Our Lady of Porta Vaga


Our Lady of Solitude of Porta Vaga, or commonly Our Lady of Porta Vaga, is a Marian title associated with a religious icon which depicts the Virgin Mary as Our Lady of Solitude.
The oldest dated Marian painting in the Philippines and the Patroness of the Province of Cavite, permanently enshrined in the Diocesan Shrine of Our Lady of Solitude of Porta Vaga, San Roque Church in Cavite City. The image was ceremoniously crowned on 17 November 1978, having been long disputed as illegitimate. It gained an official canonical coronation on 19 March 2018 under the auspices of Pope Francis and received the state recognition as a National Cultural Treasure of the Philippines on September 27, 2017.

Titles

The icon is known in its province as the "Queen of the Province of Cavite" and "Exalted Patroness and the Celestial Guardian and Protectress of the Province of Cavite and its Port".
The icon was used to bless departing trade galleons plying the route between Cavite and Acapulco, Mexico, earning her the title "Patroness of the Galleons", while claims of miracles associated the icon as "The Virgin of a Thousand Miracles".

Description

The Blessed Virgin Mary is depicted as garbed in black and white, kneeling as she contemplates the instruments of her Son's Passion. Before her are the crown of thorns and the nails. The icon is painted on canvas and framed in carved wood. The painting itself is set in gold and silver accouterments studded with precious gems that are ex votos from devotees. It is considered an invaluable treasure inherited by the Caviteños, and is the oldest extant dated Marian painting in the Philippines.
An inscription on the reverse of the icon reads:

Historical timeline

1600s

celebrating the feast of Our Lady of Porta Vaga

Theft and return

Tri-centennial celebration

21st century

the 350th Anniversary of the Arrival of the Original icon in the shores of Cavite.

Purported apparition

According to local legend, a Spanish carabinero on sentry duty on the Rosario isthmus one stormy night saw a halo of bright light amongst storm clouds above Canacao Bay. Thinking the light to be coming from Islamic pirates intent on sacking Cavite, the sentry shouted a challenge to the lights as they approached him. When the light did not stop, he again called out. A calm and soothing voice replied from the light:
The soldier, struck with awe and confusion, replied:

Finding of the icon

The morning followed the stormy night. The early risers, mostly fishermen and workers at the Cavite Royal Arsenal usually passed through the Porta Vaga gate in entering the puerto. Along the beach of Cañacao Bay, they found a framed image of the Virgen de la Soledad lying on the sandy shore. It was close to the spot where the Virgin appeared the previous night. Others claimed it came with the debris of a Spanish galleon that sank during the fierce typhoon. They brought the image to the parish priest, who temporarily installed it in the parish church. Later, a small chapel was built near the Porta Vaga walls and for three centuries it became the shrine of the Virgen de la Soledad.
An inscription was found at the back of the painting, “A doze de Abril 1692 años Juan de Oliba puso esta Stsma. Ymagen Haqui.” This inscription says that “this sacred image was placed here on April 12, 1692 by Juan Oliva” but it does not clearly tells us the exact date of the Virgin's arrival. It is possible that it is the date when the Virgin was enthroned at the altar of the Ermita de Porta Vaga in the 17th century. Devotees of the Virgen de la Soledad were not satisfied in placing her in one of the seven churches of Cavite Puerto. They decided to build for her the Ermita de Porta Vaga, a small chapel near the gate of the Porta Vaga, the fortlet guarding the entrance to the Puerto de Cavite. For three centuries, it became the shrine of the Virgin.
The heavy files of history prove to be an accommodating ally in the earnest search for the truth about the Virgin. In the past, numerous Caviteño writers attempted to give a definite date of Her arrival. Some said that it must be during the second half of the seventeenth century. Others would give a more definite year –1667.

Theft and return

Early in the morning of March 16, 1984, the regular churchgoers of San Roque were struck with grief and indignation when they discovered that their Patroness was sacrilegiously stolen from Her altar. For months, a gloomy cloud hovered over the Caviteños. Many felt that their faith began to wane. Others avoided going to church for fear of seeing the empty throne of the Virgin; others were more optimistic–"Di revolvi la Virgen". Prayer rallies were held for the immediate recovery of the image. In the first prayer rally held, there was a very touching scene which brought tears to the devotees. The "carosa de la Virgen de la Soledad" was brought to the former site of the Ermita. It was fully decorated with fresh flowers. But the frame in which the image was formerly encased was empty.
In the succeeding months, several controversial and unfounded theories regarding the theft were published in some newspapers. Finally, a "recovery committee" was convened: Msgr. Baraquiel Mojica, Bishop Cirilo Almario, Bishop Felix Perez, Assemblyman Rogelio Peyuan, Judge Candido Villanueva, Mr. Tony Nazareno, Mr. Angel Silverio and several others. They posted a cash reward of P30,000.00 for anyone who could provide substantial leads to the stolen image. The prize money was raised to P50,000.00 after some time. These efforts towards recovering the image sustained in the Caviteños' the hope the Virgin would one day be recovered.
On August 15, 1984, the feast of Our Lady of Assumption, after months of tedious search, Mr. Tony Nazareno of the Antique Dealers of the Philippines and "un hijo verdadero de Cavite" recovered the lost image. However, all the gold trimmings and precious stones were gone. Mr. Nazareno immediately got in touch with Bishop of Imus to ask if he could authenticate the image. On August 19, 1984, the celebration of the feast of San Roque coincided with the blessing of the replica of the Virgen de la Soledad. Secretly, it was also the day set for the announcement of the recovery of the Virgin. At nine in the morning, the mass for the solemn blessing of the replica started. After the gospel, the Bishop of Imus blessed the new image. Then to the great surprise of the faithful, the stolen image was presented to them, divested of its former glory. The jubilant pealings of the five bells of San Roque and the overwhelming applause of the people filled the church with blissful joy. Tears flowed from the eyes of Her loyal devotees. The solemnity of the moment almost reached a sublime atmosphere with the words of Ave Maria filling the air as sung by a singer from Manila. To Her faithful children, it was like a joy of being in eternity.

