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October 10, 2022

Our Lady of the Most Holy Rosary — La Naval de Manila, also known as the Nuestra Señora del Santísimo Rosario - La Naval de Manila, is one of the images and venerated titles of the Blessed Virgin Mary in the Philippines. Faithful followers of Our Lady of the Holy Rosary believe that, through Her intercession, the invading forces of the Protestant Dutch Republic were defeated in 1646 during the Battles of La Naval De Manila.

The image received canonical coronation under Pope Pius X on April 4 1906. The Rite of Coronation of the Nuestra Señora del Santísimo Rosario - La Naval de Manila was executed by Dom Ambrose Aguis on October 5 1907.

The image of the Our Lady of the Most Holy Rosary is one of the most prominent images of the Blessed Virgin Mary in the Philippines. As such, a grand feast and a procession is held in Manila every October to honor it - fitting as October is also the Month of the Holy Rosary.

There is much to learn about the Our Lady of the Most Holy Rosary — La Naval de Manila as it has a colorful history deeply rooted in the Philippines' Catholic beliefs. As such, here are five quick facts about the Nuestra Señora del Santísimo Rosario - La Naval de Manila that you should know about as the image is a part of our country's rich history.

5 Facts About the Feast of Our Lady of La Naval de Manila

Miracles in the Battlefield

The Dutch Republic, in an attempt to open trade in South Asia, tried to invade the Philippines in 1646. The Filipino and Spanish defenders at the time only had two galleons against the Dutch fleet.

The defenders prayed to the Our Lady of the Holy Rosary for victory. The battle was a success and the defenders conquered the naval battles five times before sending the Dutch Republic away. Hence, the Our Lady of the Most Holy Rosary was venerated with the "La Naval" title because it was through Her intercession that the naval battles were won.

It Was First Celebrated in Intramuros

The Feast of La Naval de Manila was first celebrated in Intramuros, Manila, on October 8, 1646. The celebration was to mark the victory of the Filipino and Spanish Catholic forces against the Dutch fleet that came to the shores of the country with the intention to invade it. As a form of thanksgiving to God and the Blessed Virgin for their victory, church leaders of the era initiated the first feast of La Naval de Manila.

Now, the Feast of La Naval de Manila is held at the Santo Domingo Parish in Quezon City where the image of the Our Lady of the Most Holy Rosary is also located.

The Feast of La Naval de Manila is an Important Marian Procession

Apart from remembering the event as a historical conquest, the Feast of La Naval de Manila is also one of the most important Marian processions in the country. It joins The Feast of the Immaculate Conception, the Tapusan Festival, and the Peñafrancia Festival, as one of the most important Marian feasts for many devotees in the Philippines.

The Grand Procession was Halted for Two Years

Because of the COVID-19 pandemic, the grand procession of the Feast of La Naval de Manila was held back due to restrictions. It was replaced by the Maringal na Pagdungaw ng Mahal na Birhen. However, for the 2022 celebration, the grand procession was brought back for the festivities of the year.

A Work of Art

The original image of the La Naval de Manila was made out of wood. It was brought to the country in 1587 by Dominicans from Mexico. However, this original image no longer exists as it was burned during World War II. The current image of the La Naval de Manila was made in 1593. It's made out of solid ivory and is known to be the oldest dated ivory carving in the Philippines.

Today, the Feast of La Naval de Manila continues to be celebrated as one of the grandest Marian processions in the country. It’s a showing of the strength of Catholic faith and a symbol of the faithful’s continuous devotion to the Nuestra Señora del Santísimo Rosario. After centuries have passed, the faith of the devotees stands strong and continues to make the Feast of La Naval de Manila one of the most important Marian events in the country.