As October Begins (La Naval de Manila 2014)

Cover photo of the La Naval de Manila official facebook page

For Catholics, the month of October is dedicated to the Rosary. In connection to this is one of the biggest and most historical fiestas in the Philippines; the feast of Our Lady of the Most Holy Rosary of La Naval de Manila or simply, La Naval de Manila.

This fiesta commemorates the Battles of La Naval in 1646, where the Spanish and Filipino forces fought against the far more powerful Dutch armada, and miraculously won through the intercession of Our Lady.

Our Lady of La Naval. La Naval de Manila procession 2013

At that time, the Dutch wanted to conquer our nation and the only line of defense for our country back then were two old Galleons that were armed for the battle. Compared to the opposing navy, our forces would have no chance of winning. In those moments, our forces turned to Our Lady of the Most Holy Rosary for her intercession and for victory over the Dutch forces. And after 5 naval battles at different parts of the nation, the Spanish and Filipino forces triumphed through the intercession of Our Lady and this miraculous victory is still remembered in the celebration of La Naval de Manila every second Sunday of the month of October (this year, October 12, 2014). This is why the devotion is known as La Naval, referring to the events of 1646.

You can read a history of Our Lady of La Naval at http://www.lanavaldemanila.com/about_la_naval/

Thousands attending the procession along Quezon Ave. La Naval de Manila 2013

Tomorrow, the celebrations begin with the enthronement of the image of Our Lady of La Naval at the altar of her church, Sto. Domingo Church, QC, where it will all take place. Starting this Friday October 3 until Oct 11, Saturday will be the days of the novena. On October 4, 6, 8 and 10 will be the Besamanto at 7 PM after the novena mass, in which the image will be lowered from the baldachino for devotees to venerate. The feast is on October 12th, the 2nd Sunday of the month which is when her feast is annually celebrated and it will be highlighted by the grand procession that starts at 4 PM on that day.

 

Baldachino of Our Lady of La Naval prepared for the fiesta. Sto. Domingo Church, Quezon City

Banner of Our Lady hanging at the footbridge in front of Sto. Domingo Church, carrying this year's fiesta theme.

This fiesta has been one that I've been looking forward to every year whenever it's October. I've been attending these celebrations for years and for sure, I will be attending it again, especially the feast day itself.
Viva la Virgen! Viva Nuestra Senora de La Naval! Regina Sacratissimi Rosarii, Ora Pro Nobis!

Official Facebook Page of La Naval de Manila

edit: Did a few edits to this post and added the besomanto to the activities