The Solemn Triduum
To usher in the coronation day, solemn triduum masses were held from August 19-21 at 6pm. The triduum reflects three historical events in the journey of Our Lady from Intramuros to Quezon City: with the Augustinians in Intramuros; the Dominicans in the University of Santo Tomas and Capuchins in Sta. Teresita, QC. The first day mass (August 19) was presided by Rev. Fr. Hector Gonzales, OAR; parochial vicar of the Our Lady of Consolation Parish, Quezon City. He represented the Augustinian family and he was also instrumental in the restoration done to the image of our Lady. The first day was also marked with the blessing of the Stations of the Apparition of Our Lady of Lourdes which was held before the mass.
The second day mass (August 20) was presided by Rev. Fr. Napoleon Sipalay, OP, prior provincial of the Dominican Province of the Philippines. He represented the Dominicans who hosted the image of the Lady during World War II in UST. In his sharing, he revealed that their family became parishioners of the shrine for a time and he went for masses in the Shrine when he was young. On this day was held the blessing of the canonical throne on which the Lady will be placed for her coronation.
The third day mass (August 21) was presided by Br. Eugenio Juanilo P. Lopez, OFMCap., provincial minister of the Capuchin Philippine Province. Towards the end of the mass, Br. Eugenio said a consecratory prayer in front of the image of our Lady. This act was reminiscent of what Br. Alfonso of Morentin, superior of the Capuchin mission, did in 1898 when he prayed to the Our Lady of Lourdes and made a vow to dedicate their new church in Intramuros if the walled city would be spared from damage during the Spanish-American War. In this celebration, the golden rose on the feet of the image was blessed.
