Quezon City – The Philippines has continuously faced tragedies in many forms—natural calamities, earthquakes, typhoons, and flooding. The nation has also suffered from corruption and injustice affecting the people, which seems to have no end. Yet, on October 12, 2025, the country came together at Sto. Domingo Parish in Quezon City as ONE CHURCH. The moment reminded all that, amidst the crosses carried, the tears shed, and hearts broken, the nation remains HOPEFUL.
As the Solemnity of Our Lady of the Most Holy Rosary of La Naval de Manila was celebrated, Most Rev. Elias Ayuban Jr., CMF, DD, Bishop of Cubao, reminds the faithful of the power of prayer, especially praying the rosary. Bishop Eli compared the daily struggles experienced by all with those of the rosary. He emphasized that praying the rosary is not simply reciting and repeating prayers. Rather, it is a way for the faithful to meditate on the great mysteries of salvation—the life, death, and resurrection of Jesus through the eyes and heart of Mary.
He further points out that rosaries should not be kept as decorations on cars and homes, but should be used to combat evil. In that, a challenged nation must stand together as one by praying for its leaders and praying for the change that is most needed, especially in times of darkness and what seems like defeat.
Bishop Eli urges the religious and lay alike, to “serve others like in the visitation, to carry the [nation’s] crosses with courage and proclaim Christ’s resurrection with integrity, honesty, and joy” because “the rosary is not just an escape from the world, but a preparation for a mission”.
With the ongoing chaos in the country, the Bishop of Cubao encourages everyone not to be “indifferent to the pain, injustice and corruption” because much like the rosary, each challenge the country faces reminds everyone of God’s own sufferings. Acknowledging what needs to be fixed and coming together as ONE CHURCH is already a great leap; the next steps will all depend on how the people will react to further secure their own families under the guidance of the Blessed Mother.
According to a Dominican Sr., the celebration of the La Naval is the summit of their devotion to Mama Mary. She narrates that “it is the time when the entire Dominican Family comes together – fathers, priors, brothers, sisters from the different congregations, under Mama Mary’s love and protection, nagkikita-kita ang buong pamilya para mag–celebrate and to thank her for being our protector.”
Centuries old, yes, but the devotion of the Filipino people to the Blessed Mother will never tarnish; rather, the Marian spirit in the hearts of the Filipinos continues to burn as the country faces challenges of various proportions. It is a matter of holding on to each other, holding on to the Blessed Mother through praying the rosary and seeking her intercession, and giving full trust to God that at the end of a dark tunnel, at the end of the sorrowful mysteries, there lies the resurrection of God burning with great intensity.
Our Lady of the Most Holy Rosary, La Naval de Manila, pray for the Philippines.
Mahal na Ina ng Santo Rosaryo, ipanalangin mo kami.
Story by: Kristine Joy Martillano (OLPP SOCCOM)