Crowned in Grace: The Seven Canonically Crowned Marian Images of the Diocese of Antipolo

Throughout the centuries, the Church has honored the Blessed Virgin Mary in many ways.  Among the most solemn and celebrated expressions of this reverence is the canonical coronation - a papally authorized act of crowning a Marian image that has been the object of long-standing and widespread devotion.  The sacred rite is more than a ceremonial crowning; it is a recognition of the deep faith of the people and the enduring presence of Mary in their spiritual lives. 

The roots of canonical coronation go back to the early Church when crowns and precious ornaments were offered to images of the Virgin as tokens of gratitude and honor.  Over time, this devotional practice gained formal recognition.  The first officially recorded canonical coronation was that of La Madonna della Febbre (Our Lady of Fever) in 1631 in St. Peter's Basilica, Rome. 

Canonical coronation is granted by the Holy See based on specific criteria: a long history of devotion to the image, reports of miracles or graces received through the intercession of the Virgin, and significant influence of the image on the religious and cultural life of the community.  Once approved, a coronation decree is issued, and the local church organizes a grand celebration to crown the image, often attended by thousands of devotees.

More than a symbolic gesture, the act of crowning Mary proclaims her queenship not only in heaven but also in the hearts of her children on earth.  It is a joyful affirmation of her role as Mother of the Church, intercessor and faithful companion on the journey of faith.  In countries like the Philippines, where Marian devotion is deeply rooted, canonical coronations continue to inspire faith and unity among the faithful, becoming significant milestones in the life of parishes and dioceses.

The Siete Coronadas of the Diocese of Antipolo

The Philippines is a country truly in love with Mary - Pueblo Amante de Maria, Bayang Sumisinta kay Maria! In almost all Filipino home, is a small altar with the picture or image of Mary, Jesus and the other saints.  It only shows the strong filial love and connection that Filipinos have on Mary, the mother of God and our mother too in whose mantle of maternal protection we recourse for refuge and strength.

The Diocese of Antipolo is a beacon of Marian devotion in the Philippines.  Crowned by the International Shrine of Our Lady of Peace and Good Voyage - Nuestra Senora de la Paz y Buen Viaje - Antipolo has become a spiritual destination for millions of pilgrims who seek Mary's intercession. It is not an overstatement to say that the Diocese is "The Marian Pilgrimage Capital of the Philippines" for within its territorial jurisdiction are seven canonically crowned images of the Blessed Virgin, with the Virgin of Antipolo, patroness of the Diocese at the center, each with its own history of veneration and fervent devotion to tell.

Nuestra Senora de la Paz y Buen Viaje (Our Lady of Peace and Good Voyage) - International Shrine of Our Lady of Peace and Good Voyage / Antipolo Cathedral

The most renowned among the seven, the patroness of the Diocese of Antipolo.  The image of Our Lady of Peace and Good Voyage, also known as the Virgin of Antipolo, has a rich history and wide-spread devotion in and out of the country, spanning for more than 390 years now.  She is implored by pilgrims seeking peace and safe passage through life's journeys.  Pilgrimages to her shrine, especially during the pilgrimage season which begins on the first Tuesday of May, reflect the extra-ordinarily deep devotion of devotees coming from all walks of life, from places far and wide, going to her shrine to bring their supplications before God and to express penance and gratitude through the intercession of Mother Mary.

The Antipolo Cathedral's elevation into an international shrine in 2022 underscores its significance not only to the Catholic Church in the Philippines but also to the Universal Church as well.

The Virgin of Antipolo is a towering figure not only in Philippine Church history but in the collective imagination of generations of Filipino pilgrims.  Her story of journey and survival parallels the migratory experiences of many Filipinos who are forced to leave their families in the Philippines in search of better opportunities abroad.  The Virgin of Antipolo journeys with them, and with the rest of her children, in their triumphs and failures, joys and sorrows, providing them consolation and accompaniment in their physical and spiritual voyages which only a real mother could provide.   

The annual feast of Our Lady of Good Voyage is observed every first Tuesday of May.

Nuestra Senora de los Desamparados (Our Lady of the Abandoned) - Marikina City

The devotion to Our Lady of the Abandoned traces its roots in the late 17th century when Augustinian missionaries established a parish in the area. The image of Our Lady of the Abandoned, inspired by the original image in Valencia, Spain, was first brought to the Philippines by Fr. Vicente Ingles, OFM in 1717 but no records could be found as to how the image reached Marikina.  The original image was destroyed during the Philippine-American War in 1898 hence, a new image was crafted in 1902, which continues to be venerated today. 

Enshrined at the Diocesan Shrine and Parish of Our Lady of the Abandoned in Marikina City, this image of the Blessed Mother embodies compassion for the marginalized.  Our Lady draws hearts to the forgotten, urging compassion and solidarity with people in the peripheries - the neglected, the forgotten and the abandoned.  The Blessed Mother beckons her children to look after the last, the lost and the least, so they too may experience the love and mercy of God. 

