La Naval de Manila Online

The Blue Queen

2011-01-26T17:09:00.000-08:00

The Santo Rosario in her Blue Day Dress

The silver trimmings were transferred from an older dress to the new one.

Thank you to rg_Lazaro of Flickr for letting us post these very beautiful pictures of the Santo Rosario here!

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Photo Credit :
***********************************
Posted with permission. All rights reserved.
Images from rg_Lazaro of the La Naval Flickr Group
Please respect intellectual property rights. Ask permission from the owner if you wish to republish these photos.

Our Home's Queen

2011-01-21T16:39:00.000-08:00

Peace be with you!

I am Christopher Galgo, from Olongapo City. Me and my family are devotees of the Blessed Virgin Mary under the title of the Queen of the Most Holy Rosary, La Naval de Manila. Our devotion developed since my elementary days when I learned the story of La Naval de Manila featured in Fr. Patrick Peyton's Family Rosary Crusade . I am now in my 26th year. The Blessed Virgin Mary has granted us many favors, spiritual and material, and miracles. And we continuously experience Her intercession in our day to day endeavors.

We have our own image of La Naval in our family chapel inside our house, three feet in size, together with other statues of the Blessed Virgin Mary and some saints. La Naval serves as the Queen and Mother of our Home, our Soul and our Heart. She is our only refuge in times of crisis and dilemmas.

One of the miracles of the Blessed Virgin Mary in us, as well as in the lives of our neighbors, was, when a huge fire incident happened in the year 2002 that has struck and almost burned our owned apartment. Our neighbors pleaded for Our Lady's intercession and succor. She granted our prayers and immediately the fire has stopped thru the help of some fire marshals.

We have also experienced spiritual battles. But our dearest Mother is so generous that she always give us the triumph over our most difficult problems, as she had manifested over the Battles of La Naval de Manilla.
I have not became a Licensed Social Worker without the help of Our Lady. She has helped me a lot during my collegiate years and gave me my license after I have Passed the Licensure Examination for Social Workers. I have taken the Board Exam only once. But before that, I have conducted a novena in honor of Our Lady. With knees bent, everyday I plead for Our Lady's help and mercy. She once again proclaimed that She is the Victorious Queen of the Rosary.

I will not mention in detail all the blessings and miracles of La Naval to us because my whole life will not suffice to proclaim and narrate Her greatness.

Every 2nd Sunday of October, annually, we celebrate the Feast of the Triumphant Queen together with our friends. The celebration includes the recitation of the Holy Rosary, Holy Eucharist and Luncheon Feast. Everyday (afternoon or night-depending on one's availability) we have an alternate duty of rosary prayer in front of Our Lady's image in thanksgiving for the whole day blessings.

Hoping that this could inspire more devotees to continue praying to Our Lady, even if their requests were not yet and / or easily granted by heaven because God's and Our Lady's way and time are not man's. But I'm sure that their way and time are the best for ours.

God bless and more power.

VIVA EL REINA DEL SANTISIMO ROSARIO!!!
VIVA EL MADRE MISERICORDIA!!!
VIVA LA VIRGEN DE LA NAVAL!!!

La Naval 2010 Images

2010-10-28T11:32:00.000-07:00

Santo Rosario in Procession

Santo Rosario Serenaded

by the

Tiples de Santo Domingo

Beautiful Mother. Pray for Us.

Thank you to Mr. Davy Chioa, Mr. Marvin Martinez & Flickr User gLn98 for letting us post these very beautiful pictures of the Santo Rosario here!

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Photo Credit :
***********************************
Posted with permission. All rights reserved.
Images from Mr. Richard Davy Chioa, Marvin Martinez, & gLn98 of the La Naval Flickr Group
Please respect intellectual property rights. Ask permission from the owner if you wish to republish these photos.
******************************

A Miracle of Healing

2010-10-28T09:25:00.000-07:00

From Wilsz
Re-posted from a Comment
--------------------------------
I just want to share the miracle done by our lady of la naval. the day after the day we celebrate her feast last October 10,2010... My officemate's niece was very ill that time, her white blood cells reach at 18,500 counts which is not normal for a 8 months old child...and the child always suffer 40 degrees Celsius fever and her red blood cells also dropped... the family especially the mother of the child don't know what to do and very much depressed... that time October 11,2010 I convinced my office mate to go with me to Sto. Domingo church, and to pray to our lady, without hesitation she goes with me... I myself also said a prayer to our lady for the child... Sabi ko pa nga sa mahal na ina."mahal na birhen ng La Naval, wag mo po ako ipapahiya sa pamilyang to, hayaan mo po makilala ka din nila at ipamalas mo po ang iyong pagmamahal sa kanila" so after we pray, my officemate and I separate ways and go home...the night came I received a text message from my office mate saying thank you to me cause her niece was healed the time that we are in Sto. Domingo that was also the time when her niece is on St. Lukes. having her test, after the test the results was all negative and the white blood cell counts decreased into normal count.. I told her not to thank me instead thank our mother who help us. I thank God for what happened and thank Mama Mary for her intercession... Viva La Naval de Manila!!!

La Naval 2010 Media Coverage

2010-09-30T10:58:00.001-07:00

Narito na po ang ating Schedule of our LIVE Media Coverages para sa malaking Selebrasyon ng La Naval de Manila 2010:

SA HIMPILAN NG RADYO
DZME 1530khz
Oktubre 1-9, 2010 - mula 5:30nh hanggang 7:00ng.
Oktubre 10, 2010 - mula 4:00nh hanggang 7:00ng.

Veritas846 "Ang Radyo Totoo"
Oktubre 10, 2010 - sa ganap na ika-8 ng Umaga para sa isasagawang Solemn High Mass.

SA HIMPILAN NG TELEBISYON
Magkakaroon lang ng mga Live Updates sa Lahat ng mga TV Channels kaugnay sa ating Pagdiriwang ng La Naval de Manila sa darating na Oktubre 9-10, 2010!!!

La Naval 2010 Procession Route & Assignments

2010-09-30T10:57:00.001-07:00

ANG DAKILANG ENGRADENG PRUSISYON PARA SA DAKILANG KAPISTAHAN NG MAHAL NA BIRHEN NG SANTO ROSARYO - LA NAVAL DE MANILA
Oktubre 10, 2010 sa ganap na ika-4 ng Hapon
Simbahan ng Santo Domingo sa Lungsod ng Quezon, Republika ng Pilipinas.

INTRODUKSYON
Sa ating isasagawang Engrandeng Prusisyon para sa ating Pagdiriwang ng LA NAVAL DE MANILA. ito ay posibleng magtatagal ng mahigit Dalawa at Kalahating Oras ang isasagawang Prusisyon. at ito ay posible rin maglulan ng mahigit sa 7,000 hanggang 10,000 katao ang dadalo sa darating na Araw ng Linggo, Oktubre 10, 2010!!!

ANG MGA RUTA NG ATING PRUSISYON
Simbahan ng Santo Domingo, Lahat ng buong Kalye ng Santo Domingo Avenue, Lahat ng buong Kalye ng Dapitan Avenue, Lahat ng buong Kalye ng D. Tuazon Avenue, Lahat ng buong Kalye ng Quezon Avenue at Pabalik ng Simbahan ng Santo Domingo

Mga Order ng ating Prusisyon

Flag Bearers
Mga Militar
Mga Lead-Car Marshalls
Knights of Columbus
Acolytes

1. San Lorenzo Ruiz de Manila
San Lorenzo Ruiz Academy, Binondo, Manila
Colegio de San Lorenzo Ruiz, Congressional Ave., Proj. 6, Quezon City
San Lorenzo Ruiz Parochail School, Navotas
Santo Domingo Charismatic Community
Perpetual Rosary Association
VASRA
Bagong Pag-asa
Santo Cristo
Project 6
Ramon Magsaysay

2. Beata Juana de Aza
Diosdado Macapagal Elementary School, Tatalon, Quezon City
Santo Domingo Legionary
Religious of Mary Immaculate, Villa Maria Clara, Quezon City
Alicia
Bahay Toro
Katipunan
San Antonio
Veterans Village

3. Beata Margarita de Castello
San Felipe Neri Parochial School, Mandaluyong City
Dominican Oblates of Blessed Margaret of Castello
Blessed Margaret Movement
God the Father of all Mankind Movement Santo Domingo Chapter
MUKHA A.D.
Bungad
Phil-Am
West Triangle
Santa Cruz
Nayong Kanluran

4. Santo Tomas Khuong
Letran College, Calamba
Filipino-Chinese Communities
El Shaddai Santo Domingo Chapter
Santo Domingo Parish Catechetical Ministry
Sikatuna Village
Paltok
Siena
Damar
Salvacion

5. San Francisco de Capillas
Philippine Marine Institute, Santa Cruz, Manila
Philippine Marine Institute, Roosevelt, Quezon City
Santo Domingo Legionary Choir
Holy Rosary Shrine Choir
KADAUPAN
Ramon Magsaysay
Doña Aurora
Don Manuel
UP Campus
San Bartolome

6. San Vicente Liem de La Paz
Colegio de San Juan de Letran College, Manila
Block Rosary Choir
Paraiso
Mariblo
Damayan
Del Monte
Masambong
Talayan

7. Santa Magdalena de Nagazaki
Dominican School, Forbes
Kaibigan Movement
Santo Domingo
Saint Peter
San Jose
Manresa
San Agustin
San Vicente
Bagbag
Central

8. San Juan Macias
Angelicum College, Quezon City
Angelicum Alumni
Pag-ibig sa Nayon
Balingasa
Santa Teresita
San Isidro Labrador
Paang Bundok
UP Village
Old Capitol Site
Doña Josefa

9. San Martin de Porres
Dominican Brothers of Saint Martin de Porres
Saint Martin de Porres Guild
N.S. Amoranto
Maharlika
Lourdes
Holy Spirit
Batasan Hills

10. Santa Rosa de Lima
Manila Cathedral School
Holy Name Society, National
Santo Domingo Chorale Group
Commonwealth
Bagong Silangan
Payatas
Fairview
Pasong Putik Proper

11. Santa CataIina de Ricci
Santa Catalina College, Legarda
Doña Josefa Jara Martinez High School, Tatalon, Quezon City
Greater Lagro
North Fairview
Kaligayahan
Santa Lucia
Teacher's Village (East)
Teacher's Village (West)

12. San Juan de Coloma
Philippine Normal University, Manila
Boy Scouts of the Philippines, Quezon City Chapter
Santo Domingo Parish Family and Life Ministry
Novaliches Proper
Nagkaisang Nayon
Capri
Santa Monica

13. San Luis Beltran
Aquinas School, San Juan
Parish Federation of the Block Rosary
KRISKA (BEC)
Sauyo
Gulod
Talipapa
Baesa

14. San Pio V
St. James Academy, Malabon
Friends of Saint Dominic
Balumbato
Unang Sigaw
Apolonio Samson
Sangandaan
Tandang Sora
Pinyahan

15. San Vicente Ferrer
Holy Rosary College, Tala Caloocan
Colegio de San Pascual Baylon, Obando, Bulacan
PREX Movement
Pasong Tamo
Culiat
New Era
Silangan
Socorro
Malaya

16. San Antonio de Florencia
Dominican School, San Juan
Santo Domingo Parish Social Service and Development Ministry
Munting Kawan ni Kristo Cursillo Team
E. Rodriguez
West Kamias
East Kamias
Quirino 2-A
Quirino 2-B

17. Santa Catalina de Siena
Siena College, Quezon City
Quirino 2-C
Quirino 3-A
Quirino 3-B
Duyan-duyan
Amihan
Botocan
Krus na Ligas

18. Santa Ines de Montepulciano
Sisters of the Poor, N. Roxas Street, Quezon City
Mother of Jesus Choir
Youth for Christ
Matandang Balara
Pansol
Loyola Heights
San Roque
Mangga

19. San Alberto Magno
Dominican Sisters of Regina Rosarii
Regina Rosarii Contemplative Assoiciation
Good Shepherds Choir
Masagana
Villa Maria Clara
Bayanihan
Camp Aguinaldo
White Plans

20. San Raymundo de Penafort
Saint Mary's College, Quezon City
Legion of Mary
Libis
Ugong Norte
Bagumbayan
Blue Ridge A
Blue Ridge B

21. Santo Tomas Aquino
UST College Faculty and Students
UST High School
UST Education High School
Santo Domingo Male Chorale
Saint Ignatius
Milagrosa
Escopa I
Escopa II
Escopa III
Escopa IV

22. Santa Margarita de Hungria
Saint Theresa's College, Quezon City
Catholic Women's League
Christian Community Program (UE Recto)
Marilag
Bagumbuhay
Tagumpay
Dioquina Zobel
Sacred Heart

23. San Jacinto Ordhowatz
Santo Domingo Lectors' Group
Eucharistic Lay Ministers
Singles for Christ
Laging Handa
Obrero
Paligsahan
Roxas
Kamuning

24. San Pedro Martir de Verona
Apostleship of Prayer
Couples for Christ
South Triangle
Pinagkaisahan
Immaculate Conception
Kaunlaran
Company of St. Dominic Secular Institute

25. Santo Domingo de Guzman
Filii Sancti Dominici
Dominican Laity
Dominican Sisters
Barkadahan ni Santo Domingo
Bagong Lipunan ng Crame
Horsehoe
Valencia
Tatalon
Kalusugan
Kristong Hari

26. Mahal na Senor San Jose
Confraternity of Saint Joseph
Saint Joseph College, Quezon City
Linis Quezon City Group
Damayang Lagi
Mariana
Doña Imelda
Santol
Santo Niño
San Isidro Galas

Mga Estandarte ng 20 Misteryo ng Santo Rosaryo

Mahal na Birhen ng Santo Rosaryo - La Naval de Manila
Santo Domingo Grand Officials
Dominican Religious Community
UST Central Seminary
Ecclesiastical Hierarchy
Quezon City Goverment Official
Honor Guards
UST Band
Mga Deboto ng Mahal na Birhen ng La Naval de Manila

La Naval de Manila 2010 Schedule

2010-09-22T10:28:00.003-07:00

La Naval de Manila
Tagumpay sa Pagbabagong-Buhay

Official Schedule (English)

30th of October 2010:
Enthronement of the Image 5:00 pm.

1st thru 9th of October 2010:
Masses:
Monday - Saturday: 5:00 am. - 12:00 noon. at 6:00 pm.
Sunday: 5:00 am. - 12:00 noon. - 4:00 pm. at 7:00 pm.

Novena: 6:50 am., 11:45 am. at 5:30 pm.

7th and 8th of October 2010:
Beso Manto 7:00 pm.

10th of October 2010:
Feast Day

Masses:
5:00 am., 12:00 pm., 3:00 pm., 5:00 pm. at 7:00 pm.

Grand Procession:
4:00 pm.

Circa 1982

2010-04-18T04:08:00.001-07:00

From the Collection of Fr. Thomas Lopez Francisco,O.P.,
former provincial of the Philippine Dominican Province
- Taken November 1982.

Thank you to Mr. Davy Chioa for letting us post these very beautiful pictures of the Santo Rosario here!

***********************************
Photo Credit :
***********************************
Posted with permission. All rights reserved.
Images from Mr. Richard Davy Chioa of the La Naval Flickr Group
Please respect intellectual property rights. Ask permission from the owner if you wish to republish these photos.
******************************

La Naval Images 1992

2010-02-18T17:57:00.000-08:00

Our Lady of the Most Holy Rosary
La Naval de Manila 1992
wearing Her fan-shaped diamond diadema for the first time

Sir Joel shares that the Niño also used to have a
metal plancha de oro y plata frontal which is now lost

The Santo Rosario wearing the Numero Uno in 1992

Thank you to Sir Joel for letting us post these very beautiful pictures of the Santo Rosario here!

***********************************
Photo Credit :
***********************************
Posted with permission. All rights reserved.
Images from Mr. Joel de Leon of the La Naval Flickr Group
Please respect intellectual property rights. Ask permission from the owner if you wish to republish these photos.
******************************

Sto. Domingo Lenten Schedule 2010

2010-02-18T17:56:00.001-08:00

SCHEDULE OF THE LENTEN SEASON ACTIVITIES:

February 17, 2010 - Ash Wednesday "Day of Prayer, Fasting and Abstinence"
Ash Wednesday Masses:
Morning Masses:
5:00am, 6:00am, 7:00am, 8:00am, 9:00am, 10:00am, 11:00am.
Afternoon Masses:
12:00nn, 4:00pm, 5:00pm.
Evening Masses:
6:00pm, 7:00pm.

February 18, 2010 - Masses on Thursday After Ash Wednesday
5:30am, 6:45am, 12:15pm.

February 19 to 20, 2010 - Masses on Friday and Saturday After Ash Wednesday
5:00am, 6:15am, 7:00am, 12:15pm and 6:00pm.
6:00pm - Sunday Anticipating Mass (Every Saturday evening)

February 21, 2010 - Sunday Mass for the 1st. Sunday of Lent and The 38th. Founding Anniversary of Sto. Domingo Parish
Sunday Masses:
5:00am, 6:00am, 7:00am, 8:00am, 9:00am, 10:00am, 11:00am and 12:00nn.
3:45pm - Misa ng Bayang Pilipino
Continuation of the Holy Masses:
5:15pm, 6:00pm and 7:00pm

February 22 to March 27, 2010 - Regular Masses for the Lenten Season
Weekday Masses:
5:00am, 6:30am, 7:45am, 12:15pm and 6:00pm
Saturday Masses:
5:45am, 7:00am, 8:30am, 12:15pm
6:00pm - Sunday Anticipating Mass
Sunday Masses (Every Hour):
Morning Masses:
5:00am, 6:00am, 7:00am, 8:00am, 9:00am, 10:00am, 11:00am.
Afternoon Masses:
12:00nn, 4:00pm, 5:00pm.
Evening Masses:
6:00pm, 7:00pm.

Every Fridays of the Lent
5:00pm - The Way of the Cross

March 28, 2010 - Passion (Palm) Sunday
6:30am and 3:30pm - The Solemn Blessings of the Palms
Holy Masses:
Morning Masses:
5:00am, 6:00am, 7:00am, 8:00am, 9:00am, 10:00am, 11:00am.
Afternoon Masses:
12:00nn, 4:00pm, 5:00pm.
Evening Masses:
6:00pm, 7:00pm.
Note: Hourly Blessing of Palm within the Mass

March 29 to 30, 2010 - Masses From Monday and Tuesday of the Holy Week
5:30am, 6:45am, 8:00am, 12:15pm and 6:00pm.

March 31, 2010 - Masses on Wednesday of the Holy Week
5:30am, 6:45am and 6:00pm.

April 1, 2010 - Holy Thursday
7:00am - Office and Morning Prayer
8:00am - Common Penitential Rites/Liturgy of the Hours
8:00am to 12:00nn - Confessions
5:00pm - Mass for the Lord's Supper
6:00pm to 12:00mn - Vigil at the Altar of Repose
7:00pm to 10:00pm - Confessions

April 2, 2010 - Good Friday "Day of Prayer, Fasting and Abstinence"
7:00am - Office and Morning Prayer
8:00am - Common Penitential Rites/Liturgy of the Hours
8:00am to 11:00am - Confessions
12:00nn to 3:00pm - Seven Last Words
3:30pm - The Celebration of the Lord's Passion
5:00pm - Processions of Santo Entierro
7:00pm to 10:00pm - Confessions

April 3, 2010 - Holy Saturday
7:00am - Office and Morning Prayer
8:00am to 12:00nn - Confessions
5:00pm to 8:00pm - Continuation of the Confessions
10:00pm (onwards) - Easter Vigil
Note: Please bring your candles.

April 4, 2010 - Easter Sunday
4:30am - Salubong Rites
Holy Masses:
Morning Masses:
5:00am, 6:00am, 7:00am, 8:00am, 9:00am, 10:00am, 11:00am.
Afternoon Masses:
12:00nn, 4:00pm, 5:00pm.
Evening Masses:
6:00pm, 7:00pm.

Note: this our schedules are subject to changes without prior notice.
------------------
from the La Naval Flickr Group

Christmas Day in Santo Domingo

2009-12-25T18:21:00.000-08:00

Merry Christmas to all !!!
--from your La Naval blogger, Chris aka Lord Zagato

Advent in Santo Domingo 2009

2009-12-13T17:36:00.000-08:00

SCHEDULES OF SIMBANG GABI SA STO. DOMINGO CHURCH 2009 and CHRISTMAS MIDNIGHT MASS
(December 15 - 24, 2009)

December 15 - 23, 2009:
8:00pm - The Solemn Anticipating 9 day of Simbang Gabi

SCHEDULES OF THE OUR MASS PRESIDERS:
Dec. 15 - Rev. Fr. George Moreno, O.P.
Rector and Parish Priest of Sto. Domingo Church
Dec. 16 - Rev. Fr. Edwin Lao, O.P.
Dec. 17 - Rev. Fr. Nilo Lardizabal, O.P.
Dec. 18 - Rev. Fr. Marcelino Saria, O.P.
Dec. 19 - Rev. Fr. Wilfredo de Leon, O.P.
Dec. 20 - Rev. Fr. Alfred Fernandez, O.P.
Parochial Vicar
Dec. 21 - Rev. Fr. Enrico Gonzales, O.P.
Dec. 22 - Rev. Fr. Giuseppe Pietro Arciwals, O.P.
Rector and Prior of Sto. Domingo Church and Convent
Dec. 23 - Rev. Fr. Larry de Dios, O.P.
Parochial Vicar

December 24 - CHRISTMAS MIDNIGHT MASS:
9:00pm - Rev. Fr. George Moreno, O.P.
Rector and Parish Priest of Sto. Domingo Church
10:00pm - Rev. Fr. Quirico Pedregosa Jr. ,O.P.
Prior Provincial of the Dominican Province of the Philippines

December 16 - 24, 2009:
4:30am - The Official Solemn 9 day of Simbang Gabi

SCHEDULE OF OUR MASS PRESIDERS:
Dec. 16 - Rev. Fr. George Moreno, O.P.
Rector and Parish Priest of Sto. Domingo Church
Dec. 17 - Rev. Fr. Marcelino Saria, O.P.
Dec. 18 - Rev. Fr. Virgilio Ojoy, O.P.
Dec. 19 - Rev. Fr. Dennis Maquiraya, O.P.
Dec. 20 - Rev. Fr. Wilfredo de Leon, O.P.
Dec. 21 - Rev. Fr. Clarence Marquez, O.P.
Dec. 22 - Rev. Fr. Hermel Pama, O.P.
Dec. 23 - Rev. Fr. Jerry Malangit, O.P.
Dec. 24 - Rev. Fr. Giuseppe Pietro Arciwals, O.P.
Rector and Prior of Sto. Domingo Church and Convent

--------------------------------------------------
THE READINGS FOR THE SIMBANG GABI SA STO. DOMINGO CHURCH 2009 and CHRISTMAS MIDNIGHT MASS
(DECEMBER 15 - 24, 2009)

Wednesday, December 16, 2009 - Wednesday of the Third week of Advent
First Reading: Isaiah 45:6-8, 18, 21-25
Responsorial Psalm: Psalms 85:9-10, 11-12, 13-14
Gospel: Luke 7:18-23

Thursday, December 17, 2009 - Thursday of the Third week of Advent
First Reading: Genesis 49:2, 8-10
Responsorial Psalm: Psalms 72:3-4, 7-8, 17
Gospel: Matthew 1:1-17

Friday, December 18, 2009 - Friday of the Third week of Advent
First Reading: Jeremiah 23:5-8
Responsorial Psalm: Psalms 72:1, 12-13, 18-19
Gospel: Matthew 1:18-24

Saturday, December 19, 2009 - Saturday of the Third week of Advent
First Reading: Judges 13:2-7, 24-25
Responsorial Psalm: Psalms 71:3-4, 5-6, 16-17
Gospel: Luke 1:5-25

Sunday, December 20, 2009 - Fourth Sunday of Advent
First Reading: Micah 5:1-4
Responsorial Psalm: Psalms 80:2-3, 15-16, 18-19
Second Reading: Hebrews 10:5-10
Gospel: Luke 1:39-45

Monday, December 21, 2009 - Saint Peter Canisius, priest and doctor - Optional Memorial
First Reading: Song of Songs 2:8-14, or Zephaniah 3:14-18
Responsorial Psalm: Psalms 33:2-3, 11-12, 20-21
Gospel: Luke 1:39-45

Tuesday, December 22, 2009 - Tuesday of the Fourth week of Advent
First Reading: First Samuel 1:24-28
Responsorial Psalm: First Samuel 2:1, 4-5, 6-7, 8
Gospel: Luke 1:46-56

Wednesday, December 23, 2009 - Saint John of Kanty, priest - Optional Memorial
First Reading: Malachi 3:1-4, 23-24
Responsorial Psalm: Psalms 25:4-5, 8-9, 10, 14
Gospel: Luke 1:57-66

Thursday, December 24, 2009 - Thursday of the Fourth week of Advent
First Reading: Second Samuel 7:1-5, 8-11, 16
Responsorial Psalm: Psalms 89:2-3, 4-5, 27, 29
Gospel: Luke 1:67-79

"Readings for Midnight Mass for Christmas"
First Reading: Isaiah 9:1-6
Responsorial Psalm: Psalms 96:1-2, 2-3, 11-12, 13
Second Reading: Titus 2:11-14
Gospel: Luke 2:1-14

"READINGS FOR THE CHRISTMAS "
Friday, December 25, 2009 - Christmas - Solemnity - * Holy Day of Obligation *
"Readings for Mass at Dawn"
First Reading: Isaiah 62:11-12
Responsorial Psalm: Psalms 97:1, 6, 11-12
Second Reading: Titus 3:4-7
Gospel: Luke 2:15-20

"Readings for Mass during the day"
First Reading: Isaiah 52:7-10
Responsorial Psalm: Psalms 98:1, 2-3, 3-4, 5-6
Second Reading: Hebrews 1:1-6
Gospel: John 1:1-18 or 1:1-5, 9-14

--------------------------
Credits :
Thanks to Daisy Siete
From the La Naval Flickr Group

Feast of the Immaculate Conception

2009-12-08T09:08:00.000-08:00

The La Naval Altar on the Feast Day of the
Immaculate Conception of Mary
December 08, 2009

GMP 2009

2009-12-08T09:05:00.000-08:00

Privately owned replica of Our Lady of the Most Holy Rosary La Naval de Manila participating in the annual Cofradia de La Immaculada Concepcion Grand Marian Procession in Intramuros. I have yet to know who owns it. It is very beautiful and the Galleon-Carozza is enormous!