Church and Civil Recognition

National Cultural Treasure

The State also recognized the importance and role of the Virgen de la Soledad in history. In August 2017, the Local Government of Cavite City finally declared her image as Important Cultural Property of the People of Cavite City thru City Resolution No. – 2017–071. The City Resolution also declared the second Sunday of November as "Dia de la Virgen de la Soledad Porta Vaga" or Our Lady of Porta Vaga Day in the whole city of Cavite.
In July 2017, the Parish of San Roque, formally nominated the centuries-old image of La Virgen de la Soledad de Porta Vaga as National Cultural Treasure of the Philippine thru the National Museum. Numerous historical documents were forwarded to their for preliminary study and validation of the data. The National Museum responded to the letter and site visit was conducted by the Cultural Properties Regulation Division. On August 31, 2017, Public Hearing and Stakeholders' meeting for the NCT nomination was conducted by the Diocese of Imus, City Government of Cavite and the National Museum at San Roque Church, thousands of devotees from different parts of the Philippines attended. The Cavitenos and the devotees welcomed the nomination of the Virgin as National Cultural Treasure without objections. The program was closed by singing the Reina de Cavite. The officials of the National Museum were impressed on how the devotees, clergy and local government officials welcomed the nomination, in fact they annotated that this stakeholders' meeting is the biggest in NM's history up to date. The Panel of Experts consists of archaeologist, architects, art historian and archivist unanimously approved the declaration of the image of La Virgen de la Soledad as well as the intangible heritage associated with the painting on September 27. 2017. NM Director, Jeremy Barns signed Museum Declaration 2017–02 on the same date. The ceremony of public declaration was done on November 18, 2018. It was attended by heritage experts. Former Department of Tourism Secretary Gemma Cruz Araneta said that this declaration is very unique, because Porta Vaga is the first ecclesiastical relic declared as NCT of the Philippines. The program was followed by a Concelebrated mass and the traditional Procession de la Reina. On April 12, 2019, the heritage marker was unveiled by the National Museum, city, province and national officials.

Canonical Coronation

Through the joint efforts of Msgr. Baraquiel Mojica and Bishop Felix Perez, a petition was sent to Rome for the canonical coronation of the Virgin. The Holy See grants the privilege of crowning an image only in very rare and exceptional cases. "The Catholic rite of crowning originated in 1640, when Alejandro Sfortia, Marquis of Placencia, died leaving in his will a provision in which a large sum of money was to be invested and the proceeds to form a fund for the purchase of crowns of precious metals for the coronation of the most celebrated images in the world.
After a favorable response from Rome, the Most Rev. Bruno Torpigliani, DD, the Apostolic Nuncio to the Philippines, solemnly crowned the image of the Virgin on November 17, 1978. Present were Most Rev. Artemio Casas, Archbishop of Jaro, and the first Bishop of Imus; Most Rev. Cirilo Almario and Most Rev. Leopoldo Arcaira,
In an effort to rectify whatever was lacking in the coronation of 1978, the present officers of the Cofradia de la Virgen de la Soledad de Porta Vaga, Inc., with the usual support and guidance of the present Parish Priest, Rev. Fr. Dominador B. Medina and its Spiritual Director - Rev. Fr. Virgilio Saenz Mendoza, requested the Vatican for a Papal Bull and authorize the coronation of the sacred image during the reign of His Holiness, Pope Francis.
On March 19, 2018, His Holiness Pope Francis issued the decree for the Pontifical Coronation of the 300-year old image of the Virgen de la Soledad de Porta Vaga. The act of coronation was done on November 18, 2018 by Papal Nuncio Gabriele Giordano Caccia with the Most. Rev. Reynaldo G. Evangelista, the Bishop of Imus.
On the same occasion, her church was declared as the Diocesan Shrine of the Virgen de la Soledad de Porta Vaga. Because of this momentous occasion of the Catholic faith in the province of Cavite, the Holy See thru the Apostolic Penitentiary granted plenary indulgence from November 18, 2018 to November 18, 2019 for those who will visit the Shrine of the Virgin. His Holiness Pope Francis thru the Papal Nuncio granted his Apostolic Blessing to those who were present during the coronation and participated thru the internet, radio and television.

Miraculous claims

Countless miracles have been attributed to the Virgen de la Soledad. Her mysterious apparition and the unexplained arrival of Her image were initial revelations of her miraculous reign.
She is also known as the "Virgin of a Thousand Miracles" because of many miracles granted to the faithful devotees from the day of its discovery to the present. Among the notable miracles attributed to her intercession are the following famous stories:

Fire of 1830

During the terrible typhoon in 1830, a fire caused by lightning bolt hit the wooden altar of the Ermita and razed the chapel to the ground, but the image of the Virgin remained intact among the ashes.

Typhoon of 1856

In 1856, another terrible typhoon flooded the houses, churches and public buildings within the Puerto but the Ermita, as well as its patio were found dry so the people took refuge in the Church.

Spanish warship of 1857

On June 30, 1857, a Spanish frigate based in Cavite and named Lucero was caught by a violent typhoon off the coast of Albay. It ran aground on the rocky place known as Rawis, legaspi. For twenty two days, the ship was unable to move not only because of the low tide, but also because of the absence of even a slight breeze. The crewmen were worried because their provision was running low. It happened that one of the crew members was a devotee of the Virgen de la Soledad. He took out Her picture and asked his fellow sailors to pray before Her. One night, the Virgin appeared before the crewmen in the light of the pale moon. As they fell to their knees, the tide rose higher and higher and the wind began to blow. The frigate floated free from its rocky trap and was able to return safely to Cavite. There was so much jubilation. As the crewmen set foot on the ground, they proceeded right away to the Ermita. There, to the tune of the Te Deum, they expressed their gratitude to the Virgin.

Cholera epidemic of 1882

An epidemic plagued the Province of Cavite in October 1882. Due to the severity of this case, Don Juan Salcedo Y Mantilla de los Rios who served as the Provincial Governor from 1880 to 1886, ordered that the feast of the Virgen de la Soledad be postponed until the whole Province has been freed from such disaster. At one night, when the Governor was sick and resting, he ordered his guards not to let anyone in his quarters. However, to his surprise, an old lady dressed in black, came knocking at his door. The lady asked him to promise to celebrate the feast of the Virgen de la Soledad with greatest pomp for the epidemic to leave. Dismayed at such untimely request, he agreed and gave the lady some silver coins wrapped in a white handkerchief. After the lady left, he summoned his guards and reprimanded them for letting the old lady in. To their surprise, they told him that they saw no one in the vicinity. At once he himself was healed and he immediately visited the Ermita de Porta Vaga to give thanks to the Miraculous Virgin. To his surprise, he saw the silver coins wrapped in white handkerchief in front of the icon, just as he had given it to the lady. In thanksgiving for healing the whole of Cavite from such malady, he ordered that the feast of the Virgin be celebrated on January 20–21, 1883. He required all leaders of localities in the whole province to participate in the celebrations. On the day of the fiesta, the bells of all churches in Cavite rang to pay homage to their Queen. It was likewise answered by canyons from the Fort San Felipe. All gobernadorcillos of all towns of Cavite together with all of their officials came with their colorful gala uniforms with their own town's brass bands. All roads of the Cavite Puerto were decorated with beautiful arkos,and buntings. The Calle Real was illuminated by beautiful crystals and lanterns called globos, virinas and bombas. The road going to the Ermita de Porta Vaga was piled up with sederas or temporary stores. The whole route of the Virgin's procession were not only brightly-lighted but carpeted with expensive rugs and were covered overhead by canvasses and sails of boats to protect the participants from getting wet in case of rain. Genoveva Edroza Matute, a writer in Filipino, stated that the grandiose celebration of the fiesta of San Diego in Rizal's Noli Me Tangere was based on the fiesta celebration of Cavite. Thus, the Virgen de la Soledad was called the Queen of the Whole Province of Cavite.

