Our Lady of Aranzazu

History

Christianity in San Mateo, Rizal began in 1596 when Augustinians built the first settlements. The first parish church, under Saint Matthew the Apostle, was erected on August 29, 1596. Jesuits took control on December 6, 1696. In 1705, Jesuit Juan de Echazabal changed the town's patronage to the Virgin of Aránzazu.

A new church was built in 1716 under her patronage. A Spanish captain from the Basque Country brought the first image to the Philippines. The Dominican Colegio de San Juan de Letrán in Intramuros promoted the devotion from 1732.

Veneration

Pope Francis granted a canonical coronation after a parish petition prepared by the Cofradía de Nuestra Señora de Aránzazu. The decree was promulgated on June 17, 2016, by Cardinal Robert Sarah. The coronation Mass on May 31, 2017, was celebrated by Francisco M. de León, with Cardinal Orlando Quevedo performing the crowning.

Devotion

The feast day is celebrated on September 9 with processions, white handkerchiefs, and a devotional hymn. Former parish priest Rev. Fr. The shrine dedicates the ninth day and second Saturday of each month to the Virgin. Devotees from across the country make pilgrimages, and miracles continue to be reported through her intercession.

Miracles

Thousands of devotees report miracles through the Virgin of Aránzazu. During a typhoon season, the image was processed through San Mateo to avert flooding; the floods reportedly subsided as the Virgin faced each area. In 2013, Typhoon Yolanda (Haiyan) threatened the episcopal coronation, but rains ceased when the Virgin arrived. Other reported miracles include cures from diseases such as cancer, success in licensure exams, financial aid, family reconciliation, and conversions of nonbelievers.

Did You Know?

• The image depicts the 1469 apparition, with the Virgin standing on a thorn bush with a small, squarish bell hanging from it.
• A seated replica was made in 1990, and the controversy over posture was officially settled by the Diocese of Antipolo in 2012.