Pilgrimage to Manaoag: History and Tradition
Pilgrimage to Manaoag:
History and Tradition
In 1937, the Philippine Historical Research and Markers Committee affixed a historical marker outside the Church which reads:
Administered since 1605 by the Dominicans, the first Church of wood lasted a century. The second one which was of stone was built through the generosity of Gaspar de Gamboa and Agatha Yangta, and inaugurated in 1720. In 1723, it was donated to the Dominican Corporation, but was destroyed by the earthquake of 1892. The provisional Church built of wood, was burned during the insurrection of 1898. The reconstruction of the present church began in 1901 with the return of the Dominicans.
It is evident that there are many events that transpired in the span of more than four hundred years but what stands out is the unwavering faith of the devotees that stood the test of time.
Administered since 1605 by the Dominicans, the first Church of wood lasted a century. The second one which was of stone was built through the generosity of Gaspar de Gamboa and Agatha Yangta, and inaugurated in 1720. In 1723, it was donated to the Dominican Corporation, but was destroyed by the earthquake of 1892. The provisional Church built of wood, was burned during the insurrection of 1898. The reconstruction of the present church began in 1901 with the return of the Dominicans.
It is evident that there are many events that transpired in the span of more than four hundred years but what stands out is the unwavering faith of the devotees that stood the test of time.
A sketch of the insignia of the Augustinians.
The Santa Monica Mission
Earlier missionaries labored a lot in Pangasinan due to the hard-heartedness of the natives. In 1600, the Augustinian built a small chapel dedicated to Sta. Monica, the mother of St. Augustine, and baptized some children. The settlement was too far from Lingayen where they were stationed. They had to travel three days by water, or two by land, to visit the settlement. Furthermore, the village was so small that it was not possible for a religious to find enough to do there to justify their continued residence.
Earlier missionaries labored a lot in Pangasinan due to the hard-heartedness of the natives. In 1600, the Augustinian built a small chapel dedicated to Sta. Monica, the mother of St. Augustine, and baptized some children. The settlement was too far from Lingayen where they were stationed. They had to travel three days by water, or two by land, to visit the settlement. Furthermore, the village was so small that it was not possible for a religious to find enough to do there to justify their continued residence.
Dominican Insignia inside the Church
So, the Augustinians offered to relinquish Sta. Monica in 1605 to the Dominicans who were then administering the neighboring towns. In 1608, the Sta. Monica mission was formally accepted by the Dominicans. The first Dominican priest to work in that mission was Fr. Juan de San Jacinto, OP. In 1610, the settlement was made an independent parish and Fr. Tomas Jimenez, OP was the first resident priest.
The Church of the Santa Monica mission was then relocated and renamed as “Manaoag” because of the following events that unfolded.
The Church of the Santa Monica mission was then relocated and renamed as “Manaoag” because of the following events that unfolded.
A Painting of Our Lady's apparition
The Story of Manaoag
Folk tradition has it that the Blessed Mother showed herself to a middle-aged farmer and gave him the message on where she wanted her Church to be relocated. The dramatic apparition of Our Lady happened on a low tree amidst the glow of heavenly light.
The man was said to be on his way from a grueling day in his farm. He was anxious about his home and his crops which he knew would be laid to waste anytime the raiders come for another depredation. Faced with this hopeless prospect, he resorted to the wellsprings of his faith. He has been taught by the good priest to have full trust and faith in the goodness and mercy of God and in the protection offered by the heavenly Mother. These thoughts came to him. He sighed resignedly to the Virgin Mary and somehow his fears vanished as he continued his slow pace homeward.
Folk tradition has it that the Blessed Mother showed herself to a middle-aged farmer and gave him the message on where she wanted her Church to be relocated. The dramatic apparition of Our Lady happened on a low tree amidst the glow of heavenly light.
The man was said to be on his way from a grueling day in his farm. He was anxious about his home and his crops which he knew would be laid to waste anytime the raiders come for another depredation. Faced with this hopeless prospect, he resorted to the wellsprings of his faith. He has been taught by the good priest to have full trust and faith in the goodness and mercy of God and in the protection offered by the heavenly Mother. These thoughts came to him. He sighed resignedly to the Virgin Mary and somehow his fears vanished as he continued his slow pace homeward.
