ARCHITECTURE Several miracles attributed to the Virgin of
Namacpacan are widely known, including the
Our Lady of Namacpacan Church is an
healing of a young girl named Rosa Roldan
Earthquake Baroque church featuring a
who was unable to walk since birth. Before
white, pale gray, and light blue façade with
Pope Pius XII died on October 9, 1958, he
well-preserved original brick and stone walls,
reportedly saw the Blessed Virgin Mary
highlighted by thick step buttresses, rounded
enshrined in Namacpacan in a dream. He
pediments, and twin belfries. Inside, it
asked where Namacpacan was, but none of
preserves notable heritage elements such as
his staff were aware of the place’s existence;
a wooden altar, a Spanish-era stone pulpit,
the answer was only revealed after the
and a wood relief of the Baptism of Christ.
pontiff’s death
The church grounds also include a distinctive
gate with a statue depicting the crowning of Recently, the Museo de Nuestra Señora de
Our Lady of Namacpacan. Namacpacan has opened. Located beside the
Shrine of Our Lady of Namacpacan, the
Additionally,Namacpacan Church was also
museum houses the different capes and
declared a National Cultural Treasure by the
attires worn by Apo Baket since its arrival in
National Museum of the Philippines in 2001
1871. It also displays various artifacts,
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The wooden image of Our Lady of In front of the museum, there is a religious
Namacpacan(Apo Baket) was ordered from store where devotees and tourists can buy
Spain in 1871 by an Augustinian priest religious articles and souvenirs.
assigned at the Immaculate Conception
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Seminary in Vigan. While being transported
from Mexico to Vigan, the ship carrying the The “Mary’s Well” in the Our Lady of
image was forced by storms to take shelter Namacpacan Church is a small sacred water
twice in Darigayos. source tied to the church’s strong Marian
devotion, seen not only as a physical feature
When the image was brought to land, it was
but as a symbol of spiritual cleansing,
temporarily placed in the convent, but
healing, and renewal inspired by Christian
attempts to move it further failed because it
faith. Many devotees who visit the shrine
became too heavy. This was interpreted by
pray at the well, believing it represents
Father Camilo Naves as a sign that the Virgin
Mary’s intercession and God’s blessings in
wished to remain in Namacpacan (now
their lives. Over time, it has become a
Luna). The town’s name was changed to
pilgrimage tradition where visitors reflect,
Luna, in honor of the national heroes,
give thanks, and bring home water in gallon
Antonio and Juan Luna, whose mother is a
containers as a sign of devotion and trust in
native of the place. Father Marcelino
God’s grace.
Ceballos then requested that the image be
given to the town, and it was granted on the NEXT
condition that the townspeople would
Annual Feast Day of Our Lady of
reimburse all expenses from Spain.
Namacpacan is celebrated every November
The people welcomed the image with 24 and pilgrims from Ilocos region and other
celebration and enshrined it in the church. It parts of Luzon, Metro Manila and the rest of
was canonically crowned on November 24, the archipelago would visit her shrine to join
1959, by decree of Pope John 23 through the solemn festivities.
Apostolic Nuncio Salvatore Siino. Standing 6
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feet 4 inches (1.92 m) tall, it is the tallest
Marian image in the Philippines and is Today, we are introducing the current parish
regarded as the patroness of Ilocano priests who guide and serve our community.
travelers.
First, we have Reverend Monsignor (maan-
see-nyr) Mario R. Valdez, the Attached Priest,
who assists in the spiritual needs of the
parish.
Next, at the center, is Reverend Father
Roberto Benito L. Collado, the Parish Priest
and Rector of the Shrine, who leads and
oversees the parish.
And lastly, we have Reverend Father Carlo
Emil N. Boado, the Parochial Vicar, who helps
in ministering to the faithful.
Together, they work hand in hand in serving
and strengthening our church community.
Moreover, There is no known CICM
missionary specifically from the Our Lady of
Namacpacan Church
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The Shrine of Our Lady of Namacpacan
stands as a meaningful symbol of Filipino
faith, culture, and history. It reflects the deep
devotion of many believers to Our Lady of
Namacpacan, whose image is regarded as
miraculous and continues to inspire hope
and trust in God. Beyond being a place of
worship, the shrine preserves important
traditions and religious heritage through its
church and museum, allowing both locals
and visitors to connect with the past.
Ultimately, it serves as a space for prayer,
reflection, and unity, showing how faith
remains an important part of Filipino identity
even in modern times.
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