San Isidro, Libmanan — October 11, 2025. The Diocese of Libmanan marked a significant milestone in its devotional life as clergy, religious, and lay faithful gathered on October 11 to commemorate the 10th anniversary of the canonical coronation of Our Lady of the Pillar, Patroness of the Diocese. The celebration included a solemn reenactment of the coronation, held during a Eucharistic celebration presided over by Bishop José Rojas. The Mass, which took place on the eve of the feast day of Our Lady on October 12, drew pilgrims from various parishes who came to express their devotion and gratitude.
This year’s commemoration marks a decade of deepening devotion to Our Lady of the Pillar, whose veneration has long been intertwined with the identity and spiritual journey of the diocese. A pivotal moment in this history occurred in 2014, when the diocese observed the 25th anniversary of its establishment as a prelature and its separation from the Archdiocese of Caceres (Naga City). During the concluding Mass of the Diocesan Synod on December 9, 2014—celebrated at the Cathedral of St. James the Greater as the culmination of the silver jubilee—Bishop Rojas deemed it fitting to crown the revered image of Our Lady enshrined in her sanctuary in San Isidro, Libmanan. That act, however, constituted only an episcopal coronation, as no decree had yet been issued by the Holy See.
The following year, in 2015, Bishop Rojas succeeded in securing a Vatican decree authorizing a canonical coronation—an honor reserved for Marian images with longstanding and significant devotion. On October 11, 2015, the late Bishop Arturo Bastes, SVD, then Bishop of Sorsogon, solemnly crowned the image during rites held on the vigil of the feast day. That event cemented Our Lady of the Pillar’s place not only as Patroness of the Diocese of Libmanan but also as a symbol of unity and maternal protection for the faithful.
Though ten years is not a long span in the life of the Church, the Rector of the Diocesan Shrine of Our Lady of the Pillar, Fr. Cristito Testa, expressed that marking the anniversary was both timely and pastorally meaningful. “It is an opportune moment to deepen awareness among the faithful that Our Lady of the Pillar is truly the patroness of the diocese,” he shared. “By celebrating this anniversary, we hope to further promote devotion to her and strengthen the spiritual bond of our people with their heavenly mother.”
In preparation for the celebration, Fr. Testa also oversaw the repair and strengthening of the back portion of the church’s retablo. This improvement now allows pilgrims to safely ascend the staircase behind the altar to venerate the image more closely—an old devotional practice that many had hoped would be restored. “The faithful can now once again go up and kiss the image of Our Lady,” the rector said, noting that this intimate form of devotion has long been cherished by devotees who visit the shrine.
Throughout the day, hymns, prayers, and the presence of hundreds of devotees transformed the sanctuary into a living testament of faith and filial affection. For many, the reenactment of the coronation was not merely a liturgical commemoration but a reminder of Mary’s enduring guidance over the diocese.
On occasions such as this, one name that deserves lasting remembrance is that of Chito Duran, proprietor of Fleur de Franz, Inc., a Philippine distributor of raw materials for fragrances, cosmetics, and other beauty products. It was he who donated the crowned image to the Diocese of Libmanan in celebration of the silver jubilee of its canonical foundation.
When compared with other images of Our Lady of the Pillar, particularly the revered icon in Zaragoza, Spain, the Libmanan image shows notable similarities. Yet it also bears a character uniquely its own, thus meriting the distinctive title Nuestra Señora del Pilar de Libmanan. It may likewise be fittingly referred to as the canonically crowned silver jubilee image of Our Lady of the Pillar, to perpetuate in memory its historical significance.
As the Diocese of Libmanan looks ahead, the 10th anniversary celebration serves as both a moment of gratitude and a renewed call—to entrust the diocese, its clergy, families, and communities once more to the maternal care of Our Lady of the Pillar, who continues to watch over her people with steadfast love.
