SAN MATEO, RIZAL, PHILIPPINES – Last July 7, 2016, DPSNDA Rector and Parish Priest Fr. Lawrence Paz, personally met the Most Rev. Gabriel Reyes DD, Bishop of Antipolo at his residence to personally received the documents sent by Rome granting the canonical coronation of the image of the Nuestra Senora de Aranzazu. He was accompanied by his Pastoral Council members.
The documents include a copy of the endorsement of the Bishop of Antipolo addressed to Robert Cardinal Sarah, the Prefect of the Congregation of the Divine Worship and the Discipline of the Sacraments; a copy of the endorsement and acknowledgment letters of Archbishop Giuseppe Pinto, the Apostolic Nuncio; and the copy of the decree written in Latin stating the Holy Father’s grant of the canonical coronation of the Nuestra Senora de Aranzazu. The decree was dated June 17, 2016 and signed by the Prefect and Secretary.
According to Fr. Paz, the essence of the canonical coronation is not only the image being crowned but an acknowledgment of the deep and fervent devotion of the people of San Mateo to the Blessed Mother under the title of “Nuestra Senora de Aranzazu” which include countless stories of favors granted and even safety from flash floods.
The Rector added as well that everything went fast and it was not expected.
The Nuestra Senora de Aranzazu will be the third canonically crowned image in the diocese. The image was granted episcopal coronation last 2013.
It is noted that this parish in San Mateo is the lone parish under the titular “Nuestra Senora de Aranzazu” in the whole Philippines and is set to have a year-long celebration of its 300 years.
The details of the festivities in line with the canonical coronation have yet to be released by the Pastoral Council. (DSPNSDA Media Ministry | aranzazushrine.ph)
