Hail to the Queen

MANILA, Philippines - Witness the re-enactment of the coronation of Gapan’s beloved patroness, La Virgen Divina Pastora, today at the Three Kings Parish Compound in Gapan City, Nueva Ecija. The 45th coronation anniversary celebration also coincides with the 23rd anniversary of the declaration as a National La Virgen Divina Pastora by the Catholic Bishops Conference of the Philippines. Don Conrado “Ado” Escudero will perform the ceremonial act of the crowning this year.

A distinctive feature of the church architecture and interior finish is the “bovida,” painted between 1904 to 1905 by the Cavite-born artist Isidro Samonte Sr. whose wife is a native of Gapan. The bovida artwork depicts the Holy Trinity in a setting with angels and cherubims in attendance.

Sadly, however, this magnificent artwork is starting to crumble. Restoration, therefore, is needed.

(Please call (044) 486-0471 and 486-0228, look for Fr. Antonio Mangahas, Jr.)