Our Lady who calls
As he followed the path from the hill in the deepening dusk, he became aware of a mysterious light coming from somewhere. He turned to the west to assure himself that he was not being deceived, and sure enough he saw that the sun has set. He made a full stop and turned his gaze to the light – a tree nearby. Instantly, he recognized the radiant face of a woman holding an infant in her arms. Unable to grasp the significance of the phenomenon and overcome by superstition, he wanted to run but could not. In a moment of hesitation, he heard a sweet voice calling out his name. He stood transfixed at the smiling face of the mysterious lady. He knelt down and she uttered, “Son, I want a Church built here in my honor. My children shall receive many favors in this place.”
The facade of the Churcg
The man to whom our Lady appeared in a glowing tree cannot contain his joy from such an extraordinary experience. It would not remain locked up in his breast but would overflow to others. Conceivably, he told his tale to his wife and children; then, to his close relatives and friends. But when he went to tell it to the priest, he got a different reception. The old padre did not only believe him but went on to insinuate that the man was suffering from hallucination induced by the extreme heat of the day.
We can imagine the dismay of the man about the reaction of his spiritual counselor. They have been preached on the love and veneration of the Blessed Lady of the Rosary, and in a moment of truth, should he be asked to reject the revelation of herself? And yet he was a witness of it all!
We can imagine the dismay of the man about the reaction of his spiritual counselor. They have been preached on the love and veneration of the Blessed Lady of the Rosary, and in a moment of truth, should he be asked to reject the revelation of herself? And yet he was a witness of it all!
The shrine
The Tradition of Pilgrimages
Nevertheless, the story spread far and wide. People in the neighboring settlements heard of it and they came to verify it. These went home not only assured in the truth but they also felt that their petitions have been answered. The pilgrimages to the Lady developed into a tradition. They felt they had to make a visit to the shrine at least once a year to fulfill a vow, make new petitions to her, and offer her their devotion. The early pilgrims came in animal-drawn carts from as far as the Ilocos region, Zambales and Tarlac. Old people recalled long caravans that used to come during Holy Week.
Nevertheless, the story spread far and wide. People in the neighboring settlements heard of it and they came to verify it. These went home not only assured in the truth but they also felt that their petitions have been answered. The pilgrimages to the Lady developed into a tradition. They felt they had to make a visit to the shrine at least once a year to fulfill a vow, make new petitions to her, and offer her their devotion. The early pilgrims came in animal-drawn carts from as far as the Ilocos region, Zambales and Tarlac. Old people recalled long caravans that used to come during Holy Week.
The museum
The birth of the tradition came with the birth of a new name for the settlement. Coming home from their visit to the Lady and on being asked along the way from where they came, the early pilgrims would point to the general direction of the settlement and answer, “Dimad Apo ya mantatawag” (from the Lady who calls). It is significant to note that their answer showed their spontaneous belief in the “revelation” of the Blessed Virgin. They referred to the place as “where the virgin calls,” rather than Sta. Monica which means that they placed more significance to the “incidence” rather than the place. In time, the rest of the words in the phrase were dropped and a derivation was substituted – Manaoag. Thus, remained the name of the town which continued to be a center of traditional Marian pilgrimages up to the present.
Pilgrims lighting candles
Devotion to Our Lady of Manaoag
In the late 16th or early 17th century, the ivory image of Our Lady of Manaoag was brought to the Philippines by P. Juan de San Jacinto from Spain via Acapulco. Her crown and scepter are made of diamonds. Faithful devotees sponsor her garments. Thousands of flowers, candles and prayer petitions are offered to Our Lady by those who are praying in great need for miracles and those who are praying in gratitude as well. She is the patroness of the sick, the helpless and the needy....a Mother to everyone.
On April 21, 1926, the virgin of Manaoag was canonically crowned in the presence of thousands of faithfuls, by Msgr. Guillermo Piani, apostolic Delegate of the Philippines.This is an ecclesiastical recognition of the role of the Blessed Virgin Mary in this part of the country.
In the late 16th or early 17th century, the ivory image of Our Lady of Manaoag was brought to the Philippines by P. Juan de San Jacinto from Spain via Acapulco. Her crown and scepter are made of diamonds. Faithful devotees sponsor her garments. Thousands of flowers, candles and prayer petitions are offered to Our Lady by those who are praying in great need for miracles and those who are praying in gratitude as well. She is the patroness of the sick, the helpless and the needy....a Mother to everyone.
On April 21, 1926, the virgin of Manaoag was canonically crowned in the presence of thousands of faithfuls, by Msgr. Guillermo Piani, apostolic Delegate of the Philippines.This is an ecclesiastical recognition of the role of the Blessed Virgin Mary in this part of the country.
