This is the 52nd image of Our Lady to receive a pontifical coronation in the Philippines and the 22nd Marian image to receive such a privilege during Pope Francis’ pontificate.
Newsroom (04/27/2022 16:45, Gaudium Press) The image of Our Lady of the Immaculate Conception, consecrated in her minor basilica in the city of Batangas, located south of Manila in the Philippines, has received authorization from the Vatican to be canonically crowned.
Decree of the Congregation for Divine Worship and Discipline of the Sacraments
The decree from the Congregation of Divine Worship and Discipline of the Sacraments granting the image a pontifical coronation was received last week and the announcement was made during the Holy Mass of the enthronement of the image of the Holy Child of Batangan.
Vittorio Francesco Viola, secretary of the Congregation, expressed in an attached letter his hope that the coronation will further strengthen the devotion of the faithful to the Blessed Mother: “The Congregation is confident that the canonical coronation will contribute to deepening devotion to the Mother of God, which in turn will help the faithful in their spiritual growth,” he said.
Shrine and Minor Basilica
The image of the Immaculate Conception, also known as ‘La Batangueña’ is the titular patroness of the parish of the city of Batangas, founded in 1578. On December 8, 2018, during the Solemnity of the Immaculate Conception, the image received the episcopal coronation by local Archbishop Gilbert Garcera de Lipa.
The parish church, meanwhile, completed in 1857, is the second in the Philippines, after the Basilica of San Sebastian in Manila, to receive the title of Minor Basilica. On January 16 of this year 2022, it also received the status of Archdiocesan Shrine. (EPC)
Compiled by Dominic Joseph