Devotions

The Marian image is celebrated every second and third Sunday of November in Cavite. An annual Lenten rites and the All Saints-All Souls Day observances where she is alluded to in Tagalog as "Ináng Mágkakandila". The image celebrated the Pearl Jubilee of its coronation 2008 and the Silver Jubilee of its return the following year. Devotees include Overseas Filipino Workers and other foreign nationals who flock to the country to join the Porta Vaga Festival.

First Saturday Devotion

The First Saturdays Devotion is a Catholic practice which, according to the visionaries, has been requested by the Blessed Virgin Mary in several visitations, notably Our Lady of Fatima and the subsequent Pontevedra apparitions. This devotion, and the marian apparitions, have been officially embraced by the Roman Catholic Church.
The devotion fits on the Catholic tradition to venerate the Virgin Mary particularly on Saturdays, which originated in the scriptural account that, as the Mother of Jesus Christ, her heart was to be pierced with a sword, as prophesied during the presentation of Jesus in the temple; such sword was the bitter sorrow during the Crucifixion of Jesus. Such sorrow is particularly bitterly endured on Holy Saturday after Jesus was placed on the Sepulcher. Devotees of Fátima believe that the First Saturdays help to console the sorrows of the Lord Jesus and the Virgin Mary for the sins against Her Immaculate Heart.
In the Shrine of the Virgen de la Soledad, this devotion is being observed through a simple yet profound activity. Every first Saturday of the month, the original icon is exposed for veneration beginning with a Rosary and Novena at 5:00 in the morning, followed by a "Misa de la Reina" which is said in the local dialect of Cavite, Chavacano. The monthly meeting and general assembly of the Cofradia de la Virgen de la Soledad de Porta Vaga follows to discuss activities uplifting the devotion to the Reina de Cavite..

Fiesta

The Fiesta of the Soledad continues to be one of the most important in Cavite and a fulfillment to the request of Our Lady that they still celebrate up to this day. The Fiestas in honor of the Soledad is celebrated every second and third Sunday of November in Cavite City. Devotees include Overseas Filipino Workers and other foreign nationals who flock to the country to join the Porta Vaga Festival.
The Festival of the Soledad lasted for almost two and a half weeks that started with a Motorcade on ante- Visperas on a Friday before Second Sunday of November. The Caracol dela Tierra and Caracol del Mar then took place on the Visperas of the Fiesta that it is one of the most awaited where the devotees danced all throughout the day and the Virgin is carried in an Andas. On the day of the Day of the Primera Fiesta - the Second Sunday of November, people from all over the country flock the Shrine and join the grand Procession dela Reina in the evening. The Primera Fiesta is dedicated for Pilgrims and devotees nationwide. On the Segunda Fiesta - the Third Sunday of November, is dedicated to Caviteños and a procession of the patron saints of different parishes and chapels of Cavite City caps the grand festival.
The Grand Motorcade attended by hundreds of vehicles is held on Friday a day before the karakol at the first fiesta of our Or Lady of Solitude, in memory of the Return of the original image from theft. The fun and colorful motorcade entry into the City of Cavite, reminds us of the joy of the return of their Mother and Queen. At the sound and accompaniment of cheerful music, colorful balloons, banners and confetti we celebrate God's great love in giving us His only Mother.
Karakol Processions are held during town and barangay fiestas in Cavite and some rural areas in The Philippines. It is done mostly on the eve of the feast in thanksgiving for all the blessings and graces received through the intercession of the Patron Saint. Also, some Karakol rituals are done to ask for rain or deliverance from calamities and epidemics. Caracol which is a specie of a snail refers to the snail-like dance done during these celebrations. It is a fun tradition that dates back from the Spanish Colonial Period and is still in practice to the present. In Cavite city, the Karakol has two parts as follows: CARACOL DE LA TIERRA and CARACOL DEL MAR. Caracol de la Tiera or the Karakol sa Lupa is the usual Karakol Procession done as in most communities in Cavite. The Caracol del Mar or Karakol sa Dagat, is when the Virgin is brought back to the sea where She was found floating in the year 1667. It is also done, to ask for Her blessing since Cavite city has fishing as one of its main sources of livelihood.
Traditionally, the Most Reverend Cirilo Almario, Bishop Emeritus of Malolos, who is a native of Cavite city, presides annually a concelebrated Mass during this Caracol in thanksgiving to the Virgin whom He lovingly calls as his dear Mother, Queen and Patroness.
A new part of the fiesta is the Translacion commemorating the time on November 8, 1896 that the revolutionary specifically the magdiwang faction from malabon now known as general Trias, Cavite brought the original image and celebrated the feast of Our Lady of Solitude of Porta Vaga while cavite is at war.
the commemoration starts at the Diocesan Shrine with a motorcade to the Church of San Francisco de Malabon then a mass and an overnight vigil was held. the other day another mass was held then a procession was held carrying the image back to Cavite City by foot.

Procesión del Silencio (Procession of Silence)

to conclude with the celebrations of Good Friday, devotees of the Virgen de la Soledad come out after the traditional Santo Sepulcro Procession for a time of profound penance and prayer for the Procession del Silencio de la Virgen de la Soledad. Devotees, mostly clad in black, barefoot and silently praying with their candles in hand, accompany the age-old icon of the Virgen de la Soledad on a short route to symbolize the Virgin's lonely walk back home after bringing Christ's body to the Holy Sepulchre. This procession brings out the grief we believers have in giving consolation to our Lady in Her time of bereavement. As we can remember, the icon of the Virgen de la Soledad is a depiction of the Blessed Virgin Mary on the night of the first Good Friday, where She spent time alone in solitude, in quiet prayer and meditation, pondering over the great sufferings that Her Son has endured. By joining Her in this journey, we are also consoled with the fact that Mary is always present in our daily struggles in life.

