Marinduque’s “Our Lady of Prompt Succor” shrine to be declared as tourist destination

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MANILA — Marinduque’s “Our Lady of Prompt Succor” shrine will soon be officially declared as a tourist destination.

Rep. Regina Ongsiako Reyes (Lone District, Marinduque) has filed a measure declaring the Diocesan Shrine of Mahal na Birhen ng Biglang Awa in the province of Marinduque as a pilgrimage site and tourist destination.

Reyes said House Bill 5730 mandates the Department of Tourism (DOT) to come up with a comprehensive development plan involving the construction, installation, and maintenance of the sacred place.

“It is hoped that the number of tourists and pilgrims participating in the feasts of the Birhen ng Biglang Awa and other religious occasions will greatly increase. This will greatly help boost the tourism industry of Boac and the whole province as well,” Reyes said.

Reyes said the history of Ang Mahal na Birhen ng Awa or the Our Lady of Prompt Succor can be traced back to the 1700s. The Jesuits brought an old image of the Immaculate Conception in 1621, when they first set foot in Marinduque.

Reyes said Moro pirates are known to have raided vulnerable coastline settlements in order to plunder and capture natives. The early churches, like the Boac Cathedral, was constructed with fortified walls and heavily built gates to protect its perimeter. The church served as not only as a spiritual abode but also as an early warning system, that served as a lookout for approaching intruders with its carillons sounding alarm to the area.

“It is said that by mid-1700s, an intense battle between the Moro pirates and the natives occurred. For four days, the locals stood firm on the vicious attacks from the buccaneers and on the fifth day, due to starvation and lack of sleep, the people eventually lose hope and believed that only a miracle can save them,” Reyes said.

Reyes said oral history tells that as the pirates are approaching the walls, an unknown woman who looks similar to the Our Lady of Immaculate Conception appeared by the walls of the church.

“This apparition halted the advancing bandits from destroying the fortifications, causing the Moro pirates to immediately leave in fear. From then on, the locals called the image of the Holy Immaculate Conception as Birhen ng Biglang Awa as a reminder of the time when the locals were saved during their most desperate moment,” Reyes said.

Reyes said several stories of the miracles of the Our Lady of Prompt Succor had been known and passed down through the years, which include numerous apparitions of the Our Lady of Immaculate Conception and testimonials of devotees who were healed from their sickness.

Reyes said the feast of the Mahal na Birhen ng Biglang Awa takes place every year on November 11. While every 10th of May marks the celebration of Our Lady’s canonical coronation on 1958, and the establishment of the Diocesan Shrine by the year 2008.

Reyes said during this time, local devotees and tourists bear witness to the lively and pious festivity in the municipality of Boac.

“Blue and white motif banners and decorations can be seen everywhere while the cathedral bells resonates throughout the whole town,” she added.

“Vibrant and colorful parades of the image of the Birhen ng Biglang Awa adds to the festive sensation in the air while thanksgiving masses and novenas are held inside the Boac Cathedral which commemorate the marvels and grace of the Patroness of Marinduque so she proposed to declare the Diocesan Shrine of Mahal na Birhen ng Biglang Awa as a pilgrimage site and tourist destination,” Reyes said.