MANILA, Philippines — Motorists are advised to brace for heavy traffic around Sto. Domingo Church on Sunday afternoon, October 11, from 3:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. due to the Grand Procession of the image of Our Lady of the Rosary of La Naval de Manila.
The procession will be followed by a Holy Mass at Sto. Domingo Church. To facilitate the religious event and ensure public safety, temporary road closures will be implemented in the following areas:
- Sto. Domingo Avenue: Closed from Quezon Avenue to Ma. Clara Street
- Dapitan Street: Closed from Sto. Domingo Avenue to D. Tuazon Street
- N. Roxas Street & D. Tuazon Street: To be closed once the procession's spearhead exits
- Quezon Avenue (from the tunnel up to D. Tuazon Street, including U-turn slots): To be closed once the procession's spearhead approaches D. Tuazon Street
The procession of the image of Mary will be at 4 p.m., according to Sto. Domingo Church. It will be followed by a mass at 5:30 p.m.
Personnel from the Traffic and Transport Management Department, Department of Public Order and Safety, Task Force Disiplina, and the Quezon City Police District (QCPD) will be deployed to manage traffic flow and assist commuters and drivers along the route.
The said image, owned by the Order of Preachers, is displayed at Sto. Domingo Church.
It was commissioned in 1593 by Governor General Luis Pérez Dasmariñas, made by an anonymous Chinese immigrant who later converted to Christianity.
In 1646, the Dutch Republic launched multiple naval assaults to seize the Philippines and dominate Asian trade routes.
Facing a far superior fleet, the joint Spanish and Filipino defenders sought the intercession of Our Lady of the Rosary, praying the rosary continuously as urged before heading into combat.
The Spanish-Filipino forces repelled the Dutch across five major sea battles, suffering just 15 casualties.
Honoring a pledge made before the fighting, the surviving crew walked barefoot to the shrine in thanksgiving following the enemy's retreat.
On April 9, 1662, the Archdiocese of Manila's cathedral chapter officially declared the triumph a miracle granted through the La Naval’s protection.