ILOILO City – Thousands of devotees flooded the Jaro Metropolitan Cathedral grounds on Saturday night, February 1, for the Solemn Coronation of Nuestra Señora de la Candelaria, reaffirming the image’s unique place in Philippine Catholic history as the only Marian icon in the country canonically crowned by a pope.
The massive turnout on the eve of the annual February 2 Candelaria fiesta (also known as Jaro fiesta) marked the anniversary of the historic crowning of the Madonna and Child by St. John Paul II during his Apostolic Visit to the Philippines in 1981, drawing Ilonggo faithful from Iloilo and nearby provinces for what Church leaders described as a powerful renewal of faith and stewardship.
The solemn rite was led by Jaro Archbishop Midyphil Billones, and concelebrated by Archbishop Emeritus Jose Romeo Lazo, together with priests of the Archdiocese of Jaro.
As the golden crown was placed on the revered image — hailed as the Queen of the Visayas — the crowd erupted in a unified cry of devotion “Viva La Virgen de la Candelaria! Viva!” echoing across the cathedral grounds.
In his message, Billones underscored the deeper meaning of the coronation beyond ritual, calling on the faithful to actively live out their faith.
“God continues the work of salvation. But just as He needed the yes of Mary, He needs your yes! When in faith and obedience you say yes to stewardship, then like our Nuestra Señor de la Candelaria, you become the bearer of the light of change,” Billones said.
Church officials said the coronation was not only a religious highlight but also a reaffirmation of Ilonggo cultural and spiritual identity, with candle-lit prayers symbolizing collective hope, unity, and enduring devotion passed on through generations./PN