Philippine Shrines

The clergy was out in full force last night, 31 May, 2010 as a sign of devotion and reverence to Our Lady of Guadalupe in Makati. Festivities started early in the day as the entire community took pride in the fact that after only eight years, the church in honor of our Lady was declared a National Shrine. Archbishop Gaudencio Rosales led the ceremonies in the proclamation together with VP apparent Jejomar Binay ( who represented the local government sector) together with his son Mayor JunJun Binay of Makati City



Nuestra Senora de Guadalupe is arguably the oldest Marian image brought to the Philippines by the Spanish conquistadores. Dr. Jaime Laya reports that upon the arrival of the Spanish ships, Miguel Lopez de Legaspi made a treaty with the Rajah of Panay under a penant of our Lady. This was how she came to the Philippines to be venerated as the patroness of the archipelago.



The image of Nstra Senora de Guadalupe traces its origin to a hilly area in Mexico when She appeared to an Indian peasant Juan Diego. Juan was in awe of her and at the same time scared at her apparition. He listened to her instructions and yet was wary that noone would believe her. He actually avoided her a couple of times but her gentle voice drew him to where she was; and being the chosen one, he was powerless to resist. Upon her insistence Juan Diego went to see Bishop Zumarraga to deliver her message. Everyone was doubtful and yet they gave him a chance to prove his assertions.


Juan Diego came to our Lady on her next apparition and relayed how he was being asked for proof of her appearance to him. She instructed him to pick the flowers on the hillside and place them in his tilma (cloak). He did as he was told and when he came back to the Bishop to reveal his proof everyone was stunned! Not only were there roses of all sorts at the height of winter in Mexico, the Lady also revealed herself as a pregnant woman cloaked by the stars and arrayed in all her celestial glory. The image has survived the ravages of time and is in the new Bassilica right beside the old convento on Teppeyac Hill in Mexico City.



This is another addition to one of our numerous shrines where faith and religion are very evident in the Filipino way of life. Not far from Manila is the Emilio Aguinaldo shrine. It features an altogether different flavor: it's historical in nature. It features the home of one of our national heroes whose contribution to our history led to our democracy. Granted that he's a controversial figure, he is revered nonetheless for his bravery and open defiance of colonial rulers.



All it takes is around a half-hour's drive to get to Imus, Cavite from Manila via the coastal road. Leave early to avoid traffic jams along Roxas Boulevard. Adjacent to the Aguinaldo Shrine is the Mary Magdalene Church. The shrine is deidcated to the woman who was Jesus' close companion prior to His passion and death. It is rumored to have underlying tunnels that led from the Aguinaldo Mansion to the church to provide the rebel foces refuge when the Spanish troops were on the siege. Made of red brick, the church of Mary Magdalene exhibits Philippine baroque architecture with buttresses to protect it from earthquakes. The nave has a high ceiling of dark wood. The transcept has minor retablos in goldleaf on each side of the altar. The main altar has a retablo in gold leaf and featuring St. Mary of Magdala at its center niche. She is also displayed at the main pediment at the front of the church which is named after her.



It doesn't take a whole lot of time or distance to see interesting vignettes of our history. All it really needs is a short drive and a willingness to open one's eyes to the possibility that you can discover an intersting site just outside city limits.