Our Lady Of Manaog Church is also known as the Shrine of the Nuestra Senora de Manaoag. Located in Manaoag, Pangasinan, the church was established by Captain Gaspar de Gamboa in 1720 and was donated to the Dominicans in 1722.

History

Perhaps the most visited religious desitnation north of Manila, "manaoag" is coined from the word "taoag" (tawag) or "to call" when centuries ago, a farmer on his way to his farm one daybreak heard the virgin mary calling him from the top of the tamarind tree (where the church is right now) instructing him to initiate the construction of the church. These days, thousands of devotees visit the town of Manaoag each day in response to the Virgin Mary's "tawag" or "call".

Interior of Manaoag Church

The church is Spanish-Romanesque sprinkled with a little touch of German and Italian Renaissance architectural composition. A big octagonal dome surmounts at the point where the nave and the transepts converge forming a cruciform contour.

Several improvements were done on this church until it was destroyed by the earthquake of 1832. the church was reconstructed, improved and was damaged again during the World War II.

The Church's three-level facade has superimposed piers on the first and second levels with the third level designed as a small temple. It houses the image of Nuestra Señora de Manaog or Apo Baket.

This shrine which shelters the image of Our Lady of the Rosary has stood for centuries, enduring degradation brought about by time. The parish though, has maintained the structure by restoring it once in a while. For its Diamond Anniversary, the church underwent repainting.

The walls of the shrine,meanwhile, bear giant murals, about the more famous miracles attributed to the Lady of Manaoag. At the center of the altar is the image of the Virgin of Manaoag herself, elevated in full view of the congregation. Behind the altar is a mini-chapel where visitors go to touch the image’s mantle.

Hundreds flock everyday, lining up for hours just to get slight contact with the famed “miraculous robes”. Her mantle is visible and can be touched only through a small partition, small enough for hands to fit.

Devotees visit the Manaoag shrine throughout the year, but most often during April and May. People from all walks of life and almost all parts of the country flock to the shrine either to thank the Virgin for favors received through her intercession or to petition her once more for more favors or graces, or simply to honor her.

Manaog is located 195 kilometers of Manila.

From WikiPilipinas