Photo: William Tulagan /The LANCE
Devotees gathered at the Santo Domingo Church in Quezon City on Sunday, Oct. 12, for the annual Feast of Our Lady of La Naval de Manila, celebrated this year under the theme “Mary: Bearer of Hope”. Among the highlights was the participation of the Letran Community, who accompanied the carrozza of St. Vincent Liem de la Paz, a revered alumnus of the Colegio, during the Grand Procession.
The celebration began with a La Naval Mass on Thursday, Oct. 9, presided by Rev. Fr. Raymund Fernando P. Jose, O.P.
The devotion to La Naval de Manila began in 1646, when the image was brought to the Philippines by the Spanish Dominicans. The Nuestra Señora del Santísimo Rosario, La Naval de Manila is venerated as the patroness of the Philippines as she is recognized for protection and victory in the country's faith and hope.
In line with the Jubilee Year of Hope, this year's festivities marked the 379th fiesta celebration. This also marks the third celebration since the diocese of Cubao declared the second Sunday of October as the Solemnity of Our Lady of La Naval.
Novena Mass
Students, faculty members, employees, administrative heads, and alumni joined the La Naval Mass on Thursday, Oct. 9, presided by Rev. Fr. Raymund Fernando P. Jose, OP.
In his homily, Rev. Fr. Jose recalls the story of Zechariah and Elizabeth, whose prayers were answered by God in His perfect time, reminding everyone to trust in the Lord's plan.
“Anuman ang pinagdadaanan nating komunidad, may pag-asa dahil kasama natin si Maria sa pagsubok natin sa ating buhay,” Fr. Jose said.
He connected this message to the year’s theme, highlighting that despite the trials people face, whether natural disasters that recently happened and corruption, there remains hope because Mary, our mother, is with us.
Grand Procession
Following the Grand Procession on Oct. 12, a white ribbon was seen tied to the scepter of Our Lady of La Naval de Manila, symbolizing purity and hope.
Meanwhile, many devotees who joined the procession wore white as they carried lit candles, following the call of Cardinal Pablo Virgilio David, President of the Catholic Bishops’ Conference of the Philippines (CBCP), who urged prayers for the renewal of the country as it faces corruption issues and recent natural disasters.
“Let our white garments be a symbol of the purity we seek for our land and our hearts. May this season of prayer and repentance lead us hope, healing, and the restoration of our common life in truth and justice,” Cardinal said.
For many devotees, attending the La Naval festivities has become both tradition and testimony of faith.
In an interview with The LANCE, Stephen Gabriel Ortiz, a first year Philosophy seminarian from UST Seminary (Diocese of Cubao), shared that the celebration is a meaningful way to express love and gratitude to the Blessed Mother.
“For me, the celebration is very important because it's our way of saying thank you to our Celestial Mother for all the graces we've received,” Ortiz said.
Ortiz added that this year marks his third time joining the procession, though his devotion began in childhood when his mother brought him to the festivities.
Patrick Romero, a Letran alumnus and former The LANCE multimedia editor, said that his participation in the festivities has become a personal vow of thanksgiving.
“Nagawa ko na siyang parang panata, na kapag pupunta ako rito, may dala-dala akong dalangin [at] pasasalamat.”
Romero has been covering the event since 2014, and attending since 2007, a tradition first introduced to him by his mother and grandmother.
Both Ortiz and Romero agreed that Mary stands as a beacon of hope, guiding light who brings comfort, perseverance, and faith to the life of devotees.
The Feast of Our Lady of La Naval de Manila remains one of the country’s most enduring expressions of faith, drawing thousands of devotees each year to honor the Blessed Mother.
As the celebration concluded, church leaders reminded the faithful to continue embodying the message of hope and renewal, carrying the spirit of La Naval beyond the walls of Santo Domingo Church and into their daily lives.