The image of Our Lady of Light of Cainta was pontifically crowned Dec. 1 by Archbishop Gabriele Giordano Caccia, apostolic nuncio to the Philippines.

 

The painting by Fernando Amorsolo, the first National Artist of the Philippines, is a replacement of the early 18th century painting representing the devotion that was destroyed during the Philippine-American War in 1899.

 

Last year, during the 290th anniversary of the introduction of the devotion to Our Lady of Light in Cainta, Bishop Nolly Buco, parish priest and auxiliary bishop of Antipolo, petitioned for the pontifical coronation of the venerated image. The Holy See granted the petition through the Congregatio de Culto Divino et Disciplina Sacramentorum by a decree issued on Dec. 6, 2017.

 

A pontifical or canonical Coronation is done “in the name and by the authority of the Supreme Pontiff,” with the decree issued by the Congregation for Divine Worship and the Discipline of the Sacraments from the Vatican. The latter has always been seen and recognized as the most authoritative since the coronation conferred by Rome gives an official seal of approval to the miraculous and sacred character of the Marian image that receives the honor, and constitutes a visible link between the highest authority of the Catholic Church and the local church.

 

Caritas Manila

 

Caritas Manila is urging contributions to its #ShareYourChristmas online campaign to provide cash donations to the poor this Yuletide.

 

Interested donors may visit https://shareyourchristmas.caritasmanila.org.ph/share-your-christmas-donations/.

 

Donors may also wish to sponsor Christmas Novena masses on Dec. 16-24, which will be aired on Radio Veritas 846.  They can call 5639311, 5620020 up to 25 or visit CM office at 2002 Jesus St., Pandacan, Manila.