๐ ๐๐๐ง๐ญ๐ฎ๐ซ๐ฒ ๐จ๐ ๐ฎ๐ง๐ฐ๐๐ฏ๐๐ซ๐ข๐ง๐ ๐๐๐ฅ๐ข๐๐ ๐๐ง๐ ๐๐ง๐๐ฅ๐๐ฌ๐ฌ ๐๐๐ฏ๐จ๐ญ๐ข๐จ๐ง. Thousands witnessed history as the Minor Basilica of Our Lady of the Rosary of Manaoag welcomed the hundredth year since its Canonical Coronation in 1926.
From household televisions, to handheld devices, to the very blessed churchgrounds of the BasilicaโMarian devouts and believers alike watched on April 22, 2026, as they relived the past in a series of consecrated affairs.
After six years of thorough preparation, the event was officially inaugurated through a re-enactment of the Papal coronation, under the guidance of the Archbishop Charles John Brown, Apostolic Nuncio to the Philippines.
Assisting Brown were President Bongbong Marcos, and Archbishop Socrates B. Villegas of the Archdiocese of Lingayen-Dagupan; alongside basilica rector Rev. Father Felix Legaspi, and Lipa Archbishop Gilbert Garcera who secured the divine halo of the image; and Manila Archbishop Cardinal Jose Advincula who crowned the Child Jesus.
Once recrowned in a solemn conduction, the church finally opened its doors to the people for public veneration of the image of Our Lady who had been cloaked in crystals and exquisite embroideryโthe pinnacle of divine elegance, and evidence of the deep care and respect that went into the preparations.
Meanwhile, the Pangasinan Provincial Tourism and Cultural Affairs Office (PTCAO) expressed its support to the occasion by providing free water, directional guidance, and informational assistance to the local devotees and pilgrims who came to Manaoag to witness the historic event in person.
A High Mass, presided by Socrate Villegas, was held later in the afternoon which saw a sharp influx of devotees that filled the basilica and its surrounding areas to full capacity. What reverence was showed to the Blessed Mother, was clearly reflected in the edifice as well in its freshly painted features, ornate embellishments, and atmospheric lighting.
Through a profound homily, Villegas recounted the tale of the Blessed Virgin Maryโs encounter with the angelโhighlighting the unmoving faith she had in the Lordโs plans amidst uncertainties. Villegas called for the people to listen to the voice that comes not from what is heard in the mind or felt in the heart, but the voice in form of the Blessed Mother whose existence brought the Christ to lifeโshe whose voice is that of His.
This imploration translated well into the much-awaited procession, which was led by the image of Our Lady herself, followed by the figures of other saints.
Meanwhile, bands and dancers reflected the jovial facet of the occassion through accompanying performances.
Amidst the heat and whirlwind affairs of the day, pilgrims and devoteesโthousands more in numbersโwere steadfast in their commitment to the Blessed Mother, following through with the march in droves through the town of Manaoag.
By night, the procession ended with a dazzling lightshow, praises, and songs that echoed prayers for guidance from the Blessed Mother who, for centuries, have been calling the people to her son, Jesus. And the world watched with bated breaths as the divine image of Our Lady finally returned to her throne at the Minor Basilica.
As the celebration came to an end, devotees returned home, carrying with them not just memoriesโbut the everlasting voice of the Mother who calls for love and compassion to reign in their hearts.
For the centennial anniversary of the pontifical crowning of the Blessed Virgin Mary is more than an event.
It is the symbol of a century of unwavering hope, profound faith, and fervent venerationโspoken through praises, whispered in prayers, and felt through her maternal image.
๐ฅ๐ฒ๐ฟ๐ช, ๐๐น๐ธ ๐๐ช๐ด๐ฎ๐ฝ!
๐ฅ๐ฒ๐ฟ๐ช, ๐๐ท๐ช๐ท ๐๐ช๐ป๐ฒ๐ช!
๐ฅ๐ฒ๐ฟ๐ช, ๐๐ท๐ช๐ท ๐๐ฒ๐ป๐ฑ๐ฎ๐ท!
๐ฅ๐ฒ๐ฟ๐ช, ๐ก๐ฎ๐๐ท๐ช ๐ท๐ฐ ๐๐ช๐ท๐ช๐ธ๐ช๐ฐ!
/IMTI
