Every second Sunday of October, there is a procession being held in Santo Domingo Parish in Quezon City. It is the procession in celebration of the Feast of Our Lady of the Holy Rosary of La Naval or most commonly known as “Our Lady of La Naval” and “Nuestra Señora de la Naval“.
So who is Our Lady of La Naval?
The image of La Naval is one of the famous images of Mary in the country. It means “native virgin“.
The Spanish troops had only two ships to defend the islands against the 18 galleons and other small vessels sent by the Dutch forces. It was a most desperate moment and the Spaniards sought the help of God through the Blessed Virgin Mary.
The Spaniards won and attributed the victory to the Our Lady of the Holy Rosary which was then enshrined in the Church of Santo Domingo in Intramuros, Manila. From then on, Filipinos especially those living in Manila celebrate her feast every second Sunday of October. Our Lady of the Holy Rosary of La Naval has been declared the patroness of the Philippine Navy. — Manila Bulletin
The beautiful image was presented to the Manilla Dominicans and enshrined in the old Sto. Domingo Church by the Pasig. The image is about 4’8″ tall and is made of hard-wood, with ivory face and hands. Over three centuries have mellowed the ivory to a delicate brown. The Oriental- Filipina face is almond-shaped, with high-set cheekbones and slanting eyes. The image is dressed as a royal lady of the palace of King Philip of Spain. On her left arm, she holds her beloved Holy Child Jesus. With her right arm, she holds a royal scepter and staff and her Rosary. The statue is covered with jewels, tributes from her throngs of devotees through the ages. Each jewel has its own story. The halo issurrounded by 24 stars, and she wears a queenly crown. — Holy Spirit Interactive
Two years ago, I started to join the procession because of my friends. I always attend the procession in our Parish since it’s a mandatory thing to do because my lola has the statue of Mary Magdalene and it is always included in the procession during the Holy Week. That’s the only procession I’m attending to regularly. So this La Naval procession would be a new one in my list.
It is a different experience from the procession I’m used to. Yes, it both means walking a few kilometers and praying the rosary. However, the statues are different. I think La Naval procession uses 20 statues for the event. Last 2009, it was not raining unlike this year that’s why I have better pictures back then.
The procession this year started late, around 4.30pm because of the heavy rains. I thought that it would be postponed but they still continued the procession. One devotee, a man in his late 40’s I guess was beside me and was murmuring something. Since being the friendly person that I am, I started a conversation and mentioned about the weather. Little did I know, he was already reminiscing memories of his childhood. He was a devotee since a child and he remembers that even before, every La Naval procession, heavy rains was the challenge to the devotees. He said, “sinusubukan tayo ng mahal na Ina..”. And then I knew that rain or shine, the event will push through. I wasn’t able to join last year’s procession since I’m off to Australia for my business trip that’s why I’m not sure if it rained or not that time.
The rain kept on pouring until the 2nd to the last statue was being taken out: San Jose (St. Joseph). However, when the Lady of La Naval was moving out, the rain suddenly stopped and the sky was cleared of rain clouds. It was just amazing.
I joined the crowd walking behind the Lady. But I hurried and looked for my friend priest who was on the line before the Lady’s statue. Luckily I brought my own rosary guide and candle. I normally depend on my friend Faith for this. Haha!
As it goes nearer the Church, only the priests are allowed to go inside the gate. The devotees are asked to move and enter the other gates. I went on the right side of the Church since that’s where we usually station after the procession. The lifting of the Lady of La Naval is the most awaited moment after the procession. There were rose confetti from above while the statue of Our Lady of La Naval approaches the altar. Everyone is waving their hankies to give respect and say their personal intentions. We were all shouting “Viva Maria!” during that time.
It was a tiring and stressful day since the weather is not good. Fortunately, the grace and the energy of the devotees to Our Lady made all the walking worth it. I know I am blessed joining the procession and I hope I can manage to continue to join the celebration in the next years to come.
Leave a Reply