Mary has claimed Manaoag, says Cardinal Advincula at centennial rites

MANILA, Philippines — For Manila Archbishop Cardinal Jose Advincula, devotion to Our Lady of Manaoag stands apart among Marian devotions in the Philippines, citing its local tradition, origins and deep spiritual meaning during the centennial celebration of the image's pontifical coronation.

In his homily on Wednesday, April 22, Advincula said Mary had claimed Manaoag as her own long before the Church formally recognized the devotion.

"Among all the Marian devotions in the Philippines, devotion to Our Lady of Manaoag stands out because of its unique origin and profound spirituality," Advincula said.

"Through the praying of the rosary, let us lift our hearts at every moment to Mary, that she, in truth, with her motherly hands may offer our hearts to her Son. Mary of Manaoag, Mary our Queen, Mary our mother," he added.

Advincula recounted the local tradition of a middle-aged farmer who, while on a hilltop, heard a mysterious voice.

Drawn by the call, he saw the Virgin Mary holding the Child Jesus and a rosary, who requested that a church be built on that very spot.

The apparition, which occurred in 1610, marked the hill as a sanctuary and sacred space.

"Mary herself had already claimed this place. By her presence and her request, she has consecrated not only this hill, but also this town and its people, marking them with a quiet yet powerful grace of her motherly compassion," Advincula said.

Centennial coronation

In 1926, the image of Our Lady of the Most Holy Rosary in Manaoag received its pontifical coronation after Pope Pius XI issued the papal bull of canonical coronation dated August 25, 1925.

A canonical coronation is an institutional act of the pope, expressed in a formal decree, in which the pontiff bestows the right to impose an ornamental crown, diadem or aureole on an image of Christ, Mary or Joseph that is widely venerated in a particular diocese or locality.

According to Advincula, it is the third Marian image to be crowned in the country.

President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. and First Lady Liza Marcos attended the Mass, bringing the crown of the Marian image during its blessing.

The Mass was presided over by Apostolic Nuncio Charles Brown and concelebrated with Advincula, Lingayen-Dagupan Archbishop Socrates Villegas, Lipa Archbishop and Catholic Bishops' Conference of the Philippines President Gilbert Garcera, Prior Provincial of the Dominican Province of the Philippines Filemon Dela Cruz, O.P., and other Dominican and diocesan priests.