Nuestra Señora de Caridad de Agoo - The Gracious Queen of Agoo, La Union

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Nuestra Señora de Caridad de Agoo
In the historic and thriving municipality of Agoo, La Union, known for its historical landmarks and natural scenery, is also one of the most visited pilgrimage towns in Northern Luzon because it was here that the Minor Basilica of our Lady of Charity of Agoo is located which is dedicated to its powerful patroness, Nuestra Señora de Caridad (Our Lady of Charity). Through the centuries, pilgrims and devotees flock her Basilica to seek her help in their needs and the Virgin does lives up to its title due to numerous miracles attributed to her intercession.

The image

The image of Nuestra Señora de Caridad de Agoo, or more popularly known as "Apo Caridad", is a de tallado image of the Blessed Virgin Mary under the category of "Madonna and Child" where this image is presented holing the Child Jesus on her left. The image presents the Blessed Virgin Mary, while carrying the Child JesuS, presenting her correa to the beholder for this image of the Virgin was in fact an image of Nuestra Señora de la Consolacion y Correa (Our Lady of Consolation and Cincture), the Mother and Patroness of the Augustinian Order. It is interesting to note that the right hand of the Virgin is extended and open while holding her correa which gives an impression of offering her assistance and consolation to her devotees. The child Jesus is presented raising his right hand as in a blessing, and holding a golden globe on his left hand.

The origins

The origins of Nuestra Señora de Caridad, venerated in her Minor Basilica in Agoo, La Union were unknown due  to scant records regarding the image's carving and arrival in La Union. However, it is believed that the devotion to Our Lady of Charity was derived from the devotion to the Virgin of the same title in Bantay, Ilocos Sur. The system of rotation of assignments among early Augustinian missionaries in Ilocos could have brought one missionary in Bantay, who in turn introduced the devotion in Agoo.

The Canonical Coronation of Nuestra Señora de
Caridad de Agoo
The innumerable miraculous accounts attributed to Apo Caridad in the Basilica's altar, which includes the quick recovery of Agoo from the destruction of the July 1990 massive quake, has made Agoo a major religious center in northern Luzon. The Church of Our Lady of Charity of Agoo, La Union was established in 1578 and it was elevated as a Minor Basilica in 1982.

Church Recognition

Bishop Victorino C. Ligot of the Roman Catholic Diocese of San Fernando de La Union filed the ecclesiastical petition to the Sacred Congregation for the Sacraments and Divine Worship in Rome for the canonical coronation of the statue, with the collaboration of Jose D. Aspiras, who helped restored the belfry. "Apo Caridad" was granted the honor of Canonical Coronation on May 1, 1971 by Apostolic Nuncio Carmine Rocco, the appointed Apostolic Nunciature to the Philippines.

The devotion

The devotion to Apo Caridad of Agoo continues to flourish up to this day. Apo Caridad de Agoo's feast day is celebrated every May 4, the traditional feast of Saint Monica, in whose honor both the Basilica Parish and Museum are dedicated. The devotion to Our Lady of Charity proves that Our Lady is always there for us, extending her arms to help us in all our needs, temporal and spiritual to lead us to her Son, the great Consolation of mankind.

References:

Barcelona, Mary Anne, "Ynang Maria: a celebration of the Blessed Virgin Mary in the Philippines". Ed. Consuelo B. Estampa, P.D. Pasig City, Anvil Publishing Inc., 2004.
Layug, Benjamin Locsin. "A Tourist Guide to Notable Philippine Churches". Pasig City, Philippines: New Day Publishers, 2007.

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