By: Nicole Llanderal
Photo courtesy: William Tulagan /The LANCE
In preparation for the 25th Pontifical Coronation Anniversary of Nuestra Señora de la Consolación y Correa, the Pilgrim and Venerated Image of Our Lady of Consolation and Cincture visited Colegio de San Juan de Letran-Manila last August 27 to September 1 through Dalaw Consuelo.
Dalaw Consuelo is much more than a visit. The Our Lady of Consolation and Cincture signifies “console and belt”, a symbol rooted in Augustinian tradition where Mama Mary gave a belt to St. Monica, mother of St. Augustine, as a pledge of comfort and maternal care.
As Instructor John Christian Gucon from the Office of Religious Affairs Campus Ministry explains, “In spanish, ang tawag nila sa Our Lady of Consolation is Nuestra Señora de la Consolacion y Correa so dineclare ang Our Lady of Consolation as beloved Patroness of Intramuros.”
The event was enlivened with songs and dances as a tribute to Mary, expressing the Letranites’ gratitude for her comforting presence. Dalaw Consuelo was orchestrated by the Religious Affairs Division and Campus Ministry with the help of Letran Youth for Christ, Department of Student Affairs, Letran Band, and Letran Filipiniana Dance Company. Participants of the event included Basic Education and Senior High School students.
“Ang Colegio as the only Catholic school in Intramuros is honored to partake in this occasion so we welcomed the Pilgrim and Venerated Image of Our Lady of Consolation in giving our institution [the] mission to promote quality and catholic education, and actually to nurture and to promote a profound devotion to the Blessed Virgin Mary,” Inst. Gucon emphasized.
Deepening Faith Through Mary’s Visit
Alexis Eugene Melancio, a 2nd year Education Major in English student and instrumentalist for Letran Youth for Christ (LYC) , shared his excitement and sense of responsibility being an altar server during the Dalaw Consuelo.
“As a Marian devotee, sa sarili ko ang pagiging devotee kay Mama Mary is very important kasi through her naniniwala tayo na dinadala niya sa anak niya ‘yung ating mga panalangin,” he said.
Alexis also highlighted how Dalaw Consuelo represents tangible faith and devotion within Letran, “A solid proof the faith exists here, the faith is there and will never fade away.”
Alexis Victoria Peraltra, a 4th year Legal Management student and president of the Letran Youth for Christ (LYC), reflected on how the devotion influenced her in balancing academics and spiritual service. She also expressed hope that future celebrations will invite the college department for a fuller embrace of devotion to Mary.
Inst. Gucon sums up the spiritual impact beautifully: “‘Yung pagiging Christ-centered, magiging Christ-centered ka lang if you really know His mother. It deepens my devotion not only to the Blessed Virgin Mary but it deepens my relationship in Jesus Christ. Sabi nga in Latin maxim, ‘Ad Jesum per Mariam’ — to Jesus through Mary.”
Overcoming Challenges with Faith and Teamwork
Organizing Dalaw Consuelo was not without hurdles. Unpredictable weather forced a rescheduling while logistical challenges such as communication about the route and timing arose during the event.
“The original plan was that the image should be going to the back gate so parang grand entrance ‘yung mangyayari but since to extreme heat, kami ‘yung mga nasa religious ministry Letran Youth for Christ and Sir JC nag-decide na doon nalang sa harapan,” Alexis Melancio recalled.
On the other hand, Alexis Peralta described the difficulty in gathering altar servers and volunteers on a weekday, especially with some needing excused absences from classes. “Through the help of Mama Mary and through the intercession of the Holy Spirit, kahit na konti lang kami nakaya naman siya and I think yung pinaka solution dito is yung teamwork talaga na hindi pwedeng may mag-iinarte kailangan pag sinabing buhat — buhat,“ she said.
A Vision for the Future
“I hope it will become a tradition. There will be an annual visit of Our Lady of Consolation here in the Colegio as part of our affiliation in San Agustin Parish, siguro dun mas maaano natin yung linkages — matutulungan tayo in terms of pastoral and spiritual formation of our students,” Inst. Gucon envisions.
Dalaw Consuelo is a beautiful reminder that Marian devotion is alive and well in the hearts of Letranites. It serves as a beacon that connects tradition, culture, and faith — inspiring Letranites to walk the path “to Jesus through Mary,” carrying forward the legacy of comfort and consolation that Our Lady of Consolation promises.