Pintakasi ng Aming Bayan: An Introduction

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The Iconic Procession of the Quiapo, Manila's Black Nazarene

Pintakasi, a Tagalog word that is used to refer to someone who intercedes or mediates between God and the people. Pintakasi is commonly associated to a patron saint who mediates, intercede or plead your case to God on behalf of the people. The people of a specific city, town, barrio or baranggay has its own Pintakasi where they can succor to in times of need; whether a personal need or the need of the entire populace and once granted, the people will hold fiestas, annually or twice, even seven times a year in thanksgiving to God through the intercession of the town's Pintakasi.

An accurate depiction of the First Mass in Limasawa of 1521
contrary to its popular depiction
Christianity in the Philippines was introduced by Spanish missionaries and colonists, who arrived in waves beginning in the early 16th century in Cebu in 1521 (thru the expedition of Ferdinand Magellan that was abruptly ended with the Battle of Mactan) and in 1565 (thru the triumphant conquest of Miguel Lopez de Legazpi that lasted for almost four centuries). With the arrival of the Missionary Friars of different Orders, from the Augustinians, Franciscans, Dominicans, Augustinian Recollects, Hospitalliers, Franciscan Cappuchins, Benedictines, Vincentians and other orders, the Missionary zeal of Evangelizing the Filipinos was a remarkable success through their tireless efforts on this Herculean task.

A distinction that Filipino Catholics are best known is that Filipinos are very Marian. Filipinos are very close to the Blessed Virgin Mary that in fact many women are named after her from "Maria" and other names that are associated with the Mother of God. She has a fair share of festivities and cultural impact all over the country that solidifies our distinction as the "Pueblo Amante de Maria" (The People in love with Mary). Her Patronage is so powerful that she became the Principal Patroness of the Philippines (as the Immaculate Conception), the Celestial Patroness of the country (as Our Lady of Guadalupe), the Queen and Protectress of the Philippines (as Nuestra Senora del Santisimo Rosario de La Naval de Manila) and the Beacon of Light of the Philippines [Luz de Filipinas] (as Nuestra Senora de la Soledad de Porta Vaga).
The Grand Procession of Nuestra Senora del
 Santisimo Rosario de La Naval de Manila

The Philippines has shown a strong devotion to Mary, evidenced by her patronage of various towns and locales nationwide. Particularly, there are pilgrimage sites where each town has created their own versions of Mary. With miracle stories and the devotional culture that surrounds a certain venerated Marian image, Filipino Catholics have created localized images that became the focal point of popular devotions to which have been recognized by various Popes through Canonical Coronation of these images.

Catholic holy days, such as Christmas, Good Friday, etc. are observed as national holidays, with local saints' days being observed as holidays in different towns and cities. The Hispanic-influenced custom of holding fiestas in honour of patron saints have become an integral part of Filipino culture, as it allows for communal celebration as well as serving as a time marker for the year. A nationwide fiesta occurs every third Sunday of January, on the country-specific Feast of the Santo Niño de Cebú. The largest celebrations are the Sinulog Festival in Cebu City, the Ati-Atihan in Kalibo, Aklan and the Dinagyang in Iloilo City (which is instead held on the fourth Sunday of January).

Solemn Procession of Sto. Nino de Cebu
Now, why this blog was conceptualized in the first place?

This blog was conceptualized to introduce and re-introduce our Patrons, our Pinatakasis , well known, lesser known and the forgotten ones, so that not only to propagate their devotion, but also to see why they celebrate such festivity with pomp and grandeur and how the Pintakasi became integral to the lives of the people, particularly to its loyal devotees. The blog also will feature some devotional practices that are commended by the Church for centuries that us Filipino Catholics must practice as our guide in our spiritual life, some analysis of some popular devotions in the country and lives of Filipino and honorary Filipino saints and saints to be so that the faithful will be aware of their lives who lived "in odor of sanctity" and ask for their intercession, especially to those who are in the process of beatification and canonization so that one day, they will be exalted to the altars and venerated by many.

May this blog may be our guide to our rich Catholic faith through a glimpse of history, culture, and piety that make us the predominantly Catholic country in Asia.

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