MANILA, Philippines - The exact replica of a centuries-old veil that is believed to be bearing the imprint of Christ's face is staying in the Philippines for good.
The replica of the Volto Santo or Holy Veil of Manoppello has been enshrined at the Immaculate Conception Parish Church in Nampicuan village. It is a gift from Fr. Carmine of the Basilica of the Volto Santo in Manoppello, Italy.
Bishop Roberto Mallari of the Catholic Diocese of San Jose and Fr. Christian Magtalas, parish priest, presided over the enshrinement mass in the presence of local residents, mostly farmers, with no press or VIPs.
"Why in this poor parish of Nampicuan? Why not in the beautiful cathedrals and basilicas around the Philippines? Why the Philippines?" Mallari said in his homily.
"The Episcopal Motto of Pope Francis is: Miserando Atque Eligendo, meaning Lowly and yet Chosen... the summary of the Magnificat... Each one of you is invited through our Blessed Mother Mary, the Immaculate Conception to see and know Jesus by gazing at the face of her son," he added.
On December 8, Nampicuan will be having a special celebration for the Feast of the Immaculate Conception. Magtalas has proclaimed the liturgical theme to be "Through Mary to Jesus."
The morning festivities begin with a reading of the letter from the Basilica Volto Santo gifting the replica to the Immaculate Conception Church.
A commemorative plaque of the relic's enthronement will be unveiled on that day along with the blessing of the new statue of the Virgin Mary bearing the Holy Veil.
The event is an day-long fiesta that includes a "tiangge" showcasing local food and crafts and a procession in the afternoon.
The veil has long been considered as the "sudarium," which is customarily used by Jews to cover the face of their dead at burial. It has been acknowledged as the most precious Christian relic along with the Turin Shroud, the cloth that covered Christ's body.
The sacred cloth measures 7x10 inches and has been in the custody of the Capuchin Friary in Abruzzo, near Rome for 500 years.
In September, the original veil visited the country and was exhibited in various places in Metro Manila.
Immaculate Conception Parish in Nampicuan is inviting all Christians to see the exact replica of the holy relic.
Nampicuan is about two hours away from Manila and the church is two kilometers away from the Anao exit of the Tarlac-Pangasinan-La Union Expressway.
For further details, call the Immaculate Conception Parish at 09176242840, or email immaculateconceptionparish08@yahoo.com.ph.