By Isabel Tabadero

Manaoag once again marks history on 22 July 2011 with the Eucharistic Celebration and formal launching of the Bond of Spiritual Affinity of the Shrine of Our Lady of the Rosary of Manaoag with the Papal Basilica of the Saint Mary Major in Rome.

The Holy Mass was officiated by Lingayen-Dagupan Archdiocese Bishop Socrates Villegas, 20 other Bishops and some 100 priests from all over the country and was attended by thousands of pilgrims.

“The Manaoag pilgrims are assured by the Sacred Penitentiary of a plenary indulgence under the usual conditions of the Church when they visit the Shrine Our Lady of Manaoag,” said Archbishop Villegas. He added that Manaoag is very lucky for being the first in the country to have been granted this privilege of special bond of spiritual affinity by the Saint Mary Major Basilica.

“Pilgrimswho will visit the Shrine of Manaoag, shall receive the indulgence by going to confession near the time of their pilgrimage, receive the Eucharist, and pray for the intentions of the Pope, each done in spirit of detachment from the attraction of sin as if they actually visited the said Marian Shrine in Rome.” (http://www.cbcponline.net)

The Holy Mass was also attended by devotees themselves, the Honorable Mayor NAPOLEON D. SALES, M.D. and wife Dra. ANGIE R. SALES, 4th district Congresswoman Georgina “Manay Gina” De Venecia, former Speaker Jose “Joe” De Venecia, Vice Mayor Kim Mikael Amador, the Honorable Members of the Sangguniang Bayan of Manaoag, Col. AbelardoVillacorta, MTCC Judge Lily De Vera-Vallo, Congressman LeopoldoBataoil, and other dignitaries in Pangasinan.