MANILA, Philippines — Sunday is the Feast of Our Lady of the Holy Rosary of La Naval. Now enshrined at the Santo Domingo Church on Quezon Avenue. The title “La Naval” was added after the Spanish naval victory over the Dutch in Manila Bay in 1646. The Spanish troops had only two ships to defend the islands against the 18 galleons and other small vessels sent by the Dutch forces. It was a most desperate moment and the Spaniards sought the help of God through the Blessed Virgin Mary.
The Spaniards won and attributed the victory to the Our Lady of the Holy Rosary which was then enshrined in the Church of Santo Domingo in Intramuros, Manila. From then on, Filipinos especially those living in Manila celebrate her feast every second Sunday of October. Our Lady of the Holy Rosary of La Naval has been declared the patroness of the Philippine Navy.
This year’s theme, “Ina ni Kristo, Ina ng Buhay” focuses on Mary’s love for life and family. The Holy Family of Jesus, Mary, and Joseph is regarded as the model of all Christian families today. The theme invites all devotees of the Blessed Mother to reflect on Mary’s role in strengthening the bond among the members of the Holy Family and her role today in keeping families all over the world patterned after the Holy Family of Nazareth.
As we celebrate her feast on Sunday, let us lift up our prayers of thanksgiving and supplication through her intercession. We know that through her, God will listen to our prayers. May we also learn to value life and always respect the sanctity of marriage and family. Let us pray to her for our families that the grace of God may always flow to them and the Filipino families continue to be agents of life and love.
Our Lady of the Holy Rosary of La Naval, keep us always obedient and faithful to God like you and through you, may we always triumph over the forces of darkness in our society. Amen. Ave Maria!
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