Our Lady Apo Baket of Namacpacan (photo by RUDY LIWANAG)

On October 2, 2009, the Philippine Atmospheric, Geophysical, and Astronomical Services Administration reported tropical typhoon Pepeng has entered the Philippine area of responsibility. A few days after, the typhoon accelerated to almost twice its speed, destroying houses and crops in Northern Luzon. Amidst the violent rainfall, rushing winds and the government’s directive to evacuate immediately, the people of Luna, La Union stayed inside their homes and prayed.

The town of Luna, as known to many Catholic devotees is where Our Lady of Namacpacan, a miraculous century-old image of the Blessed Virgin Mary can be found. Venerated for granting favors, divine intercession, and refuge to farmers and townsfolk threatened by calamities, pests and droughts, Ilocanos kept their faith and asked for protection from the wrath of Typhoon Pepeng from the Lady of Namacpacan whom they lovingly refer to as “Apo Baket,” (the way they call elderly women as sign of respect).

“Not only Luna was saved by Our Lady but also the rest of La Union, which also incurred negligible damages and casualties brought about by Pepeng,” shared Nestor Abuda Sr., executive secretary of the Parish Pastoral Council of St. Catherine of Alexandria Parish.

Recalling the countless miraculous testaments of the Blessed Virgin’s devotees, Abuda related that the fervent devotion to Our Lady of Namacpacan not only comes from Catholics in the provinces but also from Filipinos all over the world.

“People come to Apo Baket for almost all kinds of intercession. Some say she can heal the sick; students ask for her guidance for licensure exams and a lot of balikbayans believe that she granted their favors for visa applications,” Abuda laughingly recalled.

However, the Filipino Church is very careful in acknowledging these miracles, and although none of these intercessions have been authenticated, the people of Luna are confident that the people’s unwavering faith in the Blessed Virgin is enough to prove their claims.

In fact, the 19th century Church of Santa Catalina de Alejandria that houses Our Lady of Namacpacan is one of Luna’s main tourist attractions especially during the Blessed Mother’s coronation anniversary which is every November 24th, also the town’s fiesta. 

“Every year we celebrate Our Lady’s jubilee but this year is very historic because 2009 marks her golden canonical coronation anniversary,” Abuda said.

Through the issuance of the papal bull (a type of letters patent or charter issued by a pope) by Pope John XXIII, Our Lady of Namacpacan was canonically crowned on November 24, 1959 by Most Rev. Salvatore Siino, then Papal Nuncio to the Philippines.

To mark the momentous event, the local government of Luna, La Union, St. Catherine of Alexandria Parish and all the people of Luna organized a string of religious activities in honor of Apo Baket.

The Golden Jubilee celebration started with a grand procession of the Blessed Virgin; followed by the blessing of the Our Lady of Namacpacan Museum; a Eucharistic celebration con-celebrated by visiting archbishops, bishops, priests, and clergy of La Union and officiated by Archbishop Edward James Adams D.D., Papal Nuncio to the Philippines; and finally a re-enactment of the Canonical Coronation also by Archbishop James.

“Fifty years ago, my predecessor, Most Rev. Salvatore Siino and the people of God in Luna witnessed the coronation of our blessed mother, Our Lady of Namacpacan. Today, I am much honored to re-create this holy moment and give my humblest adoration to Ilocandia’s most revered goddess,” Archbishop Adams said during the jubilee celebration.

In spite of the trying times, Archbishop Adams encouraged every Filipino to remain faithful disciples of the Lord which has always been a desire of the Blessed Virgin Mary – to bring people closer to her Divine Son.