Aranzazu visits Manila Cathedral for Letran’s Quadricentennial Celebration

The Dominican fathers of Letran, together with the officers and members of Cofradia de Nuestra Señora de Aranzazu, accompanied by the Parochial Vicar Rev. Fr. JD Guillermo. (PHOTO: Davy Chioa/ Letran Facebook Page)

MANILA, Philippines – The vicaria image of Nuestra Señora de Aranzazu became the main highlight of the opening institutional mass and procession of Letran’s Colegio week, in connection to the 400th founding anniversary of Letran in 2020, held at the Manila Metropolitan Cathedral last December 17.

Historical marker of the Archconfraternity placed at Letran’s facade. (Photo: Aranzazu Youth)

Hundreds of students and faculty members attended the morning procession of Our Lady, from Letran to Manila Cathedral. The Dominican fathers also accompanied the image together with the Letran Filipiniana Dance Company, while dancing the traditional Pamimintuho sa Birhen.

It was followed by a Eucharistic Celebration in honor of Our Lady of Aranzazu. This is also to celebrate the feast day of Aranzazu in Letran (though the actual feast is every December 16). Our Lady’s image was enthroned at the front side of the altar, while wearing her Episcopal Coronation vestment with the red and blue sash representing the Letran colors, attached with Letran insignia. 

For many centuries, the Colegio has special and profound devotion to Our Lady of Aranzazu when the Archconfraternity dedicated to the said title was established on December 16, 1772, by virtue of a Pontifical brief, issued by Pope Benedict XIV on September 18, 1748, but died down during the Second World War.

The mass was presided by the Rector and President of the Colegio, Fr. Clarence Marquez O.P., and concelebrated with other Dominican priests and the Parochial Vicar of Aranzazu Shrine, Fr. JD Guillermo. The officers and members of Cofradia de Nuestra Señora de Aranzazu were also present in the event.

In his homily, Fr. Marquez explained the etymology of the word “Aranzazu” and elaborated the lesson of Aranzazu devotion:

“…Ganun din ang aral ng Birhen ng Aranzazu. Ang ‘Aranzazu’ ay hango sa wikang Basco, hindi kastila. Ito ay patuloy na sinasalita sa hilagang Espanya o Northern Spain. Ang ibig sabihin ng ‘Aranzazu’ ay ‘Ikaw na nasa mga tinikan’. Si Maria na nasa gitna ng mga pasakit at hirap ng mundo. Si Maria, nagsusumikap. si Maria, sugatan. Si Maria, inuusig. Si Maria, katulad natin, taong tao…” Fr. Marquez said.

In the present day, several Aranzazu devotees in Letran are planning to revive the Archconfraternity of Nuestra Señora de Aranzazu for the propagation of devotion, through the initiative of the Rector and President Fr. Clarence Marquez O.P., Vice President of Religious affairs Fr. John Stephen Besa O.P., Mr. Jerome Cruz of Financial Affairs, and other students and alumnus.