Are you a Marian devotee and love to travel to visit different parishes affiliated to Mary? I’d like to introduce you to a devotion that you can start at any moment, and which can have powerful effects on both your unique and irreplaceable soul.
The Philippines is home to some of the most beautiful churches in Asia possessing remarkable architecture that crosses several periods and styles from Romanesque to Gothic, also containing unification of Spanish, Filipino, Chinese and even Muslim influences.
Our Lady of Candles, also known as Nuestra Senora de la la Purification y Candelaria, is a Marian title portrayed by a 19th century Roman Catholic limestone image of the Blessed Virgin Mary venerated by Filipino Roman Catholics in Western Visayas Region. The statue of the Blessed Virgin is carrying a candle and is locally known as the patroness of Jaro, Iloilo. It is enshrined in the Jaro Cathedral, named the National Shrine of our Lady of Candles, over the balcony-façade of the church which is reachable by balcony stairs outside the church.
According to Filipino folklore, the statue first appeared in 1587, where a group of fisherman found the statue floating in the Iloilo river yet could not lift it due to its heavy weight. But when the fisherman decided to bring it to Jaro , the image became manageable to carry. The statue of the Virgin Mary and baby Jesus had been recorded to grow in size through the ages. The statue was placed at a small place near the apex of the church but was relocated after it grew so large. It was the first and only Marian statue personally crowned by St. Pope John Paul II during his visit to Iloilo.
During the 2nd day of February, thousands of devotees gather to attend mass and celebrate the feast of Nuestra Senora de Candelaria. The parish sells a “perdon” candles which you can light and offer prayer intentions and requests for your family, friends, etc.
In front of the cathedral stands a bell tower, Jaro Belfry, also known as Campanario de Jaro. It was made of bricks and limestone blocks. Located in Jaro Plaza, one of the most beautiful plazas on Panay Island, featuring an arch, hedges, bandstand, trees, bushes that added to its appeal, and speakers in the ground all over the area where you can sit on benches while listening to instrumental music that can help or reduce stress.
For centuries, devotee’s faith grew stronger as the years pass by. The Virgin in turns showers numerous graces, miracles, granting petitions, and giving protection to the people of Iloilo and the whole Western Visayas.
Moreover, the statue of the Virgin and his son continue to increase in size hitherto, which is a miracle. How often do we ask for miracles? And how far will we go to see another miracle?
God bless you on your next journey.
Villa Escudero