Majestic Portrait

2009-11-07T07:34:00.001-08:00

An Amazing Profile of the La Naval

------------------------
Photo Credit : Roger Salva. All Rights Reserved. Published with permission. Please ask the permission of the original owner if you intend to publish this photo in print or visual media. Please respect intellectual property rights.

| R.Salva's Flickr Photostream |

Back in Her Altar

2009-11-07T05:09:00.000-08:00

The Image of the Santo Rosario
back in Her Altar-Vault wearing Her day-dress

The Baldachin being disassembled
This year's La Naval Fiesta is now officially over.

Photos were taken 07 November 2009 after Saturday anticipated mass.

The Centennial Vestment

2009-11-05T04:23:00.000-08:00

Wearing Her Centennial Vestment

The Queen’s coronation gown
--------------------------------------------
By Gino U. Marasigan
Inquirer
Last updated 11:35pm (Mla time) 09/09/2007

MANILA, Philippines – On Oct. 4, the Philippine Church and the entire Dominican family will celebrate the centennial of the canonical coronation of Our Lady of the Holy Rosary, La Naval de Manila.

For this once-in-a-lifetime occasion, a very special dress is being made since February and is now on its final stages of embroidery. It will be ready for the commemoration of 100 years of the Filipinos’ love and devotion for the Queen of the Holy Rosary.

On Oct. 5, 1907, His Holiness Pope Pius X declared the venerated image was a beacon of faith and hope for the Filipino people, and recognized the miraculous cures and favors granted to her devotees.

On that day, a huge crowd gathered in various places at Plaza de Isabel II, Paseo de Magallanes, Plaza de Santo Tomas, Plaza de Santo Domingo, and Intendencia in Intramuros—to witness the canonical coronation. It was the first papally approved coronation of a Marian icon in the history of the Philippine Church.

For that occasion, the image wore a magnificent gold-embroidered cape with the signature papaya-leaf design and a gilt-silver plancha (frontal) which is still in use today.

The robes, offerings from el pueblo filipino, were locally crafted using flat metallic and bullion threads from Europe.

In an atelier in the metropolis is an elaborately designed and resplendently crafted dress being given the final touches by a team of 10 sewers and needlepoint workers.

After almost seven months of intense and intricate needlework under the supervision of the bordadera, Nena Bernales, interweaving vines, palm fronds, and garlands of roses have come to life.

The original design by Arthur Munar left virtually no empty space on the basic lamé. To distinguish one floral figure from the other elements of the design, Bernales used a mix of metallic and genuine Indian gold inuod threads (because of its worm-like appearance).

Millimeter by millimeter, thread by thread, the dress is being fashioned to perfection.

The exquisite apparel is a gift to Our Lady of La Naval by the family of Eddie Chua. Through the years, many benefactors and Marian devotees have offered gifts to Our Lady in the form of heirloom jewelry or gala dresses, as tokens of gratitude.

Some gifts easily come to mind, such as the Carrascoso dress, also known as the numero dos, which was worn in the 1950s and fabricated in Spain using gold threads.

In the 1960s, a quite unique dress was made in Vietnam, using an Oriental motif, and was worn by the image as a pambahay after the October festivities.

A pink-and-blue dress, given by the family of Dr. Rolando and Nancy Mendoza, is usually worn by the Virgin in May.

A complete ensemble using gold thread for the blouse and skirt was given by Dr. Joey and Chary Sollano in 1993.

For Bernales and her family, the opportunity to sew the Virgin’s dress for such an important occasion as the centennial of the canonical coronation is not just an honor and a privilege, but truly the fulfillment of a lifetime dream. As a teenage girl, she chose to stay indoors doing her delicate gantsilyo edgings for her mother’s pillowcases, half-hoping that one day she, too, would have the chance to offer something beautiful to the Virgen de La Naval.

Numero I - Woman Clothed with The Sun

2009-11-05T03:26:00.000-08:00

2006 Official Portrait of the Santo Rosario
wearing Her signature Numero Uno

NB : Article from conversations of La Naval traditions experts Flickr members.

The Nuestra Señora del Santísimo Rosario is the finest example of a traditional Filipino Marian iconography. The celebrated Virgen is famous not only for her jewels but for her vestments as well.

La Gran Señora's sayas and mantos may not be able to compete in terms of quantity, as can be seen in the collection of quite a few famous Vírgenes in the Philippines, nonetheless, her few gala ensembles are the best example of religious embroidery at its finest in their respective eras.

The Santo Rosario's gold-studded Manto de la Coronación is perhaps the most precious of its kind in existence of Philippine religious embroidery. It sheer size and the amount of gold that went into the making of this priceless treasure remains unmatched from the time it was made to our present day.

Indeed the Santo Rosario must have been utterly breathtaking to behold in her intricate gold and silver plancha with her gold-studded manto otherwise known as Numero Uno (I).

The last time the Santo Rosario wore here signature manto was in 2006 for Her official photographs for the Centennial of her Canonical Coronation.

According to those who have examined the Numero I, the base cloth used for this precious masterpiece, was tisú de oro, this was later on covered with entirely with laidwork or "binanig" [in local parlance] in expensive gold thread is a time-consuming process.

It was only after this, was the actual embroidery laid out, with the flowers and leaves raised so high that they no longer look like just embroidery but almost like they were sculpted.

The rose and the leaves look so real even after the passing of the centuries and the antique patina it now shows..

Detail from the Manto de La Coronacion - Santo Rosario's Numero I

According to the practitioners of this type of embroidery, the flat thread is the most expensive of all the hilos de oro and is said to be the most difficult to work on..

Embroidery detail from the Santo Rosario's Numero I

Some even speculate that certain tools or contraptions were used to be able to achieve the high relief and tight embroidery that was employed in the Santo Rosario's Numero I.

The Numero I was made to match the metal plancha de oro y plata and at its original state shimmered like the sun making the Santo Rosario an exact vision of Mary clothed with sun...

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Credits : Article from conversations of La Naval traditions experts Flickr members. Photos from Mr. Aldwin Ong, MD. Please ask permission of original owner if you wish to publish in print or visual media. Please Respect Intellectual Property Rights.

Viva La Virgen!

2009-10-29T06:20:00.000-07:00

The Rescue of Our Lady of La Naval

by F.P.
Ink on Paper

Our amazingly talented friend has again delighted us with this interpretation of one of the greatest miracles of the Santo Rosario. Her survival of the bombs of the Japanese during WWII. Read about the story in The Fugitive Image.

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Wed in Her Most Blessed Altar

2009-10-29T06:19:00.000-07:00

Lucky couple Mar Roxas and Corina Sanchez got a special chance to have their wedding in front of the Sto. Domingo La Naval Altar. The Vicaria of the Santo Rosario occupies the baldachin after the La Naval festivities but the altar is still something to behold with the Goldleaf Altar Frontals and the baldachin still in place. Congratulations and May Our Lady of the Most Holy Rosary La Naval de Manila pray for you both. Thank you to Mr. Kevin Tatco for allowing us to post his exquisite photos of the altar.

The Lady's altar looks magnificent!

Mr. & Mrs. Mar Roxas

--- --- ---

Photo Credits :

Mr. Kevin Tatco
You can see more of Mr. Tatco's Awesome Photographs at :
| kevintatco.dphoto.com | kevintatco.multiply.com | Flickr |

La Dia Fiesta 2009

2009-10-13T16:48:00.000-07:00

----
Photo Credits :
Amazing Shots from Martm's Flickr Photostream
With permission. All Rights Reserved. Please ask the original owner's permission if you intend to publish in print or visual media.

The Little Big Queen

2009-10-11T17:20:00.000-07:00

Seeing you made my heart jump just like little Johnny inside Elizabeth F.P. May the Holy Mother under her name of The Santo Rosario La Naval continue to bless you and pray for you...

you can visit my flickr photostream for more photos

More Photos from the Novenas

2009-10-07T17:38:00.000-07:00

Iconic Image

2009-10-03T07:17:00.000-07:00

La Gran Señora de Felipinas
Nuestra Señora del Santissimo Rosario de La Naval de Manila
Venerada en la Iglesia de Santo Domingo

Photo Credit : Nate from Flickr

La Naval 2009 - Day 1 of Novena

2009-10-02T11:34:00.001-07:00

2009 Live Radio Coverage Schedule

2009-10-02T11:32:00.000-07:00

The Celebration of the Solemn Festivities of LA NAVAL DE MANILA 2009 will be broadcasted Live over DZME 1530khz from October 2-11, 2009.

October 2, 5-9:
from 5:30pm - 7:00pm

October 3,4,10:
from 5:00pm - 7:00pm

October 11, 2009:
from 4:00pm - 7:00pm

La Naval de Manila Mini Series

2009-10-02T11:29:00.000-07:00

OFFICIAL POSTER
Photo by: ALDWIN ONG
Poster Design by John Ryan M. Debil

LA NAVAL DE MANILA

A video presentation by
John Ryan M. Debil

to be presented in the
National Shrine of Our Lady of the Most Holy Rosary
Santo Domingo Church, Quezon City

OFFICIAL TRAILER
www.youtube.com/watch?v=1Mc2f9vqpuE

EPISODE GUIDE
October 2, 2009 (Friday) - Day 1 of the Novena
(Pilot Episode)
'El Sendero de Conversion'
Landas ng Pagbabagong Loob

October 3, 2009 (Saturday) - Day 2 of the Novena
'Ningua Gloria Mas Grande'
Walang Hihigit na Kaluwalhatian

October 4, 2009 (Sunday) - Day 3 of the Novena
'Ruega Por Nosotros Pecadores'
Ipanalangin Mo kaming Makasalanan

October 5, 2009 (Monday) - Day 4 of the Novena
'A ti Clamamos'
Sayo Kami'y Nananangis

October 6, 2009 (Tuesday) - Day 5 of the Novena
'La Ultima Esperanza
Ang Huling Pag-asa

October 7, 2009 (Wednesday) - Day 6 of the Novena
'La Furia de Ondas'
Bagsik ng mga Alon

October 8, 2009 (Thursday) - Day 7 of the Novena
'El Triunfo de Fe'
Tagumpay ng Pananampalataya

October 9, 2009 (Friday) - Day 8 of the Novena
Gratitud Interminable'
Walang Hanggang Pasasalamat

October 10, 2009 (Saturday) - Last Day of the Novena
(Finale Episode)
'Cuando el Viaja es Concludio
Sa Hantungan ng Paglalakbay

La Naval 2009 - Enthronement Ceremony

2009-10-01T10:56:00.001-07:00

Details in the Number

2009-09-25T18:10:00.000-07:00

2 - Number of Ships the Filipino/Spanish forces used to defeat the Dutch Armada in the Battles of the La Naval
3 - Number of canonized saints that have prayed in front of the Santo Rosario (San Lorenzo Ruiz, San Vicente Liem dela Paz, San Francisco de Capillas)
6 - Number of Santo Domingo Churches that have been built. The five previous ones have been built inside the walled city of Manila (Intramuros) while the 6th one now built in Quezon City
7 - Number of bombas that give the Santo Rosario its "volcanic" shape
12 - Years the Santo Rosario resided in UST during WWII (12 years 10 months exactly) from December 1941 to October 1954
12 - Number of Beatos that have seen the Santo Rosario. She is thus called Madre de los Misioneros.
15 - Number of ships in the Dutch Armada defeated in the Battles of La Naval.
15 - Number of mysteries of the Rosary before the institution of the Mysteries of the Light by Pope John Paul II in October 16, 2002.
18 - Number of Gold Karats that was used for the Cannonical Regalia
20 - Number of Gold Karats that was used for the 1811 Corona Imperial
20 - Current number of mysteries of the Rosary
344 - Number of Diamonds set unto the Cannonical Crown of the Niño
508 - Number of Diamonds set unto the Cannonical Crown of the Santo Rosario; 365 of which are big to medium sizes, 134 are brilliants and chips and 9 are rose-cut
638 - Total number of gemstones in the Cannonical Crown of the Niño
1083 - Total number of gemstones in the Cannonical Crown of the Santo Rosario
1593 - Year the La Naval was reputed to be carved
1811 - Year inscribed in the Corona Imperial of the Santo Rosario and its Niñ0
1907 - Year of the Solemn Cannonical Canonization of the image of the Santo Rosario, held October 5
1952 - Year the cornerstone of the 6th Santo Domingo in Quezon City was laid
1954 - Year of the Solemn Transfer of the image to the New Santo Domingo Church in Quezon City
1946 - Tricentennial celebration of the La Naval held at the Santissimo Rosario Parish

Sources : Discussions in the Official La Naval Flickr Page and The Saga of La Naval: Triumph of a People's Faith

2009-09-08T06:59:00.001-07:00

Happy Birthday Mama Mary !!!

La Naval 2009

2009-07-30T18:28:00.000-07:00

THEME:"MOTHER OF CHRIST, MOTHER OF PRIESTS, MOTHER OF ALL"

SCHEDULE OF EVENTS:
"OCTOBER 1, 2009"
5:00pm - The Solemn Enthronement Rites Ceremony
6:00pm - The Celebration of the Holy Eucharist

"October 2-10, 2009"
5:00pm - The Solemn Novena-Mass
Holy Masses:
Monday - Saturday (Every Hour)
5:00am, 6:00am, 7:00am, 8:00am, 9:00am, 10:00am, 11:00am, 12:00nn and 6:00pm.
Sundays (Every Hour)
Morning Masses:
5:00am, 6:00am, 7:00am, 8:00am, 9:00am, 10:00am, 11:00am.
Afternoon Masses:
12:00nn, 4:00pm, 5:00pm.
Evening Masses:
6:00pm, 7:00pm.

"Novena Services":
6:50am and 11:45am (Filipino)
5:30pm (English)

"October 3,7 and 10":
7:30pm - Beso Manto

"October 11, 2009 - Solemn Fiesta of LA NAVAL DE MANILA"
Solemn Fiesta Masses:
5:00am, 6:00am, 7:00am, 8:00am, 9:00am, 10:00am, 11:00am, 12:00nn.
Misa ng Bayang Pilipino:
3:00pm, 5:00pm and 7:00pm.
4:00pm - Solemn Procession Rites
6:30pm - The Re- Enthronement and Solemn Closing Rites

----------------------------------------------
Details from Flickr Member Ramon Carlo

Sweeter than Any Flower

2009-07-01T10:34:00.000-07:00

Hello,

I first came to Sto. Domingo Church when I was just a child. My parents when they were still together as a couple were very much devoted to Our Lady of Manaoag. I grew up looking at the beautiful face of the Virgin Mary holding Her the Infant Jesus. In a way, it was my parent's devotion that started my love for Our Lady. One day when I was around twelve or thirteen years old, I saw a news paper article saying that the Lady of Manaoag will visit the Shrine in Quezon City. I was thrilled and immediately asked my father if we could drive from our home in Taytay, Rizal and visit Our Lady. My father was equally excited and willingly drove his excited child to Sto. Domingo Church. I remember how excited I was as I walked down the side corridor of the church towards the church's right wing. There I saw Our Lady of Manaoag... I don’t remember what I prayed for, but it was a special moment for me. It was easily the highlight of the year for a child to meet the Queen of Heaven.

Many years after, when I was twenty-five, I was planning to get married but things where not that easy unfortunately. I moved to Caloocan with my boyfriend's family, it was a very hard decision for me to move in with them but I had no choice at that time. I was very happy because I was with the man that I love, but our life seemed hard and complicated. My only strength that time: The Rosary.

There were no nearby churches so we usually don’t go to church at Sundays... One day, I was alone in the house (my then boyfriend doesn't want me to work and preferred that I stay at home,) I was looking at a map of Metro Manila and saw that Sto. Domingo is just a ride away. I was thrilled and felt like crying recalling my first memory of the church. It was perfect timing, I felt vulnerable and weak and strangely in very complicated situation to say the least. I spoke to my then boyfriend and asked if we could go that coming Sunday, he agreed.

Saturday night, I had a weird dream: I saw what looked like a painting of a forest... In the middle, a clearing, like a road of some sort... I could have easily walked through but a muddy and dirty, swamp like thing was on the way.. So obviously I could not pass, although I did not see myself in the dream... I was then surprised to see flowers growing in that muddy-swamp-like thing blocking my way... I can still remember those flowers and what it looked like. Like it was last night's dream! Pardon me, but what it looked like shall remain a secret because it might lose its sweetness again.

I woke up and told my then boyfriend... I did not know what it meant, but I honestly thought it was something positive. Like a sign of hope... It was in my mind the whole day. Then it was time to go to church... I remember that scene when I was a child, and I honestly felt that same excitement just thinking I will be meeting Our Lady of La Naval. I remember watching Her Coronation on television. I stepped inside that same side altar, but there I saw not Our Lady of Manaoag but La Naval. My heart was beating so fast, like I was approaching Elizabeth Windsor's throne.

We sat on the front pews so we could look at Our Lady up close. Then it happened: Like a lightning, it came suddenly, I saw the flowers in my dream again, only this time it was in Our Lady's foot. I was shocked and could not concentrate the whole time. I immediately told my boyfriend and he of course believed me. I was in total amazement! I looked at Our Lady and thanked Her for that dream, for that sign. Perhaps a sign or a personal message telling me that She could still remember that excited child who visited Her many years before. A message that probably said that She was expecting my return. A sign that She was aware of my then present condition.

I felt loved. Loved by Our Lady. I knew it, the dream was a sign of hope that no matter what, She will be there for me. The forest clearing was there waiting for me, I just had to hold on to Her and trust Her during the times of trouble and pain. It was a promise from Her.

We visited Her a few more times, then in one significant visit, when the mass was over and after kissing Her mantle, I looked back and bid Her farewell. I studied Her delicate face and the "DREAM" flowers and suddenly felt sad. Like She was telling me that it would be the last time that I would see her for a long time. I knew it in my heart that it will come true. AND IT DID!

A few days later, we moved to Mandaluyong and there She fulfilled Her promise to deliver me from my burden. The muddy swamp was dark and dirty and sad, a reflection of my past situation. But Our Lady chose to show mercy and delivered me through Our Lord's help. I am now in Bacolod, twenty-seven years old and living that "forest clearing" in my dream.

This is a humble story of Our Lady's often sweet messages to Her children. That we are not alone, that we are children of The Queen.

VIVA LA NAVAL!

Dana Santos

Testament of Faith

2009-07-01T10:15:00.001-07:00

This is an amazing story shared to us from a devotee from Cavite... He's truly a great artist. I am sure our Lady of La Naval is smiling down on his amazing amazing tribute...

******************************

To all my fellow Santo Rosario devotees, my name is F.P. and I live in Cavite. Allow me to share this rather long story and please bear with me as I share this rather big story about a little Queen…
2:05 PM, October 12, 2008, National Shrine of the Our Lady of the Most Holy Rosary, La Naval de Manila. At last, I reached the shrine for the Great Procession of La Naval, after being drenched in the sudden downpour from TM Kalaw, Manila, and having gone down the last vehicle I have to take for me to reach the stupendous edifice that was Santo Domingo church. I have at last, reached my destination -- well not just me though. For in my hands was a big box that served as an impromptu shelter for a little Queen, a 2 foot high replica of the Madonna. And not just some ordinary Madonna, for when I reached the doors of the church, the large Madonna of the La Naval was being brought down from the Baldachino and being installed in her triumphal carroza. It won’t be long until my two foot replica of the La Naval will join the procession, and will meet, face to face with the La Beata Virgen Canonica -- the original La Naval.

Since 2003, I have been a devotee of the La Naval de Manila. And even before that, I have been, more or less, a devotee of the Santo Rosario since this string of beads was exactly the first prayer taught me by my mother. Since then, especially when I was in high school and later during the worst years of my life, the Holy Rosary had been my principal weapon against despair. And yes, there were miracles. Some discreet, some spectacular, but all were given by God in times of great need, thanks to His Mother.

Shown in these pictures is the very replica of the La Naval de Manila, though not like the other replicas in Santo Domingo and elsewhere, where they average to about 6 feet tall, from pedestal to the top of the Virgin's head (I dont know exactly how tall the La Canonica is) but this one is different! She is around 2 feet 4 inches tall, but she is virtually an exact replica of the La Naval in her canonical regalia -- well almost though I have to make a few adjustments. I did her myself -- for ten months, from January to October, right at the eve of her fiesta. Funny to think though that it took me a decade to do this! No, not ten years, but rather from January to October. 10 months -- one month for one Ave Maria in a decade of the Rosary. The motive was a collective Thank You to Both Jesus and Mary for the all the things They did to us through the Rosary.

My devotion to Mother Mary and Jesus Her Son via the Rosary is no funny matter. This is exactly, as I would repeat, the very first prayer taught me by my mother, and both of Them (our Lord Jesus and His Mother Mary) prove to be very close to us through this prayer. It was through this prayer that saw us through the difficult times.

It was through this prayer that aided my mother through her heart ailments.

It was through this prayer that saw me through and aided me to succeed during my high school years, third year high school to be exact. Thanks to Them and Their help, I made it to the creame section.

It was also this prayer that consoled me through the difficult, battering times of my senior years. During those years of isolation when virtually no one wanted to befriend me just because I was different from the others. I focused on my studies while the rest have to enjoy their lives in the bandwagon of adolescence.

It was through the devotion to Mary in Her aspect of the Santo Rosario that granted my father a job -- overnight! Or more amazingly, 8 hours after we prayed and clasped Her Hand through a Santo Rosario image that visited a Mall in Alabang (it was a Manaoag statue, but still the same Mama Mary). Viva la Virgen!

It was through this prayer that we were utterly spared from the apocalypse caused by the 220 kilometer per hour winds of Typhoon Milenyo, that September 28, 2006. All of the trees in my neighborhood were demolished. Those winds were merciless! They were strong enough to lift whole houses (well barung-barongs actually) and snap concrete power poles as if they were stick-o chocolate sticks! But neither, NOT ONE of the 23 trees in my yard was ever uprooted or destroyed. The altar was lit with candles, I was praying the rosary while Hell was roaring outside the door. I can see the sky turn brown and the winds literally growling like a beast. Then the eye came everything calmed down, but Hell returned again! But GRACIAS A DIOS!!! VIVA LA VIRGEN!!! We were spared! Not even a single roof shingle blown away!

It was also through Them through the Rosary that we were also spared the wrath of Typhoon Frank. I was praying the Rosary again and the storm weakened significantly, even when the eye skirted more than 20 dozen kilometers from my house, but the winds were still strong enough.

It was also a Rosary that I was praying at the altar, when I and virtually millions of others were praying for the failure of the missiles that PyongYang, North Korea, was launching for their tests (what the hell were they doing? Inciting World War 3?) Anyway, after 9 days of Rosaries, the missiles were fired, but they all went dud and fell into the sea according to CNN! GRACIAS A DIOS!!! VIVA LA VIRGEN!!!

Not to mention that it was through the intercession of Mama Mary, even if it did not involve a rosary, that won other favors, such as my inclusion into a Senator Angara scholarship in college (big, BIG help for my family, especially with the much needed stipend) and I wound up Magna Cum Laude when I graduated -- GRACIAS A DIOS!!! VIVA LA VIRGEN!!!

And so, in my desire to have a replica of the La Naval in my house, and of course, in gratitude to all the things Mama Mary and Her Son Jesus did to us, I have ultimately decided to make a replica of the La Naval.

I started by surfing through the Internet for photos from the Virgin as a whole, down to the very jewelry that she wore during her coronation during that October 1907. At this point, I would like to send my sincerest thanks to the Flicr.com photographers for their astounding pictures. I also have personal photographs of the La Naval -- I took those photos with my camera during the 2003 La Naval. Lastly, for details, I also had a large poster of La Naval bought straight from Santo Domingo on 2004. I have to use them for reference to transform the otherwise, old little worn-down statue of the Manaoag into a neat looking replica of the La Naval de Manila. And I got round of the La Canonica in her canonical attire -- I set myself to work.

