Philippines: Manaoag Marks 100 Years of Canonical Coronation with Renewed Marian Devotion

A century after its canonical coronation, devotion to the Blessed Virgin Mary under the title of Our Lady of Manaoag remains vibrant and steadfast, an enduring expression of faith shaped by time, prayer, and grace in the Philippines.

As the Minor Basilica of Our Lady of the Rosary of Manaoag, located in the Archdiocese of Lingayen-Dagupan in northern Pangasinan, marks the 100th anniversary of its canonical coronation on April 22, 2026, millions of devotees continue to flock to the shrine. Their presence reflects a deep and enduring trust in the intercession of the Mother of the Rosary.

Fr. Felix C. Legaspi III, OP, Rector of the basilica, shared that preparations for the centennial began more than six years ago, even before his assignment in Manaoag. Over time, the community discerned not only the pastoral and liturgical dimensions of the celebration, but also the need to restore and prepare the historic church for this milestone.

“Preparations were already underway before I was assigned here in Manaoag. Along the way, we realized the importance of restoring the church as a priority ahead of the centennial,” Fr. Legaspi said.

A major focus has been the physical restoration of the basilica, including the development of a conservation management plan and consultations with the National Commission for Culture and the Arts to ensure proper preservation of the heritage structure.

Preparations also extended to the revered image of Our Lady of Manaoag, the heart of the devotion. While preserving its original form, careful enhancements were made, particularly in the vestments. These garments, often donated by devotees, embody personal stories of faith, gratitude, and answered prayers.

“That image is at the center of life here,” Fr. Legaspi explained. “The beautiful vestments often come with the stories of devotees. They reflect lives touched by grace and the deep devotion of the people.”

Beyond restoration efforts, organizers have emphasized the spiritual depth of the celebration.

Fr. Jeff Aytona, OP, Overall Production Head of the centennial events, stressed that the occasion is not merely a historical commemoration but a living expression of Marian devotion. He noted that multiple teams were mobilized to ensure a meaningful and well-coordinated celebration, mindful of Manaoag’s identity as a place where many prayers are answered through the intercession of the Blessed Mother.

“This is not only about remembering history; it is about deepening devotion,” Fr. Aytona said. “Manaoag is known as a place where prayers are answered through the intercession of Mother Mary, and that is why we give our best in preparing for this celebration.”

The day-long celebration on April 22 will begin with a preparatory program at 8:00 a.m., helping the faithful reflect on the significance of the event through themes centered on the Blessed Virgin, the crown, and devotion itself. A reenactment of the canonical coronation will follow at 9:00 a.m., during the Holy Eucharist to be presided over by Archbishop Charles John Brown, Apostolic Nuncio to the Philippines.

In the afternoon, a solemn High Mass at 4:00 p.m. will be celebrated by Archbishop Socrates B. Villegas of the Archdiocese of Lingayen-Dagupan. This will be followed by a grand procession through the town of Manaoag, during which selected devotees will share testimonies of faith, recounting experiences of answered prayers and personal encounters with God’s grace through the intercession of Our Lady of Manaoag.

One of the most anticipated moments of the celebration will be the return of the Marian image to the basilica. This will be marked by a Marian serenade and fireworks display, symbolizing joy and thanksgiving for this once-in-a-century milestone. The celebration will conclude with an Act of Consecration to Our Lady of the Rosary of Manaoag.

To reach a wider audience, especially those unable to travel, the entire event will be broadcast via the basilica’s official Facebook page, with partner platforms expected to carry the live coverage.