The province of Isabela in the Cagayan Valley Region is the “Queen’s Province.” Specifically, it was named after la Reyna Isabela la Catolica who, along with King Ferdinand of Aragon, liberated Spain in 1492 from the Moors who had controlled the southern peninsula for centuries.
Due to readers’ requests, the prayer to Our Lady of the Visitation of Guibang patroness of Isabela is printed here. It was composed by Ilagan Bishop Joseph Nacua, OFM-Capuchin and given imprimatur on Dec. 8, 2011.
May 30 is both the patronal and town fiesta of Ilagan, Isabela. The patron is St. Ferdinand of Castille, and he will be honored with Novena Masses on May 21-29. Prayers to the saint will begin at 4:30 p.m., and Mass is at 5:15 p.m. The theme focus is, “To live a life of service for the glory of God.”
ZENY Marquez-Zicherelli drove us to the Parish of Sta. Rosa de Lima in Gamu, Isabela, and we found the church to be impressive, with very high ceiling, its walls made of brick. But parts of the roof were blown away during typhoon “Juan.” Although parts were rehabilitated during the time of Fr. Antonio Ancheta, former parish priest, the roof was torn again during typhoon “Pedring” when the acacia tree near the church fell on it.
Ilagan, the capital town of Isabela, is best known for being the home of the world’s largest wooden armchair—the butaka.