The materials were all cheap -- gold foil paper (palara, to make the accessories such as the 2 crowns, the halo, the rostrillo, the golden baston and staff and the intricate embroidery of the mantle) gold textured foil paper for the manto, silver cigarrette foil ( for the silver pedestal) recycled scratch paper (for the cloud pedestal) white water-based poster paint for the Virgin's and Nino's face to imitate ivory. Oh yes, I used scratch cartolina for the mantle and inner garment. I cannot carve their hands -- it was all too intricate, so I cut paper folder hands for them instead.

The jewelry? Nope they of course are not real diamonds, cant afford that! The 24 stars around her head are actually accentuated with green glasss cut to look like emeralds. I was looking for something to look like diamonds but then I came across these green emeralds. Something in me told me to choose this, and it worked out perfectly! Anyway, the emeralds will represent the green color of our Islands that She Interceded to God to stem the Dutch away. Oh yes, in fidelity to the real Aurole, I have to craft more than 53 little springs made of tiny wire, wound around safety pins to make them -- they were fastened with molten plastic glue to make the stars quiver -- a tremblant.

The mantle was very VERY ELABORATE! It took a painstakingly long time to make the appliques, amidst the mind boggling arabesques and curlicues and flowery abstracts of the design! It was the Numero Uno that I imitated. But I have to make a few adjustments to fill in the gaps in the design and voila!

Thus, streams and streams of cut glass diamonds ( from fancy headbands 15 pesos a piece), and silver sequins, red imitation ruby buttons (thanks SM Southmall) and cut silver cigarrette tinfoil, were painstakingly glued to accentuate her canonical crown, the rostrillo, and the halo. Multi colored jewel stickers from 1 peso marshmallows were used to imitate the emeralds, the topazes, the garnets and other stones used in the 7 archepiscopal rings set in the Virgin's staff and her baston de capitan. And lastly, there were small objects from my house, small humble tokens from our home and our lives that I would like to place on the Madonna -- like the Virgin's and Nino's crowns. They have bottle crowns to fasten it on their Heads -- thanks to little magnets glued on their Heads. These were from the store that thanks to Them through the Rosary, is now 4 years old and still running prosperous!

At last, by October 11, 2008, at around 11 PM, she was complete. The next day I crafted the collapsible cardboard box to contain her on our journey to Santo Domingo, where she will be blessed and crowned.

To me though, the work was hard, but every gesture, such as cutting the designs, glueing the stars and setting the cut glass jewelry, was a prayer in itself. I remembered breathing a "Hail Mary" everytime I would stencil and cut the gold tinfoil -- thank you Mama Mary this I do in gratitude to all Your help and Your Son's too, be all the Glory and Thanks.

October 12, 2008, Santo Domingo Church, 3:05 PM. I finally found a spot near the reception lobby where I dressed her in silence. Of course, people were looking as to what I was doing. I got round of a Dominican priest named Father Nilo -- very good American English accent though. I asked him for the favor to bless the Madonna and crown both of Them, which he did -- first the Child Jesus and as soon as the Virgin was crowned we sang the Salve Regina, and up came Her Halo on her head.

She was quite a sight indeed, smiling as a Dominican priest was paying her tribute. And so was everyone who saw her on that day -- nuns, religious, seminarians, acolytes who accompanied the Saints on their flowery carrozas. The little Queen followed right after the carroza of Saint Dominic -- I carried her of course. But when she was brought into the church and out of the door she must have been a sight indeed, enough to make the audience gasp in silence, aim their cell phones and at least for 2 people, reach out and venerate her -- Later, scores of people woud touch her, venerate her and bless themselves upon seeing her that night. One elderly Knight of Columbus made a half salute when he saw Her! (to my suprise, I was about to say sorry for having bumped against him).

It came to the point that other scores of people would take their pictures alongside her on a table in one of the offices in church, where we both retired after the 2 hour procession. Quite funny though that the Virgin's halo was already tiliting to the right when they were shooting pictures with her that night. I certainly have to fix that! And one Dominican priest joked with an elderly matron saying, "Hindi ikaw and cute! Ang cute si Mama Mary!"

Though if course there were accidents. she bumped against people thrice and the Nino fell to the floor and to the pavement; His Crown broke, good thing they didn’t trample on it -- and He has to proceed crownless! The second fall was a bit tragic, since in my effort to fix Him, we missed the La Canonica and the thousands who followed her. Anyway, the La Canonica and the little Queen did greet one another at the doors of the church, when La Canonica was brought out in great applause, and when during the procession, they were approximately 20 feet off, right in the midst of a stupendous sea of candles and prayers that was the Procession de la Processiones.

Thus on that time, the little Queen it seemed, was not only a little token of eternal thanks for all that our Lord Jesus and His Mother Mary had done to us through the years. But to the thousands who came to that La Naval de Manila, the little queen became a small but very profound object of their faith and devotion. She became for them, the La Naval, though of course, she is La Naval, only a smaller. But of course, you cannot climb up the carroza to touch the real La Naval Virgin -- you have to be a member of the Justice League to do that ( Ha! Ha! Ha!). Thus, in one way, the little La Naval is the Madonna that they can touch with their fingers, as well as their eyes and their hearts.

Now, she is at the little altar of my home, along with other Santos which I bring out in procession in some times of the year. But due to the stupendous impressions I felt during that October 12, I will bring her to Santo Domingo year after year now, this time, with candles to light her face, (on lamps of course, I don’t want her to burn and become a candle herself!), all in thanks to the Virgin and to her Son. And for the sake of the hundreds of faithful who call on Both of Them as La Naval de Manila.

GRACIAS A DIOS! VIVA LA NAVAL!!!

La Naval in Her Day Dress

2009-07-01T09:08:00.000-07:00

Nuestra Señora del Santissimo Rosario de La Naval de Manila.
En Su vestido azul con adornos de plata, y los nuevos accesorios.
Foto tomada el 28 de junio de 2009.

Novena en Español

2009-05-19T07:36:00.000-07:00

From : The La Naval Flickr Page

NOVENA Y MILAGROS
DE
NUESTRA SEÑORA DEL ROSARIO
Especial Protectora de Filipinas

DEDICATORIA

SEÑORA:

Hijos, aunque indignos, del esclarecido Domingo de Guzmán, estamos en la obligación de promover y fomentar por todos los media la devoción del Rosario: esta es la herencia que nos legara nuestro glorioso fundador; ésta es la misión sublime, a la que en su persona y por su conducto destinarais a su numerosa descendencia. “Quiero, dijisteis, que tú y tus hijos seáis, los pregoneros de esta santa devoción:” y seiscientos cuarenta y siete años ha que los hijos de Domingo vienen cumpliendo este supremo mandato; doquiera que han fijado sus plantas, el Rosario ha sido el tema de su laborioso apostolado.

A Vos, Señora, son notorios los esfuerzos de esta Comunidad para llenar por su parte este deber imperioso, ya invirtiendo gruesos sumas en la renovación y adorno de vuestra iglesia y capilla, ya desplegando toda la magnificencia posible, para celebrar el Novenario con la mayor ostentación, y ya finalmente entusiasmando en vuestro obsequio a la Capital de esta Colonia eminentemente religiosa. A fin, pues, de que no vuestro culto se mantenga en la altura en que se halla, y de que se aumente cada día la devoción hacia Vos, he creído conveniente extractar algunas de las muchas gracias, que en diferentes ocasiones os habéis dignado dispensar a los habitantes de estas Islas; éste será un medio para conseguir esos objetos, si Vos aprobáis y bendecís el pensamiento. Inflamad, Señora, a cuantos leyeren este librito en la tierna devoción de que Vos misma sois Autora; haced que Vos misma sois Autora; haced que mediten con provecho los grandiosos Misterios que en ella se representan; así se cumplirá también hoy día lo que predijisteis a mi glorioso fundador, es decir, “que sería muy agradable a vuestro Hijo, eficacísima para destruir herejías, para reprimir los vicios, animar a la virtud, e implorar la misericordia del Señor.”

SEÑORA
a nombre de la Comunidad el más indigno y menor de vuestros siervos (*)

Fr. Francisco Gainza.

---------------------------
(*) Lo escribió el Sr. Gainza siendo Prior del Convento de Santo Domingo.

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INTRODUCCION

Era el dieciséis de Agosto de mil quinientos ochenta y siete cuando el entonces Obispo, y después Arzobispo de Manila, D. Fr. Domingo Salazar, embarcado en una débil canoa, bendijo un sitio anegadizo y pantanoso en las riberas del Pasig, y plantó una cruz en señal de posesión: era el sitio donde hoy se ven las ruinas de la iglesia y convento de Santo Domingo. Fácilmente se comprende que los hijos de Domingo, que acababan de pisar las arenas de estas playas, para fundar una Provincia de su Orden bajo la advocación de la Virgen del Rosario, se dedicarían con ardor a difundir en estas Islas esta santa devoción, cumpliendo así un deber tradicional de su instituto, y por lo mismo nada extraño que en la modesta iglesia de tabla, que en pocos meses hicieran, y que se estrenara en primero de Enero de mil quinientos ochenta y ocho, la parte más decente y principal se dedicarse al culto de Nuestra Señora del Rosario.

Permitió sin embargo la divina Providencia que, bien por la precipitación con que la iglesia había sido edificada, o bien por la poca consistencia del terreno, se desplomase antes de cumplir dos años; pero dejando intacto el altar, tabernáculo e imagen del Rosario. Reedificada la iglesia, y sustituida la imagen primitiva de madera por otra con cara, manos y niño de marfil, se colocó la antigua a instancias de los devotos en la parte superior de la fachada de la iglesia, donde hasta el presente se conserva. (Hasta el año 1941 en que fue destruida por los japoneses.) La Imagen que se venera en nuestra iglesia más de trescientos años [año 1593] ha, es la que regaló D. Luís Pérez Dasmariñas, Gobernador y Capitán General que había sido de estas Islas, trabajada por un chino infiel bajo la dirección del Capitán Hernando de los Ríos Coronel; y si a alguno pareciere exagerado lo que la historia asegura, es decir, que ni el chino ni Coronel pudieron hacer otra imagen semejante, ni jamás han podido retratarla con la debida perfección, es preciso sin embargo confesar que es de una belleza imponente y majestuosa, y que mirada a cierta distancia infunde la mayor compostura y devoción. Esta Señora ha sido en todos tiempos el consuelo de Manila; ella fue la Patrona Universal y jurada en estas Islas; y ella quien ha obrado prodigiosas maravillas, de as que algunas re referirán en este librito, extractadas de las crónicas de mi Provincia, y averiguadas como ciertas ante los señores Obispos de diferentes tiempos y lugares. De aquí proviene la tierna devoción que profesan estas Islas a la Virgen del Rosario; de aquí el grandioso aparato, con que se celebra su Novena; de aquí la consoladora y extraordinaria frecuencia de Sacramentos que se observa durante la misma y en las demás solemnidades; y de aquí en fin la fe ardiente, y el vivo entusiasmo con que se mantiene la devoción del Rosario aun en estos días de incredulidad e indeferencia. Puede con toda razón, y de manera exclusiva y peculiar, aplicarse en Filipinas lo que dice el sabio Chroisset de esta devoción general: “Ninguna Cofradía de la Virgen es más celebre que ésta, ninguna mas provechosa, ninguna más autorizada por la Iglesia;” no temiendo yo añadir, que la devoción del Rosario es por excelencia la devoción del país.

***********

OFRECIMIENTO DEL SANTÍSIMO ROSARIO

Después de persignarse, y hecho el acto de contrición, dirá:

V: Ave María, gratia plena, Dominus tecum.
R: Benedicto tu in mulieribus et benedictus fructus ventris tui Jesús.

V: Domine, labia mea aperies.
R: Et os meum anuntiabit laudem tuam.

V: Deus in adjutorium meum intende.
R: Domine, ad adjuvandum me festina.

V: Gloria Patri, et Filio, et Spiritui Sancto.
R : Sicut erat in principio, et nunc et semper, et in saecula saeculorum. Amen.

Alleluía, después de Resurrección. Y desde Septuagésima: Laus tibi Domine, Rex aeternae gloriae.

Si no agradase este modo de comenzar el Santo Rosario, el que dirige el ejercicio podrá comenzar sencillamente diciendo: Gloria al Padre y al Hijo; y después decir en altar voz lo siguiente:

MISTERIOS GOZOSOS
que se rezan lunes y jueves

PRIMER MISTERIO
De la Encarnación del Hijo de Dios.

¡Oh Virgen María y Madre nuestra! Ofrecémoste humildemente estas diez Ave Marías y un Padre nuestro, en reverencia del gozo que tuviste cuando, saludada del Arcángel San Gabriel, el Padre Eterno te escogía por Hija, el Verbo Divino por Madre, y el Espíritu Santo por Esposa. Suplicamos te, Señora, por el inefable misterio de la Encarnación de tu querido Hijo, nos alcances verdadera y profunda humildad, perfecto dolor de nuestros pecados, y la salud, paz y sosiego de estos reinos y de todos los príncipes cristianos.

R: Amén.

SEGUNDO MISTERIO
De la Visitación de nuestra Señora.

¡Oh Virgen María y piadosa Reina nuestra! Ofrecémoste humildemente estas diez Ave Marías y un Padre nuestro, en reverencia del gozo que tuviste cuando después de haber concebido a Dios llena de amor y caridad fuiste con toda prisa a la casa de tu prima Santa Isabel, para comunicarla bienes celestiales y al Precursor gracia y santidad. Suplicamos te, Señora, nos alcances de tu querido Hijo una encendida caridad para amar a nuestros prójimos, y la salud, paz y sosiego de estos reinos y de todos los príncipes cristianos.

R: Amén.

TERCER MISTERIO
Del Nacimiento del Hijo de Dios.

¡Oh Virgen María y Madre de toda pureza! Ofrecémoste humildemente estas diez Ave Marías y un Padre nuestro, en reverencia del gozo singular que tuviste cuando pariste a tu amado Hijo, y envuelto en pobres pañales le reclinaste en un pesebre, quedando virgen después del parto purísimo. Suplicamos te, Señora por el nacimiento de tu Hijo Dios y Hombre, nos alcances un corazón limpio y puro, para que merezcamos nacer a sus ojos con vida de nuevo espíritu, y la salud, paz y sosiego de estos reinos y de todos los príncipes cristianos.

R: Amén.

CUARTO MISTERIO
De la Purificación de nuestra Señora.

¡Oh Virgen María Madre de Dios y de los pecadores! Ofrecémoste humildemente estas diez Ave Marías y un Padre nuestro, en reverencia del gozo que tu alma sintió cuando, hecha trono de tu precioso Hijo, le presentaste en el templo para luz y remedio de los hombres. Suplicamos te Señora, nos alcances que por tu intercesión se alumbren las tinieblas de nuestras conciencias, y la salud, paz y sosiego de estos reinos y de todos los príncipes cristianos.

R: Amén.

QUINTO MISTERIO
Del Niño perdido y hallado en el templo

¡Oh Virgen María y dulcísimo Señora! Ofrecémoste humildemente estas diez Ave Marías y un Padre nuestro, en reverencia del gozo que tuviste cuando, después de haber buscado como madre cuidadosa a tu querido Hijo, le hallaste en el templo disputando con los doctores como sabiduría eterna. Suplicamos te, Señora por el gozo que tuviste de haberle hallado, nos alcances de su Majestad afecto fervoroso de buscarle cada día con más veras, verdadero dolor de nuestros pecados, luz y acierto para hacer una confesión bien hecha de todos ellos, y la salud, paz y sosiego de estos reinos y de todos los príncipes cristianos.

R: Amén.

MISTERIOS DOLOROSOS
Que se rezan martes y viernes

PRIMER MISTERIO
De la Oración en el Huerto.

¡Oh Virgen María y Madre afligida! Ofrecemos te humildemente estas diez Ave Marías y un Padre nuestro, en reverencia del dolor que tu alma sintió en las angustias, tristeza y sudor de sangre que tu querido Hijo padeció en el Huerto. Suplicamos te, Señora, por la voluntad prontísima con que se ofreció por nosotros a la muerte, nos alcances espíritu de resignación en su Divina voluntad, verdadero dolor de nuestros pecados, y la salud, paz y sosiego de estos reinos y de todos los príncipes cristianos.

R: Amén.

SEGUNDO MISTERIO
De las Azotes que el Hijo de Dios padeció atado a una columna.

¡Oh Virgen María y prudentísima Señora! Ofrecemos te humildemente estas diez Ave Marías y un Padre nuestro, en reverencia del dolor que sentiste en la desnudez, azotes y llagas de tu amado Hijo. Suplicamos te, Señora, por el dolor y desnudez que tuvo, atado a la columna, le pidas nos desnude de nuestros malos afectos, y suframos con paciencia los azotes que por nuestros pecados nos envía, y nos dé verdadero dolor de todos ellos, y la salud, paz y sosiego de estos reinos y de todos los príncipes cristianos.

R: Amén.

TERCER MISTERIO
De la Corona de espinas del Hijo de Dios.

¡Oh Virgen María y misericordiosísima Señora! Ofrecemos te humildemente estas diez Ave Marías y un Padre nuestro, en reverencia del dolor que tu alma sintió con la corona de espinas que pusieron a tu querido Hijo sobre su delicada cabeza. Suplicamos te, Señora, por aquellas lastimosas y penetrantes heridas, nos alcances verdadero dolor de nuestros pecados, y la salud, paz y sosiego de estos reinos y de todos los príncipes cristianos.

R: Amén.

CUARTO MISTERIO
De la Cruz a cuestas.

¡Oh Virgen María y dolorida Madre! Ofrecemos te humildemente estas diez Ave Marías y un Padre nuestro, en reverencia del dolor que tuvo tu corazón viendo la flaqueza y cansancio con que tu querido Hijo llevaba sobre sus hombros el madero santo de la Cruz. Suplicamos te, Señora, por su santísima inocencia, nos alcances espíritu de resignación, con el cual por su amor llevemos con paciencia la cruz de nuestros trabajos, y consigamos la salud, paz y sosiego de estos reinos y de todos los príncipes cristianos.

R: Amén.

QUINTO MISTERIO
De cómo el Hijo de Dios fue crucificado.

¡Oh Virgen María, Madre de Dios, llena de penas y dolores! Ofrecemos te humildemente estas diez Ave Marías y un Padre nuestro, en reverencia del excesivo dolor que tu alma tuvo viendo crucificado a tu Hijo, sus pies y manos clavados, y abierto con una lanza aquel pecho amoroso. Suplicamos te Señora, por el ejemplo grande de humildad que en la Cruz nos dio, nos alcances humildad profunda, con la cual nos alentemos a padecer por El, y consigamos verdadero dolor de nuestros pecados, luz y acierto para hacer una confesión bien hecha de todos ellos, la salud, paz y sosiego de estos reinos y de todos los príncipes cristianos.

R: Amén.

MISTERIOS GLORIOSOS
Que se rezan miércoles, sábado y domingo

PRIMER MISTERIO
De la gloriosa Resurrección del Hijo de Dios.

¡Oh Virgen María, Madre de Dios, Reina gloriosa de los Cielos! Ofrecemos te humildemente estas diez Ave Marías y un Padre nuestro, en reverencia de la alegría inefable que tuviste en la resurrección gloriosa de tu querido Hijo, el cual triunfante de la muerte, y acompañado de almas santas, te hizo la primera visita convirtiendo en alegría las pasadas penas. Suplicamos te Señora, nos alcances la alegría espiritual de la buena conciencia, y la salud, paz y sosiego de estos reinos y de todos los príncipes cristianos.

R: Amén.

SEGUNDO MISTERIO
De la admirable Ascensión del Hijo de Dios.

¡Oh Virgen María y Madre de piedad y misericordia! Ofrecemos te humildemente estas diez Ave Marías y un Padre nuestro, en reverencia de la alegría que tuviste en la admirable Ascensión y solemnísima majestad con que subió al cielo Jesucristo, tu querido Hijo y Señor nuestro, y fue recibido en él. Suplicamos te Señora, por su gloria y universal poder nos alcances, una bien fundada esperanza de gozarle, y la salud, paz y sosiego de estos reinos y de todos los príncipes cristianos.

R: Amén.

TERCER MISTERIO
De la venida del Espíritu Santo.

¡Oh Virgen María, Madre de Dios, único consuelo de afligidos! Ofrecemos te humildemente estas diez Ave Marías y un Padre nuestro, en reverencia de la alegría espiritual que tuviste con las particularísimas riquezas y dones del Espíritu Santo, enviado para consuelo de la Iglesia. Suplicamos te Señora nuestra, por tu ardentísima caridad, nos alcances del Espíritu Santo perfecto amor de Dios y del prójimo, verdadero dolor de nuestros pecados, y la salud, paz y sosiego de estos reinos y de todos los príncipes cristianos.

R: Amén.

CUARTO MISTERIO
De la Asunción de nuestra Señora.

¡Oh Virgen María, Madre de pecadores! Ofrecemos te humildemente estas diez Ave Marías y un Padre nuestro, en reverencia de tu felicísimo tránsito y apacible muerte, después de la cual resucitaste gloriosa, y asistida de ángeles y acompañada de tu amado Hijo, entraste triunfante en el cielo para alegrarle con tu presencia. Suplicamos te Señora, favorezcas a tus siervos en la hora de la muerte, para que sea principio de una dichosa vida, y en ésta nos alcances la salud, paz y sosiego de estos reinos y de todos los príncipes cristianos.

R: Amén.

QUINTO MISTERIO
De la Coronación de nuestra Señora.

¡Oh Virgen María, corona de ángeles y de hombres! Ofrecemos te humildemente estas diez Ave Marías y un Padre nuestro, en reverencia de la inmensa gloria y supremo lugar que sobre todos los Serafines te dio la Santísima Trinidad, coronándote por Reina de todo lo criado. Suplicamos te, poderosa y liberal Señora, nos alcances tal desprecio de cuanto estima la tierra, que merezcamos verte con Dios en los cielos, y consigamos al presente verdadero dolor de nuestros pecados, luz y acierto para hacer una confesión bien hecha de todos ellos, la quietud y sosiego de estos reinos y la paz entre los príncipes cristianos.

R: Amén.

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LETANIA DE NUESTRA SEÑORA

Kyrie eleison.
Kyrie eleison.

Christe eleison.
Christe eleison.

Kyrie eleison.
Kyrie eleison.

Christe, audi nos.
Christe, exaudi nos.

Pater de caelis, Deus, miserere nobis.

Fili redemptor, mundi Deus, miserere nobis.

Spiritus Sancte, Deus, miserere nobis.

Sancta Trinitas unus Deus, miserere nobis.

Sancta María, ora pro nobis.
Sancta Dei Genitrix, ora pro nobis.
Sancta Virgo virginum, ora pro nobis.

Mater Christi, ora pro nobis.
Mater divinae gratiae, ora pro nobis.
Mater purissima, ora pro nobis.
Mater castissima, ora pro nobis.
Mater inviolata, ora pro nobis.
Mater intemerata, ora pro nobis.
Mater amabilis, ora pro nobis.
Mater admirabilis, ora pro nobis.
Mater boni consilii, ora pro nobis.
Mater Creatoris, ora pro nobis.
Mater Salvatoris, ora pro nobis.

Virgo prudentissima, ora pro nobis.
Virgo veneranda, ora pro nobis.
Virgo praedicanda, ora pro nobis.
Virgo potens, ora pro nobis.
Virgo clemens, ora pro nobis.
Virgo fidelis, ora pro nobis.

Speculum justitiae, ora pro nobis.
Sedes sapientiae, ora pro nobis.
Causa nostrae laetitiae, ora pro nobis.
Vas spirituale, ora pro nobis.
Vas honorabile, ora pro nobis.
Vas insigne devotionis, ora pro nobis.
Rosa mystica, ora pro nobis.
Turris Davidica, ora pro nobis.
Turris eburnea, ora pro nobis.
Domus aurea, ora pro nobis.
Foederis arca, ora pro nobis.
Janua caeli, ora pro nobis.
Stella matutina, ora pro nobis.
Salus infirmorum, ora pro nobis.
Refugium peccatorum, ora pro nobis.
Consolatrix afflictorum, ora pro nobis.
Auxilium Christianorum, ora pro nobis.

Regina Angelorum, ora pro nobis.
Regina Patriarcharum, ora pro nobis.
Regina Prophetarum, ora pro nobis.
Regina Apostolorum, ora pro nobis.
Regina Martyrum, ora pro nobis.
Regina Confessorum, ora pro nobis.
Regina Virginum, ora pro nobis.
Regina Sanctorum omnium, ora pro nobis.
Regina sine labe originali concepta, ora pro nobis.
Regina Sacratissimi Rosarii, ora pro nobis.
Regina pacis, ora pro nobis.

Agnus Dei, qui tollis peccata mundi: parce nobis, Domine.

Agnus Dei, qui tollis peccata mundi: exaudi nos, Domine.

Agnus Dei, qui tollis peccata mundi: miserere nobis.

ANTIPHONA

Sub tuum praesidium confugimus, Sancta Dei Genetrix: nostras deprecationes ne despicias in necessitatibus nostris, sed a periculis cunctis libera nos semper, Virgo gloriosa et benedicta. Amen.

Aña. Pie Pater Dominice, tuorum memor operum sta coram Summo Judice pro tuo coetu pauperum.

V: Regina Sacratissimi Rosarii, ora pro nobis.
R: Ut digni efficiamur promisionibus Christi.

V: Jesu bone, prece Dominici.
R: Tibi praesta nos gratos effici.

