History of Our Lady of Manaoag

The origins of the Our Lady of Manaoag started with the holy Augustinian fathers who
were in charge of the spiritual administration of the Manaoag town from the year 1590 to 1613 in
accords to the sanctified decree of Spain. In 1614, the spiritual leadership was transferred to the
Dominicans, under the patronage of Santa Monica. The statue of Our Lady of Manaoag has a
long history of miraculous and pious events that are duplicated in the murals all over the church.
This is done so that the events will never be forgotten. Devotees, coming from all over the globe,
have various reasons for visiting the place among which are pleas for health restoration, good
voyage, or better fate.
Our Lady of Manaoag Group (OLMG) in Kuwait, started as a Rosary group in April
1994. The statue of Our Lady of Manaoag from Manaoag Pangasinan first visited Core Leader
Sister Virginias flat in 15th of April 1994. That day falls on the death anniversary of her father
and also the day of receiving the image of Our Lady of Manaoag for the first time in Kuwait. So
the group decided then to celebrate the OMLG Anniversary every 15th of April.

Brief History of Our Lady of Manaoag

The church of Our Lady of Manaoag was established 400 years ago. Ten years after which, The
ivory image was brought to the Philippines by Padre Juan de San Jacinto from Spain via
Acapulco. Folk tradition has it that the Blessed Mother mary Herself designated the place where
the church would be built. The church and Our Lady passed through unnumbered historical
events, and remain unmoved by them.
1605administered by the Dominican Friars
1720 inauguration of the new church made of stones
1832-1833 four earthquakes weakened the church structures
1896 when the winds of revolution were blowing, the image of Our Lady took shelter in
Dagupan Church.
1898 during the insurrection, insurgents ransacked the church including the silver throne of
Our Lady and burned it down.
1909 when the church was again fit to be home of the Blessed Mother, her image was
brought home and enthroned in her own shrine.
1911-1920 all major works on the church were completed except the belfry and the wings of
the transepts
On September 1925, the Papal Rescript granting approval for the canonical coronation of Our
Lady was received in Manaoag.
April 21, 1926 marked the Canonical Coronation of Our Lady of Manaoag.

1937 the sanctuary of Manaoag was awarded the Merit Recognition by the Philippine
Historical Research and Markers Committee. World War II for a time the church was closed.
When fighting stopped, the church was opened once more.
Liberation Period again the church suffered damages. A plane dropped 4 bombs, 3 landed on
the patio and damaged the faade. One bomb fell through the roof but did not explode. After the
war, the church was repaired. Pilgrims returned in even greater number.
1952 work started on a new convent and belfry. In 1954 the new convent and the belfry was
inaugurated. Came 1960 an elevated platform was built on the head nave, the altar was brought
closer to the people. Since 1972, the Sanctuary-Church has been under the administration and
care of Filipino Dominicans.
At present, Rev. Fr. Patricio A. Apa, OP serves as the Prior and Parish Priest at the same time
ably being assisted by 10 Dominican priests.
The Shrine stands on the hilltop at the center Of the town proper of the Municipality of Manaoag
In the Province of Pangasinan. The town shares a common boundary with Pozorrubio in the
North; Urdaneta & Mapandan in the South; Binalonan in The East, and San Jacinto in the West.