THE National Pilgrim Image of Our Lady of Fatima, Valenzuela City’s patron, has been canonically crowned by the Vatican as the 55th Marian`RFq4 image in the Philippines, the extra-delighted Mayor Wes Gatchalian said.
The sacred canonical coronation was presided over by Papal Nuncio to the Philippines, Most Reverend Charles John Brown, and was held at the National Shrine of Our Lady of Fatima, Barangay Marulas.
The beloved Virgin Mary of Fatima was now known as the 55th Marian image canonically crowned by the Vatican in the name of the Pope.
“This momentous event marks the history of Valenzuela as the home of the Shrine of Our Lady of Fatima,” the mayor said.
Gatchalian and key city officials welcomed the Papal Nuncio to the Philippines as the presider of the rites for Our Lady of Fatima’s canonical coronation and consecration of the Blessed Mother in a civic reception.
Malolos Bishop Dennis Villarojo, Archbishop Jose Cardinal Advincula Jr. and 12 other bishops and archbishops had also joined the consecration.
During the Eucharistic celebration, a reading of the Papal Decree took place and followed by the blessing of the rosary and crown before bestowing upon the image of Our Lady of Fatima.
A canonical coronation is an institutional act from the Pope through a Papal decree wherein an ornamental crown is bestowed upon a sacred image of Christ or the Virgin Mary.
“The canonical coronation of the National Pilgrim Image of Our Lady of Fatima is celebrated not only by the City of Valenzuela but also by devotees from the whole country.”
“This milestone shall inspire deeper faith and devotion amongst Filipinos, ultimately leading to a prayerful citizenry,” he added.
Having arrived in the country in 1984, Our Lady of Fatima sparked devout faith among Filipinos as her image inspired and signified peace and hope in the nation.
It’s in the year 1999 that the National Pilgrim Image of Our Lady of Fatima was formally turned over to the city in a shrine dedicated to her image – the Pambansang Dambana ng Mahal na Birhen ng Fatima.
In 2011, Our Lady of Fatima was declared as the city’s Patroness through an ordinance.