V:. Salvos fac servos tuos, et ancillas tuas.
R: Deus meus, sperantes in te.

V: Fiat pax in virtute tua.
R:. Et abundantia in turribus tuis.

V : Dominus vobiscum.
R : Et cum spiritu tuo.

OREMUS

Deus, cujus Unigenitus per vitam mortem et resurrectionem suam, nobis salutis aeterne praemia comparavit: concede, quaesumus; ut, haec Mysteria Sanctissimo Rosario Beatae Mariae Virginis recolentes, et imitemur quod continent, et quod promittunt, assequamur.

Concede, quaesumus, Omnipotens Deus, ut qui peccatorum nostrorum pondere premimur, Beati Dominici, Confessoris tui, Patris nostri, patrocinio sublevemur.

Praetende, Domine, famulis et famulabus tuis dexteram coelestis auxilii, ut te toto corde perquirant, et quae digne postulant assequantur. Per Christum.

R: Amen.

V: Dominus vobiscum.
R: Et cum spiritu tuo.

V: Benedicamos Domino.
R: Deo gratias.

V: Ave María, gratía plena, Dominus tecum.
R: Benedicto tu in mulieribus, et benedictus fructus ventris tui Jesús.

PARA LOS QUE NO SABEN LATIN:

V: Ruega por nosotros, Reina del Santísimo Rosario.
R: Para que seamos dignos de las promesas de Jesucristo.

ORACIÓN

¡Oh Dios! cuyo Unigénito Hijo por su vida, muerte y resurrección nos compró el premio de la eterna salud; te rogamos nos concedas a los que en el Santísimo Rosario veneramos estos misterios, que imitemos lo que enseñan, consigamos lo que prometen.

Alarga, Señor, la diestra de tus auxilios para que tus siervos y esclavos te busquen de aquí adelante con todo su corazón, y consigan de tu piedad lo que dignamente te llegaren a pedir.

Inclina, Señor, tus oídos a los ruegos con que imploramos tu misericordia, pidiendo para los cofrades que ya han fallecido el descanso de gloria, paz para toda la Iglesia, y los bienes temporales en los términos de tus fieles; por la intercesión de tu santísima Madre y méritos de tu Hijo, nuestro Señor Jesucristo, que vive y reina por los siglos de los siglos. Amen.

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ORACIÓN
Al Glorioso Patriarca San José
Para rezarla después de Santo Rosario

A vos, bienaventurado San José, acudimos en nuestra tribulación, y después de implorar el auxilio de vuestra santísima Esposa, solicitamos también confiadamente vuestro patrocinio. Por aquella caridad que con la Inmaculada Virgen María Madre de Dios os tuvo unido, y por el paterno amor con que abrazasteis al Niño Jesús, humildemente os suplicamos que volváis benigno los ojos a la herencia que con su sangre adquirió Jesucristo, y con vuestro poder y auxilio socorráis nuestras necesidades.

¡Proteged, oh providentísimo custodio de la Divina Familia!, la escogida descendencia de Jesucristo; apartad de nosotros toda mancha de error y de corrupción; asistidnos propicio desde el cielo, fortísimo libertador nuestro en esta lucha con el poder de las tinieblas; y como en otro tiempo librasteis al Niño Jesús de inminente peligro de la vida, así ahora defended la Iglesia santa de Dios de las asechanzas de sus enemigos y de toda adversidad, y a cada uno de nosotros protegednos con perpetuo patrocinio, para que, a ejemplo vuestro, y sostenidos por vuestro auxilio, podamos santamente vivir, piadosamente morir, y alcanza en los cielos la eterna bienaventuranza. Amén.

S.S. León XIII concedió Indulgencia de siete años y siete cuarentenas por cada vez que se recite esta oración.

ORACIÓN PARA LA HORA DE GUARDIA

¡Santísima Virgen María, Madre de Dios y Reina del Santísimo Rosario! Vednos aquí postrados para llorar los crímenes de este siglo, reparar los ultrajes que recibís Vos y vuestro Divino Hijo, e implorar vuestra bondad y misericordia a favor de los que conculcan las divinas leyes.

Hoy, como en tiempo de vuestro glorioso siervo y devoto Santo Domingo, un diluvio de pecados cubre toda la tierra. El infierno ha soltado sus emisarios, los más peligrosos y perdidos, que trabajan como ministros de Satanás en la perversión de las almas, con ardor, rabia y perseverancia infatigables. ¡Oh María, reina dulce del Santísimo Rosario! Vos que sois, no sólo misericordiosas sino la misericordia misma, como dice San Bernardo, apiadaos de nuestras inmensas desgracias, y haced que descienda sobre nosotros como, lo hicisteis en tiempo de Santo Domingo el rocío de vuestras bendiciones. ¡Oh ciertamente!, nuestra ceguedad, ingratitud y obstinación en el mal provocan e irritan la cólera de vuestro Hijo, y atraen sobre nuestras cabezas los rayos de sus venganzas.

Pero Vos sois nuestro refugio, ¡Oh Virgen Inmaculada!; nuestro único refugio en el abismo a que nos han arrastrado nuestros crímenes. ¡Rogad por nosotros, oh Reina del Santísimo Rosario!; acordaos de vuestras antiguas misericordias y no dejéis de emplear a favor nuestro vuestra omnipotencia suplicante. Hablad al corazón de vuestro Hijo: aplacad su indignación, y detened su brazo justamente levantado para castigarnos. ¡Oh María, perdón para los profanadores de los días festivos!: perdón para los despreciadores y violadores de los mandamientos de la penitencia y mortificación! Salvad, Señora, una vez más al género humano; salvad a la Iglesia por vuestro Santísimo Rosario. Amen.

¡Soy tu guardia María
Y tu honor guardaré
Te entrego al alma mía,
Llévala, Tú, al Edén!

************

AVE MARíA

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NOVENA

A LA MAS FRAGANTE ROSA DEL PARAISO

DE DIOS

MARíA SANTíSIMA DEL ROSARIO

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LA CONSAGRA A LA MILAGROSA IMAGEN

DE

NUESTRA SEÑORA DEL ROSARIO

El Apostolado del Rosario
(PP. DOMINICOS)
MANILA

NOTA

Esta Novena es podrá hacer en cualquier tiempo del año; pero el más proporcionado será el Sábado antes del primer Domingo del mes de Octubre, en que se celebra la fiesta de nuestra amantísima Madre María Santísima del Rosario, y se finalizará el Domingo siguiente, día octava de la misma festividad.

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El Ilustrísimo Señor Don Basilio Sancho de Santa Justa y Rufina, dignísimo Arzobispo que fue de Manila y Metropolitano de estas Islas Filipinas, concedió 80 días de indulgencia a todos los que hicieren esta Novena. Otros 80 a todos aquellos que incitaren o movieren a otros para hacerla. Otros 80 por asistir a la Misa cantada en cualquier día de dicha Novena, 80 por cada Misa. Otros 80 por cada sermón que oigan en dicha Novena, y otros 80 por asistir a la Salve cantada después de la Novena.

ADVERTENCIA PRELIMINAR

Para lograr el fruto de tan santa Novena en el tiempo de novenario, se procurara confesar y comulgar dos veces dentro de él, una al principio y otra al fin; y si hay salud y comodidad, se ayunará los dos sábados, la víspera del Rosario, y el siguiente que precede a su octava; y no pudiendo con esta obra penal, se hará, según el posible de cada uno, alguna limosna a pobres, o cualquiera otra obra de misericordia, ya sea corporal, ya espiritual, como visitar a un enfermo, o esforzar el sufrimiento en las flaquezas del prójimo; también se rezará el Rosario entero, cada uno de los días de la Novena, distribuyendo los tercios en distintas horas, para que no sea gravosa esta devoción, y se pueda acudir a las precisas ocupaciones, o a lo menos una parte de Rosario: mortificará los sentidos y pasiones con el ejercicio de alguna virtud, particularmente de aquélla a que se reconociese menos dispuesto; como, si es iracundo, con actos de paciencia; si lividinoso, con el recato y recogimiento de los sentidos, especialmente de la vista; si soberbio, con los de humildad; si goloso, con los de templanza, privándose con disimulo del manjar que más le deleita, y así de los demás. Y finalmente, se podrá ofrecer esta Novena, y cuanto bueno en ella se hiciere, por sufragio de las benditas almas del Purgatorio aplicando también por ellas el tesoro de indulgencias que tiene el Santísimo Rosario.

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DÍA PRIMERO

Rezado del Rosario delante de imagen de Nuestra Señora del Rosario [o de alguna imagen de María Santísima], meditados sus misterios con la mayor devoción, procederá el Acto de Contrición con el posible fervor del modo siguiente:

ACTO DE CONTRICIÓN

Señor mío Jesucristo, Dios y hombre verdadero, Criador, Padre y Redentor mío, por ser vos quien sois, os amo de todo corazón, y porque os amo, me pesa de haberos ofendido. ¡Oh bondad infinita! ¡Quién siempre os hubiera agradado con pensamientos, palabras y obras! Yo, Dios mío, propongo, ayudado de vuestra divina gracia, nunca más pecar, el apartarme de toda ocasión de culpa, y hacer una buena confesión de todas las que he cometido. Espero, Señor, en vuestra infinita misericordia, que mirando a vuestro mérito santísimo y a mi corazón contrito, me habéis de perdonar, y dar gracia para vivir y perseverar en vuestro santo servicio hasta la muerte. Amén.

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ORACIÓN PARA TODOS LOS DIAS

¡Oh clementísima Virgen! ¡Oh tiernísima Madre! ¡Oh dulcísima María! ¡Consuelo o refugio de pecadores, Abogada de los mortales, Mediadora entre Dios y los hombres! ¡Oh felicísima Arca, que socorriste al mundo perdido en el más fatal naufragio!¡Oh brillante Iris de paz que dando fin a las guerras de cielo y tierra, reconciliaste al Criador agraviado con los delincuentes hijos de Adán!¡Oh candidísima Paloma, que conduciendo el ramo de la más frondosa oliva, anunciaste serenidades a este nuestro triste valle! ¡Oh piadosísima Intercesora, que viendo el mundo relajado, y en vísperas de perecer al estrago de la justa indignación de tu ofendido Jesús, revelaste a tu querido siervo Domingo, privilegiado hijo de tus finezas, el más oportuno remedio, firme alcázar y seguro asilo del Santísimo Rosario, por el cual fue reformado el mundo, e indultado de los enojos del más terrible Juez; concédenos, benignísima Madre, que por el mérito y eficacia de tan acepta y saludable devoción, acertemos a desarmar las irritadas iras de nuestro Dios y Señor, recuperar su amistad y gracia, y volver a la ternura de sus paternales brazos, borrando con las aguas de una fervorosa penitencia las ofensas que han provocado el rigor de su justicia, para que reconciliados con tu amantísimo Hijo, y entrañados en su dulce corazón, merezcamos oír aquella tan dichosa bendición: Venid, benditos de mi Padre y vuestro, a recibir el Reino, que os está preparado desde la constitución del mundo. Venid, benditos de mi Madre y vuestra a poseer las delicias de su hermosísimo rostro, y ternuras de su dulcísimo pecho en la eterna bienaventuranza. Amén, Jesús.

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ORACIÓN PARTICULAR
Para el Primer Día

Dios te salve, Ave del celestial Paraíso: Dios te salve, Paloma inocentísima fecundada por el Espíritu Divino en los gozos de la Encarnación; Dios te salve tristísima Tórtola, llorosa en los tormentos de la Pasión; Dios te salve, hermosísima Fénix renacida en el fuego de la caridad a las glorias de tu Asunción; Dios te salve, sin el ay de la corrupción al concebir, sin el ay de la molestia al estar en cinta y sin el ay del dolor al parir. Dios te salve, amorosísima Madre, sin el ay de la culpa y sin en al de la pena. Dios te salve, y sálvanos por la eficacia de las Ave Marías con que os hemos saludado, de las miserias a que indujo al linaje humano aquella prevaricadora primera madre nuestra, y trueca en perdón el gemido de la culpa, y en gloria el lamento de la pena. Amén, Jesús.

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Cada uno pedirá aquí aquella gracia o favor que desea conseguir por la intercesión de María Santísima, y para más obligarla, se rezarán tres Ave Marías con tres Gloria Patri, etc., en reverencia de los órdenes de misterios del Santísimo Rosario.

SEGUNDO DÍA

Se dará principio con la Oración que empieza Oh Clementísima, etc.

ORACIÓN PARTICULAR
Para este día

Dios te salve, María, Aurora hermosa, que pariendo al mejor sol de justicia Cristo Jesús, iluminaste nuestra tenebrosa y melancólica región: María, mar de amarguras en las recias olas de su dolorosa Pasión; María, Señora y Emperatriz Soberana, exaltada sobre todas las criaturas en tu gloriosa Coronación; Dios te salve, María, estrella del mar, ventana del Paraíso y puerta de la salud; alúmbranos, astro hermosísimo, y con las luces de tu Santísimo Rosario destierra las sombras de muerte que oscurecen nuestras almas: convierte en amarguras de penitencia las delicias de este engañoso siglo, que nos despeñan a la culpa; y pues tienes como Emperatriz Augusta el cetro del cielo y tierra, restituye a los desterrados hijos de Eva a los gozos de la celestial patria. Amén, Jesús.

Se hará la petición, rezarán las tres Ave-Marías, etc. y se concluirá con la oración última Oh buen Dios, etc. Este modo se observará en todos los días de la novena.

TERCER DÍA

Se dará principio con la Oración que empieza Oh Clementísima, etc.

ORACIÓN PARTICULAR
Para este día

Dios te salve, María, llena eres de gracia: llena de gracia en tu vientre, sagrario riquísimo que encerró al Autor de las gracias; llena de gracia en tu corazón, feliz concha de la plenitud de los dones; llena de gracia, con que comunican los santos, y participan los pecadores; llena de gracia, porque de tu plenitud nos vino el precio de la Redención, y esperamos el premio de la remuneración. Ayúdanos, graciosísima Madre, por las excelencias de tu Salutación angélica y por los misterios de tu Santísimo Rosario, para encontrar la preciosa joya de la gracia, que perdimos por la desgracia de la culpa, para que la tierra estéril de nuestras almas se limpie de las espinas de los vicios, y se vista de la amenidad hermosa de las virtudes. Amén, Jesús.

CUARTO DÍA

Se dará principio con la Oración que empieza Oh Clementísima, etc.

ORACIÓN PARTICULAR
Para este día

Dios te salve, María, llena eres de gracia, el Señor es contigo: contigo, por la suma concordia de tu voluntad con la de Dios; contigo, por la suma unión de tu carne con la persona del Hijo de Dios; contigo, por la suma intimidad de Madre natural con tu Hijo Dios; el Señor es contigo, como Señor con su más querida sierva, como Esposo con su más agraciada Esposa, y como Hijo sujeto y obediente a su Madre amantísima; y pues tienes, oh excelsa Reina, en tus manos los poderes del Todopoderoso, haced, Señora, que vuestro benditísimo Hijo sea en nosotros, y con nosotros; en nosotros por interior renovación de nuestras almas, y con nosotros por la digna participación de su carne y sangre. Amen, Jesús.

QUINTO DÍA

Se dará principio con la Oración que empieza Oh Clementísima, etc.

ORACIÓN PARTICULAR
Para este día

Dios te salve, María, llena eres de gracia, el Señor es contigo, bendita tú eres: bendita tú, porque tú sola nada tuviste de maldición, libre del oprobio de la esterilidad, y de la tensión del dolor en tu parto feliz; bendita tú, porque socorriste a la universal ruina en la presencia de nuestro Dios y Señor, bendita tú, porque quebraste la cabeza al común enemigo príncipe de las tinieblas; bendita tú, porque no perdonaste a tu vida por las angustias y tribulación del linaje humano; bendita tú porque acumulaste misericordias a misericordias: las misericordias de los misterios unidos en tu Rosario a las misericordias de los misterios obrados de por sí en el mundo. Dadnos, Señora, a los que devotos le rezamos victoria del mundo, demonio y carne: a la Iglesia triunfo de sus enemigos, extirpación de las herejías, y concordia a los príncipes cristianos. Amén, Jesús.

SEXTO DÍA

Se dará principio con la Oración que empieza Oh Clementísima, etc.

ORACIÓN PARTICULAR
Para este día

Dios te salve, María, llena eres de gracia, el Señor es contigo, bendita tu eres entre todas las mujeres: entre todas, porque tú sola posees con excelencia todo lo bueno que se halla en todas; más que todas, porque tú sola eres priveligiada, y preferida a todas; a las vírgenes, siendo la primera que consagraste tu integridad al Señor; a las casadas, porque tú sola concebiste sin lesión de tu sello virginal; a las viudas, porque tú sola te privaste de tu propio Hijo por adoptarnos como tierna madre a los miserables hijos de Eva; sobre todas porque fuiste privilegiada para Madre del Todopoderoso y sentada como Reina a la diestra de tu amantísimo Hijo. Vuelve, Señora, a nosotros esos tus misericordiosos ojos, y derrama sobre las tristes Hijos de Adán el lleno de tus piedades; levanta a los caídos, corrobora a los tímidos, consuela a los afligidos, intercede y ruega por todas las devotas mujeres. Amén, Jesús.

SEPTIMO DÍA

Se dará principio con la Oración que empieza Oh Clementísima, etc.

ORACIÓN PARTICULAR
Para este día

Dios te salve, María, llena eres de gracia, el Señor es contigo, bendita tu eres entre todas las mujeres, y bendito es el fruto: bendito el fruto, que como tierra bendita sin las espinas de la culpa diste al mundo; bendito el fruto, que hiciste nuestro por la comunicación de nuestro frágil barro; nuestro, porque lo ofreciste por nosotros en el templo; nuestro, porque le sacrificaste por nuestra Redención en el Calvario; y nuestro, porque desde el cielo nos lo muestras amoroso a los que peregrinos gemimos en este destierro: bendito es el fruto que nació del paraíso de tu virgíneo claustro; bendito el fruto que se cogió para nuestra salud en el árbol de la Cruz; bendito el fruto que te trasladó al cielo para colmar la gloria de los bienaventurados: suplicamos te, purísima Virgen, que nos des a gustar el precioso fruto de tus entrañas, para que percibiendo sus dulzuras en la piadosa meditación de los misterios de tu Rosario Santísimo, le gocemos con hartura en el celestial convite de la gloria. Amén, Jesús.

OCTAVO DÍA

Se dará principio con la Oración que empieza Oh Clementísima, etc.

ORACIÓN PARTICULAR
Para este día

Dios te salve, María, llena eres de gracia, el Señor es contigo, bendita tu eres entre todas las mujeres, y bendito es el fruto de tu vientre: de tu vientre, animada Arca donde se depositó el maná de la gloria: de tu vientre vellón purísimo donde se recogió el rocío de los cielos; de tu vientre, sagrado viril de la más rica prenda Jesús: de tu vientre, paraíso hermoso adornado de rosas y lirios, rosas de la más delicada integridad entre las aguadas espinas de dolores en la Pasión de tu amantísimo Hijo, y lirios de eterna claridad en los resplandores de su gloriosa Resurrección: concédenos, tiernísima Madre, que concibiendo en nuestras almas a tu benditísimo Jesús por el dolor de una verdadera contrición, le demos a la luz de la gracia como fruto de una saludable penitencia. Amén, Jesús.

NOVENO DÍA

Se dará principio con la Oración que empieza Oh Clementísima, etc.

ORACIÓN PARTICULAR
Para este día

Dios te salve, María, llena eres de gracia, el Señor es contigo, bendita tu eres entre todas las mujeres, y bendito es el fruto de tu vientre Jesús: Jesús, a ti anunciado por el Arcángel San Gabriel; Jesús, hecho hombre en tu claustro virginal, Jesús, nacido al mundo para su luz, medicina y salud; Jesús, aclamado Rey de los judíos; Jesús, entregado en sus manos por nuestro amor; Jesús muerto por nuestra salvación; Jesús resucitado del sepulcro; Jesús, exaltado triunfante a los cielos; Jesús, sentado a la diestra del Padre coronándote por Reina y Princesa; Jesús rogando al Padre nos haga participantes de sus glorias; Jesús, el más incomparable tesoro: todo Jesús, Señora, os lo ofrecemos en las brillantes piedras de vuestro Santísimo Rosario; recibidlo como prenda de vuestro mayor agrado, y remunerad, clementísima María, nuestra ofrenda, otorgando la petición de nuestro corazón, con que humildes concluimos tu angélica salutación y Novena. Santa María, mar de piedades, madre de Dios y nuestra: ruega, Señora, por nosotros tus hijos pecadores ahora alcanzándonos la gracia, y a gloria en la hora de nuestra muerte. Amén, Jesús.

ORACIÓN FINAL
Para todos los días de la novena

¡Oh buen Dios! Que así amaste al mundo con tanto exceso de dilección, que nos diste a tu Unigénito Hijo, para que por su vida, muerte y resurrección nos consiguiese el premio de la eterna salud: os rogamos, concedáis piadoso a los que meditamos los misterios de nuestra Redención en el Rosario de la Sacratísima Virgen María, que le sirvamos amantes y humildes, reformando nuestras vidas a las luces de tan divinos ejemplares Jesús y María; consigamos los premios y gracia que Madre e Hijo nos prometen, y en particular el favor que suplicamos en esta santa Novena, una muerte feliz, y que con los Ángeles les alabemos por toda la eternidad. Amén, Jesús.

A MARÍA SANTÍSIMA DEL ROSARIO

Con dulce amor cada día,
y con tierno corazón,
Rezare con devoción
el Rosario de María.

La suprema Trinidad
Plantó el Rosal Mariano,
y su poder soberano
hizo trono a su piedad:
complace a tan gran bondad
quien te alaba, Virgen pía:

Rezare con devoción
el Rosario de María.

A nuestra Madre debemos
amor dulce maternal,
con cariño, pues, filial
humildes la saludemos,
con el Ave la alabemos,
que nos llena de alegría:

Rezare con devoción
el Rosario de María.

Ángeles y hombres unidos
a coros os digan Ave
que es un cántico muy suave
a los divinos oídos:
los demonios confundidos
huyen de esta melodía:

Rezare con devoción
el Rosario de María.

Se encarnó el Divino Verbo
en su vientre virginal,
y en este sacro Rosal
el libre quedó hecho siervo:
como el más sediento ciervo
herido de amor venía:

Rezare con devoción
el Rosario de María.

Sagrado Trono el Rosal
Llevó la rosa fragante,
Cuyo olor sintió al instante
el Precursor celestial:
de la mancha original
quedó limpió en este día:

Rezare con devoción
el Rosario de María.

Nació Jesús muy gracioso
de Madre llena de gracia,
remedio de la desgracia,
con rostro afable y hermoso:
en lo pío y amoroso
a la Madre parecía:

Rezare con devoción
el Rosario de María.

En el Templo lo ofreció
como rosa con fragancia,
y el Padre se complació;
el enojo feneció
con la prenda que ofrecía:

Rezare con devoción
el Rosario de María.

Tres días del Hijo ausente
Padeciste soledad,
aun antes que la impiedad
lo tratase inicuamente:
deseo, pues, sumamente
hallarle en vos Madre mía:

Rezare con devoción
el Rosario de María.

A la rosa de su amor,
con la sangre que sudaba,
color de nácar le daba,
para bien del pecador:
para templar el rigor,
como rosa parecía:

Rezare con devoción
el Rosario de María.

Aquel rostro abofeteado
del Cordero tan sufrido,
y con azotes herido,
con rosas está hermoseado:
también cuando coronado,
y cuando en la Cruz moría:

Rezare con devoción
el Rosario de María.

Róseo Cordero es llamado
de Bernardo con dulzura,
la oveja su Madre pura
con las rosas lo ha marcado:
el Padre ha disimulado
nuestra gran alevosía:

Rezare con devoción
el Rosario de María.

Viva la Rósea Aurora
viva Jesús, Sol hermoso,
resucitado, y glorioso,
que os dio consuelo, Señora;
con rosas se condecora
que en su pecho descubría:

Rezare con devoción
el Rosario de María.

Con rosas sube vestido,
y sus llagas son las puertas,
que están como rosas abiertas
al cristiano arrepentido:
en su Madre protegido,
halla feliz Norte y Guía:

Rezare con devoción
el Rosario de María.

La rosa es templo sagrado
del dispensador de dones,
que vino a los corazones
en incendios trasformado:
en su color encarnado
el de rosas se veía:

Rezare con devoción
el Rosario de María.

En el cielo coronada,
con la más suprema gloria,
no perdió de su memoria
el empleo de Abogada:
con protección dilatada
al hombre favor le envía:

Rezare con devoción
el Rosario de María.

Con dulce amor cada día
y con tierno corazón,
Rezare con devoción
el Rosario de María.

La Naval 2008 Images

2008-10-25T16:21:00.000-07:00

The Gold theme is back.

