Thousands flock to Manaoag for the centenary of the Virgin’s coronation

A place of pilgrimage for people from all over Asia, the shrine stands on the spot where, according to tradition, the Virgin Mary appeared to a farmer from Pangasinan in 1610. Archbishop Villegas: “This celebration reminds us of Mary’s presence alongside the Filipino people: she guides us in times of darkness, strengthens us in our weaknesses and leads us ever closer to her Son.”

Manila (AsiaNes) – On 22 April 2026, the Minor Basilica of Our Lady of Manaoag, in the province of Pangasinan, north of Manila, one of Asia’s principal pilgrimage sites, celebrated the 100th anniversary of the coronation of its famous image. Archbishop Charles John Brown, Apostolic Nuncio to the Philippines, presided over a solemn Mass of thanksgiving, urging everyone to continue praying for peace and prosperity in the world through Mary’s intercession.

A new crown was placed upon the 17th-century image of Our Lady of the Rosary of Manaoag – often referred to by locals as ‘Apo Baket’ – to commemorate the canonical coronation that took place in 1926. The event was also attended by Cardinal José Advincula, Archbishop of Manila, and Fr Filemon de la Cruz, O.P., Provincial Prior of the Dominican Province of the Philippines.

Over the centuries, the Minor Basilica of Our Lady of Manaoag has become one of the country’s most visited pilgrimage centres, attracting millions of visitors each year. “Manaoag” derives from the Pangasinan word “taoag”, meaning “to call”.

According to tradition, the Virgin appeared in 1610 to a farmer in Pangasinan, indicating the spot where she wished her church to be built. He saw Mary holding the Baby Jesus and a rosary, standing atop a tree, and received the request to build a church there. A small, simple chapel was built on the site of the apparition, which became the nucleus of the present-day town.

The shrine is renowned for its history of protection, including an episode in which enemy tribes set fire to the village, yet the chapel remained unharmed.

The term ‘Apo Baket’ is an affectionate name used by the Ilocanos to refer to the Virgin Mary: ‘Apo’ denotes a respected elder, whilst ‘Baket’ means ‘elderly woman’ or ‘matriarch’.

The statue of the Virgin Mary is carved from ivory and stands approximately 1.20 metres tall. She has a serene and regal expression, with almond-shaped eyes and a gentle smile. She holds the Baby Jesus in her left arm; the child often holds a globe surmounted by a cross, a symbol of her dominion over the world. A large ornate rosary hangs from the Virgin’s right hand, which is slightly extended forward, recalling the title of “Our Lady of the Rosary”.

The canonical coronation of the image of Our Lady of the Rosary of Manaoag took place on 21 April 1926. The historic ceremony was presided over by Monsignor Guglielmo Piani, Apostolic Delegate to the Philippines, on behalf of Pope Pius XI. The coronation represents the Church’s official recognition of the graces and miracles attributed to the Marian image, affectionately known as “Apo Baket”.

Marking the centenary, the Archbishop of Lingayen-Dagupan, Archbishop Socrates Villegas, described the historic event as “a century of grace, miracles and unwavering devotion”. From generation to generation, Mary has been a symbol of hope and comfort, drawing countless faithful to her shrine, where prayers rise and hearts find healing, he added. “This centenary celebration reminds us of her enduring presence in the lives of the Filipino people: she guides us in times of darkness, strengthens us in our weaknesses and draws us ever closer to her Son, Jesus Christ,” commented Archbishop Villegas. The prelate also urged the faithful to practise mercy, describing it as a sign of strength: “We must not be afraid to forgive or to be compassionate, because mercy, compassion and tenderness are qualities of strong people,” he said.

Josephine Chua, one of the devotees present at the ceremony, told AsiaNews that Our Lady of Manaoag continues to be a beacon of hope and a mother of protection.