A huge crowd attended the canonical coronation of Our Lady of Aranzazu by the Parish Priest, Rev. Fr. Lawrence Paz, his eminence, Archbishop of Cotabato, Cardinal Quevedo, and his grace most, Rev. Francisco De Leon to celebrate the holy Eucharist. Prior to the mass a blessing ceremony procession of the image of Aranzazu executed veneration carried by members from the Temporalities, PPC, Association, and other parish organizations to the altar together with a loud shout of encouragement “Viva La Virgen”. The parish celebrates two historical events: Aranzazu at 300 and Canonical Coronation of Aranzazu as authorized by Pope Francis last 7th of June 2016.
In his homily at the canonical coronation mass, Cardinal Quevedo invited the growing number of devotees of Aranzazu to love one another. He mentioned that one example of love is through selfless service to poor neighborhood in spirit such as the broken, needy, homeless, abused, and people in Mindanao who are currently suffering. Therefore, we must always turn to her son, Jesus Christ and to Her as our Mother to heal us, bring us peace, and to unite and strengthen the community.
Afterward, the much awaited remarkable coronation of Our Lady of Aranzazu proper began with the people given to sing “Ave Maria” in an offertory of the crown of infant Jesus by Sen. Cynthia A. Villar together with Mayor Tina Diaz and the crown of Aranzazu by the sponsors received by Cardinal Quevedo. It was followed by the reading of the decree authorizing the crowning of Our Lady of Aranzazu by Rev. Msgr. Cañonero, chancellor of Diocese of Antipolo. The rite of crowning of blessed virgin Mary Nuestra Señora de Aranzazu come after and the crowning of the image of infant Jesus carried by Aranzazu hands over by Rev.Fr. Larry Paz. While in the crowning of the image of Our lady of Aranzazu hands over by Cardinal Quevedo. The blessing incense of the images happened while the angelic choir sang “Tota Pulchra”. An apparent immense feeling of honored and greatness from the faces of people in San Mateo was subjected. “Birhen ng Bayang San Mateo” was sang until prayers of the faithful
The Our Lady of Aranzazu was solemnly proclaimed as canonically coronated Marian considered as the 3rd crowned image in the Philippines. It now bears victory, and a crown in gold and precious stones indicates as a marvelous mother of redeemer with her son Jesus Christ. (Michaela Acilo)