Our Lady who calls
The bombing of the Church
During the Japanese invasion of the 1940's, eyewitnesses recalled how a plane dropped four bombs intended for the Church. Three landed on the patio where they exploded causing damage to the façade. One fell through the Church’s roof but did not explode. In that trial, a religious brother was killed. He was rushing to the Church to secure the image of the Virgin when the bombs fell and exploded.
During the Japanese invasion of the 1940's, eyewitnesses recalled how a plane dropped four bombs intended for the Church. Three landed on the patio where they exploded causing damage to the façade. One fell through the Church’s roof but did not explode. In that trial, a religious brother was killed. He was rushing to the Church to secure the image of the Virgin when the bombs fell and exploded.
Dominican Novices
The Stolen Crown
In May 1973, the Church again suffered a misfortune. Times were hard and there was a great demand for antiques. This motivated the person or persons who one night robbed the Blessed Lady of her golden crown and cross pendant. The crown which has never been recovered was ages-old and the pendant cross used to be the pectoral cross of the bishop-saint of Vietnam, the Blessed Geronimo Hermosilla. The crown has since been replaced through generous donations of the faithfuls. On May 5, 1976, the 50th anniversary (Golden jubilee) of the canonical coronation of Our Lady of the Rosary of Manaoag was celebrated with the Papal nuncio, Msgr. Bruno Torpigliani as main celebrant.
In May 1973, the Church again suffered a misfortune. Times were hard and there was a great demand for antiques. This motivated the person or persons who one night robbed the Blessed Lady of her golden crown and cross pendant. The crown which has never been recovered was ages-old and the pendant cross used to be the pectoral cross of the bishop-saint of Vietnam, the Blessed Geronimo Hermosilla. The crown has since been replaced through generous donations of the faithfuls. On May 5, 1976, the 50th anniversary (Golden jubilee) of the canonical coronation of Our Lady of the Rosary of Manaoag was celebrated with the Papal nuncio, Msgr. Bruno Torpigliani as main celebrant.
The Dominican Novitiate of the Annunciation
Reflection
How many times have I offered my sigh to Our Lady? I cannot count anymore. She's has always been a mother who consoles me in my difficulties in life.
Manaoag will always be a part of my life. This is where I spent my Novitiate year. As a novice, we offered a rosary to her everyday. Every after dinner, we would visit her and say a little prayer. One evening, I even walked kneeling from the main door to the altar asking for her intercession. She's always been there asking us to be closer to her Son, Our Lord Jesus Christ. I am privileged to witness the 75th anniversary of her canonical coronation.
Many people are asking desperately for miracles. And miracles do happen today if we would only open our hearts and heed God's call.
How many times have I offered my sigh to Our Lady? I cannot count anymore. She's has always been a mother who consoles me in my difficulties in life.
Manaoag will always be a part of my life. This is where I spent my Novitiate year. As a novice, we offered a rosary to her everyday. Every after dinner, we would visit her and say a little prayer. One evening, I even walked kneeling from the main door to the altar asking for her intercession. She's always been there asking us to be closer to her Son, Our Lord Jesus Christ. I am privileged to witness the 75th anniversary of her canonical coronation.
Many people are asking desperately for miracles. And miracles do happen today if we would only open our hearts and heed God's call.
The Nave
Liturgical Celebrations and other events
Daily Masses
Regular Schedule:
M to F – hourly from 5AM to 11AM
Sat – hourly from 5AM to 12NN and 4:30PM
Sun – hourly from 5AM to 12NN, 3:00 PM to 5:00PM
Confession: W&F – 7:00 AM to 8:30AM
Rosary: M to Sat – 5:45 AM
Blessing of Vehicles and Religious Articles
For Vehicles: Every after mass from 7:00 AM to 11:00AM, 3:00 PM to 4:30PM
(blessing area at the back portion of the Shrine)
For Religious Articles: Every after mass inside the Church & 3:00 PM to 4:30 PM
(blessing area at the back portion of the Shrine)
Fiesta
This is a 10-day activity where it covers a nine-day Novena Mass and the Fiesta proper on the 10th day.
Schedule: Every First Sunday of October and Third Wednesday after Easter Sunday.
A sculpted image of Our Lady in a tree
How to go to Manaoag
A. Public Transportation
In Manila, go to bus companies like Victory Liner (Dagupan Destination), Five Star, or Dagupan Bus Line and ask them to drop you at Manaoag Church. The trip takes about 4 hours. If you’re coming from Baguio, Manaoag is about 2 hours.
B. Private Vehicle
Drive your way towards Tarlac City bound for Baguio City. You will pass the following towns: Gerona-Paniqui-Moncada-San Manuel. Then, there's an arch with the sign "Welcome to Pangasinan". Then, you'll pass, Carmen-Villasis-Urdaneta.
