La Naval marks its 50th year as patroness of QC

The Our Lady of the Holy Rosary of La Naval de Manila is celebrating its 50th year as the patroness of Quezon City.

The revered image enshrined at the National Shrine of Our Lady of the Most Holy Rosary (Sto. Domingo Church) in Quezon City was declared as the patroness of Quezon City on Aug. 21, 1973 following a resolution issued by the local government.

Preparations are underway for the feast of La Naval de Manila on Sunday, Oct. 8.

With the theme, “Mahal na Birhen ng La Naval: Pintakasi ng Sambayanang Kristiyano,” the festivities will start on Sept. 28 with the traditional enthronement of the canonically crowned Marian image. 

Novena masses will be held at the Sto..Domingo Church from Sept. 29 to Oct. 7 at 6 a.m., 7:30 a.m., 9 a.m., 10:30 a.m., 12 noon, and 6 p.m. 

Holy Masses will also be held at 4 p.m. and 7:15 p.m. on Oct. 1. 

On Oct. 8, fiesta masses will be celebrated at 6 a.m., 7:30 a.m., 9 a.m., 10:30 a.m., 12 noon, 2:30 p.m., 5:30 p.m., and 7 p.m

The much awaited grand procession of the image of La Naval will be held at 4 p.m. 
Pope Pius X granted the image a decree of canonical coronation on April 4, 1906. 

The revered image was transferred to the Santo Domingo Church in Quezon City on Oct. 12, 1952, after her original shrine in Intramuros, Manila was destroyed during the Second World War on Dec. 8, 1941. 

Pope Paul VI confirmed the title through a decree issued by the Sacred Congregation for the Divine Worship on Aug. 26, 1974.
In 2009, the Philippine government designated the icon and its shrine as a National Cultural Treasure.