Saturday 30 April 2016

Our Lady of Manaoag


Our Lady of Manaoag

        Traffic was at a standstill as we reached the town proper of Manaoag. It was still about a kilometer away from Manaoag Church. On board a motorcycle, a man was motioning that we follow him, apparently to lead us to a shorter passage to our point of destination. We did and, in five minutes, we were at the rear portion of the old church. Hundreds were making a beeline for the miraculous image of the Blessed Virgin of Manaoag.

        The Blessed Virgin of Manaoag is enshrined in a church built in the 1600s by the Dominican Fathers. From a small church, it is now classified as a Minor Basilica. Though it has undergone several rehabilitations, the church has retained its old architectural design. Thousands troop to the little town of Manaoag to seek divine guidance and make specific petitions through Our Lady of Manaoag. Many have claimed to have benefited from the miraculous powers of the revered icon.

        From Metro Manila, the Shrine of Our Lady of Manaoag is about three hours of easy driving via the North Luzon Expressway, exiting at the farthest toll gate, which in in Urdaneta, Pangasinan. Many travelers bound for the North make it a point to pass by the town of Manaoag. Others come from the far-flung areas of the country, unmindful of the long distance and time as they have this unbreakable faith that their prayers will be answered.

- Konted

Church of Nuestra Senora de Manaoag in Pangasinan

It is now formally called Minor Basilica of  Our Lady of the Rosary of Manaoag.

About the church

Almost always filled to the brim

The main altar

The Crucified Christ at the left flank of the main altar

Close shot of Our Lady of Manaoag

Closer shot of the miraculous Our Lady of Manaoag

At the back of the church

Inching their way closer to Our Lady of Manaoag

Near the main entrance

There is a parking lot at the rear of the church.

The popular sticky rice cake called TUPIG being sold near the church
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