1st option [alternative road]:
Left to the intersection (after passing the Urdaneta Market), you will see a mall, then a Shell gas station, go right, you'll pass a school, then there's a secondary road at the end, going left is towards Manaoag. Then, you'll see the church.
2nd option [main road]:
Pass the intersection in Option 1 (go straight ahead). There's a sign post where you'll turn left bound for Manaoag. Then, you'll see the Church.
What to do in Manaoag:
1. Attend the Eucharistic celebration and other liturgical events
2. Mass intentions3. Pray the Rosary
4. Light a Candle at the candle gallery
5. Visit the museum
6. Visit the Rosary Garden
7. Visit the Veneration Area
8. Visit the two official souvenir stores
9. Visit the Paschal Chapel
10. The Way of the Cross
A. Public Transportation
In Manila, go to bus companies like Victory Liner (Dagupan Destination), Five Star, or Dagupan Bus Line and ask them to drop you at Manaoag Church. The trip takes about 4 hours. If you’re coming from Baguio, Manaoag is about 2 hours.
B. Private Vehicle
Drive your way towards Tarlac City bound for Baguio City. You will pass the following towns: Gerona-Paniqui-Moncada-San Manuel. Then, there's an arch with the sign "Welcome to Pangasinan". Then, you'll pass, Carmen-Villasis-Urdaneta.
1st option [alternative road]:
Left to the intersection (after passing the Urdaneta Market), you will see a mall, then a Shell gas station, go right, you'll pass a school, then there's a secondary road at the end, going left is towards Manaoag. Then, you'll see the church.
2nd option [main road]:
Pass the intersection in Option 1 (go straight ahead). There's a sign post where you'll turn left bound for Manaoag. Then, you'll see the Church.
What to do in Manaoag:
1. Attend the Eucharistic celebration and other liturgical events
2. Mass intentions3. Pray the Rosary
4. Light a Candle at the candle gallery
5. Visit the museum
6. Visit the Rosary Garden
7. Visit the Veneration Area
8. Visit the two official souvenir stores
9. Visit the Paschal Chapel
10. The Way of the Cross
11. Blessing of Religious items
12. Mass inte11. Try local delicacies like tupig
12. and many more...
Sources:
Aduarte, Diego de, Historia de la Provincia del Santo Rosario de la Orden de Predicadores en Filipinas, Japón y China, 2 vols., Madrid, ed. Manuel Ferrero, OP, 1962.
Cortes, Rosario M., Pangasinan, 1572-1800, Quezon City: University of the Philippines Press, 1974.
Ferrando, Juan and Fonseca, Joaquín, Historia de los Padres Dominicos en Filipinas y en sus misiones de Japón,, China, Tung-king y Formosa, 6 vols., Madrid, 1870.
Gonzales, Jose Maria, Labor Evangelica y Civilizadora de los Religiosos Dominicos en Pangasinan, Manila : U.S.T. Press, 1946.
Gutierrez, OP, Lucio, Archdiocese of Manila: a Pilgrimage in Time (1565-1999), Manila: The Roman Catholic Archbishop of Manila, 1999.
Millan, Salvador, Breve noticia acerca de la aparicion de Ntra. Sra. de Manaoag, Patrona de Pangasinan seguida de la novena en honor de esta Señora, Manila : Tip. del Col. de Sto. Tomas,1891.
12. and many more...
Sources:
Aduarte, Diego de, Historia de la Provincia del Santo Rosario de la Orden de Predicadores en Filipinas, Japón y China, 2 vols., Madrid, ed. Manuel Ferrero, OP, 1962.
Cortes, Rosario M., Pangasinan, 1572-1800, Quezon City: University of the Philippines Press, 1974.
Ferrando, Juan and Fonseca, Joaquín, Historia de los Padres Dominicos en Filipinas y en sus misiones de Japón,, China, Tung-king y Formosa, 6 vols., Madrid, 1870.
Gonzales, Jose Maria, Labor Evangelica y Civilizadora de los Religiosos Dominicos en Pangasinan, Manila : U.S.T. Press, 1946.
Gutierrez, OP, Lucio, Archdiocese of Manila: a Pilgrimage in Time (1565-1999), Manila: The Roman Catholic Archbishop of Manila, 1999.
Millan, Salvador, Breve noticia acerca de la aparicion de Ntra. Sra. de Manaoag, Patrona de Pangasinan seguida de la novena en honor de esta Señora, Manila : Tip. del Col. de Sto. Tomas,1891.
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