Vatican bestows pontifical crown to Bacolod’s Virgen sang Barangay

By Glazyl M. Jopson

BACOLOD CITY — Archbishop Charles Brown, Papal Nuncio to the Philippines, led the pontifical coronation of the original icon of the Virgen sang Barangay at the San Sebastian Cathedral here on Thursday.

The event was held during the celebration of the Solemn Feast of the Blessed Virgin Mary, following the recently concluded Barangay sang Virgen National Assembly, nearly seven months after the sacred image received episcopal coronation on March 25.

The image depicts the Blessed Virgin Mary holding the Baby Jesus with a rosary in her hand.

This marks the first pontifical coronation under Pope Leo XVI through the Dicastery for Divine Worship and the Discipline of the Sacraments, with a decree dated Sept. 12.

In his message during the ceremony, Brown said it gave him great joy to lead the historic coronation of the revered image at the cathedral.

He recalled visiting the Philippines in 2020 and seeing a replica of the image in Luzon, where he was immediately captivated by its beauty.

“It really struck me. It’s a wonderful image of Philippine Catholicism and faith,” Brown said.

“It’s a great privilege and joy to crown this beautiful image. Let’s follow Our Lady, let’s love and allow her in her very quiet maternal way to direct our path,” he added.

Several Catholic faithful gathered at the cathedral and offered roses to the sacred image.

Archbishop Victor Bendico of Capiz led the homily during the Holy Mass.

This recognition affirms the authenticity and importance of this devotion in the life of the Church, according to Bishop Patricio Buzon of the Diocese of Bacolod.

Buzon thanked the priests, devotees, and Catholic faithful from across the country for showing their powerful testimony of faith in the sacred image.