Archbishop Brown leads Virgen sang Barangay pontifical coronation
BISHOP Patricio Buzon of the Diocese of Bacolod accompanies Archbishop Charles Brown, Papal Nuncio to the Philippines (left), during the pontifical coronation of the original icon of the Virgen sang Barangay at the San Sebastian Cathedral in Bacolod City on Thursday, Oct. 16. (Photo via Adsum Diocese of Bacolod)
BACOLOD CITY – Archbishop Charles Brown, Papal Nuncio to the Philippines, presided over the pontifical coronation of the original icon of the Virgen sang Barangay on Thursday, Oct. 16, at the San Sebastian Cathedral here.
The historic event took place during the celebration of the Solemn Feast of the Blessed Virgin Mary, following the conclusion of the Barangay sang Virgen National Assembly, nearly seven months after the image received its episcopal coronation on March 25.
The revered image portrays the Blessed Virgin Mary holding the Child Jesus, with a rosary in the hand.
It marks the first pontifical coronation approved under Pope Leo XVI, through a decree issued by the Dicastery for Divine Worship and the Discipline of the Sacraments dated Sept. 12.
In his message, Brown expressed deep joy in leading the coronation of such a cherished image at the cathedral.
He recalled his first encounter with a replica of the icon in Luzon during a visit in 2020, where he was instantly moved by its beauty and spiritual significance.
“It really struck me. It’s a wonderful image of Philippine Catholicism and faith,” he said. “It’s a great privilege and joy to crown this beautiful image. Let’s follow Our Lady, let’s love her, and allow her, in her quiet maternal way, to guide our path.”