General Information Virgen: Nuestra Señora Dela O Parish: Our Lady of Nativity Parish Location: Pangil, Laguna Feast Day: December 18 Brief Description: The image is approximately 5ft in height, the virgen depicted as an expectant mother. Mostly garbed in white and blue vestment with "mangas" style similar to Virgen delos Remedios (Pampanga & Malate). The image is "detallado" with hands wide open. No noticeable accessories aside from the crown and belt. |
History In 1724, Prince Carlos, the son of King Philip V of Spain was exiled from his country. He was sent to the Philippines and stayed for more than three years. The young prince stayed in the Franciscan convent of Pangil Church. In 1728, the King lifted the ban on the prince and ordered him to return to their kingdom. Upon the prince’s ascension to the throne of Spain as King Charles III in 1759, he sent the images of Nuestra Señora dela O and Sto. Nño dela O to the people in Pangil in gratitude for their hospitality. It was said that the emissaries had gone to another town by mistake and when they tried to deliver the images, they could not move them. However, when they arrived at the original destination of |
Pangil, they had no trouble lifting them and a safe delivery ensued. The town’s menfolk, wearing their traditional headdresses orbandana, together with the other inhabitants joyously welcomed the images.
Since then a nine-day novena is held every year to honor the Blessed Mother and Her Child, from December 9 to 17 (Virgen dela O) & December 16-24 (Sto. Niño dela O) respectively. The singing and jiggling for the Sto. Niño dela O, held twice a day became a very popular tradition to date. The first is held in the morning after the Misa de Gallo and the other is held in the afternoon. Parents from neighboring towns also bring their children to the novena wearing their Bandana. A solemn procession in honor of Virgen dela O culminates every December 18. The song of the novena was a chant sang by the pregnant mother, Nuestra Señora de La O to comfort her son, Sto. Niño de La O who was in her womb. The lyrics of the chant were based on stories from the Holy Bible. |
Every year, many families vie for the honor to be the sponsor of the Sto. Niño de La O novena. A young son or daughter in the family is usually given the privilege to carry the Sto. Niño de La O. This is their way of showing their gratitude and appreciation to the Lord for the Blessings given them as a Family.