Nuestra Señora de Aranzazu enters the main door of the Letran College. (PHOTO: Jenn Lao/ Letran Media)
MANILA, Philippines — The Colegio de San Juan de Letran community welcomes the official replica image of Nuestra Senora de Aranzazu de San Mateo, with so much anticipation on Thursday.
The image was carried by the Letran Men’s Basketball Team who won the championship for the NCAA Season 95. The Letran attributed their 18th victory through the intercession of Our Lady of Aranzazu. The cultural groups of Letran such as Letran Band and Letran Filipiniana Dance Company added the festive atmosphere by serenading Our Lady through performing the Pamimintuho sa Birhen ng Aranzazu hymn.
A short procession going to the Letran chapel was held. The Rector and President of the Colegio, Rev. Fr. Clarence Marquez, O.P., together with the Vice President of Religious Affairs, Rev. Fr. John Stephen Besa O.P., led the insertion of the Letran logo in the honor sash of the Virgin, symbolizing the fervent Aranzazu devotion of the Letranista. Daily masses and rosary vigil will be held.
For many centuries, the Colegio has special and profound devotion to Our Lady of Aranzazu when the Archconfraternity or Cofradia, 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 after the Second World War.
The image will be staying at the Colegio chapel until Sunday, December 1 to participate the 40th Intramuros Grand Marian Procession, the country’s biggest Marian gathering at 4 p.m., Our Lady of Aranzazu’s carroza will be at the 93rd spot.
