by Caesar Gabriel Fernando
In a historic and cultural milestone, the Manila City Council has officially declared Nuestra Señora de la Consolación y Correa as the Patroness Intramuros, anointing her with the esteemed title of "Queen and Protectress of the Distinguished and Ever Loyal City." This recognition breathes new life into the centuries-old devotion to the revered image housed in San Agustín Church, the sole surviving church within the Walled City after the devastations of World War II.
The proclamation will be formally celebrated on September 8, during the Misa Mayor for the Solemnity of Our Lady of Consolation and Cincture. This event, steeped in history and tradition, will mark the beginning of "Dulce Septiembre," a month-long celebration dedicated to the Queen of Intramuros. The second Sunday of September is now set to be a community-wide celebration, heralded as the ‘Fiesta de Intramuros’—an event that will bring together the faithful in a vibrant homage to their beloved patroness.
This monumental declaration is the fruit of a collaborative effort between San Agustín Church—now recognized as the Archdiocesan Shrine of Nuestra Señora de la Consolación y Correa—, the Intramuros Administration led by Atty. Joan Padilla, and the Manila City Council, under the leadership of Vice Mayor John Marvin "Yul Servo" Nieto. The Council’s Resolution No. 496, Series of 2024, sponsored by Councilor Ricardo Isip, cements the legacy of Nuestra Señora de la Consolación y Correa as the ‘Patroness of Intramuros.’
Intramuros, historically the seat of government and the epicenter of faith during the Spanish colonial era, was once home to seven grand Roman Catholic churches. Among them, San Agustín Church, established in 1607, stands as a resilient symbol of faith, having weathered natural calamities, revolutions, and the ravages of war. The church's survival and the enduring presence of the sacred image of La Consolación serve as a poignant reminder of the city’s storied past.
This year’s Fiesta de Intramuros will be a landmark event, marking the first of its kind in the Walled City. It represents a renewed commitment to preserving and celebrating the rich cultural and religious traditions that have shaped Manila's identity. The City Council’s proclamation is more than a ceremonial act; it is a call to all Manileños to honor and uphold the historical and spiritual significance of Intramuros, ensuring that the legacy of Nuestra Señora de la Consolación y Correa continues to inspire future generations.
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