Nuestra Señora de la Soledad de San Isidro - The Journey of Nueva Ecija's Lady in Solitude

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Nuestra Señora de la Soledad de San Isidro
In the quiet yet histotic town of San Isidro in the province of Nueva Ecija, where it known locally for its participation in the Philippine Revolution of 1869, the Marian devotion of the town is evident because of the miracles wrought by its patroness, Nuestra Señora de la Soledad de San Isidro - the Patroness of the town. The Virgin's story is that of a wonder of its own from her mysterious arrival, her loss for decades, her recovery and rising popularity in the town.

 The image

The image of the miraculous patroness of the town of San Isidro is that of a 19th century work, depicting the grieving Blessed Virgin Mary in her solitude after the Crucifixion and death of her Son Jesus. The images was painted on wood, enclosed in an ornate solid-silver frame. It is  Mary e from the instruments of torture, the painting is embellished by gold and silver appliques – the Holy Spirit, angels, virgin’s golden rostrillo, her cloak with its silver lining and metal stars, silver boat-like pillow, a letter “V” and a galleon.

Nuestra Señora de la Soledad de San Isidro
Photo by Mr. Glenn Inocenc
The elaborate silver frame done in baroque, depict vines, leaves and flowers. Within this frame is a faded, crimson velvet background with silver miniatures of an empty cross, two ladders, nails and hammer. Also shown are an angel holding a chalice, Veronica’s veil with 3 faces of Christ, a reed, a man in priestly robes, a spear, a pitcher (Pilate), a rooster and key (St. Peter), a pillar (scourging), a sponge on a pole, and eyes (probably an ex-voto given in thanksgiving for restored sight.)

The early history

The origins of the icon of the virgin of Solitude is unknown due to the lack of records available as of this writing. However , the icon has occupied a niche above a side altar of the town church since time immemorial as recalled by its locals . The icon was feasted every May 15 and she was honored in a fluvial procession on the Rio Grande de Pampanga. This tradition was held from the mid-19th century till the 1920s.

San Isidro Parish, San Isidro, Nueva Ecija
The disappearance

In 1982, the image mysteriously vanished. It was thought to have been stolen but no police records exists to support this. Sometime after its disappearance, the image found its way to an antique dealer in Manila and was purchased by a private individual. Upon hearing rumors of a missing icon venerated in Central Luzon, the buyer confronted the antique shop owner who insisted that it was taken to the shop legitimately. The owner kept the icon but informed some of his friends including Mr. Jaime Laya, a well known antique collector, of its story.

In October 2002, Mr. Laya had a business meeting with Arch. Cristina Turalba who mentioned a project in San Isidro. Remembering the icon, he asked her if she knew anything about the town’s patron. Arch. Turalba also researched on the patron and upon further inquiries, it was confirmed by Mayor Sonia R. Lorenzo that their “patrona” has been missing.

The identification and return

Further inquiries was gathered and one of the most important testimony comes from an old sacristan of the church by the name of Ruperto Flores provided the icon’s description. Mang Ruping's detailed description was similar to that of Mr. Laya's find that upon careful inspection, the description matches to the buyer's icon. On confirming the image's origin, the owner immediately offered its unconditional return. He prefers to remain anonymous, saying only that he hopes the image will receive better security and care, and that he hopes traffic in ecclesiastical objects will cease.

On November 27, 2002, the image was brought to the Holy Family Church at Roxas District, Quezon City, where the son of San Isidro's devoted sacristan Mang Ruping; retired Monsignor Jose E. Flores served many years as parish priest. And on December 5, 2002, the people fetched the image and bring it back in triumph to its long empty place of honor in the church and in the hearts of the people of San Isidro. After almost 20 years, Nuestra Señora de la Soledad is again venerated in San Isidro Labrador Church

The devotion

 Upon the return of the Virgin to her altar in San Isidro in Nueva Ecija, the devotion to the Virgin rekindled with much fervor. The devotees once again celebrated her feast day with much joy after a long period of absence. As for the security of the venerated icon, numerous security measures were utilized so that she will be protected and to avoid her loss once again. As of this writing, pilgrims from all over Nueva Ecija and other parts of the country flock the parish to venerate the Virgin and ask for her help in times of their need and despair.

References:

Laya, Jaime (2002), "Home is our Lady", Retreived on September 14, 2017 from http://www.philstar.com/sunday-life/186158/home-our-lady.
Laya, Jaime (2002), "Nuestra Senora de la Soledad" [leaflet], Parish of San Isidro Labrador, San Isidro, Nueva Ecija.

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