Wednesday morning air was filled with excitement as arrangements were set for the much-anticipated coronation of Our Lady of Aranzazu. To mentally and spiritually prepare everyone, a primer was shown to the social media accounts of the parish just hours before the main event.
The Canonical Coronation Primer started off at around 7 in the morning, with over a thousand viewers already watching on DSPNSDA’s Facebook page. It was led by hosts Danny Villanueva, Rachel Buerano, Karen Umayam, and Raymond Escalona.
Michael de los Reyes, an educator from Xavier School and Mark delos Santos from Colegio de San Juan Letran opened the program by sharing their knowledge about the rich history and devotion beginnings of Aranzazu. “Last year (2016) the people of San Mateo celebrated the 300th year of enthronement of Aranzazu as their patroness but if we’re going to look at it the people’s devotion dates back to more than 300 years. Let’s say it was about 311 years or more, the devotion,” clearly told by de los Reyes. It was also believed that the Colegio de San Juan Letran is one of the caretakers of the original image of Our Lady of Aranzazu. “Letran is the one keeping the image but unfortunately the one we have right now is not the original because the original one was destroyed during the war. If we’re going to take a look at history, Letran is one of the first casualties of World War II,” added delos Santos. Michael de los Reyes ended the first part of the primer by sending off an uplifting statement to Aranzazu’s devotees. “After all, the one being crowned here is not Aranzazu because she has already been crowned but the devotion to her. This means that the church recognizes the widespread devotion to her and the ones to be crowned are the devotees of Our Lady of Aranzazu.”
According to reports, an estimated number of 1000 attendees are expected to attend the Coronation today. SPO4 Onofre Tavas Jr., the ground event commander, gave the viewers an idea of the police’s security plan. “All members of the San Mateo police are now active in today’s event, including our augment which totals to around 150 people and the members of the Office of the Public Safety and Security of the municipality of San Mateo.” Tavas Jr. also mentioned alternative routes for the people of San Mateo.
The physical processes and spiritual preparations were revealed by Bro. Francisco “Frank” Faildon, President of the Parish Pastoral Council (PPC) and devotee and member of the Association of Aranzazu Dave Anderson Axalan. Facebook audience from all over the country and the globe were enlightened when the interview with 22-year old Axalan came as he imparted his knowledge about canonical coronations in our country. “Our Lady of Aranzazu is the 3rd canonically crowned image of the Virgin Mary in the Diocese of Antipolo.” The first canonically crowned image is the Our Lady of Peace and Good Voyage in Antipolo, followed by the Our Lady of the Abandoned in Marikina, and the third being Our Lady of Aranzazu. Faeldon added, “[We received] full support from the government officials.”
The Archbishop of Cotabato Cardinal Orlando Quevedo, who is tasked to lead the ceremony of the Coronation, delivered a meaningful and informative message to online listeners. “The coronation mandated by the Holy Father himself Pope Francis, is recognition of the faith and devotion of the people of San Mateo and also of the people in the Diocese of Antipolo. It shows the maturity of faith in this area (referring to San Mateo)… The pontifical coronation will lead them to know more about the lady of thorns.” When asked about the next phase of the Coronation, the Cardinal suggestively said “The next step would be to become a national shrine.”
To set the mood for this momentous occasion, the Avant Garde Singers sang the fitting composition by Mark Arista entitled “Birhen ng Bayang San Mateo.” This show-breather sent chills to every single devotee who tuned in to the show. The original DSPNSDA choir was led by Martin Nardo.
Christian Robles also from the Association of Our Lady of Aranzazu disclosed some of the Church’s preparations and Aranzazu devotee miracle stories as he worked closely with different committees for the Canonical Coronation. “Actually I was tasked to make a compilation of miracles of Our Lady of Aranzazu which was to be passed to Rome for the Canonical Coronation of Our Lady. If I had more time, the numbers would have been about five thousand miracle stories.”
The special coverage ended with the current bishop of the Diocese of Antipolo Most Rev. Francisco de Leon expressing his joy and excitement for the Coronation. “One thing we should not forget is that of what Our Lady said when Jesus performed his very first miracle: Do whatever He tell you.” These words from the turning of water into wine reminds us that the Mother and the Child are always together. (Kristine Tuting)
Kristine Tuting
Senior Writer, Website Team - Media Ministry
Kristine Tuting knows she has developed a love-hate relationship when it comes to writing. She obtained her bachelor's degree in BA Communication Arts at the University of Santo Tomas and her high school diploma at Nuestra Senora De Aranzazu Parochial School. When she's not working, Kristine treats the writing process as learning, especially when it comes to religious terminologies.
