By: Maverick Rhoy De Vera
Photo by: Maverick Rhoy De Vera ./The LANCE
The grand festivities of Nuestra Señora del Santísimo Rosario, La Naval de Manila, have once again commenced in solemn splendor.
The celebration began with the recitation of the Holy Rosary on Thursday, October 5, 2025. This was followed by the traditional procession of the sacred image from the camarin (cloister) to her baldacchino (votive altar), a moment rich with devotion and symbolism.
The procession started with quiet reverence as the image of Nuestra Señora del Santísimo Rosario emerged from the camarin, solemnly escorted by the Dominican friars.
Clothed once again in her radiant “Salve Regina” set of vestments, the image evoked memories of the 2017 fiesta, when the ensemble was first unveiled to the faithful.
She entered through the side doors of the church and was placed at the center of the sanctuary, where it received the incensation from the shrine rector; Rev. Fr. Winston Cabading, O.P. Following this moment of veneration, the image was elevated to the baldacchino—the Queen’s altar.
This sacred space will be her throne throughout the month of October, a tradition honored annually during the festivities.
The Mass was then presided over by the rector of the shrine, and was concelebrated by the Dominican friars of Sto. Domingo also in attendance were the members of the laity from the Dominican Province of the Philippines.
In his homily, Fr. Cabading reflected on this year's fiesta theme, “Mary: Bearer of Hope,” saying:
“This year’s theme is Our Lady, Bearer of Hope. She bears Jesus, our hope, but she is also the sign of that hope na hinding-hindi tayo pababayaan ng Diyos. Whenever we pray the rosary, we connect ourselves not only to our Blessed Mother but to countless Filipinos of various ages and of various generations who entrusted themselves to the care of the Blessed Virgin Mary.”
The homily concluded with the wisdom from Fr. Cabading “We begin the La Naval festivities, we are filled with hope, we are driven by faith, and our hearts are filled with Love.“
Fr. Cabading also offered prayer intentions for the victims of the recent earthquake in Cebu, remembering those affected in prayer and in solidarity.