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September 08, 2022

The Ber months are finally upon us again. For our Christian brothers and sisters, this means that Christmas draws ever closer. We also remember that we celebrate the birth of the Blessed Virgin Mary, mother of Jesus in September; we refer to this as the Feast of the Nativity of Mary. Every year on September 8, many countries across the globe widely celebrate Her birthday. This date marks nine months after the Immaculate Conception, which is celebrated every 8th of December.  

Brief History of Marian Devotion in the Philippines

  In Christianity, the Blessed Virgin Mary is the center of Marian devotion. "Devotions" is typically used to describe external acts of piety that a person does to display their beliefs.   In the Philippines, Marian devotion has long been present and practiced. Filipino Roman Catholics, Marian devotee or not, view the Blessed Virgin Mary as an important figure, even calling her "Mama Mary". The endearing term is uniquely Filipino, suggesting intimacy and dedication. Some households even have a dedicated altar with the image of the Virgin Mary adorned with flowers.   Image from Positively Filipino[/caption]   They also revere her under many titles, some of the most popular being Our Lady of Perpetual Help and Our Lady of Fatima. The month of May is also the Marian month in the Philippines, with the Blessed Virgin Mary celebrated in parades, festivals, and pilgrimages. We also adopted praying the rosary: the Marian devotees practice of praying using beads dating as far back as the tenth century. These show how deeply embedded Marian devotion is in Filipino Catholic culture. Many Catholic Filipinos widely celebrated the Feast of the Nativity of the Blessed Virgin Mary on September 8 across the country. Though most locals might recognize this as "Mama Mary's birthday", Filipinos honor it as an important solemnity by attending mass. To prepare for celebrating the Feast of the Nativity, we have a list of shrines that you can visit.  

7 Marian Shrines to Visit During the Feast of the Nativity

Simala Shrine

Well recognized for its castle-like shrine for the Virgin Mary, Simala Shrine is at Sibonga, Cebu. It has become a shrine for pilgrimage for Marian devotees and Roman Catholics, when several residents miraculously recovered from dengue in 1998 after the statue of Virgin Mary shed tears. This occurred after a nine-day penitential rosary walk led by a parish priest. 

  Image from Sugbo.PH[/caption]   The shrine is also called the Monastery of the Holy Eucharist. It is considered being one of the most beautiful churches in Cebu, and also one of the most visited religious places in the country.  

Minor Basilica of Our Lady of Most Holy Rosary

  Image from Wikimedia Commons[/caption]   In Manaoag, Pangasinan, the Minor Basilica of Our Lady of the Most Holy Rosary houses the famed statue of Our Lady of Manaoag. Pilgrims and devotees around the country travel all the way from far areas to ask for Her intercession, and to see the magnificent image. Carved from ivory and clothed with fabrics laced with jewels, the Manila galleon brought the statue of Our Lady of Manaoag from Acapulco, Mexico to the Philippines. The image has since then survived many tragedies and calamities. Throughout the centuries, the statue withstood attempts of burning by mountain tribes and bombing during WWII. At present, people attributed many miracles to the Lady and flock to the basilica to seek Her help during difficult times.

National Shrine of Our Lady of the Visitation of Guibang

  Image from Catholink[/caption]   The National Shrine of Our Lady of the Visitation of Guibang, or Our Lady of Guibang shrine, was canonically crowned in May 1973 by Most Rev. Carmine Pocco. It is in Guibang, Isabela, dedicated to the Blessed Virgin Mary of Guibang.  

National Shrine of Our Lady of Guadalupe

  Image from Interaksyon[/caption]   The National Shrine of Our Lady of Guadalupe is the home to the Celestial Patroness of the Philippines, the Merciful Mother of Life. It is at Guadalupe Nuevo in Makati City. The baroque Church was established in the 17th century and was initially named Our Lady of Grace Church. The name was later changed to Our Lady of Guadalupe in 1803. This is associated with one of the five Marian apparitions in Mexico during 1531. The shrine constructed in Mexico was named Nuestra Señora de Guadalupe, locally translated to Our Lady of Guadalupe. Both churches are now popular among Marian devotees and Roman Catholics.

National Shrine of Our Lady of Perpetual Help

  Known as one of the largest Marian shrines in the Philippines, the National Shrine of Our Lady of Perpetual Help houses the treasured icon of Our Lady of Perpetual Help. In Baclaran, Parañaque, they also deem it one of the busiest Marian shrines in Metro Manila for the crowds that visit the church every day. Wednesdays are even called "Baclaran Day", as roads near the shrine become congested because of the volume of people that come to pray on that day. 

Image from Scala News[/caption]   The shrine is also called the "Shrine of Miracles", because of the many claims of miracle healings and the devotees favors being granted.  

National Shrine and Cathedral of Our Lady of Peace and Good Voyage

 Better known as the Antipolo Cathedral, the National Shrine and Cathedral of Our Lady of Peace and Good Voyage enshrines the Black Madonna. Many people come to pray to this image of the Immaculate Conception petitioning for safe travels. Often these wishes are for overseas workers and pilgrims.  

  Image from ParishPH[/caption]   Similar to other shrines, the Black Madonna also has claims of miracles. It is said that the image had mysteriously vanished many times only to reappear atop a Tipolo tree.   Be it for devotion, pleading intercession, pilgrimage, or worship, there are many shrines scattered across the country for each specific purpose. As we celebrate the Feast of the Nativity this year, let us all find solace and achieve spiritual connectedness.