Photo Credits : La Naval Flickr Page

La Naval de Manila, My Mother

2008-10-25T16:16:00.000-07:00

By : Randolfh Bunag

'Sa Iyong kandungan aking natikman ang unang pagmamahal. Kahit musmos pa, kapiling ka aking ina.'
Happiness, gladness, as I remember those old days.
We can surely say that we are lucky, but how?
The only thing in my life that I have is my mom.
My mom, my mom.
October 2,2008 was the enthonement of La Naval de Manila.
I was there at exactly 4: 30 pm.
The throne was empty.
Then at 5: 10 pm the lady went out of her royal room.
She was wearing her regalia, and a short procession was done.
I was seated at the left panel of the altar (I was lucky) . As she proceeded to her throne, I was crying.
Why? I remember my mom, La Naval's image is too motherly.
An affection of a mother and a son.
Tears fell. I did not able to touch her because of a certain shock.
My Queen, My Mother.
October 12,2008, I attended the annual the annual procession of The La Gran Señora de Filipinas La Naval De Manila.
Like what I have stated, I am a great devotee of the La Naval De Manila. I was there at around 9am, I wasvery happy to see the Lady standing in her Baldachino.
At around five in the afternoon, the procession went out,
as the mcee shoutedher name,
La Naval de Manila,
I hurriedly went to see her,
again the Lady was smiling in her carozza.
I said 'Kayo na po ang bahala sa amin.' That is the power of La Naval, powerful, motherly and majestic.
La Naval de Manila is like my mom.
My mom had battles, sufferings, and sorrows.
But my mom is a great warrior, like what the Lady did in the battle.
My mom continued the battle despite my father died.
What is the similarity of La Naval and my mom, both of them are brave. When Mary saw her dying son Jesus, she cried silently.
When my mom saw her two boys suferring she cried silently.
When Mary saw her son going to heaven, she was happy.
When my mom saw me going up on stage to receive my diploma, she cried, tears of joy fell.
Now that is what we call Women's power. Battles?
Yes, I believe that my mom is still having her battles.
Next year, October 2009, once again the La Naval will be placed in her royal baldachino,
she will hear songs again in her honor,
she will have a procession once again.
The Faith that my mom and I have will always continue,
it will always be there.
Without La Naval, the battles that we had will never be surpassed. Thank you, Our Lady of La Naval.
Thank you.

La Naval 2008

2008-08-21T22:24:00.000-07:00

THE SOLEMNITY OF OUR LADY OF
THE MOST HOLY ROSARY OF

LA NAVAL DE MANILA

October 2008

Theme :

"Patuloy sa Paglalayag ng Pagpapahayag"
The Saga of La Naval, triumph of a People's Faith Continues

Schedule

10/02/2008 (5:00pm) - Enthronement Rites Ceremony
10/03 - 10/11/2008 (5:00pm) - Solemn Novena Mass

Holy Masses:
(Weekdays) 5:00am-12:00nn (every hour) ; 6:00pm
(Saturdays) 5:00am-12:00nn (every hour) ; 4:00pm and 6:00pm
(Sundays) 5:00am-12:00nn (every hour)
4:00pm-7:00pm (every hour)

Novena Service:
6:50am and 11:45am (filipino)
5:30pm (english)

10/12/2008 - Solemn Fiesta of LA NAVAL DE MANILA

FIESTA MASSES 5:00am-12:00nn (every hour)
MISA NG BAYAN 3:00pm,5:00pm and 7:00pm
SOLEMN PROCESSION RITES at 4:00pm (onwards)

Information from : La Naval Flickr Group

Carrascoso's Ensemble - Numero II

2008-03-17T21:52:00.000-07:00

From : The La Naval de Manila Flickr Group
By : Francis Jason Diaz Perez III

When the Old Santo Domingo in Intramuros was bombed several vestments were burned saved for the Numero I, the plancha de plata y oro and a number of vestments for daily use. During her stay at the University of Santo Tomás' Santísimo Rosario Parish and later on at the National Shine of Our Lady of the Rosary, the New Santo Domingo Church in Quezon City, the Virgin's only gala dress left was the Numero I which she used annually.

A concerned devotee Don Antonio Carrascoso, in gratitude and thanksgiving, thought that the Santo Rosario deserves a new gala dress. And since it was destined to be worn by the Queen of the Philippines, and as a perpetual testament of his family's love and devotion to the Santo Rosario and enough money to spare, the vestment had to be made entirely of hilos de oro, ordered and embroidered in Spain.

This ensemble is the most priceless ensemble of the Santo Rosario after the Numero I and the plancha. The Spanish Dominicans, in gratitude to Don Antonio, named this ensemble as the Carrascoso or the Numero Dos (II). Thereafter it was alternately worn with the Numero I by the Santo Rosario and the tradition of naming sumptuous donations to the Virgen de la Naval after their respective donors began.

According to the late Fr. Augusto Antonio, OP, the Numero I was shipped to Spain for the purpose of copying it for the Numero II [Carrascoso]...

One of the rare occasions when the Santo Rosario is brought out of Santo Domingo outside the La Naval de Manila Procession — the Papal Visit of Pope John Paul II in the Philippines [1981].The Santo Rosario is magnificently arrayed with the Numero II.

While the distinguishing features of the Numero I are its high relief embroidery the majority of which were embroidered with the very expensive flat hilo de oro, that of the Numero II was done in the difficult and time consuming laidwork or "binanig" in the Spanish tradition and which can be seen in the embroidery of the sayas and mantos of the Vírgenes in the Peninsula such as that of La Macarena in Sevilla...

Tunic & Bib of the Niño Jesus of the Santo Rosario
Part of the Carrascoso Ensemble

The La Naval Vicaria wearing the Carrascoso Ensemble
1993 Intramuros Marian Procession

The Carrascoso's only problem is it shrank, due to the number of rains that drenched it but i believe it can still be worn if desired.

The last time the Santo Rosario publicly wore this was during the La Naval de Manila festivities in the late 80's where a typhoon marred the traditional procession and the Virgin's carroza had to be turned at Banawe St. and back to Santo Domingo because the Virgin was already soaking wet, water streaming down her face.

Meanwhile the picture from the book Prusisyon was taken in the late 90's, this time the Vicaria was made to wear it and it seems it still "fits" her, which is incidentally, of the same size as the original Santo Rosario.

In the late 1990's it was planned to restore the Carrascoso into a new fabric so that it can be used once more by the Santo Rosario for the La Naval de Manila festivities.

Off we went to Seville, Spain with a cut sample of the tisú de oro from the Numero II. Luckily an exact match of the fabric was found, however our joy was short lived because we were shocked when the cost involved was computed.

The precious fabric had a narrow width and was said to have been woven manually. When the yardage of the fabric needed was computed that would be enough to cover the Virgin's entire ensemble, the calculator showed around Seven Hundred Thousand Pesos [P700,000.00]!!! The conversion then was around P27 to a US$1.

We had to reconsider. Another fabric had to be substituted, and another cloth-of-gold was bought, apparently woven by machine which was much cheaper and had a wider width. It was the one that was bought for the restoration of the Numero II.

However, to this day, the Carrascoso remains unrestored and the fabric still remains in storage in Santo Domingo.

Photo Credits :

Dino Carlo
Prusisyon: Religious Pageantry in the Philippines by Jaime C. Laya and Lulu Tesoro Castañeda
La Gran Señora de Filipinas
FJDP III

The Numero III

2008-03-13T16:25:00.000-07:00

N.B. The following text is taken from the La Naval de Manila Flickr Group where the blogger is a member.
Text from Posts By: Orven & Francis Jason Diaz Perez III

Santo Rosario La Naval de Manila wearing the Numero III

In this day and age when miracles seem to be just a part of a forgotten past, the times of our parents and grandparents, the third vestment of the Santo Rosario, a product of a genius, a masterpiece in our present day, stands as a mute but an everlasting witness that miracles still and do happen in the present.

The third of the Santo Rosario's famous vestments is also called the Sollano Ensemble - the result of a freak accident and answered prayer, a miracle from heaven for a distraught parents.

Dr. José Sollano, Jr. and Dr. Rosario Zaide-Sollano (the daughter of Don Luís Zaide, the Camarero of Santa Catalina de Ricci) have three beautiful children. One day while happily playing with a toy whistle, one of their daughters, accidentally swallowed the whistle which got stuck somewhere in her throat so much so when she spoke the whistle made a sound. Funny as the incident may seem, the little girl had a difficulty with breathing and a few more delays will prove to be fatal. Informed of the incident, the worried parents prayed for a miracle to the Santo Rosario, the miracle of time so that the girl could be brought to the UST Hospital and the whistle could be removed with a delicate operation before the situation turns for the worst.

Heaven smiled at them and their daughter is now a beautiful young lady.

In gratitude for the singular miracle from the Santo Rosario they vowed to donate a new ensemble for the Virgin to wear on the occasion of the 400th Anniversary of her making (1593-1993).

Since it was destined to be worn by La Gran Señora de Filipinas it had to be the best.

The gold threads used were ordered in Spain though Dr. Chari's sister who lives there. The design had to be executed by the one and only Rafael del Casal who also supervised the actual embroidery which was entrusted to Glória Manundo, from the famous Talleres de Máximo Vicente.

Rafael del Casal, very much aware that the Numero I is part of the Santo Rosario's signature look, he relied heavily on this concept and thus served as the basis for his interpretation of what would be called thereafter as the Sollano Ensemble.

After the Numero I and the Numero II and in our present day no other vestment of the Santo Rosario has surpassed the beauty of this masterpiece in terms of design, execution and materials that were used.

It is a product of a genius who has devoted his artistic prowess in the service of the Queen of the Philippines and the triumph of modern Philippine Embroidery for the Divine.

The brilliance and definition of the design of the Sollano is its ability to stand out even from a great distance - as the Santo Rosario is seen by devotees and the curious alike. The leaves and flowers are so pronounced and raised at various levels that even from afar you can still make out the flow of the embroidery.

Even in inadequate lighting conditions, the flowers and the form of the design can still be appreciated from afar and up close.

As Rafael del Casal understands very much the La Naval tradition, he retains the signature look of the Santo Rosario. His design, though a modern interpretation of the Numero I maintains the concept and the flow of the Numero I and even in some way that of the plancha de oro y plata.

If it was not enough, the genuine materials used — hilo de oro from Spain that is also used for the famous Madonnas there and the careful execution, the various levels of relief that was employed made this ensemble truly a masterpiece of the embroider's art and priceless in everyway.

But the greatness of this ensemble, after its artistic and monetary value, is the fact that it was given in thanksgiving and as an eternal testament and proof that miracles, we only seem to read now in dusty old books and in the stories of our parents and grandparents, still happen, and that to this very day, the Filipino family still pays homage and devotion, unceasingly and undampened, to the Queen and Mother of the Nation, La Gran Señora de Filipinas - Nuestra Señora del Santísimo Rosario, La Virgen de la Naval de Manila.

Photo Credits : FJDPIII, Erick Photomurals

my tribute to the virgin

2008-01-11T20:56:00.000-08:00

mi tributo a

la gran señora de felipinas
nuestra señora del santissimo rosario
la naval de manila
venerada en la iglesia de santo domingo
pigmente tinta en pergamino8.5" x 11"
un regalo a señor y señora agcaoili

La Naval Coffee Table Book

2007-10-07T06:33:00.000-07:00

Images from The Saga of La Naval
Triumph of a People's Faith

Thanks to my mom who bought me a copy.

Cannonical Coronation Reenactment & Solemn Enthronement

2007-10-04T07:52:00.000-07:00

I skipped OPD duty today to be early enough to get a seat to watch the Cannonical Coronation Reenactment & Solemn Enthronement this year. The preparations this year are really marvelous, from the church being repainted entirely, to the flowers, to the lights, to the orchestra, to the people present... everything is just as should be for Mary, regal, and glorious. I arrived around 1 PM to check out the museum and to get seats near the altar. I saw the Numero Uno cape in the museum, the Ivory Image to be used in the pahalik this year commissioned by Mr. Rei Nicolas, the Gold crown of the Niño, His golden slippers, the gold sceptre with the pectoral cross, and some more interesting stuff.

The Santo Rosario waiting in the Corridor

I was able to get a seat a few rows behind those that were reserved for guests with tickets. I waited and witnessed the image of our Lady being brought down the corridor and the gold halo being placed by a lucky attendant. We took pictures... I touched her cape... How lucky can I get! She was wearing her silver plancha and she holds the gold baton with the big rings with semi-precious stones. The aureola she was wearing was not the one used in the 1907 coronation but the one paired with the siena crown. When she was being brought up the altar, the jewels were dazzling! It's unbelievable! (to be continued...)

The Niño being Crowned

The La Naval being Crowned

Queen Enthroned

Our Lady of the Most Holy Rosary
La Naval de Manila

Festivity Schedule

2007-09-06T17:58:00.001-07:00

A fresh update from Santo Domingo Church, National Shrine of Our Lady of the Most Holy Rosary:

Greetings of peace!

Through the years, the collective devotion of the Filipino people to the Blessed Virgin Mary has been a source of pride and inspiration for many. This year, as we give honor once again to Mary, come October, we shall also be celebrating the centennial of her Canonical Coronation. This year shall witness not only another grand celebration but a high point in the renowned La Naval de Manila tradition. It is on this note that we are exhausting all means necessary tomake this once in a lifetime event both memorable and historic. Kindly forward this message to everyone so that in this way, we maybe able to reach to as many devotees of the Blessed Virgin Mary aspossible. Below are the important dates to be announced as of the moment:

July 22-August 8, 2007 - SANTO DOMINGO EXHIBIT at the Santo Domingo Information Lobby (National Shrine of Our Lady of the Most Holy Rosary, Santo Domingo Church, Q.C.)

September 7, 2007 [7:00 PM] - MARIAN VIGIL (National Shrine of Our Lady of the Most Holy Rosary, Santo Domingo Church, Q.C.)

September 8, 2007 - MARIOLOGY CONGRESS (Angelicum College, Q.C.)

8:00 - 8:30 AM Registration

8:30 - 8:45 AM Opening PrayerWelcome Remarks* Rev. Fr. Edmund C. Nantes, OPPrior Provincial

8:45-10:00 AM War and Roses: Liberating Our Lady of La Naval from the Myths of History* Rev. Fr. Rolando de la Rosa, OPProfessor, UST Faculty of Theology

10:00-10:30 AM snacks

10:30-11:45 AM Mary and the Fulfillment of God's Plan in History* Rev. Fr. Yulito IgnacioProfessor, San Carlos Seminary

12:00 NN - 1:00 PM Lunch break1:00-1:30 PM Triumph of a People's Faith (a Video Pesentation)* Rev. Christopher Jeffrey Aytona, OP

1:30-2:45 PM To Contemplate Mary is to Contemplate Jesus...The Three Postures of Mary* Former Ambassador Henrietta T. de Villa

2:45-3:15 PM Snacks3:30-4:45 PM Eucharistic Celebration, Feast of the Birthday of the Blessed Virgin Mary* Most Rev. Teodoro C. Bacani, Jr., DDRev.

Christopher Jeffrey Aytona, OP andRev. Cecilio Vladimir Magboo, OPMasters of Ceremonies

September 8 - October 14, 2007 - REGINA SACRATISSIMI ROSARII EXHIBIT (Santísimo Rosario Parish, University of Sto. Tomas, Manila)

September 15, 2007 [6:00 pm] - CENTENNIAL CONCERT -Tiples de Santo Domingo at the Philam Life Auditorium (UN Avenue, Manila).

September 29-October 31, 2007 - LA NAVAL DE MANILA MEMORABILIA EXHIBIT at the Museo de Santo Domingo (National Shrine of Our Lady of the Most Holy Rosary, Santo Domingo Church, Q.C.)

October 4, 2007 [4:00 PM] - SOLEMN ENTHRONEMENT and RE-ENACTMENT CEREMONY of the CANONICAL CORONATION (National Shrine of Our Lady of the Most Holy Rosary, Santo Domingo Church, Q.C.

October 5-13, 2007 [4:00 PM] - SERENATA - Novena days (National Shrine of Our Lady of the Most Holy Rosary, Santo Domingo Church, Q.C.)

Oct. 5 [Friday] - Mr. Basil ValdezOct. 6 [Saturday] - Las Pinas Boys Choir

Oct. 7 [Sunday] - Hangad Jesuit Music Ministry

Oct. 8 [Monday] - Dr. Raul Sunico, Prof. Eugene de los Santos (tenor), Prof. Thea Pérez (soprano)

Oct. 9 [Tuesday] - UP Concert Chorus

Oct. 10 [Wednesday] - Mr. Jose Mari Chan and Ms. Jamie Rivera

Oct. 11 [Thursday] - Psalterion of UST Central Seminary and Miss Fatima Soriano

Oct. 12 [Friday] - Elim Community Music MinistryOct. 13 [Saturday] - Hail Mary Children's Choir

October 7, 2007 - FORMAL LAUNCHING - LA NAVAL DE MANILA COFFEE TABLE BOOK: --- The Saga of La Naval: Triumph of a People's Faith --- (National Shrine of Our Lady of the Most Holy Rosary, Santo Domingo Church, Q.C.)

CONTENTS

Messages Editor's NoteLito B. Zulueta

I.LA NAVAL: DEFINITION, HISTORY AND ICON

A. La Naval: a legacy of faith and Devotion by Rolando de la Rosa, OP

B. Battle of La Naval: Rages of Waves, Fury of Faith by Florentino Hornedo, PhD

C. La Veranda Imagen de Nuestra Senora del Rosario de la Naval: An Image Biography by Regalado Trota Jose

D. The Saints in the Procession of La Naval by Regalado Trota Jose

E. Other Venerated Images of Our Lady of the Rosary in the Dominican Shrines in the Philippines by Regalado Trota Jose

F. The Crescent Moon at Our Lady's Feet by Regalado Trota Jose

II. THE CULT OF MARY

A. A Pinoy Mariology: Mary i the Heart of Filipinos by Roland Mactal, OP

B. Our Lady's Visage: A Marian Iconography by Isidro Abano, OP

III. MARIAN CEREMONIES OF GRACE

A. Our Lady's Jewels by Ramon Villegas

B. La Camerara: Our Lady's Handmaid by Angelita Reyes

IV. HOUSE OF MARY

A. Intramuros: Biography of the Walled City by Jose Vitor Torres, PhD

B. The Dominican Section in the Old Intramurosby Regalado Trota Jose

C. Sto. Domingo Church in Intrmurows by Romeo galang

D. Sto. Domingo Church in Quezon City by Maximo Noche, UAPE. Sto. Domingo Museum by Rolando Castro, OPF. The Big Church and My "Big Shot" Man by Ma. Lourdes Zaragosa-Banson

V. THE DOMINICANS AND OUR LADY

A. The Rosary and St. Dominic by Rolando de la Rosa, OP

B. Dominican Missionary Activities in Asia by Lucio Gutierrez, OP

C. Our Lady's Champons: Lorenzo Ruiz and Comapnion Martyrs

VI. AVE MARIA

A. The Music of La Naval by Julie Ann Hallazgo

B. Sto. Domingo Tiples by Eugene de los Santos

VII. LA NAVAL AND THE FILIPINOS

A. The spectacular Canonical Coronation of Our Lady of the Rosary in 1907: a tory of Challenge, Opposition, Persistence and triumph by Ma. Eloisa Parco - de Castro

B. The Long Bumpy Road to the Canonical Coronation and after (1904-1935): a Chronology by Ma. Eloisa Parco - de Castro

C. La Naval fiestas in Pampanga by erlita Mendoza

D. Nick Joaquin: Our Lady's Mintrel by Lito Zulueta

E. A Photographic Survey of Memorabilia

endnotes

bibiliography

Appendix

Writers' profile

Acknowledgment

Interactive CD

October 14, 2007 - FIESTA OF LA NAVAL DE MANILA (National Shrine of Our Lady of the Most Holy Rosary, Santo Domingo Church, Q.C.)

Mere words and gestures are not enough to show our gratitude. Pagpalain kayo ng Diyos at ang inyong pamilya. Maraming, maraming salamat po!

In Christ through Mary,

REV. LOUIE CORONEL, O.P.

ChairmanCommittee on Media Promotions for the Centennial of the Canonical Coronation

La Naval de Manila 2007

Photo-op

2007-06-16T19:27:00.000-07:00

Glorious and Triumphant

La Gran Senora de las Islas Filipinas

Nuestra Senora del Santissimo Rosario La Naval de Manila

Photo Credits : Benjamin Empleo

La Naval de Manila Flickr Group

Crown Jewels

2007-06-06T20:46:00.000-07:00

by Francis Jason Diaz Perez, III

On 4 April 1906, the Dominican Provincial Superior, Fr. Santiago Paya, OP, embodied the general sentiment of the nation in his petition to the Holy Father requesting authorization for the canonical coronation of the miraculous image of the Santo Rosario - "that the devotion of the Filipino people to the Virgin of the Rosary may increase day by day, that the Blessed Mother of God may be honored, and that the faith, piety and devotion of the Filipino people may flourish.

When His Holiness, Pope [Saint] Pius X, granted the petition, the date of the Canonical Coronation was proclaimed to the nation. The idea captivated the enthusiasm of the people and electrified a million hearts to action. Men and women from all parts of the country, and of all walks of life, whether poor or wealthy, donated their best jewels toward the crowns and the Virgin's regalia. The response was so enthusiastic and wholehearted that in a short time there was sufficient gold and silver and precious stones.

The Santo Rosario wearing the entire Canonical Coronation Regalia in 1907.
Official Portrait taken in 1991.

The stones from the various pieces of jewelry were dismounted, and their gold melted to go into the common project. The Canonical Crowns were designed by Prof. Vicente Rivera y Mir, a young but reputed professor of sketching at Colegio de San Juan de Letran. It was Rivera's artistry that gave form to the common dream of many devotees. Filipino hands, too, cut and shaped the precious stones that would embellish it. This endeavor brought together the famed jewelers of the time, Gregorio Bartolome and the Macario Brothers, to the Santo Domingo Convent in Intramuros where all the work was done. The design was executed by the plateros of La Estrella del Norte.

In the afternoon of the 7th of September, 1907, the Padre Prior of Santo Domingo, received the two crowns, the Father Rector of the University of Santo Tomás, the Dean of Law, the Dean of Medicine, the Dean of Pharmacy, the Secretary General, 9 Law professors, 9 Pharmacy professors, and 18 Medicine professors signed & certified the deed of donation.

From 1907 to 2007, a hundred years after, nothing matched, in importance and in cost, what the entire nation gave for the Coronation of its Queen.

The Corona Canónica of the Santo Rosario was designed by Prof. Vicente Rivera y Mir of the Colegio de San Juan de Letran. The stones were cut & shaped by Gregorio Bartolome and the Macario Brothers. It was later on executed by La Estrella del Norte.

The Corona de la Virgen is wrought from solid gold, of a distinct Gothic style. Its frieze is formed by two bands, the major band supporting a lovely frame composed of a multitude of diamonds, emeralds, rubies and sapphires. Vine leaves run along its center in gold, and over them gleam diamond stars. The diadem is made up of a band of diamonds and clusters of other gems. On its sides and back are engraved in relief the escudo of the Philippines, the escudo of the Dominican Order and the anagram of the Blessed Virgin Mary, while the front is enhanced by a rich gem donated by the faculty members of the University of Santo Tomás. From the diadem, eight bands run down in the form of laurel vines, delicately filigreed. In their leaves are ensconced hundreds of pearls of all size. These bands join in the uppert part of the corona, on which rests a globe of solid gold encircled by an equator of diamonds. Over the globe stands a cross, also of diamonds.

A dedicatory inscription was engraved in the underside of the Corona Imperial of the Virgen - Real y Pontificia Universidad de Santo Tomás - Manila - los Profesores a su Patrona la Santísima Virgen del Rosario en su Coronación - 5 de Octubre de 1907.

The Corona Canónica of the Virgen showing the frontispiece donated by the Faculties of the University of Santo Tomás

The frontispiece donated by the University of Santo Tomás is composed of an artistic arrangement of precious stones which, by their diverse colors, represent the different faculties of the University. In the center is a beautiful diamond representing the Faculty of Theology, and around it, as if in tribute, are an emerald, an amethyst, a topaz, a ruby, and two sapphires, emblems of the other teaching staffs. One of the stars in this priceless cluster carries on its reverse side the name of the donor and the date and occasion of the gift.

The Corona Canónica weighs 60 ounces or 1,700 grams of the purest gold and is encrusted with a total of 1,083 precious stones.

The Corona Canónica de la Virgen contains sixty ounces of gold [1,700 grams] without counting the weight of the gems or precious stones. These are numbered and classified as follows: 470 diamonds [336 large & medium, 134 small], 62 sapphires, 61 emeralds, 59 rubies, 11 topazes, 7 turquoise, 1 amethyst, 1 opal, 223 , medium & 49 large pearls, plus the array of gems donated by the Faculty of Santo Tomás. All told, there are a total of 1,083 precious stones on the Virgen's corona alone.

The Santo Niño has something to be proud off too: its made from 21 ounces of 595.34 grams of gold and it contains the following stones: 334 diamonds [198 small, 98 chips, 33 medium, 5 large], 79 sapphires, 28 emeralds, 26 rubies, 7 topazes, 1 heart-shaped emerald, 153 large & small pearls, plus the cluster of gems donated by the Faculty of Santo Tomás similar to the one in the Corona de la Virgen. The number of stones in this crown totals 638.

Solid Gold Aureola of the Santo Rosario

The solid gold aureola of the Virgen is a masterpiece of the goldsmith's art and is encrusted with thousands of precious stones [diamonds, emeralds, rubies, sapphires, pearls, etc.]. It is of the same style as the 1811 crown in terms of craftmanship and detail, if it was not made together with it. No other image of the Virgin in the country possesses an aureola that can match or surpass this treasure and masterpiece.

