Santo Domingo Church, La Naval de Manila shrine to be declared National Cultural Treasures

Sto. Domingo Church.
Photo by Lester Babiera

The Philippine government, through the National Museum, will declare this week the Santo Domingo Church, with its Shrine of Our Lady of the Rosary-La Naval de Manila, in Quezon City as a National Cultural Treasure.

The declaration, according to the National Museum, recognizes Santo Domingo-La Naval both as an institution and a structure, as well as a repository of modern art.

The declaration will be formally announced on Oct. 4 at 5 p.m. during the traditional enthronement of Nuestra Señora del Santisimo Rosario, La Naval de Manila, to be led by shrine rector Fr. Giuseppe Arciwals, OP. To formally accept the declaration is Fr. Gert Timoner, OP, the prior provincial of the Philippine Dominican Province.

October is the Rosary Month on the Catholic calendar. It is devoted to the Blessed Mother under the title Our Lady of the Rosary in reference to the Rosary devotion promoted by the Dominicans, one of the most influential religious orders in the history of the Church.

Siete Palabras, showcase of Filipino culture and faith, on April 6

A Filipino Dominican leading the faithful in prayer during Siete Palabras

The annual Siete Palabras at the historic Santo Domingo Church in Quezon City, which has become a key Lenten broadcast on Philippine TV, will be on Good Friday, April 6.

La Naval celebration aims to deepen priestly commitment

QUEZON CITY, October 1, 2009─Officials of the National Shrine of Our Lady of the Rosary has set this year’s La Naval celebration to support Pope Benedict XVI’s call of strengthening the spiritual commitment of priests.

With the theme "Mother of Christ, Mother of Priests, Mother of All," the celebration aims to remind the people, especially priests, that the Blessed Virgin is a caring and guiding mother to all, said Fr. Giuseppe Pietro Arsciwals, OP, rector of the shrine and prior of the Sto. Domingo Convent.

“In remembering Mary [through images like La Naval], effective preachers and leaders of the Church may be formed,” Arsciwals added.

The 11-day event at the Sto. Domingo Church in Quezon City will start on Oct. 1 with the traditional enthronement of the miraculous image.