The title "Our Lady of the Abandoned" resonates deeply in a society where many feel neglected or marginalized.  Devotees find solace in Mary's embrace, believing she intercedes for those who society overlooks.  The annual feast day draws crowds who seek her maternal care, reinforcing the community's commitment to social justice and charity. 

The Marikina image was canonically crowned on October 23, 2005, becoming the second in the diocese to receive such a distinction.

In 2003, the city government declared Our Lady of the Abandoned as the official patroness of Marikina, acknowledging her as the "Pintakasi ng Bayan ng Marikina."

The feast of Our Lady of the Abandoned is observed every May 12.

Nuestra Senora de Aranzazu (Our Lady of Aranzazu) - San Mateo, Rizal

The devotion to Our Lady of Aranzazu (Birhen ng San Mateo) in San Mateo, Rizal began in 1705 when a Jesuit priest, Fr. Juan de Echazabal, introduced it to the people of San Mateo.  This devotion replaced St. Matthew as the town's patron, reflecting a significant spiritual shift.  The image, brought by a Spanish captain from the Basque region of Spain, portrays the Virgin Mary, dressed in royal regalia,  standing on a thorn bush, holding the child Jesus on one hand, and an apple on the other, symbolizing her role as the "New Eve".

Over the centuries, the faithful have attributed numerous miracles to Our Lady's intercession, including protection from floods and healing from illnesses.

Recognizing the deep-rooted devotion that has spread around the cult of our Lady of Aranzazu, the Catholic Church elevated the parish to a diocesan shrine in 2004 and further to a national shrine in 2025.  The pinnacle of these recognitions came on May 31, 2017, when Pope Francis granted a canonical coronation to the image, in a ceremony officiated by Cardinal Orlando Quevedo.

The feast of Our Lady of Aranzazu is observed every September 9.

Nuestra Senora de la Lumen (Our Lady of Light) - Cainta, Rizal

The devotion to Our Lady of Light in Cainta, Rizal is a profound testament to the enduring faith of the community.  Introduced by Jesuit missionaries in 1727, the original painting of the Madonna del Lume from Italy was enshrined in the Cainta Church, replacing St. Andrew the Apostle as the principal patron of the town.  

The original painting was destroyed during the Filipino  - American War of 1899 when the church was set into fire.   In the 1950's, renowned Filipino artist Fernando Amorsolo was commissioned to recreate the image, capturing the Virgin's serene and luminous presence.  This painting became the centerpiece of the devotion, drawing countless faithful to her shrine in Cainta.  The solemn coronation ceremony of Our Lady of Light took place on December 1, 2018, coinciding with the church's elevation into a diocesan shrine.  

Mary as the "light," serves as a guide for the faithful, illuminating their path through darkness and uncertainty.  Her devotees turn to her for clarity and direction, especially in moral and spiritual dilemmas.  The annual festivities are marked by processions and novenas, emphasizing the community's reliance on her guidance. 

The feast of Our Lady of Light is celebrated annually on December 1.

Nuestra Senora del Santo Rosario (Our Lady of the Holy Rosary) - Cardona, Rizal

The devotion to Our Lady of the Holy Rosary venerated in Cardona, Rizal has a long history that began with the establishment of a visita by Franciscan missionaries coming from Morong in 1608.  In 1872, the visita of Cardona was eventually made into a regular parish.  It is said that when Cardona was still a sitio of Morong, there was an image of Our Lady kept in the  parish church which would at times mysteriously disappear and each time the image re-appears in the church, caretakers would always find amorseco, a grass weed that grows abundantly in the area known as Sapao, on the image.  They concluded that the Virgin herself has chosen where her image is to be enshrined.

Known locally as "La Virgen de Sapao", the image is housed in the Diocesan Shrine of Our Lady of the Holy Rosary in Cardona.  Numerous stories of miracles attributed through the intercession of the Virgin of the Holy Rosary of Sapao over the years had been passed down to generations of devotees, and devotion to the Virgin continued to flourish that on October 1, 2017, the parish was elevated to the status of a diocesan shrine.   

The image was canonically crowned in 2021, acknowledging its historical and spiritual significance.

The rosary as a meditative prayer, is central to this devotion.  Mary, through the rosary, becomes a companion in contemplating the mysteries of Christ's life.  Devotees often gather for communal rosary prayers, finding unity and strength in collective meditation.  The image serves as a focal point for promoting the rosary as a tool for spiritual growth and community cohesion.

The annual celebration of the feast day of Our Lady of the Holy Rosary is every October 7.