Calbayog ''"Soleda"'' Festival

This is a less popular but a more traditional celebration of the folks from Sta. Margarita and Barangay Matobato in Calbayog Samar about merry dancing at the shores bearing the image of Nuestra Senora de Porta Vaga, more popularly known as "Soleda". This festival is specially pursued and initiated by the descendants of the early settlers in the community called "Tagalugan" referring to Tagalog speaking migrants from Cavite City during the Spanish era. The celebration is prominently highlighted by the presence of "kubol" or sea-shanties made up of bamboo and coconut palm leaves. The devotees dance their way from the local Chapel as they bring out the image and pass by the different "kubols" until reaching the main "kubol" where a simple ceremony is conducted. The date of celebration though is not very prominent because of the confusion of the actual festival day which falls every second Sunday of November.

Novena

The origin of the novena for the icon and its purported author is unknown. According to local historian Ricky Jose, some of its prayers may have been taken from a booklet published in 1742 entitled "Soledad patrocinante de Maria. Oracion evangelica de Nuestra Señora de la Soledad, appelida de la Puerta Vaga" ; a printing of a prayer or discourse book preached in 1741 by the Dominican Father Juan de la Cruz, an early local historian of his order and a Christian missionary in China.
In the 19th century, a Tagalog translation of this Novena was made by Father Juan Dilag, a chaplain of the Ermita. On 31 August 1861, the chancellor of the Archdiocese of Manila, Don Candido Ureta de Manzares approved the Tagalog translation with the following decree:

Indulgences

an inscription on an estampa venerated at the chapel of "Tahanan ng Mabuting Pastol",the Diocesan Seminary for Cavite. says that the Spanish Archbishop of Manila, Don Basilio Sancho de Sta. Justa y Rufina granted 80 days indulgence for those who would say the novena in Her honor.
Bishop Mateo Joaquin Rubio de Arevalo of Cebu granted 40 more days for those who did likewise.
Another Archbishop, Don Juan Antonio de Obrigo y Gallego granted indulgence to Her devotees.
On October 21, 1909, the first American Archbishop of Manila, Jeremiah J. Harty, granted 100 days of Indulgence to those who would make a pious devotion to the Virgin.
In the 1950s, Most Rev. Cesar Ma. Guerrero, former Archbishop of the Diocese of San Fernando and Tarlac, whose ancestors were full blooded Cavitenos, permitted the publication of the prayer entitled: "Nuestra Senora de la Soledad de Porta Vaga: CELESTIAL GUARDIANA Y PROTECTORA DE LA PROVINCIADE CAVITE Y SU PUERTO". The holy bishop likewise granted 300 days indulgence to all who would pray it.

''Dalaw Soledad''

The Dalaw Soledad which was one of the main activities of the Cofradia de la Virgen de la Soledad de Porta Vaga in the past, is the homage of God's people to the solitude of the Grieving Mother of God - the La Virgen de La Soledad de Porta Vaga. Dalaw Soledad is also an opportunity for us to contemplate the need for believers and especially the young and devotees of the Blessed Virgin for true shaping of wisdom and grace through prayer and silence in the Lord's Holy Presence..
It is also called a "pilgrimage", or a holy journey under the shadow of Mary, the mother in solitude and mourning. As the Israelites journeyed through the wilderness; how the Blessed Virgin patiently followed His Son Jesus who carried the cross to Calvary; just as the risen Lord traveled with the disciples of Emmaus — we would also travel to various Christian communities across the country, be it church, chapel, school or workshop, so that like Mary we are subject to Jesus' gift., develop in obedience to God the Father of us all and discover that true greatness is in the simple and the poor and in the lowliness of heart. How Mary accepted the sufferings and death of His Son through quiet reflection and prayer, and was alone in the company of angels and of God, we are all also called to follow her example, claim and find out that Mary, the Mother of Her Loneliness — the La Virgen de la Soledad de Porta Vaga is the Luz de Filipinas - is the heavenly mediator, fortress and fortress not only of the entire province of Kabite and of all Aborigines. from all over the world, but to all of His children who have adopted Him. It is also perhaps a way for the Creatives to share the great grace of God to know, experience or associate with and love La Virgen de la Soledad and experience His effective motherly care which has been the fortress and race of all within over three hundred years.
The Dalaw Soledad is also a form of "pilgrimage" that is slowly becoming part of the Christian consciousness in the Chapter and in each and every Art. The Dalaw Soledad is a visit to various communities in the spirit of prayer, meditation and collective action with Mary, the La Virgen de la Soledad de Porta Vaga.

''Dalaw Soledad'' Process

A replica of the sacred image of the Blessed Virgin of Soledad in the custody of Cofradia de la Virgen de la Soledad de Porta Vaga, Inc. or the Vyajera image enshrined at the shrine will visit communities. The icon or picture is the exact replica of the original image of La Virgen de la Soledad found on the coast of Cañacao, Rosario isthmus in Cavite Puerto. It has traveled to various communities and has been blessed by the clegys of cavite and the bishops it has visited. These include the Honorable Archbishop Paciano Aniceto, the Archbishop of Pampanga, the Honorable Bishop Teodoro Bacani, the Bishop emeritus of Novaliches, the Honorable Bishop Cirilo Almario, the bishoop Emeritus of Malolos, the Honorable Bishop Manuel Sobre Bishop Emeritus of Imus, the Honorable Luis Antonio G. Cardinal Tagle, current Archbishop of Manila and then Bishop of Imus, and the Extraordinary Archbishop Edward Joseph Adams, former Apostolic Nuncio of the Philippines.

Silver Frame

The current silver frame use on special occasions mostly processions is made of wood covered in pure silver and the back made of bronze, the Silver is made of old coins donated by devotees and Mexican silver given by Antonio Jose Sr. owner of a metal trading business. the original frame was destroyed during the Philippine Japanese occupation.

Kamagong wood Frame

A frame made of kamagong wood with brass appliques and silver rays was donated by the Roxas family Matriarch. the frame acts as her throne and used to hold the original image on her altar, now it holds the Vyajera image or the official replica on ordinary days. During the fiesta or on special occasions this frame will hold the original image.

Symbolical Crown

A Crown made of gold fashioned from the Pectoral Cross of the late Rufino Cardinal Santos, Archbishop of Manila given as an ex voto during the November 17, 1978 Canonical Coronation.