The Dominican cross topped by a corona ducal in the middle was made in time for the 1907 Canonical Coronation. It is also solid gold and is encrusted with diamonds. It was meant to be placed on top of the aureola, as the canonical coronation was indeed a triumph for the Order of Saint Dominic. The next Papal Concession after that would come 17 years after for another Santo Rosario image, the Peñafrancia

Gold rostrillo of the Virgen encrusted with the best heirloom pieces of diamond jewelry in their original settings.

the gold aureola of the Virgin enbeedded with best diamonds in their original settings, mounted en tremblant. The perfection of the craftmanship is clearly obvious and the delicate exectuion of each piece of jewelry, said to have come from the name droppable families at that time.

For security reasons, these pieces are no longer used for processions, they have to be removed before the Virgin is brought down and replaced with the Sienna crown or regalia. Its quite difficult to remove this as you have to remove the manto of the Virgen to be able to and this takes time and a lot of effort. And so also for practical reasons, the rostrillo of the Sienna crown is worn as the Coronas and the Aureola can easily be replaced.

According to the chronicles of the Santo Rosario as soon as it was enthroned in Santo Domingo in 1593, it already proved "miraculous" so much so that its devotees showered it with jewels and precious embroidery. The high point came in 1646 with the victories of La Naval de Manila and the years after when donations poured even more.

Somewhere in the pool, is an engraving by Laureano Atlas of how the Santo Rosario appeared in 1759, i.e. instead of gold embroidery, jewels are sewn unto her frontal, that she was literally covered with it from head to foot. The accumulation from the late 1590's to the British Invasion were looted by the British, who also inflicted serious damage on the two images.

Nonetheless, the people were undaunted and donations kept on coming. Some where lost in the earthquakes & fires which destroyed the previous Santo Domingos.

The surviving pieces, together with the recent donations given at that time were mounted on the 1811 Crowns, actually a set.

When it was announced that the Queen of the Philippines was to be canonically crowned, the Junta de Gobierno, or the organizing committee, made a public appeal, the first time in the history of the country, apparently the only one, to this day, for donations of gold and precious stones. This further enriched her treasury.

The Coronation Regalia of 1907 & Jewels as well as the 1811 Regalia is the one that is preserved to this very day.

With the transfer of the Santo Rosario in 1954, jewelry was still the preferred offering to the Santo Rosario even in the modern era. A substantial number of pieces were accumulated that there was no need to bring out the coronation jewels for the annual fiesta.. A cache of these, that was used by the Santo Rosario was lost with the death of Fr. Augusto Antonio, OP in 1981...

Thereafter new ones are lent or given to the Santo Rosario for her gala. We we're lucky enough that in 1997, on the occasion of the 90th year of her Canonical Coronation, the Santo Rosario wore some of my mother's heirloom jewels, in its new settings, some of which came all the way from her grandmother. In the same year also when Nick Joaquin gave his medal of the Ramon Magsaysay award, we had it encased in a gold frame complete with precious stones so that it can be mounted on the peana of La Gran Señora.

It is something that we treasure in our hearts to have been part of this enduring tradition.

The Jewels of the Virgin

2007-05-02T18:49:00.000-07:00

The Coronation Jewels of the Santo Rosario
A love story between a Queen and a People

by Francis Jason Díaz Pérez, III

published in the Manila Bulletin, the Philippine Daily Inquirer and the Souvenir Program of the Foundation Day of Quezon City on October 1997 to mark the 9th Anniversary of the Canonical Coronation of the Nuestra Señora del Santísimo Rosario de la Naval de Manila.

October 5, 1907 was, in the religious history of the Philippines, an important one for Marian Devotees. On that day, the miraculous image of the Nuestra Señora del Santísimo Rosario de la Naval de Manila was canonically crowned – a pontifical concession that was unprecedented in the Far East.

As early as April 4, 1906, the people expressed their deep sentiment to have the image of La Gran Señora de Filipinas crowned canonically so the Provincial of the Dominican Province of the Most Holy Rosary of the Philippines, Rev. Fr. Santiago Paya, O.P., beseeched His Holiness, Pope Pius X (now a Saint) to grant the Canonical Coronation of the Santo Rosario. The letter of petition noted among other things the hope “that the devotion of the Filipino people to the Virgin of the Rosary may increase day by day, that the Blessed Mother of God may be honored, and that the faith, piety and devotion of the Filipino people may flourish.”

The subsequent approval of the Supreme Pontiff was jubilantly received by the country. The proclamation of the great event was later announced by Church authorities and furthermore, exhorted the faithful to pay her due homage: “this Pontifical concession for the honor and glory of the great lady of the Philippines, while satisfying our legitimate aspirations, bids us as the children of the Church, to surround the act of coronation with all the splendor possible and with that pomp and magnificence which great countries with deep religious sentiments have always displayed whenever it is sought to honor her who is the ornament of our hearts, the august protectress of our ventures, and the happy safeguard of our uprightness and prosperity.”

Sparked by this religious sentiment and the appeal of the National Committee for the Canonical Coronation, our people showed their love for the Queen of the Rosary and spontaneously donated jewelry, precious gems, their dearest heirlooms to become a part of the coronation jewels – assayed as the most valuable of their kind in the world. After the jewels were inventoried, the famed jewelers of the time, Gregorio Bartolome and the Macario brothers cut and set the stones. Following the design of Prof. Vicente Rivera of Letran, the famous goldsmiths of La Estrella del Norte fashioned a masterpiece, where the best stones and the noblest of metals blended into a harmonious artistic whole, proclaiming the sum and substance of our people’s love for the Queen of the Rosary.

The Santo Rosario de la Naval is said to be the richest in the country because the fire of her devotees’ love for her made it so, and even made more resplendent by our people’s unceasing faith and devotion. She has so many gems, but her wealth cannot be measured in terms of diamonds and gold alone, for in the words of Quijano de Manila “around her famous jewels – tribute of four grateful centuries – there hovers a brilliant cluster of legends, each rare stone having a romance behind it.” For offering her these gifts, be it simple or elaborate, was the outlet of that true and unadulterated spirit of homage from loving hearts. Thus had the Santo Rosario been attired as “a royal lady of the court of the Felipes” magnificently adorned, wearing exquisite vestments embroidered in gold and dazzling jewelry befitting a queen.

But these tributes are pale in comparison to the various times she made her presence felt by her people, but the fact that they were engrossed all their lives doing this for her is, the gift that she treasures most dearly. Shown here unmistakably was the pure quality of her devotees’ sentiments for her, the strength of their faith and devotion. It is not the external glitter that counts but the evermore shining example of undampened ardor that matters.
On the 5th of October, 1907, her subjects found their way to Intramuros. In solemn procession the Santo Rosario was escorted by her thousands upon thousands of faithful devotees from Santo Domingo to the special platform erected by the side of the monument to Ferdinand Magellan close to the former Intendencia Building. The faithful upon seeing her face recalls the recorded miracles brought by the Queen of the Rosary: the sick were made whole and the dying and the dead brought back to life with the touch of her mantle, or the holy water in her shrine or by praying before her.

On that day as the faithful crowd raised their prayers of thanksgiving to her, that act of faith signified, too, how her devotees pledged themselves to offer her lasting homage in recognition of her loving intercession as they recall the two galleons emerging triumphant over the superior Dutch forces. That victory, indeed, meant much to them. Were it not for the Virgin how could the defenders have triumphed over the enemy? But, because she was their Protectress, the Islands were saved from being overrun by the Dutch hordes. The battle cry of the defenders remained in the hearts of our people for in times of need, they would utter the prayers of the soldiers of La Naval de Manila invoking her intercession: “Long live the Faith of Christ and His Mother, the Queen of the Rosary!”

As Providence would have it, at that time, the American Governor General of the Philippines James F. Smith, was a Roman Catholic. He, therefore, could very well stand as a sponsor in representation of our people without doing violence to his conscience or dampening the warmth of our own faith on that momentous occasion “replete with elaborate ceremonies of a regal function and yet somber with the solemn rituals of the Church.”

The heavens rejoiced with us and wept. What started as a drizzle soon became a torrent. Yet the ceremonies went on as scheduled. The Apostolic Delegate, Most Rev. Ambrosio Aguis, OSB, received the two dazzling bejeweled crowns from the Governor General. He placed the first on the Child and the second on the Mother, amidst the deafening shout and applause of those present and the tolling of church bells, as if to voice out for all to hear the promise of her Filipino beneficiaries to remain what they had always been throughout the years – her children and the children of her Son.

How much must have been Our Lady’s joy then, seeing so great a crowd before her and acclaiming her Queen? And, her people, in this solemn occasion, have exerted their best efforts to manifest their undying faith and devotion to her. Rich and poor, elite and workman – all of them were in attendance to express how deep-rooted was their love to the Santo Rosario.

This monumental story of love will continue to be told through the ensuing years as the faithful cease not to gather around her as they are held by the bond which ties together in harmony the children of but one Mother, the wards of but one Custodian. Such will be the unchanging relationship between a loving Queen and her faithful subjects. It is a love story which will continue to be told to generations more to come, but even when it may be told so often, never will it lose its flavor, ever enduring and always fresh. And, those who will relate them, as well as those to whom it will be told will not fail to feel that responsive chord in their hearts so tugged, so that, whenever any opportunity arises, there will be that urge to come and that willingness to render tribute due to an ever solicitous Queen and devoted Mother.

On the 90th year of the Canonical Coronation of Nuestra Señora del Santísimo Rosario de la Naval de Manila, that pledge of love and devotion will be renewed, perhaps with less splendor but certainly with greater fire. As the Santo Rosario steps out once again in the “procesión de las procesiones”, let us all take a second look at her coronation jewels. It is not the run-down version of a tiara or diadem. It is indeed more than just a set of crowns.

It is a people’s faith, a people’s love, and a people’s dream, all compounded into an external manifestation, as brightly dazzling and warm and palpitating and soaring as the Filipino devotion to Mary most holy, the Lady of the Rosary, Queen and Mother of the Philippines.

La Naval de Santa Maria

2007-03-27T19:58:00.000-07:00

La Gran Señora de Filipinas

Familia Perez

Venerated at San Juan Evangelista Parish

Bagbaguin, Sta Maria, Bulacan

Comment from FJDP in Flickr:

The relic of the veil of the Blessed Virgin Mary & the silver Rosary came from Santo Domingo and is the gift of the National Shrine of Our Lady of the Most Holy Rosary [Santo Domingo Church]. It was invested on her on October 2000 in a solemn concelebrated Mass in the Parish Church of the Immaculate Conception in Santa María. Incidentally, a large official portrait of the Santo Rosario was given to the church & hangs in the office of the Parish Priest to commemorate this event. For the 2007 Marian Exhibit, we pinned beside the relic the bronze medal of the Golden Anniversary of the Canonical Coronation of the Santo Rosario in 1957 held in the new Santo Domingo in Quezon City. With these 3 gifts - so far, makes this the only image of the Santo Rosario to be given this distinction in the history of the devotion to the Santo Rosario & Santo Domingo Church. Actually there is a fourth gift, the silver holder for the baston & the cetro which was originally commissioned for the original La Naval [Santo Rosario] in Santo Domingo but by some mistake was too small to be used by the original image. This was given as a gift to our image to hold her cetro & baston in the late 80's.

From the beginning, to this very day day, this is the Santo Rosario de La Naval of Santa María, Bulacan, duly recognized, and so honored by the National Shrine of Our Lady of the Holy Rosary and the Dominican Province of the Philippines by her pre-eminence and by the reverence of the people of our town which was sealed by an episcopal coronation motu propio by the former Bishop of Malolos, Most Rev. Rolando Tría Tirona, OCD, DD on the 16th of October 1998, before which the image was brought to Santo Domingo and was rubbed briefly to the original Santo Rosario.

It was through the devotion to this image that the vicaria of the La Naval de Manila of Santo Domingo was brought to Bulacan in September 1996 for three glorious days when devotees came to Santa María to glorify the Santo Rosario and to recall the 350th Anniversary of the victories of La Naval de Manila.

Photos From : Flickr (owner: robandharry3)

The Modern Shrine

2007-03-25T20:31:00.000-07:00

House of spirit
By Lito Zulueta
Inquirer News Service

It surprises people to know that the Santo Domingo Church, easily one of the biggest and most important centers of faith in Catholic Philippines, was not originally in Quezon City, where it now stands as a definitive landmark. The original Santo Domingo used to be in Intramuros. According to the CCP Encyclopedia, the church was "one of the jewels of the treasure chest that was Intramuros.

Intramuros was of course "the city of 10 churches," and Santo Domingo's relocation from there to "Extramuros" owes as much to the vicissitudes of war as well as the postwar expansion outside of Manila-to new horizons, new frontiers-much like the missionary spirit of the Dominicans and the other great religious orders, who braved the jungles and dangerous territories of the Philippines to make of the islands a vast green temple of Christ, an unbreakable rosary of the Blessed Mother.

The Quezon City church, in fact, was the sixth Santo Domingo Church. The first Santo Domingo was erected in 1588 from nipa and cogon, frail materials that naturally gave way to the elements, particularly to fire. In fact, the first church was gutted by fire in 1603, prefiguring the fiery history of the Dominican order in the Philippines.

Not fire, but seismic turbulence, however, greeted the next Santo Domingo structures, which were destroyed by earthquakes in 1619, 1862 and 1863. Each time the church was toppled, the Dominicans erected a more magnificent church, defiant as ever. The neo-gothic church that replaced the one toppled by the earthquake of 1863 was particularly noted for its majesty, easily the grandest in a district known for its grand churches.

It was this neo-gothic structure where Jose Rizal attended mass before boarding a ship to Spain to continue his studies. It was this structure that particularly impressed the new American colonizers. In the 1915 "Guide to Manila Catholic Churches" published by Norton, the church was described as "unusually attractive" with "a brilliant radiance":

"Highly agreeable is the first impression of this church, with wide nave, groin vaulting; narrow side aisles separated by pillars, set wide apart (that) gives a very airy appearance... (with a) pulpit of fine workmanship, of molave and other rare native wood... (and in the chapel of Our Lady of the Rosary), the gallery of tracery work noticeable; and you are facing a beautiful altar where is standing in surroundings of artistic splendor, the image so famous in history, and now venerated as the patron of the islands."

For nearly a century, the gothic church withstood earthquakes, the Philippine revolution and the American invasion. But alas, it did not survive the Second World War. On December 27, 1941, Japanese planes bombed Santo Domingo and laid it to rubble. But when the Dominicans cleared the debris, they recovered the image of Our Lady of La Naval, the icon of the Our Lady of the Holy Rosary that got its name after the Spaniards and Filipinos defeated the vastly superior invading Dutch armada in the 17th century. The image would later head the procession to symbolize Santo Domingo's relocation from Intramuros to Quezon City.

After the war, the Dominicans proceeded to build a new church in Quezon City. During the La Naval feast and procession on October 10, 1954, the church was inaugurated. The image was taken to her new altar, and the Santo Domingo Church was also canonically erected as the National Shrine of the Holy Rosary in the Philippines.

The Majestic Neogothic Baldachin Where the Image of the La Naval is Enthroned Every La Naval Season

Spanish Moderne

In building the new church, the Dominicans commissioned their protege, architect Jose Ma. Zaragoza, who built the church according to the Moderne style that had been prevalent in the 1930s and 1940s, around the time he was an architecture student at the University of Santo Tomas.

His choice was radical. The Moderne style, which was short, was mainly employed in residential structures, in contrast to the earlier Art Deco, which was tall and used in commercial buildings. Thus, while the orientation of Art Deco was vertical, that of the Art Moderne was horizontal.

But the Santo Domingo was anything but short. Like any church structure, its initial thrust at spiritual magnificence was directed upwards, to the heavens. But because of the horizontal orientation of Moderne, the structure appears box-like and massive.

But Zaragoza's most important innovation was to combine the Moderne style with Spanish colonial architecture. In a nod to history, he designed the church in accordance with the Spanish Catholic mission style, attaching the priory of the Dominicans to the church and making the complex the headquarters of the Dominicans in the Philippines, much like the Santo Domingo in Intramuros, when it was the nerve center of Dominican evangelization in the islands.

The new Santo Domingo is the biggest of the Santo Domingo series. Compared with its predecessor, it is 18 feet wider, 13 feet longer, and 28 feet higher. Measuring 85 meters in length, 40 meters in width and 25 meters in height, it is easily one of the largest churches in the Philippines.

The church is spacious. The total floor area is 3,400 sq m, enough to accommodate more than 7,000 people. Its width gives it a cavernous and magnificent appearance. It has two lateral naves, each with a five-meter width. Despite this, there is no column at the center for support, a construction feat even today.

Masterful works

The Middle Panel of the La Naval Battle Bas-Relief Over the Central Portal by Francesco Monti

The facade is notable for its massiveness and its clean lines. At the foot of the 44-meter tower is the relief of St. Dominic, carved by the Italian sculptor Francesco Monti. At the top of the entrance is a dramatic bas-relief of the Battle of La Naval, also by Monti.

One of the Impressive Stained Glass Windows

Inside are beautiful stained-glass windows by Galo Ocampo, depicting the old 15 mysteries of the rosary. The windows are large, measuring some 21 sq m. A huge mosaic of St. Dominic constitutes the simple but imposing altar. The mosaic consists of colored stones imported from Italy and inlaid to form a big picture of the founder of the Order of Preachers.

Another series of windows has the pictures of the leading saints of the Dominican order, including St. Vicente Liem de la Paz, the protomartyr of Vietnam and an alumnus of Santo Tomas and Letran, and the Dominican martyrs of Indo-China, Japan and China.

The late National Artist Carlos "Botong" Francisco depicted important incidents in the life of St. Dominic in colorful murals at the cupola. Eight in all, the murals in the cupolas measure three meters wide by nine meters long.

On the corners of the cupola are the figures of the four evangelists, done in vivid brown tones by Antonio Garcia Llamas.

The church has natural ventilation. The special plywood ceiling is perforated to allow the escape of hot air. Together with the 13 side doors and the three main doors, the perforated ceiling hastens the refraction of air inside the church.

The plywood ceiling is also painted white to permit the reflection of the neon lights inside, and thus give indirect lighting to the whole interior. This is arranged in such a way that there is no dark nook or corner in the church.

There are actually 2,000 40-watt fluorescent lamps that, however, cannot be seen. The dome is illuminated by a 1,000-watt floodlight. Neon lights at the cove above the altar brighten the altar during mass.

Contrasted against the vast white ceiling are colored tiles imported from Spain and Belgium.

Apart from the main altar dedicated to St. Dominic, an altar houses the La Naval, resplendent in its elaborate robe and jewelry, and another altar is dedicated to St. Martin de Porres, the mulatto saint of the poor.

When it was opened in 1954, the Dominicans called the church a "modern" home for Our Lady, one that would update the devotion to the Blessed Mother amid criticisms that the Church belonged to more backward times. But 50 years later, the Santo Domingo Church remains new and modern amid so much tawdry architecture. It is a timeless showcase of artistry and spirituality.

The Fugitive Image

2007-03-18T20:31:00.000-07:00

By Ma. Gracia N. Lumba
(reprinted from October 13, 1963 issue of Sunday Times Magazine)

The annual celebration of the feast of La Naval reaches its climax today with a procession of the faithful at Sto. Domingo Church in Quezon City. Object of veneration is the image of Our Lady of the Rosary, about whom countless stories of her miraculous intercession in behalf of the distressed have been woven.

Interspersed with these stories are numerous accounts of how the image has survived-unscathed-earthquakes, fires, wars and other disasters. Perhaps, the most dramatic accounts took place during the early days of the Japanese attack on the Philippines, when our Lady (the image that is) became the "rescued" rather than the "rescuer".

But for a courageous group of individuals who undertook the rescue job, the yearly La Naval festivities would be less inspiring. The image with all her costly accoutrements, would not be there.

To Rev. Fr. Aurelio Valbuena O.P., one of the rescuers, 22 years ago seem only yesterday. At that time, this Dominican priest was prior of the 354 year old Sto. Domingo church in Intramuros. "When Cavite was bombed shortly before Christmas of 1941", Fr. Valbuena recalls, "we were alarmed. We immediately thought of placing the statue of the Blessed Virgin inside an underground vault. This vault, 4 meters by 3 meters, was the repository of our Lady’s tiara, crown, scepter and other valuable church articles. Noon of the 27th, Japanese planes rained bombs on Intramuros".

Sto. Domingo church was leveled to the rgound among other buildings. Survivors evacuated the walled city. Father Valbuena and company hurried to Sto. Tomas University on Espana, there to bide their time. Three days later, on the afternoon of December 30, the Dominicans went back to Intramuros, picking their way among the still smouldering ruins, to the spot of the underground vault.

The original rescue team consisted of 15 priests (including Fr. Valbuena), a lay brother and a layman. When they reached the spot, other persons volunteered to help, among them priests from other orders (Augustinian, Recollect, etc.).Letran students and other lay devotees of the Blessed Virgin.

"Some even felt slighted because they had not been notified of the rescue plan", Fr. Valbuena says. "But then the mission was fraught with dangers; the idea had to be kept to a minimum number of people".

Chief danger lay in looters who were roaming he place. There, too, was the possibility of another air raid, Manila having been declared an open city. Work had to be done fast, with maximum secrecy.

Laborers removed the big branches of trees that blocked the door of the vault. The work hit a snag when the combination lock of the outside door refused to budge. The bombing and the resultant heat had caused the steel to expand. A combination expert was summoned, but his 3 hours of trying were of no avail. The rescuers decided to bore a hole through the steel door with a pointed instrument found among the debris. The boring took another hour or so. Then somebody tied a piece of steel to the end of the rope and inserted it through the opening.

The group tugged and tugged with all their might, but still the door would not budge. When the group was about to give up, another hefty pull by the athletic Fr. Salvador finally did it. The inner door easily yielded to a turn of the key. The priests rushed into the vault, only to fall back because of the intense heat and humidity. After a long while, they went in again and lo! There she was with all her paraphernalia intact.

Under cover of darkness, an unscheduled procession wended its way through the rubble. Slowly, carefully, the rescuers carried the image to a waiting truck. Other vehicles driven by anxious devotees joined the motorcade to its destination in Sto. Tomas.

Three days later, January 2, 1942, the Japanese occupied the city. A Japanese soldier who had heard of the Blessed Virgin’s treasure came around looking for Fr. Valbuena. He threatened the good padre with death if the Dominican did not show him to the vault. The soldier was led to the place all right, but when he saw the broken steel door he might have deduced that looters had carted the valuables away. He left, and the matter was forgotten.

When a semblance of normalcy was restored in the city, the image was installed in a provisional throne in the UST chapel. Regular homage to the Queen was resumed by her thousands of devotees for the next 3 years, until the American liberation forces arrived. Again, the statue went into hiding. Another underground vault at the UST seminary served as her refuge. In the ensuing battles, the UST compound was caught between the US and Japanese troops. Miraculously again, she escaped the dangers of destruction. Stories have it that shells or grenades that fell near the place where the image was, did not explode.

In October 1952, the cornerstone for the new Sto. Domingo church was laid and blessed. Two years later, on the occasion of La Naval, about 200,000 devotees saw their Queen enthroned in her new home in Quezon City. She was arrayed in her finest raiment: diamond-studded tiara, golden crown and scepter, silk robe, rosary, rings, comb, bracelet and all—a glittering fortune (estimated at quarter of a million pesos) that might have been lost without the vigilance and daring of the statue’s custodians during the war years.

But above all, this tangible treasure that the rescue had preserved is the spiritual wealth that she holds for all those who seek her Son’s grace through her intercession.

Article Sent by : Mr. Alex Castro

La Naval de Angeles

2007-03-18T20:11:00.000-07:00

Ivory Image of the Nuestra Señora del Santo Rosario La Naval de Angeles

circa 1830

October 10, 1830 the first La Naval fiesta in Angeles City was celebrated after its founding date as a town on December 8, 1829. This effort is to promote the devotion of the Sto. Rosario the patron saint of the founder's wife Dona Rosalia de Jesus.

Sent by : Mr. Arwin Paul Lingat

Novenario de La Naval

2007-03-14T20:59:00.000-07:00

Old Versions of the Novena Prayer Book
used in the La Naval Festivities

Sent by : Mr. Alex Castro

The Battle of Lepanto

2007-03-11T18:01:00.000-07:00

The Battle of Lepanto has been the prototype by which the La Naval miracle has been compared.

The Miracle at Lepanto

Almost from the very beginning of Islam, there were wars upon wars between Christians and Moslems. We remember the Crusade wars, seven major and several minor, which lasted for centuries. This is the story of the Battle of Lepanto, which marked the end of the Crusades and was a turning point in the history of Christianity.

Charles Martel's victory at Poitiers definitely stopped the Moslem invasion of western Europe. In the east Christians held firm against attacks of the Moslems until 1453. In that year, Mohammed II threw huge assaults against Constantinople and by the evening of May 29 the Byzantine capital fell. By 1571 the Moslems were firmly installed in Europe. Their ships ruled the Mediterranean Sea from the Strait of Bosporus to the Strait of Gibraltar and constantly preyed on Christian vessels unless they flew the French flag.

