Nuestra Senora del Pronto Socorro of Marinduque - The Protective Queen and Mother of Marinduque

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Nuestra Señora del Pronto Socorro
 de Marinduque
In the island province of Marinduque, located in the Southern Tagalog region is well known for its famed marble and its thriving industry, the unique Moriones festival held during Lent and the scenic view of the island itself.

For Marian devotees, when Marinduque  comes into mind, they will recall its beautiful and miraculous image of Nestra Señora del Pronto Socorro, or more popularly known as Nuestra Señora de Biglang Awa or Birhen ng Biglang Awa. The devotion to the Virgin of Biglang Awa became widely known and treasured in the islands that she became an integral part of the daily lives of Marinduqeños for centuries.

The image

The image of  Nuestra Senora del Pronto Socorro is in fact an image of the Blessed Virgin Mary as the Immaculate Conception. In this image, the virgin is standing on the moon with a cloud base, her hands clasped near her breast, her hair was lose and flowing graciously. One unique feature of the image is her sinitic eyes which is unique in the images of the Immaculate Conception in the country. Though the image is a full de tallado image, the Virgin is vested with beautifully made capes and wears a set of wigs and sports a crown and the diagnostic doce estrellas.

Nuestra Señora del Pronto Socorro
de Marinduque
The beginning of the devotion

Fray Estevan Ortiz, a Franciscan missionary planted the first cross on Marinduque island in 1579. A year later, the first visita, Monserrat de Marinduque (now Boac), was established with Fray Alonzo Banol as its minister. In 1613 the Franciscans ceded the administration of the island to the Archbishop of Manila, Miguel Garcia Serrano who then entrusted the island to the Society of Jesus. The Jesuits assumed the spiritual administration of the island in 1621.

In 1621, the Spanish Jesuit missionaries brought the three-foot Marian image to Boac from Mexico via Manila-Acapulco Galleon Trade. So began the people's devotion to the image of the Blessed Virgin Mary and from this point, she will begin to manifest her maternal protection to her chosen abode in the island province of Marinduque.

The Miracles

In the mid-17th century, a group of Muslims in the Philippines called the Moro people felt threatened by the actions of the ruling Spanish government. They challenged the government by launching attacks on coastal Christian towns. This resulted in a raid along the shores of Barangay Laylay, near the Boac River.
During the siege, the neighbourhood people fled in panic and took refuge in the fortress church of Boac, which is now called Immaculate Conception Cathedral. In the meantime, all able-bodied men defended the outer walls of the church fortress against the attacks. Many Christians were killed and, by the third day of violence, those alive began to run short on food. The capture of the fortress seemed imminent.

The huge statue of Birhen ng Biglang Awa
at Balanacan Port in Marinduque
The survivors prayed fervently at the throne of Mary, asking her to deliver them from their enemies. Legend says that suddenly there came a very strong storm, with torrential rain, thunder and lightning. At the very height of the storm, it is reported that the image of a beautiful lady with outstretched arms appeared standing on the top of the wall. Terror seized the Moros and they fled in confusion to their vinta boats. Thus, the Christians were saved from death by Mary.

Ever since this incident, the image of Mary has been honured and given the title "Biglang Awa". To commemorate the miracle, a stone niche was built on the wall at the spot where Mary appeared. The old image brought by the Jesuits in Boac was placed there. There is a shrine at this location today. Centuries later, the Provincial Government of Marinduque under Gov. Carmencita O. Reyes built a larger-than-life-size image of the Our Lady of Biglang Awa in cement and placed in the seashore in Balanacan Port to welcome travelers to the island.

In the recent years, there were also reports of cures that were attributed to the Birhen ng Biglang Awa, particularly on eyesight. Some newspapers reports these cures on eyesight problems that further made the devotion to the Virgin of Biglang Awa more popular.

The Canonical Coronation of
Nuestra Señora del Pronto Socorro
de Marinduque by Servant of God
Bishop Alfredo Obviar
Church Recognition

Due to the numerous miracles that were reported through her intercession, the image was Canonically Crowned on May 10, 1958 officiated by Servant of God Bishop Alfredo Ma. Obviar, Apostolic Administrator of the Diocese of Lucena. The coronation day was a attended by thousands of devotees to witness the solemn and one of a kind occasion.

The devotion

The devotion to Virgin of Biglang Awa continuos to flourish up to this day. Pilgrims from neighboring islands and other parts of the country. Her feast day is celebrated every November 11 and every May 10, the province also commemorate her Canonical Coronation and both dates are celebrated with much pomp and solemnity.

In the story of Nuestra Señora del Pronto Socorro, or Ina ng Biglang Awa of Marinduque, Our Lady once again demonstrated her role as our Mother, Mediatrix and protectress in times of distress. We should always seek her refuge for we are assured of her maternal protection that will always lead us to her SOn.

References:

Darang, Josephine, A Purely Personal book of Miracles: A Collection of Columns published by Philippine Daily Inquirer, Sound Publishing Corporation, Makati City., 2006.
Huerta, Felix de, OFM. Estado geográfico, topográfico, estadístico, histórico-religioso. Binondo: Imprenta de M. Sanchez y Ca., 1865.
Nobena sa Mahal na Birhen ng Biglang Awa, Immacualte Conception Cathedral, Boac, Marinduque, 2004
"Province of Marinduque". Municipality Population Data. Local Water Utilities Administration Research Division. Retrieved May 31, 2018.

Credits to the owners of the photos that were used in this blogpost.
+AM+DG+

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