1978 Canonical Crown

the Crown made of pure gold was donated by Don Arturo Mañalac and the auspice maria inlaid with precious gems was funded from donations of various devotees residing abroad when the image of the Soledad de Porta Vaga visitaed the US in the 70'S. this crown was used for the November 17, 1978 Canonical Coronation and is use during the 1st fiesta on the 2nd week of November

2018 Canonical Crown

A crown made of gold and precious gems donated by various devotees mostly from the Cofradía de la Virgen de la Soledad de Porta Vaga for the November 18 Canonical Coronation. Designed by King Nikolai Viray of Pampanga under the guidance of Cofradía President, Jonnell Ryan Enriquez and digitized by Peter Paul Alvarez. the crown is manufactured by the jeweler "Fedesto" of Fort Bonifacio, Global city, Taguig and YUG INTL. LTD., Kowloon, Hongkong

Ivory Dove

The original gold dove went missing in the late 90's and a new dove made from Ivory with rays of gold vermeil studded with cubic zirconia Symbolizing the Holy spirit ws given by a devotee for the 2018 Canonical Coronation.

Medallion pin

Medallions were made in 2018 to commemorate various civil recognition to Our Lady of Solitude of Porta Vaga. the pins were made of Silver dipped in gold and bearing the seals of each government institution.
Symbolizes the Philippine Government's recognition of the image of Our Lady of Solitude of Porta Vaga as a National Cultural Treasure according to National Museum Resolution No. 2-2017.
It indicates that the image of Our Lady of Solitude of Porta Vaga as a unique treasure and Patroness of the whole Province of Cavite.
Symbolizing the honor of the Cavite City government through the city Resolution No. 2017-071 recognizing the image of Our Lady of Solitude of Porta Vaga as the city's treasure and Patroness.

Ex Votos

Various Ex Votos was given by devotees a sign of answered prayers to our lady of solitude of Porta Vaga most notably
Rosaries
once use alternately to adorn the frame during processions
During Processions and events devotees would adorn the frame of the image with a large cape or mantle, a recent tradition state that the cape should be divide into with 7 panels symbolizing the 7 sorrows of Mary. usually a small veil is place on top of cape so when viewed from the back it resembles an outline of a woman.

Veils

Every time the image is carried without the frame on processions and during the "Pahalik" tradition a simple veil usually black is placed on top of the image itself. the veils are brought by devotees and returned to them afterwards as mementos.
during lent specially on the "Procesión del Silencio" on good Friday a translucent black veil covers the image of Our Lady of Solitude symbolizing her mourning at the lost of here Son

Hymns

''Reina de Cavite''

The main hymn of our Lady of Solitude of Porta Vaga. In 1892, Julian Felipe, composer of the Philippine national anthem, penned the hymn "Reina de Cavite" on the occasion of her fiesta and the opening of the Exposición Regionál Caviteña. The lyrics were taken from the poem Himno a la Virgén de Cavite by Fr. Tomás de Andrade, S.J., the rector of the Jesuit College of Cavite sometime in 1689.

Original Poem By

Fr. Tomás de Andrade, S.J.

Himno a la Virgén de Cavite



Lyrics used by Julian Felipe

Reina de Cavite





Lyrics traslated by Herminia Victoriano

Reyna ng Kabite





Reina de Cavite

Por siempre seras;

Es prenda tu nombre

De jubilo y paz.

La nacion entera

Con culto filial

Tus glorias pregona

Tu imagen venera

Y en tu honor entona

Un himno triumphal.

Consuelo del justo

Luz del picador

Nuestras penas calma

Y en tu trono agusto

De piadosas almas

Oyes el clamor.

Como la heroina

Gozo de Israel,

Eres nuestra Gloria

Princesa Divina

Que das la victoria

A tu pueblo fiel.

Madre immaculada

Prez del Serafin

Luz de Filipinas

O virgin Sagrada

Haz que alla en el cielo

Te honreinos sin fin.

Reina de Cavite

per siempre seras:

Es prenda tu nombre

de jubilo y paz:
Reina de Cavite

por siempre seras;

Es prenda tu nombre

de jubilo y paz.
Madre Immaculada,

prez del serafin,

Luz de Filipinas,

protegenos sin fin:
Madre Immaculada,

prez del serafin,

Luz de Filipinas,

protegenos sin fin.

Luz de Filipinas,

protegenos sin fin!

Reyna ng Kabite

Laging tawag ng lahat

Kapayapaan at galak

Ngalan mo'y siyang pugad.

Reyna ng Kabite

Laging tawag ng lahat

Kapayapaan at galak

Sa iyo'y nagbubuhat

Inang kalinis-linisan

Mahal ng Serafin

Ilaw ka ng Pilipinas

Tunay kang tanglaw namin!

Inang kalinis-linisan

Mahal ng Serafin

Ilaw ka ng Pilipinas

Tunay kang tanglaw namin!

Ilaw ka ng Pilipinas

Ika'y tanglaw namin!

In 1991, in preparation for the celebration of the Tricentennial of the Enthronement of Our Lady of Port Vaga, the National Artist Lucio San Pedro made a four-voice arrangement of the hymn

''O Purísima Flor''

In 1945, in commemoration of the return of the icon of Our Lady of Porta Vaga to Cavite and its enthronement in San Roque Parish Churth which is now known as the Diocesan Shrine of Our Lady of Solitude of Porta Vaga, Fr. Pedro Larena wrote a poem entitled "O Purísima Flor". After some adjustments, the poem became the lyrics of the hymn originally composed by the famous Recollect composer, Fr. Domingo Carceller, OAR in Honour of the Virgen del Carmen venerated at the Minor Basilica of San Sebastian,

Oh purisima flor, dulce Madre

Que a Cavite de luz iluminas

Ha tres siglos que vio Filipinas

En su cielo tu rostro brillar

Y es la voz amorosa del Hijo

La que velva otra vez a cantarte

Y en su canto quisiera expresarte

Su tristeza su gozo su afan

Porta Vaga tu Trono querido

Fue por siglos, Señora, tu anhelo

Al tender el sus ojos de cielo

Sobre aqueste tu pueblo sin par

Y hoy tus hijos te ofrecen con cielo

Otro Templo, Señora, otro Altar

''Dulce Madre''

The longest and one of the oldest song in horror of Our lady of Porta Vaga. not much is known about when and who composed the song.

Dulce Madre que inspiras nuestro acento

Dulce, dulce Madre del candor

Mira a este tu pueblo que canta, ya

Fe de amante de dice amor.

