In preparation for the solemn feast of Our Lady of La Naval in October, the Dominican Studentate and the National Shrine of Our Lady of the Rosary La Naval de Manila (Santo Domingo Church) in Quezon City invite the faithful to send an online novena candle request.
“Let a piece of your heart blaze brilliantly before Our Lady of the Rosary La Naval de Manila! Neither distance nor disease can separate us from her. Honor her even within the confines of your homes,” organizers said.
With the theme: "Sa gitna ng dilim, ating pagningasin ang Alab ng La Naval," the Alab ng La Naval novena-candle request is an online devotional program which aims to foster a more intimate devotion to Our Lady of La Naval. The initiative seeks to cater to devotees who may be hampered by geographical, safety, and health constraints brought by the pandemic during the novena days preceding the feast of Our Lady of La Naval on Oct. 10.
For every request, a candle will be lit (a total of nine candles) from Oct. 1 to Oct. 9. Devotees may have more than one request.
Interested parties may register through: https://bit.ly/3n4ZPG2 until September 30. Confirmation and other inquiries may be sent to [email protected].
The first celebration of the Feast of La Naval de Manila was held on Oct. 8, 1646 in Intramuros, Manila to mark the naval victory of the Spanish and Filipino Catholic forces against the invading Dutch fleet. Reminiscent of the victory of the greatly outnumbered Christian naval forces against the Turks at the Battle of Lepanto in 1571, which was attributed to the intercession of the Blessed Mother, the joint Spanish and Filipino forces, upon the advice of the Dominican friars, prayed the Holy Rosary before each encounter with the invading forces between March 15 and Oct. 4. Finally, the Dutch fleet gave up and left the country.
In thanksgiving to God and the Holy Mother for the victory, Spanish church leaders initiated the celebration of the first feast of La Naval de Manila, which has since then been annually marked with holy masses and a grand procession of the sacred image.