Our Lady of Manaoag, The Miraculous

By Ericka Danielle Bantiling

Back in the year 2007 and when my mom was still young, she went to the Church of Our Lady of Manaoag and came home with a statuette that’s a replica of her. She told me that she went there to pray for a baby, and I guess that’s the reason why I’m in this world right now. Quite a small object, she stands at about 7 inches tall. Her weight isn’t that heavy, considering she’s made out of Plaster of Paris (quick-setting gypsum plaster consisting of a fine white powder that hardens when moistened and allowed to dry). Just because she has a small figure, her distinct designs and features are still eye-catching.

Who is Our Lady of Manaoag and what is her significance? Our Lady of Manaoag is the patroness of the sick, helpless, and impoverished. Her statue is a 17th-century ivory image of the Blessed Virgin Mary holding The Child Jesus. Padre Juan de San Jacinto brought it to the Philippines from Spain via the Manila galleon trade (Spanish trading ships) from Acapulco, Mexico. Besides that, the statue of Our Lady of Manaoag is considered priceless not only for the significant identity it brings to the province of Pangasinan but also for its glittering crown. Many criminal efforts have been made to break into the Manaoag Shrine. This is also because the Manaoag Shrine owns several golden crowns and halos that were presented by both Filipinos and foreign visitors. In addition, a large collection of perfumes is on exhibit in the Manaoag museum, from which donations from devotees all over the world are presented as gifts to Our Lady of Manaoag.

As she is a treasured image to everyone, she also had a contribution to why the town “Manaoag” is the way it is today. Her first appearance is also something remembered by everyone for how remarkable it is. Well, it all started when a farmer was walking home when he heard a woman's mysterious voice; according to documented accounts dating back to 1610. He looked around and saw the radiant Virgin Mary standing in a cloud veiling a treetop, holding a rosary in her right hand and the child Jesus in her left. The man got down on his knees in front of the apparition, who told him where she wanted her church to be built. He immediately informed others of what he had witnessed, and a church was soon built on the site where the lady appeared. A town called "Manaoag" quickly grew up around it. And that’s how the popular town, Manaoag originated and how Our Lady of Manaoag first appeared.

The statue of Our Lady of Manaoag has also been through a lot. Previously during the Spanish colonization, the village of Manaoag was attacked by animist mountain tribes who set fire to the buildings with flaming arrows. The city was set ablaze. The church, with its thatched roof, was the people's last refuge. The tribe’s leader, however, clambered over the fence and threw lighted arrows at every area of the church. However, not a single flame ignited it. Another event that took place in 1898, the church was burned down by revolutionaries. But miraculously, the image escaped destruction because it had been abandoned in a storage room behind the church. Similarly, during World War II, the Japanese forces threw several bombs on the top of the Manaoag shrine. A bomb fell through the roof and landed on the sanctuary, miraculously not exploding. Many Filipinos were killed in the war, but the church escaped unharmed.

The silvery and ivory image of Our Lady of Manaoag was not only significant from the 17th century but until now because she serves as a reminder of hope in times of distress. Ultimately, her statue is a miracle in and of itself. Her miraculous abilities have resulted in numerous notable events, such as the founding of the town "Manaoag" and serving as the patroness of the sick, defenseless, and needy. Above all, becoming a positive role model for others. Many people come from all over the world for a variety of reasons, including heartfelt prayers for a healthy life, a safe voyage, or improved wealth. To conclude, the statue of Our Lady of Manaoag is a timeless artifact that will continue to serve for many years to come.