Oye el ruego que’l pecho anhelante

A ti en via con fuego amoroso

Que tu rostro divino y gracioso

Cautivo nuestras almas robo el Corazon

Que gusto este pueblo venera

A su Reina y Señora adorada.

Y protesta te quiere servir.

Y si llega la hora dicho sa sabra

por tus glorias vencer omorir.

Mira Señora tu pueblo somos

Tuyos por siempre que remos ser.

Sea tu nombre nuestro consuelo.

Sea tu nombre nuestro que rer.

Hoy este pueblo te’a clama su Reina

Oye nuestras voces Madre del candor.

Suenen las vivas digamos Gloria

Gloria Maria nuestro blason.

Suenen las vivas digamos Gloria

Gloria Maria nuestro blason.

Nuestro Padre Señora te vieron

Y entre ellos que sis te habitar

Y el amor que’en sus pechos naciera

Y hoy tus hijos te quieres mostrar.

No permitas Señora que un dia

Estos hijos que tierna escojiste.

Sean presa del eror

Hijos tuyos seremos por siempre

Y al finezas tan grandes sabremos

Pagar con finezas, pagar con amor.

''Madre Mia''

The shortest song in horror of Our lady of Porta Vaga invoking the intersession of Our Lady during hard times. not much is known about when and who composed the song.

Madre mia que estas en los cielos

En via consuelos a mi Corazon

Cuando triste llorando te llamo tu mano

de rame feliz bendicion.

Mientras dure en el mundo mi vida

Tu Madre querida, mi vida seras.

Y olvidando de mundo las glorias

Tus dulces memorias tender nada mas.

Y olvidando de mundo las glorias

Tus dulces memorias tender nada mas.

''Ina at Reyna''

In celebration of the 350th year of the arrival of the original icon of Our lady of Porta Vaga in Cavite, By the Request of Fr, Virgilio Saenz Mendoza, fr. Francisco, SJ, a famous composer, together with Fr. Randy de Jesus who wrote the lyrics. the hymn was used at the 2018 Canonical Coronation

Doon sa Porta Vaga,

Ikaw ay nagpakita

Nabanaag ang ‘yong ganda

sa gitna ng pagdurusa.

Sa’yo ay sumasamo

sa tanglaw ng abang puso,

lapit aming dasal

kay Hesus na'ming mahal.

O Maria, Ina at Reyna

kalingain mo sa t’wina.

Sa'yong bayan na umaasa

pag-ibig mo’y ipadama.

Doon sa Porta Vaga,

Ikaw ay nagpakita

Liwanag ang ‘yong taglay

sa landas ng aming buhay.
Kami ay ‘yong samahan

sa gitna ng kadiliman

Magpatuloy sa aming buhay

na ikaw ang kaagapay.
O Maria, Ina at Reyna

kalingain mo sa t’wina.

Sa'yong bayan na umaasa

pag-ibig mo’y ipadama.
O Maria, Ina at Reyna

kalingain mo sa t’wina.

Sa'yong bayan na umaasa

pag-ibig mo’y ipadama.

''Preciosa y Poderosa''

For the Declaration of the Original Icon of Or Lady of Porta Vaga as a National Cultural Treasure of the Philippines, Seminarian Genesis Frances M. Toledo, DS, composed the song, "Preciosa y Poderosa" with the lyrics written by Marco Federico Dalma, a Devotee from Las Piñas

Tesoro Virgen Preciosa

Soledad Reina Poderosa

Nuestra Madre y Patrona

En Cavite nuestra tierra!

Ina’t Reyna ng Kabite

Ilaw ng bayang pinili

O dangal ng aming lahi

Gabay at tanggulang lagi

Tesoro Virgen Preciosa

Soledad Reina Poderosa

Nuestra Madre y Patrona

En Cavite nuestra tierra!
Debosyong mana’y biyaya

Kilanlin at mahalin ka.

Pangakong tinutupad na,

Hanggang sa huling hininga!
Tesoro Virgen Preciosa

Soledad Reina Poderosa

Nuestra Madre y Patrona

En Cavite nuestra tierra!
Reyna nitong lalawigan

Gabay niyaring kapuluan

Dambana na aming yaman,

Takbuhan ng buong bayan!
Tesoro Virgen Preciosa

Soledad Reina Poderosa

Nuestra Madre y Patrona

En Cavite nuestra tierra!

In popular culture

''In Noli Me Tangere''

, a writer in Filipino, stated that the grandiose celebration of the fiesta of San Diego in Rizal's Noli Me Tangere was actually based on the grandiose fiesta celebration of Cavite.

''Ang Milagro sa Porta Vaga''

The story of the Virgen de la Soldedad was made into a movie entitled "Ang Milagro sa Porta Vaga". Sor. Agustina Salcedo, the granddaughter of Don Juan Salcedo authored the script. directed by Florencio Orbeta and starring Julie Vega and a famous caviteño Leopoldo Salcedo dubed as "The Great Profile"

Porta Vaga Suite

The Internationally known Bayanihan Philippines Dance Company once depicted the fiesta celebration of the Virgin in songs and creative dances entitles "Porta Vaga Suite" which was presented at the Cultural Center of the Philippines in 1994. Old Caviteño dances and Chabacano folk songs were collected and used in the said presentation of Cavite Fiesta de Antigos

Soledad - The Musicale

The Teatro Baile de Cavite under the direction of Mr. Breshnev Larlar presented a musical play in honor of Our Lady of Port Vaga. Many songs used in the play was composed by Mr. Gary Granada
The musical play is about the Soledad de Porta Vaga as a part of Cavite's rich history and culture. The play shows the Virgin's apparition up to the discovery of the icon by the town's people, enthronement to the Ermita Church and the declaration as the Queen of the Galleon. The showcase of the three among the thousand miracles of the Virgin of Solitude, tells the story behind why Caviteños celebrate a festive fiesta and how the Virgin saves Don Julian Felipe's life as a devotee and a church worker.
The second act opens with the Cavite scenario during the Japanese era up to the America's declaration of Philippine independence. The 1984 social issues that affects the economic crisis due to personal vested interest, leads to the reason why the image was stolen. Cavite City then was in a state of depression and after the recovery of the icon; everyone rejoiced and continued their devotion to the Virgin. The play ended with the song “Reina de Cavite”, composed by Prof. Julian Felipe.

Organizations

with the spread of the devotion to our lady of Solitude of Porta Vaga in and beyond the province of cavite various organizations sprung up with the common goal of preserving and propagating the devotion and to make Our lady known and to preserve the rich history and the culuture of the caviteños

Confraternity of Our Lady of Solitude of Porta Vaga Inc.

