Last September, the Holy Veil of Manoppello, believed to be Jesus’ burial face cloth bearing the True Face of the Risen Christ, did a tour of various churches in and around Metro Manila.

What very few people know is that this exact replica of the original relic in Manoppello, Italy was gifted by Rector Rev. Fr. Carmine of the Basilica of the Volto Santo (Holy Veil) in Manoppello, Italy to the poor agriculture village of Nampicuan, Nueva Ecija.

The Volto Santo or Holy Veil was enshrined in the Immaculate Conception Church in Nampicuan, Nueva Ecija, on September 16, 2014, a humble provincial church.

Local residents, mostly farmers, witnessed Bishop Roberto Mallari of the Catholic Diocese of San Jose and parish priest Rev. Fr. Christian Magtalas preside over the enthronement mass.

“Why… in this poor parish… of Nampicuan… Why not in the beautiful cathedrals and basilicas around the Philippines?” the bishop asked in his homily.

Pope Francis’ episcopal motto is miserando atque eligendo, lowly and yet chosen.

On Dec. 8, the village of Nampicuan will have a special celebration for the Feast of the Immaculate Conception.

Parish priest Fr. Magtalas, has proclaimed the liturgical theme “Through Mary to Jesus” for the year.

The morning festivities begin with a reading of the letter from the Basilica Volto Santo in Italy about the gift of the replica to the Immaculate Conception Parish in Nampicuan, Nueva Ecija.

The plaque commemorating the Sept. 16 enthronement will be unveiled, and a new statue of the Virgin Mary bearing the Holy Veil will be blessed.

The faithful are invited to come and behold the beautiful face of our Savior in the Sanctuary of the Holy Face.

Note: Nampicuan is a two-hour, 15-minute trip from Manila. Visitors should use the TPLEX exit in Anao, Tarlac which is about two kilometers from the church.

For further details, call the Immaculate Conception Parish at 0917-6242840, or e-mail [email protected].