Another first for Aranzazu, a hand-painted vestment

Nuestra Senora de Aranzazu enthroned at the Retablo Mayor. PHOTO: DC Photography

SAN MATEO, Rizal – The feast day of Nuestra Señora de Aranzazu is fast approaching. One of the most awaited part of the culmination is to glimpse for the first time the fiesta vestment or regalia of the Virgin. A new set of vestment is commissioned and offered for the Virgin as an act of gratitude and honor.

What makes this year’s vestment extra special is that, it was the first time for Our Lady of Aranzazu, to wear a hand-painted vestment. Moreover, it was created by the renowned hand-paint artist, Mr. Jeffrey Catuira, who is known for his recent hand-painting creation for Ms. Catriona Gray’s Miss Universe 2018 homecoming ceremonies. The vestment contains various significant symbols:

1.) The Seal of the town of San Mateo: It emphasizes Our Lady as the Queen and Patroness of the town. It can be seen at the rear part of the vestment.

2.) Seal of the Vatican: Symbolizes the Papal recognition to the devotion to Our Lady of Aranzazu, through the Canonical Coronation granted to Our Lady and her devotees. It is painted at the left portion of the Virgin’s manto.

3.) Coat of Arms of the Philippines: It represents the fervent devotion of the Filipino people to Our Lady of Aranzazu. It is painted at the right portion of the Virgin’s manto.

4.) Marian Emblem: the monogram, ‘A M‘, stands for the latin phrase, Auspice Maria, which means ‘Under the protection of Mary’. It is an ancient symbolic representation of the Blessed Virgin Mary.

The new vestment was first seen by the public during her enthronement last 25th of August. The vestment is sponsored by Mrs. Leonida Manahan and family.

Let us pay homage and greet Our Lady of Aranzazu on her shrine on September 9, to venerate her and praise our Almighty God for the blessing we received through Our Lady’s motherly and powerful intercession. Ave!, Ave!, Viva la Virgen!!