworn patroness” of Manila, making her the city’s titular patroness. The statue was first enshrined in Manila Cathedral inside the walled city of Manila until 1606, when the first parish compound was built on the present shrine’s site.
Called La Hermita (“The Hermitage”), it was originally made of bamboo, nipa, and molave wood. It was later rebuilt with stone but suffered damaged in an earthquake in 1810.
During the Second World War, the statue was saved by the parish priest of Ermita Church, Fr. Blas de Guernica, and Justo N. López. They secretly kept the statue in one of the niches of the crypt behind the main altar a few weeks before the Allied liberation of Manila. Ermita Church was destroyed during the Battle of Manila in February 1945. Fr. Rogelio Bedonia with a chaplain and four soldiers of the American Army went to the ruins of what had been the church of Ermita, dug up the sacred image from the debris of the crypt and brought it to a safer place. Since then until the construction of the temporary chapel, the sacred image stayed in a private house on Taft Avenue, in San Miguel and then finally in Quiapo. The current parish church was built in 1947.
The Canonical Coronation of Nuestra Señora de Guia
The image was given a Canonical Coronation on Rizal Day December 30, 1955 by the Apostolic Nuncio to the Philippines, Archbishop Egidio Vagnozzi. Father Patrick Peyton also once delivered a homily preaching the Family Rosary Crusade in the presence of the image. The statue was removed from the Shrine and remained in the room of Pope John Paul II for the duration of his 1995 Apostolic visit.
A replica of the image was made to commemorate the image’s Quadricentennial year. From May 1970 to 1971, the replica visited almost all parishes, chapels, hospitals, schools, and other institutions in the Archdiocese of Manila. Since then, it is the replica that is brought out in procession and for public veneration during the its feast day on 19 May, with the original remaining ensconced in its glass-covered alcove above the main altar for preservation purposes.
On 14 January 2015, the image was securely removed from the Ermita Church and transferred to the Apostolic Nunciature building along Taft Avenue in Manila, where Pope Francis will stay during his apostolic visit. The replica of the image was brought to the Quirino Grandstand for veneration during the Pope’s open-air mass on January 18, 2015.
Nuestra Señora de Guia
Patronage
In the olden days, she was decalred as the Sworn Patroness of Manila that signaled the Patronage of the Immaculate Conception in the Philippines due to numerous miralces attributed through her intercession.
The De Guia became the patroness of the seafarers. According to accounts, before an arrival of a trading galleon, investors would hold novena to guide and guard the merchant ships safely to the port and prevent the delay of the shipment. Mariners, in turn, gave abundant tithes to the church. Many benefactors donated and money, jewelry among many others in return for the favors they received.
Due to the church’s proximity to the United States Embassy, the statue is often visited by locals who petition Our Lady for safety in overseas travel. Devotees claim that under this title, the intercession of Our Lady is speedy and miraculous, particularly in securing approval of requests for United States visas. She is also considered the patron saint of all Overseas Filipino Workers.
Archdiocesan Shrine of Nuestra Señora de Guia
Church and Shrinehood
The Shrine of the Virgin was established from the moment the image was found and the Church became one of the most visited in Manila since the Spanish regime. The church was granted Archdiocesan Shrine status in 2005 by Cardinal Gaudencio Rosales, then the Archbishop of Manila.
Bota de Flores Festival
The feast of Our Lady of Guidance is celebrated every May 19. The original feast of the image was celebrated on December 18, but was moved to its present date, May 19 when a rainstorm hit Manila Cathedral in February 1771.
Bota de Flores
The origin of the “Bota de Flores” harks back to the Spanish era when the people of Ermita demanded the return of the image to her original shrine in Ermita from the Manila Cathedral. The Capitana were tossing flowers in front of the Cathedral as a sign of protest and after much deliberation, the image returned to her original site with much rejoicing. The Flower tossing later evolved as a homage to the Virgin for her continues guidance to the people of Ermita and her devotees.
Today, the traditional flower-tossing ceremony is held where young women headed by a Capitana, who is chosen on the basis of standards set by the Parish Council. It is believed that the Capitana is the personal choice of Our Lady, for even if a vote is casted in favor of one candidate, if she does not end up with the role for one reason or another, the true choice will still emerge. The privilege to serve as a Capitana is considered a great honor by the young women of Ermita. The young girls pass down the line of honor guards going to the altar in a solemn candlelight ceremony and lay bouquets at the feet of our Lady whom they consider their guide for life.
Through centuries, the Virgin of De Guia continues her maternal guidance by the miracles that she wrought to her devotees. With the discovery of her image, She formally initiated the Christianization of Manila and the rest of the country. The arrival of her image prior to the Spanish colonization is considered as a plan from the Almighty God to put the newly discovered islands of the Philippines under the Patronage of the Blessed Virgin Mary as the Immaculate Conception. She witnessed the turbulent yet glorious history of the country and she never failed to give her guidance through the course of our history. May the Blessed Virgin Mary, the Sworn Patroness of our land guide us as we continue in our earthly pilgrimage until we reached our eternal goal – to be with His Son for all eternity.
Pintakasi 