Our Lady of Piat’s Crowning Glory

A fluvial parade was held along Cagayan River, the widest and longest in the country, which traced the route taken by the Image in the early 1900’s while going from town to town to Christianize the people of Cagayan. The fluvial parade started in Aparri and has traveled the towns of Camalaniugan, Lallo, Gattaran, Alcala, Amulung and Iguig. The fluvial parade finally reached Tuguegarao City and docked near the Buntun Bridge, the longest river bridge in the country.

Highlight of the event were the Grand Quadri-centennial Thanksgiving Mass at the Piat Basilica Minore and the Golden Canonical Coronation of the Image of Our Lady of Piat at St. Peter’s Cathedral, which was graced by DoT Secretary Roberto Pagdanganan.

His Eminence Francesco Cardinal Marchisano, D.D., president of the Pontifical Commission of Archeological in Rome and the Vicar General of the Holy Father presided over the religious ceremonies with Most Reverend Antonio Franco, D.D., Apostolic Nuncio to the Philippines and Archbishop Talamayan.

Our Lady of Piat was originally called Nuestra Señora del Santissimo Rosario (Our Lady of the Rosary) by the Dominican friars.

In 1604, she was brought from Macau to the Philippines to aid in the evangelization of the Itawes region, covering the towns of Tabang, Malaweg, Tuau and Piat. The image was first enshrined in the church of Lallo, then the Episcopal seat of the diocese of the former Nueva Segovia. It was later brought to Piat and enshrined in one of the two altars at the Church of Sto. Domingo.

When the image was transferred to Tuguegarao in 1622, a replica was put in its place which drew protests from devotees. The priests then decided to return the image back to Piat. Upon its return, the image was enshrined in a separate chapel. The present sanctuary was built by Rev. Fr. Diego Pinero and later restored by Fr. Jose Gurumeta.

The image of Our Lady of Piat is one of the most revered images among Catholics. Flocking everyday to the shrine are devotees queueing to touch the image’s feet seeking her intercessions. Her devotees include the rich and powerful who spare no expense at showering the Blessed Virgin’s shrine with donations and gifts. It was rumored that former First Lady Imelda Marcos once donated precious stones for the image’s crown.

The steady stream of visitors to the shrine has created a mini-industry around it, providing some income and employment to the town’s people.

The shrine was declared a Basilica Minore on June 22, 1999, a title conferred by the Holy See to shrines which contain images or relics of great importance. The other shrine which earned the same distinction is the Our Lady of Charity in La Union.

As early as 1624, numerous miracles have been attributed to the Lady including an end to a drought that threatened famine in the Itawes region.

The archdiocese of Tuguegarao is currently compiling and documenting miracles credited to Our Lady of Piat’s intercession.

Piat is now dubbed as the "Pilgrimage Center of Cagayan Valley" because of the thousands of devotees and tourists who come here to pay homage. She continues to be the source of inspiration and object of devotion of many Catholics in the region.

[ Lallo Wiki | Buntun Bridge Wiki ]