Pope Pius V, in the last year of his papacy in 1571, tried to rally the nations of Europe to join in a Holy League to stop and roll back the Moslem enemy which threatened the entire continent. Spain, whose King Philip II was also King of Austria, responded favorably. The Moslems were then engaged in the conquest of Cyprus, an island belonging to the Republic of Venice.
Leading Venetian officials would have preferred to have worked out some peaceful-coexistence agreement with the Sultan, but under the crusading influence of Saint Pius V, they decided to join the Holy League along with the republics of Genoa and Lucca and the dukes of Savory, Parma, Ferrara and Urbino.

The Papal fleet was of course part of the Holy Alliance. Pius V asked Philip to appoint Don John of Austria, the 25-year old son of Emperor Charles V, as commander-in-chief of a planned expedition against the Moslems. After receiving the banner of the Holy League from the Pope, through Cardinal Granvalla, Don John's fleet set sail from Genoa for Naples on June 26, 1571.

Don Juan d'Austria

Carlos V's Illegitimate Child, Felipe's II Half-Brother

Hero of the Battle of Lepanto

Few historians mention that just before the departure, Philip II presented Don John with a picture of Our Lady of Guadalupe which she had caused to be miraculously imprinted on the cloak of the Indian peasant Juan Diego in Mexico 40 years before. Don John placed the picture in the chapel of the admiral-vessel, the Genoese John Andrew Doria, asking for Mary's protection of his expedition.

On September 16, the Christian fleet put to sea. Don John anchored off of Corfu where he learned that the Moslems had leveled entire towns and villages and then retreated to the coast of Lepanto in the Gulf of Corinth.
At dawn on October 7, at the entrance to the Gulf of Patras, the Christian and Moslem fleets finally came face to face for the battle of Lepanto.

The wind and all military factors favored the Moslems, but Don John was confident. He boarded a fast ship for a final review of his fleet. He shouted encouraging words to the men and they shouted back. After Don John returned to his own position, the wind mysteriously changed to the advantage of the Christian fleet. First-hand witnesses wrote about this moment as a most dramatic turn-of-events resulting from an "unknown factor".

At that very moment, at dawn on October 7, 1571--as Vatican Archives later revealed--Pope Pius V, accompanied by many faithful, was praying the Rosary in the Basilica of Santa Maria Maggiore. From dawn to dusk the prayers continued in Rome as the Christians and the Moslems battled at Lepanto. When it was all over the Moslems had been defeated. Of some 270 Moslem ships, at least 200 were destroyed. The Turks also lost 30,000 men while Christian casualties numbered between 4,000 and 5,000.

The Rosary had won a great military victory. Like all truly great military leaders who hate war and love peace, Don John retired after his victory at Lepanto. He died a few years later at the age of 31. Another who took part in the great battle of Lepanto, Miguel de Cervantes, lived longer to write his famous tribute to Christian chivalry, Don Quixote.

Following the great Christian victory at Lepanto, Pope St. Pius V declared that henceforth a commemoration of the Rosary would be a part of the Vatican's Mass on every October 7. His successor, Pope Gregory XIII, went further. In 1573 he established the Feast of the Most Holy Rosary--to be celebrated at all Churches which had specific altars dedicated to the Rosary.

In 1671 Pope Clement X extended observance of the feast to all of Spain. Only 12 years later in 1683 the Moslems again swept into Europe. With 200,000 men, they laid siege to Vienna. After months of valiant resistance by a small garrison, the city was relieved by an army under John Sobieski, King of Poland. The Rosary, to which the King was dedicated, was again instrumental in a military victory. Pope Innocent XI consecrated September 12 of that year to the Holy Name of Mary. The Moslem hordes were hurled back yet again at Peterwardein in Hungary by Prince Eugene on the Feast of Out Lady of the Snows, August 5, 1716. As a result of this victory, Pope Clement XI extended the Feast of the Rosary to the Universal Church.

***

About the Painting: This small painting, originally placed on the left of the altar of the Rosary in the church of St. Peter Martyr on Murano, is probably an ex-voto commissioned by Pietro Giustinian of Murano who took part in the naval battle at Lepanto on October 7th 1571 when the Turkish fleet was defeated thanks mainly to the Venetian ships. The play of tone and light in the lower part depicting the battle is masterly. In the top part, above a curtain of cloud, the Saints Peter, Roch, Justine and Mark implore the Virgin to grant victory to the Christian fleet. In answer to this an angel hurls burning arrows at the Turkish vessels.

Devotion to the Rosary

2007-03-11T17:50:00.000-07:00

Beads & Prayers : The Rosary in History & Devotion (abridged)

The Legend of St. Dominic

For four hundred years or more it was generally accepted that the Rosary was given by the Blessed Virgin to St Dominic in a vision. This story was to be found in the Roman Breviary and was attested by various Popes including Leo XIII in his Rosary Encyclicals. (1878 - 03)

St Dominic who died in 1221 aged about 49 was born in Old Castile. He joined the Augustinian Canons and became sub prior. While journeying in southern France, Dominic came across the Albigenses who followed the heretical teachings of the Cathari. He began a mission to the Albigenses in the region of Toulouse where he adopted a new style of evangelization as an itinerant mendicant preacher and founded a community, the Order of Preachers.

His mission was not successful and, according to legend, in the year 1241 he retired to a cave in the woods near Toulouse. After three days of fasting and prayer, the Blessed Virgin appeared to him accompanied by three queens and fifty maidens, the number clearly corresponding to the pattern of the psalter. She raised him up and kissed him, and in the style of mediaeval mystical eroticism quenched his thirst with milk from her chaste breast. She then told him that not intellectual thundering against heresy but a gentle remedy against sickness was required. "Therefore if you will preach successfully, preach my psalter." The blessed Virgin then vanished together with her entourage. Restored and armed with the rosary Dominic went forth and reconverted the Albigenses to Catholicism. The Cathars who did not believe that Christ was a real man, born of a real woman, such as he, Dominic, had now experienced her to be, were to be persuaded by the statement proclaiming: "And blessed is the fruit of thy womb".

The belief that it was through Dominic that the Blessed Virgin Mary gave us the devotion of the Holy Rosary, was the firm and constant tradition of the Church supported by a weight of authority which could hardly be called into question without temerity. But this view was challenged by Fr Thomas Esser writing in the 1890s. Fr Herbert Thurston reviewed the evidence very fully at the beginning of the last century and came to the conclusion that there is a complete absence of St Dominic's name in connection with this devotion until 250 years after his death; there is no mention in biography, recorded sermons, in the documents for the process of canonization, nor in paintings or sculpture. None of the many early Dominican saints used the rosary as such though many of them did recite a multitude of Aves. For instance Blessed Benventuro Bojani said 1000 Aves daily and 2000 on Saturdays.

The link between the rosary and St Dominic would seem to have been proposed by Alain de la Roche, a Dominican Friar and founder of the first Rosary Confraternity in 1468. What is certain is that from that time onwards the Dominican Order of Preachers were the main promoters of the Marian Rosary.

The Origins of the Rosary

If it was not St Dominic who gave us the Rosary where did it originate? My reading of the story of the Rosary will show that there was no one point of origin, rather it evolved over a long period and from a variety of sources. The multiplicity of streams of development and other influences are depicted in the Illustration. If we were to compare it to a river system, there are four main rivers or lines of development. Three have their source in Scripture, the Psalms, the Our Father and the Hail Mary, and finally the use of prayer beads.

>> continue reading here

By : John Desmond Miller (c) 2002
From : Beads & Prayers : The Rosary in History & Devotion [website]

La Naval de Bacolor

2007-03-09T20:00:00.000-08:00

They also celebrate the La Naval Fiesta in Bacolor, Pampanga

Sent by : Mr. Alex Castro

A Comment from Mr. Arwin Lingat :

In 1786 the first "La Naval" de Bacolor in honor of Nuestra Señora del Santissimo Rosario was celebrated. The only three places in the Philippines where La Naval is celebrated: Sto. Domingo in Manila, Bacolor and Angeles (1830)in Pampanga.

*Note : I thought I'd bump up this nice comment by Arwin. Thank you very much!

Images from the Transfer to the Modern Santo Domingo

2007-03-07T19:12:00.000-08:00

The La Naval in UST

2007-03-07T19:10:00.000-08:00

On September 28, 1942, after the Sto. Domingo Church in Intramuros had been damaged during the initial bombing raids of World War II, the image of Our Lady of La Naval was tranferred, for reasons of safety, to the UST Chapel, and was enshrined there until October 10, 1954. The image was again transferred in a solemn procession to the newly-erected Convent of Santo Domingo in Quezon City.

In commemoration of the 50th year of the said transfer, the image of Our Lady of La Naval returned to the University on October 1, 1992. After the nine-day novena, Our Lady was brought back in a solemn procession to her shrine in Santo Domingo Church.

From : The Official UST Website [link]

2007-03-07T18:29:00.000-08:00

Souvenir from the Celebration of

50 Years of Devotion to the Virgen del Rosario

in the Philippines

Sent by : Mr. Alex Castro

The Old Shrine

2007-03-07T17:38:00.000-08:00

The Old Santo Domingo Church in Intramuros

where the image of the La Naval was venerated

This was the fifth church to be built by the Dominican friars. It was inaugurated in 1868. It is the work of the first "qualified" Philippine architect Félix Rojas, and was constructed in the neogothic style. Its façade is a literal imitation of the façade of York Cathedral in England (13th and 14th centuries).

The church altar prepped up for the La Naval Fiesta.
The image of the La Naval is at the Center, the Dominican Saints surrounding Her.

Sources :
The City of God: Churches, Convents & Monastaries [website]

Photo Credits :
Mr. Alex Castro
The La Naval Flickr Group

Saints of the Rosary

2007-03-02T20:50:00.000-08:00

Santo Domingo de Guzman
Founder of the Order of Preachers (Dominicans). Born at Calaroga, in Old Castile, c. 1170. He became a priest with thoughts of misionary work in Northern Europe. But then he saw the dangers in the Albigensian heresy. He lived and preached in evangelical poverty, gathered others around him and founded the Order of Preachers. Dominic labored in France, Spain and Italy. Consumed by work and penance, he died 6 August, 1221.

San Pedro Martir

Born of heretical parents in Verona in 1206. At age 15, he met Saint Dominic in Bologna and begged admission to the Order. He soon became a celebrated preacher and engaged in disputes with the heretics all over Northern Italy. Enraged, his enemies ambushed and killed him on the road to Milan. In his own blood, he wrote: Credo in unum deum. He is the first Dominican martyr.

San Jacinto de Odrowatz

Also known as the Polish Saint Dominic, he was born of the noble family of Odrowatz.He performed astounding miracles and cures. On every occasion of his life, our Lady was to lighten the load for him, and as a last favor, she appreared to tell him that he would die on the Feast of the Assumption.

Santa Margarita de Ungria

Of royal patronage, she was offered to God before her birth in 1242 in petition that her country would be delivered from the Tartar Invaions. In fulfillment of the vow, she spent her childhood in the monastery. Shortly after when her parents obtained papal dispensation for her to marry the king of Bohemia, she refused and said.: I esteem infintely more the King of heaven... than the crown offered to me by the king of Bohemia.

Santo Tomas de Aquino
This great Dominicanteacher lived only for 49 years (1225-1264). But he traveled much, from his birthplace at Aquino in central Italy to Cologne, to Paris, to Rome and to the monastery near Naples where he died. Thomas prayed much and dedicated his brilliant talents investigating the sublime truth of God in the light of faith and the human intellect. Canonized in 1323, he is the patron of all Catholic schools and is titled "the Angelic Doctor."

San Raymundo de Peñafort
A Spaniard born in 1175, he became a rpiest and professor of philosophy and canon law. A co-founder of the Order of the Redemption of Captives, he studied Arabic and the Koran so as to dialogue with Muslims. He died a centenarian on January 6, 1275 and was a declared a saint in 1601.

San Alberto Magno
A doctor and teacher of the church, he is a patron of scientists and philosophers. His most attentive student concerning Aristotelian philosophy was Saint Thomas. He became provincial and then Bishop of Ratisbon but after two years returned to teaching. A profound and holy professor, he died at Cologne in 1280.

Santa Ines de Montepulciano
She was born in 1268 and embraced the religious life at an early age. Because of her precocious wisdom and sanctity, she became superior in her community at the age 15. Later she founded a monastery of Dominican nuns in Montepulciano and became its first prioress. She died in 1317 at age 49 and was canonized in 1726.

Santa Catalina de Sena
The 23rd child of hard-working parents, she was born in Siena, Italy in 1347. She showed early signs of unusual sanctity, joined the Third Order of Dominicans and became a spiritual guide to many. She influenced public affairs and encouraged the pope to leave Avignon in 1377 and return to Rome. She dictated spiritual writings, died in 1380, and was declared Doctor of the Church in 1970.

San Antonio de Florencia
Born at Florence in 1389 and joined the Dominican in adolescence, he was soon promoted to positions of responsibility becoming sucessively prior of Cortons, Naples and Rome. In 1446, he reluctantly became Archbishop of Florence and was noted for his mercy to the poor as well as for his prudence and good counsel.

San Vicente Ferrer
Born in Spain in 1350, he recieved the Dominican habit at the age of seventeen. In his turbulent epoch, he was an angel of peace, preaching the word of God with special stress on penance and the Last Judgement. He was outstanding for the gift of prophecy, worked astonishing miracles and brought back thousand to the practice of their faith.

San Pio Quinto
Elected pope in 1566, he accomplished great reforms in the Church, notably among the clergy and in the Roman Missal. By his prayers, especially the rosary, this Pope of the Rosary obtained from God the naval victory for the Christians at Lepanto. After fulfilling every duty of the "Pastor Bonus," he died on May 1, 1572.

San Luis Beltran
The patron of all Dominican Novices and formation personnel, he volunteered for the foreign missions and was sent to Latin America. There he labored for over seven years among hostile Indian tribes of Colombia, Venezuela and the West Indies. He converted countless numbers through the miraculous gift of tongues.

San Juan de Colognia
Born in Germany towards the end of the 16th century, he was sent to work in Holland, where he brought relief to the catholics cruelly persecuted by heretical Calvinists. With 18 other religious of different orders and secular priests, he was hanged in 1572 for the defense of the Holy Eucharist and the Primacy of the Pope. He was beatified in 1675 and was canonized by Pius IX on June 29, 1867.

Santa Catalina de Ricci
Remarkable for her spirit of penance and life of contemplative prayer, she recieved many extraordinary favors form God including the mystical espousals and sacred stigmata. Nonetheless, she was also an eminently practical person and an able adminsitrator for 36 years as prioress of her community.

Santa Rosa de Lima
The first saint of the Americas, she was born in Lima, Peru in 1586. An intelligent and efficient woman, she took Saint Catherine of Siena as her model. At 15, she recieved the habit of the Third Order Dominican. In obidience to her parents, she did not enter the Convent but lived at home a humble life of penance and mystical prayer.

San Martin de Porres
Today's humble saint, son of a white Spanish father and a black Panamanian mother, was born in Lima, Peru in 1579. As a boy, he learned the art of healing. As a Dominican, he served as infirmarian, healed the illness of the poor and also of animals. He led a life of profound prayer, penance and extraordinary spiritual gifts. He is the patron saint of the poor and the sick.

San Juan Macias
A cooperateor-brother like Saint Martin, he was born in Ribera, Spain in 1585. Embracing the Dominican way of life in 1623, he became a porter and set about at once serving the poor who came to the priory gate for alms. He is distinguised for his great devotion to the rosary and untiring supplications for the souls in purgatory.
Procession Sponsor: Angelicum College QC

Santa Magdalena de Nagasaki
She was left on her own resources at the age of twenty two when her parents perished in the great persecution in Japan. She placed herself under the direction of a Dominican father, Jordan of St. Stephen, and recieved the habit as a tertiary. At a public hearing presided over by the Mandarin, after her arrest and torture, she stood up and cried out her profession of faith. She was martyred in 1634.

San Vicente Liem de la Paz
The first Vietnamese Dominican, he was born in Tra'Lu in 1731. He recieved the Dominican habit in Manila and continued his studies at the Colegio de San Juan de Letran in Intramuros. Already a priest, he asked to return to his land to work among hnis people; he labored for 14 years until he was captured and martyred on November 7, 1773.

San Francisco de Capillas
Francis was born in Baquerin de Campos, Palencia, Spain on August 14, 1607. He entered the Dominican Priory of St. Paul of Valladolid. He arrived in Manila in February 1632, where he was ordained priest. In 1641, he attended the Provincial Chapter held in Manila and asked the new Provincial to send him to China. In 1642, he left for China with his friend, Fr. Francis Diez. He went to the villages and town in Fogan and Funing converting huge numbers of Chinese. He was captured and remained incarcerated for two months. He died on January 15, 1648. He was canonized by Pope John Paul II on October 1, 2000.

Santo Tomas Khuong
Thomas Khuong belonged to a noble family on Tonkin and could well be a son of a Mandarin. A Christian since childhood, he became a priest and a Dominican tertiary. He was imprisoned many times because of his faith. When he was in his 80's in 1859, he was arrested again. The judge tried in vain to make him trample on the crucifix and invited him in vain to persuade his Christian follwoers to apostatize but he firmly replied, "to redeem mankind, Christ voluntarily suffered death... I too, want to give love for love, spilling all my blood for him." While genuflecting to adore the crucifix, his head was cut off, it was the 30th of January 1860.

Beata Margarita de Castelo
Born a dwarf, deformed, and blind, Margaret was abandoned by her parents but found refuge in the homes of the poor. By her radiant charity, she became a source of hope and consolation for the poor, the outcast, the sick and the imprisoned, to whom she ministered tirelessly as a Lay Dominican. She is Patorness of Pro-Life Philippines.

Beata Juana de Aza
The mother of Saint Dominic, she was beatified by Pope Leo XII in 1828. Devotion to her persisted through the centuries despite the poverty of records. The mother of three priestsm, one of whom died a death of heroic charity and two who were raised to the altars of the Church, she can safely be judged to have been not only a valiant woman but also a saintly one. Her picture, as that of any mother can be seen reflected in her sons.

San Lorenzo Ruiz de Manila
The Filipino proto-martyr, Lorenzo was born in Binondo, Manila. As a young man, he became a member of the Rosary Confraternity. Implicated in a crime of unclear circumstances, he left his wife and children and set sail for Okinawa in 1636 together with other Dominican Missionaries. Arrested, they were brought to Nagasaki where they underwent hideous torments for their Christian faith, giving up their souls to God on September 28, 1637.

Descriptions: from the La Naval Novenario 2006

Thanksgiving Prayer to La Naval

2007-03-02T06:08:00.000-08:00

Queen of the Holy Rosary, Our Lady of La Naval.

We gather as one people in celebration of a battle fought and won; a vow made and fulfilled; a time remembered and held dear; a miracle experienced and kept alive; love recieved and returned; your patronage sought and thanked for; God praised, God adored.

Mahal Naming Ina,

As our lips move in whispered prayers, our hands over beads, our knees bend, our eyes look up to you, we plead for your mercy, your grace your love.

O Mother of Peace,

Give birth to God in our hears. Give birth to Peace in our world. Give birth to the Word who heals all strife, conquers sin with love, overcomes death, brings us life. As once you interceeded for the victory of faith in these islands, pray for us now, now, in our struggle for truth and justice, for peace and love in Christ.

O Queen of the Philippines,

In your loving hands, you hold Jesus, our God, our King, our Savior. You hold him for us to adore and serve, to love and find salvation in. O Mother and Queen, our hearts may be small, but our love is enormous. And we ask you to come and take your place in us, in the company of your belvoed Son; to bless us with your abiding presence; to fill us and keep us in your love and protection; to lead us in the eternal Fiat and Magnificat to God, in whose name we gather. AMEN.

Despedida a la Virgen

2007-02-26T00:33:00.000-08:00

DESPEDIDA a la VIRGEN

Adios, Reina del cielo
Madre, Madre del Salvador
Adios, Adios!
Adios, dulce prenda adorada
Dulce prenda adorada de mi sincero amor.
Adios, Reina del cielo, adios adios.
Madre del Salvador, Madre del Salvador
De tu divino rosto la belleza al dejar
Permiteme que vuelva tus plantas a besar;
He quedado O Maria, abrasado en tu amor
Quedate adios Senora, adios, adios
Dame tu bendicion, Dame to bendicion
Madre del Salvador, Madre del Salvador.
Madre amorosa, prenda de amor
Adios, adios!

Feast of Feasts

2007-02-25T23:06:00.000-08:00

It is the Traditional Feast Day that Manila Society has forgotten…

It used to be that Manila’s grandest ladies and gentlemen — from the Tuason, Legarda, Prieto, Valdes, Roxas, de Ayala, Zobel, Zaragoza, Araneta, Ortigas, Vargas, Madrigal, Cojuangco, and other affluent families — spearheaded the preparations for the annual event in honor of “Nuestra Senora del Santisimo Rosario” Our Lady of the Most Holy Rosary…

Don Felix Roxas y Fernandez [ o 1864 - + 1936 ], Mayor of Manila from 1905 - 1917, recalled the “La Naval de Manila” Novena at the Santo Domingo Church in Intramuros and wrote in 1936: “”Up to the age of nine [ in 1873 ], I remained under the care of my aunts who strove zealously to undertake the responsibility of my early education. All of them very devout women, they frequently took me along to the religious festivities, specially to the church of Santo Domingo during the nine-day novena of the Most Holy Rosary. The devotion to this Virgin, who is venerated in this church, has not diminished a bit in spite of the changes and social transformations in these islands. Last night [ October 1936 ], for example, the torrential downpour that continued during the hours of prayer was not an obstacle to the filling of the church by a devoted crowd anxious to take part in saying its prayer to the legendary Virgin, to hear the sermon of the priest who preached from the pulpit, and to witness the solemn rites of those ceremonies.”"

The Great Dominican Feast of “La Naval de Manila” pays tribute to the Blessed Virgin Mary, who, as “Nuestra Senora del Santisimo Rosario” Our Lady of the Most Holy Rosary, wrought unbelievable naval victories for the Spaniards over the Dutch invaders of these islands in a series of battles in 1646. What made the Spanish Victory more miraculous was that they only had two worn galleons, the “Encarnacion” and the “Rosario,” that battled the more numerous, and better-armed, fifteen Dutch frigates.

THE IMAGE OF ”NUESTRA SENORA DEL SANTISIMO ROSARIO”

Manila Society venerated the magnificent and beautiful image of “Nuestra Senora del Santisimo Rosario,” a legacy of the Spanish Governor General Luis Perez Dasmarinas to the Manila Dominicans in 1593. It was carved from [ elephant ] ivory by a Chinese sculptor under the supervision of Captain Hernando de los Rios Coronel . The image is garbed in yards of precious “tisu de oro” cloth of gold embroidered with silver gilt thread. The crowns of Our Lady and the Child Jesus are of high-karat gold and are studded with many precious jewels, the gifts of generations, indeed centuries, of affluent devotees.

Don Felix Roxas inquired with the PreWar Spanish Dominicans about the origin of the image of the “Santo Rosario”… “”I have often asked myself if the actual image of the Virgin was imported or done by some local carver. My investigations uncovered the following facts:”

“The community of Dominican friars arrived from Mexico prior to the arrival of the Augustinians, the Franciscans, and the Jesuits in the Philippines. About the last years of the XVI century, on the same site where the church of Santo Domingo is actually located in Intramuros, they erected a chapel where the Virgin of the Rosary, the image about two feet high, was venerated, the same image still conserved in an urn lying between the two towers of the belfries at the outer facade of the church. This original image was replaced by the present one which we owe to the chisel of a Chinese carver who executed the work without the intention of becoming a great artist, and completed it as if he were guided by a divine inspiration, something he himself did not take into account.”
“From August 16, 1587, this image has attracted the devotion of Catholic believers, who have multiplied manyfold, encouraged by the favors they received from her. From the very beginning both the the Virgin and the infant Jesus in her arms have appeared with crowns on their heads. In this way they were venerated until Pope Pius IX prepared a ritual decreeing that the coronation of images of Virgins should be done by the highest ecclesiastical authority of each land beginning with the coronation of the Virgin of Savona, Italy, who was crowned by Pope Pius IX himself. Others followed this tradition, such as that of the Virgin of Guadalupe in Mexico, who was crowned by a delegate of His Holiness. The turn of the Philippine images came in this century in the following order: The image worshipped in the church of Santo Domingo in Manila; that of Penafrancia in Nueva Caceres, Camarines Sur; that of Manaoag in Pangasinan; and last, that of Antipolo, recently crowned with great solemnity in the Manila Cathedral. The last-named coronation was special: the Apostolic Delegate crowned the Virgin and the Archbishop of Manila crowned the infant Jesus [ sic ], each one by special instructions from His Holiness.”"

[ “Nuestra Senora de la Paz y Buenviaje” The Virgin of Antipolo is actually a depiction of the “Immaculate Conception” and She does not carry the Infant Jesus as part of her iconography. Don Felix Roxas must have confused Her canonical coronation with another revered image of Our Lady. ]

THE HISTORIC JEWELS

Historian Basilidez Bautista explained that during the Spanish Era, it was the tradition of rich and devout Filipino families, specially those of Spanish extraction, to consider the “Santo Rosario” as another ”heiress” to the family jewels. An entire lot was always apportioned and forthwith donated to the Virgin.