Nuestra Senora de Fatima (Our Lady of Fatima) - Marikina City

The image of Our Lady of Fatima de Marikina, enshrined in the Diocesan Shrine and Parish of St. Paul of the Cross, was canonically crowned on May 12, 2024 by Antipolo Bishop, Most Reverend Ruperto C. Santos.  This devotion, rooted in the Marian apparitions in Fatima, Portugal, emphasizes prayer, penance and conversion.

The Vatican's Dicastery for Divine Worship and the Discipline of the Sacraments through its Archbishop Secretary Vittorio Francesco Viola, OFM, in the name of His Holiness Pope Francis granted the Decree of the Canonical Coronation of Our Lady of Fatima in Marikina City on January 24, 2024.

In a rapidly modernizing society, the message of Fatima remains relevant, calling the faithful to spiritual vigilance and moral responsibility.  The image inspires devotees to engage in acts of reparation and to pray for peace, both personal and global.  The community's active participation in First Saturday devotions and rosary rallies reflects a deep commitment to Mary's call at Fatima.

Nuestra Senora de la Anunciata (Our Lady of the Annunciation) - Boso-boso, Antipolo City

Nestled in the quiet hills of Antipolo, lies the centuries old Boso-boso Church, home to the revered image of Nuestra Senora de la Anunciata.

The history of the devotion dates back to the Spanish colonial times.  In 1595 the Franciscans started constructing the church serving the Dumagats.  Over the years, despite the ravages of time, earthquakes, fires and even wars, the veneration never waned. 

The church was destroyed by fire in 1899 and was abandoned for a period.  It was eventually restored by the Camillian Fathers in 1986 who also worked to revive the devotion in the area.

In 2024, the image of Nuestra Senora de Anunciata was presented to the Basilica of the Annunciation in Nazareth, Israel as part of a spiritual twinning between the two churches. This spiritual twinning permanently links the Anunciata Church to the holy site in Israel, where according to tradition, the Angel Gabriel appeared  to Mary and announced that she would conceive the Son of God.

The image of Nuestra Senora de lá Anunciata to be canonically crowned on May 25, 2025 stands as a powerful symbol of docility and openness to the greater will of God.  

The image, often depicted in serene humility at the moment of the Annunciation reflects a quiet yet profound trust in God's will. Her shrine in Boso-boso is a source of refuge for people seeking solace.  Nuestra Senora de la Anunciata  continues to journey with her children, whispering the same words of hope that changed the world: "Let it be done to me according to your word." 

Walking and Growing with Mary

The seven canonically crowned Marian images in the Diocese of Antipolo represent more than historical artifacts or beautiful icons; they are living symbols of a people's unwavering faith, hope and love.  Each image while unique in title, form and origin, speaks of the same profound truth:  that the Blessed Virgin Mary, the Mother of God and of the Church, remains intimately involved in the lives and affairs of her children.  Through their shared veneration, these seven Marian devotions weave together a rich tapestry of Filipino Catholic Marian spirituality.

Each coronation acknowledges countless untold stories of answered prayers, of mothers worrying about their children, of students praying to pass their exams, of workers searching for a better job, of families seeking for reconciliation and forgiveness, of sick people asking for cure and healing.  

In honoring Mary under these seven titles, the faithful of the Diocese of Antipolo honors not just tradition, but transformation.  These images inspire not only adoration but action.  They call the faithful to be vessels of peace, mercy light, and love in the world.  They remind us that while Mary may be crowned in heaven, her heart remains with her children - walking with them, guiding and leading them to her Son, and drawing them ever closer to the mystery of divine love.  

In Mary's many faces, we see the face of God made motherly, merciful, and near.  And in venerating her, we are led deeper into the life of Christ, and into the heart of the Church.   

Through each coronation, the Church reaffirms what the faithful already believe:  Mary walks with her people, intercedes for them, and leads them closer to her Son.

References:

Congregation for Divine Worship and the Discipline of the Sacraments.  Order of Crowing an Image of the Blessed Virgin Mary. Vatican City, 1981. 

Vatican News.  "The Canonical Coronation: A Rite of Marian Devotion".  Accessed April 2025.  https://www.vaticannews.va

CBCP News. "Understanding the Canonical Coronation of Mary".  Accessed April 2025.

Gorry, Grzegorz.  Miraculous Icons of the Virgin Mary:  A Guide to the Canonically Crowned Images. Ignatius Press, 2018j.  

History of Our Lady of the Abandoned.  Accessed April 2025. https://www.olamarikina.com.ph/the-patroness  

Our Lady of Aranzazu.  Accessed April 2025 .https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Our_Lady_of_Aranzazu#:~:text=The%20history%20of%20the%20Nuestra,of%20the%20town%20from%20St. 

Our Lady of the Rosary, Cardona, Rizal,  Accessed April 2025. https://www.rizalprovince.ph/pages/tourism-churches.html

Photos:  Not mine.  CTTO.