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Our Lady of Piat Basilica
Our Lady of Piat Basilica: A Religious Landmark in Cagayan Province, Philippines
The Basilica of Our Lady of Piat is a minor basilica located in Piat, Cagayan, Philippines. It is one of the twenty-one minor basilicas in the country and is famous for housing the 16th-century Roman Catholic icon of the Blessed Virgin Mary, Our Lady of Piat. The basilica is a popular pilgrimage site for Catholics in the Philippines and is often referred to as the “Mother of Cagayan.”
The history of Our Lady of Piat dates back to the 16th century when the image was brought to the Philippines by Spanish missionaries. It was originally enshrined in the church of the town of Piat and was later transferred to the present basilica in 1978. The image of Our Lady of Piat is believed to have miraculous powers and is revered by many Filipinos who visit the basilica to offer prayers and seek blessings.
The architecture of the basilica is a blend of Baroque and Neoclassical styles and is a sight to behold. The basilica’s interior is adorned with intricate carvings, stained glass windows, and beautiful paintings, making it a visual treat for visitors. The basilica is also home to a museum that houses religious artifacts and antiques, providing visitors with a glimpse into the rich history and culture of the region.
History of Our Lady of Piat Basilica
The history of Our Lady of Piat dates back to 1604 when a black image of the Virgin Mary with the infant Jesus on her left arm was brought to the Philippines from Macau by the Dominican friars. It was originally called the Nuestra Señora del Santísimo Rosario (Our Lady of the Holy Rosary). The image was first enshrined in the town of Lal-lo, Cagayan, but was moved to Piat in 1622 due to the frequent flooding of the Cagayan River.
The Piat Basilica was built in 1604 and is one of the oldest churches in Cagayan Valley. The church was reconstructed in 1982 and was declared a minor basilica by the Vatican in 1999. It is also the Episcopal See of the Archdiocese of Tuguegarao.
The image of Our Lady of Piat is considered miraculous and has been attributed to several miracles. The feast of Our Lady of Piat is celebrated every July 1st and is one of the biggest religious celebrations in the Philippines. The Sambali Festival, a celebration of the Itawes and Ibanag cultures, is also held annually in Piat.
The Basilica is a popular pilgrimage site for Christians…
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