On 10 August 1998, Imus Bishop, Most Reverend Manuel C. Sobrevinias founded the Cofradia de la Virgen de la Soledad de Porta Vaga. The group was officially inaugurated on 17 November 1998 on the 20th Anniversary of the image's coronation by former Apostolic Nuncio, Bruno Torpigliani. It was led by the late Antonio G. Nazareno as its founding president, Reverend Virgilio Saenz Mendoza as its Spiritual Director and Reverend John Brillantes as its Spiritual Advisor. Reverend Virgilio Saenz Mendoza and Jonnell Ryan I. Enriquez presently lead the devotees of the confraternity.
Founded with a common zeal for the Blessed Mother and guided by the ideals, teachings, principles of the Catholic Church, the Cofradia envisions itself as a guide and guardian of the devotion to the Nuestra Señora de la Soledad de Porta Vaga with its promotion of relevant and meaningful programs and activities for the devotees of our Blessed Mother in this particular title.
Filled with a lively faith and confidence in God and the Blessed Virgin Mary, the Cofradia aims to uphold, strengthen and sustain the devotion to the Most Blessed Virgin Mary particularly under the title Nuestra Señora de la Soledad de Porta Vaga among the lay faithful in the Roman Catholic Church.
It shall support, empower, affirm and challenge the efforts of our communities in their ministry to, with, for and by the devotees of Nuestra Señora de la Soledad de Porta Vaga. Moreover, it shall help the lay faithful organize, implement and maintain a comprehensive devotion to Nuestra Señora de la Soledad de Porta Vaga, in order to create an environment in which people can be involved together liturgically, sacramentally, and catechetically.
Full list of Cofradia Presidents-
PresidentYear
Antonio G. Nazareno1998-2004
Arnel Barrera Berruete2004-2007
Jonnell Ryan I. Enriquez2007–Present

Daughters of Our Lady of Solitude

One of the oldest organization of devotees of our lady of Solitude of Porta Vaga in Cavite, Founded on September 15, 1979 on the rectorship of Rev. Fr. Avenido Sapida once called Daughters of Mary Immaculate. today headed by there current regent Elena Domingo Jose
the group gather every 1st Sunday of the month after the 6:00 mass on which the group is the sponsor.
To Propagate the Devotion to Our Dearest Nuestra Señora de la Soledad de Porta Vaga here in Cavite City and to participate in all of the activities of our church an etc.
Full list of Regents-
RegentYear
Estela Del Rosario1979-1995
Gloria Alfonso1995-1999
Evangeline Diosomito1999 - 2001
Elena Domingo Jose2001 - 2009
Loreta Abrajano2009 - 2011
Elena Domingo Jose2011–Present

''"Soleda"'' Devotees group of Calbayog

The Oldest existing organization of devotees of our Lady of Solitude of Porta Vaga the "Soleda" group from Cautod, Sta Margarita, Calbayog Samar organizing the yearly "Soleda" festival
At the turn of the Century, a group of enterprising young Caviteños with their families ventured into the waters of a shoreline village of Sta. Margarita, a small fishing town of Samar whose wealth is sea products was very popular among traders. It served them doubly to find greener pastures and to escape from the boiling revolution.
Juana Olaes de Santiago brought a copy of the Miraculous Image back to Ca-utod late in 1934, after several years of going to Cavite City to attend the fiesta celebration of the Our Lady.
A family story has it that a so-called "Lolo Tinong" asked her to secure a copy of the image and to start celebrating the fiesta in Ca-utod because he got tired of her going back and forth to Cavite and leaving him with the care of their children and their fishing business.
In the late 1960s, Ibyang Santiago Rorna-Leonor, a daughter, bought a lot across the family home. Her family, especially Itoy and Ago Santiago, her two brothers, build the present Chapel for the Senora with the help of relatives and association members.
another story tells a couple, Mr. and Mrs. Conon Munson The wife, a devout Catholic brought with her the image of the Virgin, Nuestra Señora de la Soledad.In less than a year, the Caviteños flock to the home of the Monson located at the present site of the Gomez compound, they adore and pray, thanking the Virgin for their fortunes in fishing.
As the Caviteños grew in numbers, the young men and women from the Sta. Margarita's Rising young men Pablo Baltero as its first president with Luciana Mendoza as secretary-Treasurer, with a host of Advisers: Juana C. Santiago, Margarita Beligon, Petrona Delos Santos and others which old memories can no longer recall.
Trained and educated with democratic Ideology and principles, the present and modern citizens of Cautod formed the SOLEDA, inviting all Catholics of barangay to join and until the present, the association is a power by herself with professionals.
Full list of the Soleda Presidents-
PresidentYear
Isabel Monson1915-1917
Juana Santiago1920-1925
Jack Mendez1926-1940
Leonardo Pedrano
Meleclo Cañete
Eusebio Ignacio Sr
Gerardo Jorge
Generosa Caiagos1941-1942
Catalino M. Mendoza1943-1947
Benito Santiago1948-1951
Santiago Santiago1952-1957
Victorino Delos Santos1958-1963
Nicanor Leonor1964-1977
Eusebio Ignacio Jr.1978-1979
Pedro Floresca1980-1981
Juan R. Forinas1982-1983
Benito E. Tantan1984-1985
Joseph S. Calagos1986-1987
Adriano Tamale Sr.1987-1988
Eusebio Docdoc1988-1989
Patrocenio C. Delos Santos1990-1991
Aniceto Raoulo D. Mancol1991-1997
Salvador T. Cruz1998-2001
Fernando S. Dolera2002-2004
Gaudencio E. Santiago2005-2007
Elizabeth T. Berios2008-2010
Oscar A. Selinas2011-2014
Josefina S. Bernadit2015–present

''Soldaditos de la Virgen''

known simply as the “Soldaditos” is a motorcycle group that sprung up from a group devotees mostly from around manila that volunteers to accompany and leads the way of the caravan of the yearly dalaw Soledad and also acts as bearer and human barricades when the image arrive at its destination.

