The Canonically Crowned image of Nuestra Senora de Aranzazu vested with her 2020 fiesta Regalia.
SAN MATEO, Rizal – Due to coronavirus pandemic, the majestic celebration of the feast of Nuestra Señora de Aranzazu will be different this year. However, one of the most awaited part of the festivity is to glimpse the fiesta vestment or regalia of the Canonically Crowned image of the Virgin. A new set of vestment is commissioned and offered for the Virgin as an act of gratitude and honor.
In celebration of the 400th founding anniversary of Colegio de San Juan de Letran this year 2020, the Virgin of Aranzazu is vested with a Letran motif fiesta vestment to emphasize the special bond between San Mateo and Letran devotees. The Archconfraternity of Nuestra Senora de Aranzazu was established in Letran in 1772 by virtue of a Pontifical Brief issued by Pope Benedict XIV.
The vestment was created by Tinapados, one of the renowned embroiderer in Lumban, Laguna. The vestment contains various significant symbols:
Letran Logo – The two logos can be seen at the left and right portion of the Virgin’s cape.
Dominican Cross – A Gyronny Cross of the Ordo Praedicatorum (Order of Preachers). It can be seen at the lower frontal dress.
Icon of St. Dominic de Guzman – He is the founder of the Order of Preachers (Dominicans). Letran is owned and administered by the Dominicans. The icon is attached at the back portion of the cape.
Icon of St. John the Baptist – He is the school’s patron saint where the institution was named after him. The icon is attached at the back portion of the cape.
Icons Sts. Peter & Paul – An institution called Colegio de Huerfanos de San Pedro y San Pablo (dedicated to Sts. Peter and Paul) were merged into one with the Colegio de Niños Huerfanos de San Juan de Letran and became known simply as the Colegio de San Juan de Letran. The icons are attached at the back portion of the cape.
GAVDE Ecclesiastical Articles owned by Architect Dave Axalan, also offered accessories and rosary made of Rose Mother of Pearl Agate Stone Beads, Cape Clasp with strands of pearl and crystal beads, and pins bearing the image of Saint Ignatius of Loyola and Saint Dominic de Guzman.
The new vestment was first seen by the public during her enthronement last 30th of August. The vestment is sponsored by Mr. Reynaldo Balcos. The antique image of Our lady of Aranzazu at the Oratorio will also receive a new fiesta vestment from Mr. Jerry Bee Delas Armas.
The overall composition leads us to reflect on sharing the devotion to Our Lady of Aranzazu and honoring the Blessed Virgin in our daily lives.
