Philippines: Cebu New Chapel

Bishop Josh Jaime, who serves as the episcopal administrator for the Old Roman apostolate in the Philippines, recently embarked on a journey from Manila to Cebu, a different island from the capital, to bestow his blessings upon a newly constructed and restored chapel. This significant undertaking was carried out by the devoted members of the community who have put in their time, effort, and resources to ensure the completion of this sacred space.

The island of Cebu holds significance as the birthplace of Christianity in the Far East. Presently, the Roman Catholic Archdiocese of Cebu, officially known as Archidioecesis Nominis Iesu o Caebuana, stands as the largest archdiocese in the Philippines and Asia. On Mactan Island in Lapu-Lapu, the Old Roman apostolate caters to the underprivileged residing in the urban sprawl, assisting a total of 8,481 households. Bishop Joash recently bestowed his blessings upon the newly established Mission Chapel in Likuan, Marigondon, dedicated to San Pedro Calungsod. San Pedro Calungsod was a Filipino-Visayan migrant, sacristan, and missionary catechist who, alongside Spanish Jesuit missionary Diego Luis de San Vitores, endured religious persecution and martyrdom in Guam in 1672 due to their missionary efforts.

The act of blessing this new chapel serves as a testament to the unwavering faith and devotion of the community, as they continue to uphold their religious traditions and strengthen their spiritual connection. The construction and restoration are a testament to the resilience and perseverance of the faithful, who have come together to create a sacred space that will serve as a beacon of hope and inspiration for generations to come. Blessing this chapel is a testament to the enduring power of faith and the importance of religious spaces in fostering a sense of community and spiritual growth.

Bishop Joash had the opportunity to visit not just one, but two Old Roman chapels in Cebu. The first chapel, which is part of a trio, has been meticulously restored and blessed. Additionally, a new priest’s convent has been added to enhance the spiritual atmosphere of the chapel. The second chapel, known as the Nuestra Virgen de la Regla Mission Chapel, is located in Ilaya, Marigondon, Lapu lapu City. This chapel holds great significance and has been a place of worship for many faithful followers. Bishop Joash’s visit to this chapel allowed him to witness the devotion and love that the community has for their faith. The restoration and blessing of the chapel, along with the addition of the priest’s convent, serve as a testament to the dedication and commitment of the people involved in preserving the religious heritage of the area. The Nuestra Virgen de la Regla Mission Chapel stands as a symbol of faith and spirituality, providing a sacred space for worship and reflection.

The revered depiction of Nuestra Virgen de la Regla holds great significance among the Cebuanos, who firmly believe that their prosperity is a divine blessing attained through the powerful intercession of the Virgin Mary. The veneration of Our Lady of the Rule originated from the actions of St. Augustine, the bishop of Hippo in Northern Africa. With his own hands, he skillfully carved an image of the Virgin Mary, which became one of the few relics to withstand the destruction of the city of Hippo. Following Augustine’s passing, the monks sought refuge in Spain, safeguarding the image during their journey. In Spain, the image continued to perform miraculous acts and persevered through the devastation caused by the Moors, leading to a swift proliferation of devotion to Our Lady.

In the year 1330, an Augustinian monk had an encounter with the Virgin Mary, who directed him to travel to the city of Cadiz and locate a concealed cave. Within this cave, he was instructed to excavate and discovered a hidden underground altar. It was at this sacred site that the statue of Our Lady of the Rule was permanently placed for reverence. Over the course of many centuries, this revered figure was honored under various names, including Virgen Libica, Virgen del Sagrario, Estrella de los Mares, and La Virgen Morena, or Morenita.

The devotion to the Virgen de la Regla was introduced to the Philippines during the 18th century by the Augustinian Order, who were granted authority over the parish of Opon, now known as Lapu-Lapu City in Cebu. In 1735, the parishioners were first exposed to an image of the Virgen de la Regla by Francisco Avalle, the initial parish priest and an Augustinian monk. Father Avalle, a devoted follower, had resided in the Monastery of Nuestra Señora de la Regla in Chipiona, Andalucia, Spain for a decade.

Upon hearing the story of the Virgin of Chipiona, the people of Opon chose Our Lady of the Rule to be their patroness. They had a big picture made and placed it on the altar. Miracles began to happen and the devotion flourished.

Miracles

Cruz Lauron, an Opon resident, was bedridden due to a disease causing blood loss. When Fr. Avalle placed a picture in the church in 1735 and lit two candles before it, Lauron was immediately healed.
In 1736, Opon was spared from locust attacks that only ate harmful insects infesting crops. This happened multiple times.
Maria Ramos, who had cerebral palsy, suffered from severe seizures but was saved from dying in one episode.
In 1912, a woman crawled up the altar to kiss the statue of Our Lady in the Opon church. After doing so, she stood up without support and walked out, astonishing everyone.
In 1920, a woman with an acute abdominal disorder promised to give a large amount of tithes if her child was cured through Mary’s intervention. Her wish was granted, and the donated articles became part of Our Lady’s decorations.
Pilgrims used to crawl through a maze as penitence and would emerge on the other end with spiritual relief and granted favors. One Cebuana matron, who was childless and paralyzed for 15 years, was able to walk after her Opon pilgrimage and gave birth to a child with a dark complexion.
The church received a cloth relic believed to have belonged to the Blessed Virgin Mary as a gift from Fr. Ambrosio Agius, Apostolic delegate to the Philippines in 1909. Pilgrims venerate the relic by kissing it.
On Nov. 27, 1954, Archbishop Julio Rosales crowned the Virgin during the Archdiocesan Marian Congress, making it the first image from Visayas to receive such recognition.

Devotion to Nuestra Señora de la Regla, the revered Virgin, continues to thrive and grow, as her followers passionately express their unwavering faith and devotion. The shrine dedicated to her serves as a sacred space where countless miracles have been reported, drawing devotees from far and wide who seek solace, guidance, and blessings. These faithful pilgrims embark on a spiritual journey, visiting the shrine with hearts filled with supplication and gratitude, as they pour out their prayers and express their deepest desires.

The profound impact of Nuestra Señora de la Regla is felt throughout the year, but it is on the momentous occasion of her Feast Day, celebrated with great reverence and joy on November 21, that her devotees come together in unity and celebration. This special day is marked by vibrant processions, heartfelt prayers, and acts of devotion, as the faithful gather to honor and pay homage to the beloved Virgin. The Feast of the Virgin serves as a powerful reminder of the enduring presence and influence of Nuestra Señora de la Regla in the lives of her devoted followers, who continue to experience her divine intercession and experience the transformative power of their unwavering faith.