ANTIPOLO, Minalabac, Camarines Sur, October 28, 2026 — The image of Nuestra Señora de la Paz y Buenviaje (Our Lady of Peace and Good Voyage), venerated in Antipolo, Minalabac, was solemnly crowned on October 28, following a nine-day novena in preparation for the occasion. The coronation was carried out by virtue of a decree issued by the Bishop of Libmanan.
The celebration coincided with two significant milestones in the history of the devotion: the 130th anniversary of the veneration of the image and the 22nd anniversary of the establishment of the parish under her patronage, canonically erected in 2004.
Despite being possibly the oldest Marian image venerated in the Diocese of Libmanan—even older than the images of Our Lady of Salvation in Salingogon, Minalabac, and in Banga Caves, Ragay—the image of Nuestra Señora de la Paz y Buenviaje is only the third Marian image in the diocese to receive the honor of coronation.
The first was the image of Nuestra Senora del Pilar (Our Lady of the Pillar), principal patroness of the Diocese of Libmanan, enshrined in San Isidro, Libmanan. It was pontifically crowned on October 11, 2015 by Bishop Arturo Bastes, then Bishop of Sorsogon, a year after the diocese celebrated its 25th anniversary of foundation on December 9, 2014. The second was the image of Nuestra Senora del Buen Consejo (Our Lady of Good Counsel), venerated at the mission station dedicated to her in Caranan, Pasacao, which was crowned on April 26, 2025.
The Parish of Nuestra Señora de la Paz y Buenviaje was founded in 2004. Its church, which houses three antique bells dating back to the 19th century, was completed in 2020 and solemnly dedicated in 2023.
In his homily during the celebration, the Bishop of Libmanan highlighted the connection between the apostolic mission of the Church and Mary’s example of faithful discipleship. Reflecting on the Gospel account of Jesus choosing the Twelve Apostles after a night of prayer, he emphasized that the Church’s mission must always be rooted in prayer and centered on Christ. Saints Simon and Jude, whose feast was also celebrated as the parish’s secondary patrons, remind the faithful that all are called, despite their different backgrounds and experiences, to share in Christ’s mission and become His witnesses. He stressed that authentic Marian devotion is measured not merely by the veneration of Mary’s image but by the willingness to imitate her in leading people to her son Jesus.
The Bishop further explained that the coronation of Mary’s image expresses recognition of her unique place in God’s plan of salvation and her queenship of loving service, humility, and obedience. He challenged the faithful to make the coronation meaningful by allowing Christ to reign in their hearts and by embodying Mary’s virtues in their daily lives. Reflecting on her title, Our Lady of Peace and Good Voyage, he called on the community to become instruments of peace through forgiveness, reconciliation, and concern for others, while entrusting life’s uncertainties and difficulties to God’s providence through Mary’s maternal intercession. He concluded by urging the parish to regard the coronation not merely as a solemn ceremony but as a renewed commitment to follow Christ, participate in His mission, and persevere in faith amid the storms of life.
The coronation marks another significant chapter in the Marian heritage of the Diocese of Libmanan, giving renewed expression to the enduring devotion of the faithful to the Blessed Virgin Mary under the title of Our Lady of Peace and Good Voyage.