''Hermanidad de la Virgen de la Soledad de Porta Vaga''

Devotion to Virgen de la Soledad started when a Philippine Navy officer in Cavite city transferred residence in Mendez, Cavite in the 1970s. His son, Alex Peñafiel brought home a framed image and started organizing prayer groups doing the 2000 Hail Marys in the Virgin's honor.
It was in 2010 that Mr. Marvin Dimaranan and Mrs. Irma Mendoza requested permission from then Parish Priest, Rev. Fr. Mel Sandoval to establish an organization to formally take charge of the devotion to the Queen of Cavite. It was first called the “Hermanidad de la Nuestra Señora de la Soledad de Porta Vaga” which later came to be known as the “Kapatiran ng Nuestra Señora de la Soledad de Porta Vaga”.
It was formally established on 11 November 2011 with over sixty founding members headed by Alex Peñafiel as the first Hermano Mayor. An official replica was then commissioned to be passed on the next Hermano/a. In 2013, through the leadership of John Paul Dimapilis, a replica was donated by the Cofradia in Cavite city and was permanently enthroned above the Parish's Santo Sepulcro so Parishioners could venerate the Virgin daily in the Church. Presently, the group has roughly seventy-five members who regularly celebrate the Virgin's feast on the 17th of November each year.
Roster of Hermano/a Mayores-
Hermano/a MayoresYear
Alex Peñafiel2011
Carmen Rozul2012
Florinda Rafols2013
Linda Romera2014
Lilia Cordenete2015
John Paul Dimapilis2016
Ryan Fijer2017
Nita Maligaya2018
Reymond Alano2019
Daisy Alvarez2020

Similar Images

Replicas of the Ynang Nag-Iisa, are also venerated in San Isidro, Nueva Ecija; Camba in Tondo, Manila; San Carlos, Pangasinan and Buhi, Camarines Sur.
A replica copy of the Virgen de la Soledad is venerated at the chapel of "Tahanan ng Mabuting Pastol", the Diocesan Seminary for Cavite. This image was formerly hung at the Jesuit College of Cavite. After the expulsion of the Jesuits in 1768, the image was kept in the Jesuit archives of Ateneo. The image was given to Bishop Perez as a gift on the occasion of the inauguration of the new seminary. On this replica image, an inscription says that the Spanish Archbishop of Manila, Don Basilio Sancho de Sta. Justa y Rufina granted 80 days plenary indulgence for those who would say the novena. Bishop Mateo Rubio de Arevalo of Cebu granted 40 more days along with Archbishop Don Juan Antonio de Obrigo y Gallego granted indulgence just the same.

Soledad of Manila

Venerated in a little chapel a few meters away from CM Recto Ave. in Manila, is another version of the Virgen de la Soledad. Though not much is known of the icon, many believe that it is one of the many representations of the famous and miraculous Virgin of Porta Vaga in Cavite and that this replica may have been honored in this community since 1884. According to accounts and stories of old people, the Camba area has been inhabited by mostly residents from Cavite city that is why it has been called in the older days as Barrio Soledad.
Miracles have also been attributed to this mysterious icon. It is said that the entire neighborhood where it resides has always been protected from the fires which guttered the Binondo district many times. The Camba area has always been spared from other kinds of calamities and even the ravages of wars.
Her feastday is celebrated annually every 1 January through a traslacion going to the Mother Parish of Sto. Niño de Tondo capped by a festive caracol procession going back to its home in Camba St., Manila.

Soledad of Nueva Ecija

A lesser known version of the Soledad is venerated in Nueva Ecija. In a leaflet written and published by Jaime C. Laya, he narrated that the icon has occupied a niche above a side altar of the town church and that it was honored in a fluvial procession on the Rio Grande de Pampanga. This tradition was held from the mid-19th century till the 1920s. In 1982, the image mysteriously vanished. It was thought to have been stolen but no police records exist to support this.
Sometime after its disappearance, the image found its way to an antique dealer in Manila and was purchased by a private individual. Upon hearing rumors of a missing icon venerated in Central Luzon, the buyer confronted the antique shop owner who insisted that it was taken to the shop legitimately. The owner kept the icon but informed some of his friends of its story.
In October 2002, Mr. Laya had a business meeting with Arch. Cristina Turalba who mentioned a project in San Isidro. Remembering the icon, he asked her if she knew anything about the town's Patron. Arch. Turalba also researched on the Patron and upon further inquiries, it was confirmed by Mayor Sonia R. Lorenzo that their “Patrona” has been missing.
An old sacristan of the church by the name of Ruperto Flores provided the icon's description. He narrated that it was a painting on wood, enclosed in an ornate solid-silver frame. It is a 19th-century work, depicting the grieving Mary—similar to the one honored in Cavite. Aside from the instruments of torture, the painting is embellished by gold and silver appliqués—the Holy Spirit, angels, Virgin's golden rostrillo, her cloak with its silver lining and metal stars, silver boat-like pillow, a letter “V” and a galleon.
The elaborate silver frame done in baroque, shows ines, leaves and flowers. Within this frame is a faded, crimson velvet background with silver miniatures of an empty cross, two ladders, nails, and hammer. Also shown are an angel holding a chalice, Veronica’s veil with 3 faces of Christ, a reed, a man in priestly robes, a spear, a pitcher, a rooster and key, a pillar, a sponge on a pole, and eyes.
Upon hearing the sacristan’s exact description of the icon, the buyer returned the missing icon to its rightful owner, hoping it will receive better security and care. After about 20 years, Nuestra Señora de la Soledad is again venerated in San Isidro Labrador church.

Soledad of Buhi

This is one of the three carvings on the calpe tree on the Story of Our Lady of Salvacion. One was of San Antonio de Padua. As the Story goes, it all began on a certain day when Dacoba was clearing the land which he was tilling. He cut a calpe tree, which is good for use as firewood or post. However, he was amazed because despite the many hours that passed by, the tree remained as fresh as it was before; its leaves did not wilt “Milagro!” he said to himself. He informed his landlord about it. That landlord was Don Arcilla who then consulted the pastor of Buhi of what could be done with it. The friar pastor of Buhi summoned as sculptor named Bagacumba. Out of the tree, he was able to carve three statuettes-Nuestra Señora de Salvacion, San Antonio de Padua, and Nuestra Señora de Soledad—now in Brgy. Joroan of Tiwi, and in the poblacion and Brgy. Tambo both of Buhi, respectively.
The devotion of the Caviteños to their Queen is one that is admirable, from the way they celebrated their fiesta in her honor, the increasing number of devotees of the Soledad and the presence of the images of the Soledad, whatever the medium that was utilized that are seen in different residences, churches, chapels, business establishments within and outside Cavite is a living testament of their love and devotion to the Queen of Heaven in her Solitude. She has truly captivated the hearts of many devotees through the centuries and she in turn continues to shower them with numerous miracles that are still persistent to this day. It is no wonder that she is also known as the "Virgin of Thousand Miracles."

Gallery

Other references