Three of the Virgin’s legendary jewels are ”The Carbuncle,” the Roxas ”Granada de Oro,” and the Roxas “Concha.”

“The Carbuncle” is a mythologized large red gemstone that was believed to have crowned the forehead of a large serpent that inhabited the Pasig River. It was immortalized in a story by National Artist for Literature Nick Joaquin, an ardent devotee of the “Santo Rosario.” However, artist Rafael del Casal, who was privy to the Dominicans and to the image of the “Santo Rosario,” says — to great disappointment — that it does not exist. He knows that the largest red stone in the Collection of the Virgin is neither a ruby nor a garnet but is made of faceted red glass and is set in the “Ave Maria” cipher on the Virgin’s “plata” silver gilt dress. Mr. del Casal thinks that “The Carbuncle” could have also referred to a Pearl, and recalls that the Virgin has two big pearls which are set as drops dangling below the orbs in her two gold crowns. A pear-shaped pearl like the internationally famous and centuries-old ”La Peregrina” [ currently owned by actress Elizabeth Taylor ] is set in the 1811 Crown and an L-shaped baroque pearl is set in the 1907 Crown for the Virgin’s “Canonical Coronation.”

Mr. del Casal is of the opinion that Nick Joaquin’s story of the Carbuncle is actually a metaphor for the Triumph of Christianity over Paganism.

The Roxas “Granada de Oro” [ Golden Pomegranate ] and the Roxas “Concha” [ Shell ] had a more historic — and royal — provenance: King Norodom I of Cambodia visited the Philippines in 1872. At a ball given by the Arnedos in Sulipan, Apalit, Pampanga he met and fell in love with Senorita Josefa “Pepita” Roxas y Manio of nearby Calumpit, Bulacan. But he could not further his intentions because of their different religions. Before his departure, he gave Senorita Josefa Roxas a precious, pomegranate-shaped jewel [ called the “Granada de Oro” ] encrusted with diamonds, rubies, emeralds, sapphires, and pearls and her sister Senorita Ana Roxas a smaller shell-shaped one [ called the “Concha” ] also encrusted with precious stones. Both Senorita Josefa’s ”Granada de Oro” and Senorita Ana’s “Concha” were donated by the sisters and their brother Rev. Fr. Manuel Roxas to the ”Santo Rosario” at the Santo Domingo Church in Intramuros. The “Concha” was inscribed “S.M. El Rey de Cambodia A La Sta. Ana Rojas 1872″ [ “His Majesty The King of Cambodia to Senorita Ana Rojas 1872″ ]. Most unfortunately, the ”Granada de Oro” was lost after PreWar. It was last seen — hanging from the neck of the “Nino Jesus” — in a published photograph of the “Santo Rosario” in a supplement of the “Philippines Free Press” on 03 May 1930. That same photograph showed the “Concha” pinned to the hem of the embroidered garment of the “Nino Jesus.” Unfortunately, decades later, the “Concha” also disappeared upon the death of Rev. Fr. Augusto Antonio, O.P., the Chaplain of the Virgin, in 1982. He had carefully kept it in his bedroom for scholarly study and it could no longer be found after he died.

THE CANONICAL CORONATION OF “LA GRAN SENORA”

It actually rained torrentially during the Canonical Coronation of the “Nuestra Senoral del Santisimo Rosario de ‘La Naval de Manila’” on 05 October 1907…

Don Felix Roxas reminisced the Canonical Coronation of the “Santo Rosario” in 1906 [ sic ], which took place during his tenure as Mayor of Manila, and wrote in 1936:

“”I remember the glorious day of the fifth of October, 1906 [ sic ], when the canonical coronation of our Lady of the Rosary, who was venerated in the Santo Domingo church in Intramuros, was pompously celebrated in this city by order of Pope Pius X.”

“At that time, in anticipation of the said day, the prior of the Santo Domingo convent announced to the faithful devotees who used to fill the pews of the church that from that time on Manila had nothing to envy the renowned sanctuaries of Zaragoza, Lourdes, Monserrat, Begona, and many other sites selected by the Most Holy Virgin Mary as the throne of her mercies.”

“On the day set for the coronation ceremonies, as foreseen, there was an extraordinarily large crowd consisting of delegations from the provinces, carried by their devotion to the Virgin of the Rosary, anxious to witness the event. The organizing committee in charge of the ceremonies secured a permit from me to erect a stage for the ecclesiastical authorities and lay guests invited to the memorable event on Magallanes Drive.”
“Preferential seats at the center of the stage near an altar were given to Governor General James Smith, the Commissioners, Chief Justice Arellano of the Supreme Court, the undersigned as Mayor and other officials of the insular and city governments.”

“An incessant and persistent rain fell at the precise moment when the image of the Virgin passed near the small altar where the Papal delegate, Monsignor Guidi, assisted by Mons. Petrelli as secretary, was preparing to place the crowns on the infant Jesus and on the Virgin. Despite the rain the Governor General, who was a Catholic, calmly assisted them in the coronation rites.”

“Dona Encarnacion Roxas, the sponsor of the coronation, and her retinue of ladies, without abandoning their posts and in proof of their devotion, brilliantly fulfilled their obligation of carrying and delivering the crowns adorned with a valuable collection of precious stones.”

“From this moment almost all of those who took part and witnessed those rites firmly believed they had crowned the Virgin of the Rosary as the patroness of the Philippines.”"

……. “At the risk of being repetitious, I want to relate that it was in the afternoon of October 5, 1906 [ sic ], when, in the midst of a torrential downpour, high dignitaries of the church, of the government and of the Filipino people gathered around the platform erected beside the Ayuntamiento building toward Magallanes Drive for the ceremonies.”"…….

“PROCESION DE LAS PROCESIONES”

From his sickbed, Don Felix Roxas wrote in October 1936: “”This afternoon, if the weather permits, this image will leave in a procession that will start from the Santo Domingo Church and tour around the streets of Intramuros. Devotees will have the opportunity to look upon her once more, enthroned on the brightly lit carriage to spark the human imagination in beholding her at the height of her glory.”"

In its last days of glory PreWar, All of Manila Society, dressed in their grandest, congregated at the Santo Domingo Church inside Intramuros for the annual “La Naval de Manila” Procession, which was always celebrated every second Sunday of October.

The “La Naval de Manila” Procession in PreWar featured only ten Dominican images interspersed with the “estandartes” banners of the Fifteen Mysteries of the Holy Rosary. Yet, it was already the longest and the grandest of the Intramuros processions. It was headed by the image of San Pedro de Verona, … Santa Rosa de Lima, and those of Santo Tomas de Aquino, Santo Domingo de Guzman, San Jose, and the “festejada,” the “Santo Rosario.”

Manila oldtimers remember that it was the time-honored custom for the faithful to kneel reverently, even on the Intramuros streets, as the image of the “Santo Rosario” passed by during the annual “La Naval de Manila” procession. It was a tradition that was portrayed on film by director Lamberto Avellana in his screen adaptation of Nick Joaquin’s “Portrait of the Artist as a Filipino.”

“CARROZA TRIUNFAL”

Just before the War, the affluent Sor Catalina Osmena of the Dominican Sisters initiated — with her own substantial donation — a fund drive for the construction of a new, large, and magnificent “carroza triunfal” [ boat-shaped carriage ] entirely of solid silver [ 85 % ], an absolute masterpiece of the “Talleres de Maximo Vicente,” for the use of the Virgin during the “La Naval de Manila” processions. Mrs. Carmen Reyes, the current “Camarera” of the “Santo Rosario,” told Rafael del Casal that the PreWar devotees had donated real silver coins [ 85 % ] for the “carroza triunfal.” Mr. del Casal also met the old Ireneo Taruc, a longtime silversmith at the “Talleres de Maximo Vicente,” who as a 19 year old apprentice had labored on the elaborate silverwork of the ”carroza triunfal” just before The War. He too, remembered that it was entirely of solid silver. Unfortunately, it was burned inside the Santo Domingo Church and Convent in Intramuros during The War.
The present, simpler “carroza triunfal” was a memorable work of the “taller” of Santiago Santos in PostWar [ in 1946 ]. The workshop was located at the back of the University of Santo Tomas.

WORLD WAR II

The image of the “Santo Rosario,” along with her regalia — her gold crowns and renowned jewels — along with the other Great Treasures of the Manila Dominicans — the jewel-encrusted gold chalices, monstrances, reliquaries, ecclesiastical accoutrements, silver tabernacles, candlesticks, torcheres, missal stands, banners, ornate ewers and basins, important centuries-old documents, and many other valuables — had been stored by the Spanish Dominicans in their large vault located on the ground floor of the Church Complex. The late Rev. Fr. Augusto Antonio, O.P. described the Santo Domingo Church Vault to Rafael del Casal as having had very thick walls. As The Fire raged for many days and nights, and while the Manila Dominicans prayed for the safety of their Greatest Treasure — the 350 year old miraculous image of the “Santo Rosario” — The Great and Terrible Possibility loomed that the image of the Virgin would not survive the Extreme Heat from The Fire which had completely permeated the vault — and the entire Church Complex as well…

An Eyewitness recounted:

“”In December of 1941, the Japanese warplanes bombed Intramuros. One of the first casualties was the Santo Domingo Church and Convent. The towers were destroyed and only the walls were left. The Church and the Convent burned for many days. Wisely enough, days before the bombings, The Dominican friars had stored the centuries-old image of the “Santo Rosario,” along with her crowns, jewels, and vestments in the “Tesoro del Convento” The Convent Treasury, which faced Plaza Isabel II. But because of the intensity of The Fire, No One really knew if the image of the “Santo Rosario” had survived…”"

THE RESCUE OF THE “SANTO ROSARIO”

But She did, miraculously as always. The Extreme Heat of The Fire had bent, twisted, deformed, and in fact almost melted several of the important gold and silver objects. But the 350 year old [ elephant ] ivory and hardwood image of the ”Santo Rosario” actually survived The Conflagration which had consumed her beautiful, rose-colored, Gothic-style temple from 1875 — the Santo Domingo Church and Convent in Intramuros, a masterpiece by the Europe-trained, patrician architect Don Felix Roxas Sr. — and it also finally laid waste to the historic site of her home beside the Pasig River since 1593.

An Eyewitness recounted:

“”The Prior of the Santo Domingo Church and Convent, Rev. Fr. Aurelio Valbuena, O.P. — a respected and trusted man — decided to transfer the image of the ‘Santo Rosario’ and her crowns, jewels, and vestments to a safer place, to the University of Santo Tomas in Sampaloc District. That was, of course, if She survived…”
“On 30 December 1941, three days before the entry of the Japanese Ground Forces, the Japanese Air Force had started the aerial bombardment of The City. Electricity had been cut off; Blackouts were the norm. Word went around that Massive Looting would take place. Rev. Fr. Aurelio Valbuena, O.P., the Prior of the Santo Domingo Church and Convent, was advised by well-meaning friends and devotees to finally secure the treasures of the Manila Dominicans, paramount of which was the centuries-old ivory image of the “Santo Rosario.”
“And so, on 30 December 1941, at 4:00 p.m., Everyone concerned — the Manila Dominicans, their friends and devotees of the “Santo Rosario,” two Augustinian Recollect priests, and some Manila policemen — got together at The Ruins of the Santo Domingo Church and Convent in Intramuros to see if the ivory image of the ‘Santo Rosario’ had possibly survived The Conflagration within the confines of the “Tesoro del Convento” The Convent Treasury, and if so, to bring her to relative safety at the University of Santo Tomas in Sampaloc…”
“The Vault Door of solid metal was extremely difficult to open. The Group initially thought of blowing it up with a grenade but they found out that it would not be necessary…”

“They decided to use an Acetylene Torch. But The Vault Door resisted to a remarkable degree.”
“Nearly four hours later just before 8:00 p.m., They were still firing away at the mechanism of The Vault Door in Complete Darkness [ Electricity had been cut off; Blackouts had been imposed ]. It was very difficult to open!!!”
“Finally, by 8:00 p.m., They had already succeeded in making a small opening… A few minutes later, the mechanism finally gave way and They were able to force The Vault Door open…”
“The Dominican priests were eager to enter The Vault but an Infernal, Boiling Heat gushed out from it so they had to retreat!!!”

“But from the Vault Entrance, They saw that The Image of the ‘Santo Rosario’ was intact. She had survived!!!”
“Tears of happiness gushed forth as They All immediately knelt down on the wet stone floor of The Convent and prayed the “Salve” aloud. They had never prayed more intently. The Silence, The Blackout, the Faint Moonlight, the Deep Shadows, the Wet Walls… all contributed to the dramatic, almost ‘theatrical’ experience…”
“The Silence was broken by the bursting of canned goods in The Convent ‘Almacen’ Storerooms. All the factors: the Darkness, the Bombings, the Fear, the Assault… all contributed to the Great Emotion of the scene.”"
After the image of the Virgin was retrieved from the smoking vault by the Spanish Dominicans, the Ortigas brothers, their Ramirez-Ortigas nephews, along with some other brave souls, undertook the perilous and heroic task of transporting her secretly, in a rundown “camioneta” truck through the back streets of Sampaloc District, to the Chapel of the University of Santo Tomas, where She remained throughout The War.

“”The image of the ‘Santo Rosario’ was wrapped in a thick blanket. Her image, the wooden chests containing her crowns and her jewels, and the wooden boxes containing her elaborate vestments were all loaded in the same truck.”

“The truck exited through the Colegio de San Juan de Letran side…”

“The silent caravan made its way to the University of Santo Tomas through the dark and deserted streets.”

“The truck was followed by several other cars who escorted the “Santo Rosario” to the University of Santo Tomas.”

“Several people were waiting for the rescuers at the University of Santo Tomas. In fact, there was quite a crowd waiting to receive the ’silent procession’ from Intramuros.”

“Although the ‘Santo Rosario’ was not appropriately dressed, the priests lifted the thick blanket so She could be seen by the assemblage. The crowd knelt reverently and gratefully prayed the “Salve”…

“The Virgin was Saved!!!”

“The next day, some priests returned to the ruins of the Santo Domingo Church, to the “Tesoro del Convento” the Treasury, to retrieve boxes of documents of lesser value, but these had already disappeared in the intervening hours. Had they not retrieved the image of the ‘Santo Rosario’ the previous night, She too, might have disappeared!!!”

“The most important thing is that the historical Virgin is still venerated at the new Santo Domingo Church with the vestments, jewels, and crowns given to her by the Filipino nation.”"

…………
As the eminent Dr. Nicanor Tiongson observed: “The devotion to ‘Nuestra Senora de La Naval’ was always traditionally aristocratic in nature.”

*unfinished*

Notes:

*According to the memoirs of Don Felix Roxas y Fernandez [ o 1864 - + 1936 ], Mayor of Manila from 1905 - 1917, the Senoritas Josefa and Ana Roxas y Manio were the sisters of Rev. Fr. Manuel Roxas y Manio and were the children of Don Rafael Roxas y Arroyo, one of the twelve sons [ actually fifteen children ] of Don Antonio Roxas and Dona Lucina Arroyo of Binondo. According to Don Felix himself, Don Antonio Roxas was the progenitor of the “poor” branch of the Roxases. He further said that these Roxases “spelled their surname interchangeably with an “x” or a “j” and were often mistaken for the proletariat” [ it explains why the inscription on the Roxas “Concha” was “… A La Sta. Ana Rojas…” ]. Don Antonio Roxas was a brother of Don Domingo Roxas [ + 1843 ], the progenitor of the very rich Roxas-de Ayala-Zobel-Soriano Clan. Don Antonio and Don Domingo Roxas were two of the three, or five, children of Don Mariano Roxas and Dona Ana Maria de Ureta.
The Roxas y Manio siblings were the first cousins of Don Felix along with Dona Rosa Roxas de Zaragoza [ married to Don Jose Zaragoza y Aranquizna { + 1895 }, the publisher of the much-admired sophisticated magazine ”La Ilustracion Filipina,” which ran from 1890-95 ], the mother of Dona Carmen Zaragoza y Roxas, who married the famous lawyer { Atty. } Don Gregorio Araneta y Soriano Dy Ching of Molo, Iloilo. The prominent couple Don Gregorio and Dona Carmen had twelve children — Don Jose Araneta, Don Salvador Araneta, Dona Pacita Araneta de Lopez, Don J. Antonio Araneta, Dona Rosa Araneta de Alcuaz, Don Ramon Araneta, Dona Teresa Araneta de Albert, Don Vicente Araneta, Dona Margarita Araneta de Singh, Don Luis Maria Araneta, and Rev. Fr. Francisco “Fritz” Araneta S.J. — and were known as “The Manila Aranetas.”
Another first cousin was Don Felix’s sister, Dona Lucina Roxas y Fernandez, who married Don Enrique Brias Roxas. The parents of Don Felix and Dona Lucina were the prominent architect Don Felix Roxas y Arroyo { Sr. } [ o ca. 1820 ] and Dona Cornelia ”Concha” Fernandez. Don Felix Roxas y Arroyo { Sr. } had designed, among others, the Neo-Gothic Santo Domingo Church and Convent in Intramuros, completed in 1875. He also designed the Neo-Renaissance San Ignacio Church, also in Intramuros, begun in 1878 but completed 11 years later in 1889, after his death.

Also a first cousin was the unfortunate Don Francisco L. Roxas y Reyes — the only son of Don Juan Roxas y Arroyo and Dona Vicenta Reyes of Binondo — a rich and prominent businessman who, despite his being a “Consejero” Adviser to the Administration [ along with his second cousin Don Pedro Pablo “Perico” Roxas ], was accused of Sedition by the King’s representative Fiscal Castanos in late August of 1896, imprisoned in Fort Santiago, and executed on 08 January 1897. He was married to Dona Maria Elio, a Spanish lady from an influential family from Pamplona. They had six children: Salvador, Maria Vicenta, Juan, Presentacion, Carmen, and Javier.

Another branch of the family was that of the painter Don Felipe Roxas y Arroyo [ o 1840 - + 1899 ] married to Dona Raymunda Chuidian. He lived and died in Paris.

Yet another branch of the family was that of Don Andres Roxas y Arroyo married to Dona Teria _____. They settled in Calauang, Laguna.

*Rev. Fr. Augusto Antonio, O.P. should have been the first Filipino Dominican priest. But he gave way to Rev. Fr. _____ Vargas, O.P., who gained that distinction. Fr. Augusto Antonio was of Chinese ancestry; his original family name was Tantungco. His mother was a Tambunting. According to him, his mother had strongly opposed the family’s entry into the pawnshop business, and that her opposition had caused a bitter family feud.

From : Remeberance of Things Awry [website]
By Toto Gonzales

----
Additonal Notes from Mr. Gonzales : (February 26, 2007)

This article is basically derived from three written sources: the articles “Coronacion” and “Salvamente” in the 1957 “La Naval de Manila” souvenir program, the articles “The Glorious Image of the Virgin” and “Our Lady of Guadalupe” in “The World of Felix Roxas,” the “Recena Historica,” etc.. Invaluable information was shared by my good friend, the artist Rafael del Casal, who has worked with the Dominicans and on the image of the “Santo Rosario.” Rafael also generously translated and annotated the Spanish texts.

The Story of La Naval

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Of all the famous Marian images in the Philippines, La Naval stands alone as a "native virgin". Although her clothes mark her readily as a product of the 17th century Spanish "Golden Age", her oriental features reflect the uniqueness of her position as a truly indigenous queen of the Philippines.

In 1593, on the death of his father, the Spanish Governor General Luis Perez Dasmarinas commissioned Captain Hernando de los Rios Coronel to have a Marian statue sculpted. He wished to give a religious imprint to his regime in the Philippines. A non-Catholic Chinese sculptor was found to make the statue. This sculptor later became a convert through the intercession of the virgin.

The beautiful image was presented to the Manilla Dominicans and enshrined in the old Sto. Domingo Church by the Pasig. The image is about 4'8" tall and is made of hard-wood, with ivory face and hands. Over three centuries have mellowed the ivory to a delicate brown. The Oriental- Filipina face is almond-shaped, with high-set cheekbones and slanting eyes. The image is dressed as a royal lady of the palace of King Philip of Spain. On her left arm, she holds her beloved Holy Child Jesus. With her right arm, she holds a royal scepter and staff and her Rosary. The statue is covered with jewels, tributes from her throngs of devotees through the ages. Each jewel has its own story. The halo issurrounded by 24 stars, and she wears a queenly crown.

In 1571, the armada of the Cross under John of Austria, brother of King Phillip II, met and defeated the naval armies of the Crescent under Selim the Sot off the gulf of Lepanto between Itally and Greece. Saint Pius V, the great Dominimcan Pope, ordered the public praying of the Rosary throughout Christendom in support of the Christian navies stopping the onslaught of Islam. Although aged and ill, he himself led, on foot, a rosary procession through Rome. After the victory fo the Christian forces, the church was quick to acknowledge the help of Our Lady, and instituted October 7 as the feast of the Queen of the Most HOly Rosary, a feast around which naval traditions have gravitated through the centuries. From this, the name "La Naval" came to be known as a special title for Our Lady, helper of Christian Navies.

In the Philippines of 1646, there were not only hostile Muslims in the South, but also Dutch and English privateers who wanted the riches of the archipelago and who wanted to replace Catholicism with Dutch Protestant Calvinism. During this year, there were five bloody naval battles between the greatly outnumbered Spanish - Catholic - Phillipine forces and the Dutch marauders. Only fifteen of the defenders of Manilla were lost in all of the battles. The Dutch, then political enemies of the Spanish, retreated, and never again threatened to destroy the integrity of the islands by annexing them to the Dutch East Indies.

Before each of the battles, the intercession of Our Lady was fervently sought. Crew members -- Spanish soldiers, religious, and Filipinos -- vowed special homage to Our Lady for a victorious battle. True to their Latin heritage and Catholic pride, the victorious defenders petitioned official church recognition and declaration of the naval victories of 1646 as miracles worked by the Mother of God. The Ecclesiastical Council in Cavite, with the help of doctors of theology, canonical experts, and prominent religious, deliberated and examined written and oral testimonies from all eye-witnesses. Finally, on April 9, 1662, the Council ordered that the five naval victories of 1646 be declared as miraculous, "granted by the Sovereign Lord through the intercession of the Most Holy Virgin and devotion to her Rosary, that the miracles be celebrated, preached and held in festivities and to be recounted among the miracles wrought by the Lady of the Rosary for the greater devotion of the faithful to Our Most Blessed Virgin Mary and Her Holy Rosary." This decree was signed by all eight members of the Church Council.
As ordered, these miracles have been preached and celebrated in solemn festivities for over three centuries. Through the centuries, there have been a number of political upheavals in Catholic Phillipines. Still, the people have retained the tradition of celebration of La Naval de Manila.

After the 1896 Revolution, the large processions in her honor were toned down, but never suspended. In 1906, La Naval was crownded canonically by Rome's Apostolic Legate. In l941, her shrine in the old Sto. Domingo Church in Manilla was bombed. La Naval was safely hidden for a time in the old church's vault, and later transferred to the chapel of the University of Sto. Tomas. Here, thousands of her devotees flocked to honor her in her third Centennial in l946. In l952, the cornerstone was laid for a new shrine at the Sto. Domingo Church in Quezon City.
In l954, in a boat shaped carriage, La Naval was led in solemn procession by the Phillippines hierarchy, public officials, priests, nuns, and thousands of devotees to her new home. This shirne was declared by the Philippine bishops as the national shrine of the Queen of the Holy Rosary of the Philippines.

During her feast in October of 1973, La Naval was acknowledged as the patroness of the capitol city of the Philippines. In l974, she was enshrined in a safer vault- altar because of recent sacrilegious robberies of churches and sacred images in the area.

In l985, a year long celebration was held in the Philippines for the Marian year. Shortly thereafter, in February of l986, Cardinal Jaime Sin, archbishop of Manilla, called for "people power" in a pastoral act designed to avoid bloodshed. The phenomenon surfaced, and people armed only with the weapons of love ---rosaries, icons of Jesus and Mary, flowers and food --were able to stop tanks and troops in battle gear. Rosary vigils and nightly processions of a replica of the antique image of La Naval were led by the Filipino Dominicans outside the gates of the Presidential palace. Many Filipinos attribute the victory in the peaceful revolution to divine intervention.

Two of the most prominent church leaders in the Philippines, Cardinal Sin and Cardina Ricardo Vidal, archbishop of Cebu, have said they see the church's role in the Philippines in traditional terms of nonviolence and prevention of bloodshed. They encourage their people to work together for peace. The Dominicans and the devotees of La Naval implore their special patroness here to bring them this fervently sought for peace.

-- From the Holy Spirit Interactive [website]
There's Something About Mary

2007-02-25T17:18:00.000-08:00

Centennial Celebration of the

Cannonical Crowning of the Image of

La Naval de Manila

1907 - 2007

October 2007

National Shrine of Our Lady of the Most Holy Rosary

Sto. Domingo Church, Quezon City

Phone Number : (02) 721 - 6271

Mabuhay!

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I made this online shrine for the Lady of the Most Holy Rosary La Naval de Manila in honor of the centennial celebration of her cannonical coronation. Please visit often and send your devotions, la naval stories, and pictures to: lanavaldemanila [at] gmail [dot] com

Chris