Last year of May 2008 we did our field research in Marinduque, not knowing that it was also the time that the Diocese of Boac was celebrating the 3oth anniversary of the coronation of the Virgin of Biglang Awa (Our Lady of Mercy) which is the titular of Boac and an image of the Blessed Mother dearly loved by the people of Marinduque. As we did our field work we also had the chance to interact with the people on this beautiful occation. I took time to spend simply just adminirng this beautiful structure. A testament to the faith of the people of Marinduqe. This church is made of brick and has suffered destruction from fires, storms and earthquakes. But recently renovated and restored.
In the Photo above, my students are seen streaming towards the front of the Cathedral. Perched on top of the facde on a small canopy is the image of St. Michael the Archangel. The defender of the Church. There is also the image of Our Lady. Marinduque is a small island, the phase of life seems unusually slow. But the people are devout.
Above is another shot of the facade.
Above is the bell tower. In olden times this church also served as a fortress. The Blessed Mother was called in various titles. But for the people of Boac Mary is their Biglang Awa. Biglang Awa is Tagalog for "immediate succour". History said that when the Moros came to the shores of Laylay to lay seiged to Boac in the early part of the 17th century, the people ran to the Church-fortress for refuge. many Christians died defending the fortress. When the capture of the fortress was nearing, the people fervently prayed the Lady to assist them and not to deliver them into the hands of their enemies. Then by a miracle a strom appeared and in the midst of the storm they saw the image of the Lady perched on top of the wall. Then the Muslim raiders ran in panic. And thus the people of Boac was saved from violent death through the intercession of the Lady. Thus the people of Boac called her the lady of Immediate Succour. A very interesting artilce about this was written by Josephine Darang in her "Purely Personal" article in PDI. Follow the link to read on that article.
The main entrance to the Cathedral compound which includes the church, a shrine, chapel, chancery and other ecclesiastical offices. The image of Christ on top of the gate as if beckoning the faithful and all human persons to come to Him for refreshment. "Come to me all you who are laden with burden, and I will give you rest. Learn from me because I am meek and humble of heart."
One will not fail to notice the ornate doors of the cathedral. It depicts the image and symbols of the four evangelists.
The image of an angel guarding the gates of the Church. Tradition has it that all churches has its own guardian angel.
A giant image of Christ standing on top of the Cathedral Hill. By the way the Cathedral compound is built on top of a hill overlooking the town of Boac.
An old bell displayed in the compound. Bells are considered important sacramentals because of their role as instrument for summoning the faithful to liturgy and prayer.
Marker to commemorate Rev. Fr. Diego de Saura, S.J. Jesuit missionary (1598-1631) who helped evangelize the people of Marinduque.
Image of Fr. Diego de Saura, S.J.
We had the privilege to be able to attend the very first mass held on this newly buildt chapel near the Cathedral Church.
The Bishop's private chapel in the Chancery.
Giant image of Our Lady of Biglang Awa built by former governor Carmencita O. Reyes. The image was built on the mouth of Balanakan port welcoming visitors to the island of Marinduque.
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