Bacolod Bishop Patricio Buzon has issued a decree on the liturgical celebration of the Virgen sang Barangay, with the pontifical coronation of its original icon set at the San Sebastian Cathedral in Bacolod City on Thursday, Oct. 16.
Buzon with Msgr. Ronald Quijano, vicar general of the Diocese of Bacolod and rector of the San Sebastian Cathedral, and Nonito Gumban, Virgen sang Barangay national president, held a press conference on Monday on the significance of the pontifical coronation.
The Sacred Icon of the Virgen sang Barangay has received Pontifical Recognition through the Pontifical Coronation granted by the Holy See, thereby affirming the authenticity and importance of this devotion in the life of the Church, Buzon said in his decree
The liturgical celebration of the Virgen sang Barangay shall be celebrated annually on Oct. 16, Buzon said.
This Solemnity is to be observed in all parishes, chaplaincies, chapels, oratories, and religious communities within the diocese, he said.
“Priests, deacons, and all pastoral ministers are to ensure that in their preaching and catechesis, the faithful are reminded that devotion to the Virgen sang Barangay, confirmed by pontifical recognition, leads us to Christ, strengthens our unity in the Church, and deepens our missionary witness,” Buzon said.
“All clergy, religious, and lay faithful are encouraged to give due honor to the Blessed Virgin Mary under the title Virgen sang Barangay, invoking her maternal intercession for the sanctification of our communities and for the good of the Church,” he added.*