Ang Pagkanaug sa Birhen, 2014

The Pagkanaug sa Birhen ritual was reenacted at the Basilica Minore compound the other day. In the last five or six years since this presentation was revived by UV EVP Jose R. Gullas and wife Nena the site was inside the church itself, but since this edifice is now being repaired after having been damaged by the earthquake, the new location was decided on.

But whether inside or outside the church the Pagkanaug remains a moving and important event in the cluster of solemnities at the Basilica honoring the Virgin of Lourdes whose feast day is February 11. For those who have not witnessed it, here is how the scenario unfolds.

After the Novena Mass has been celebrated the lights are switched off while a flood light is activated and beamed on the image of the Virgin Mary attired in immaculate white with a blue sash around her waist. She wears a sparkling crown and her hands are clasped together in a prayerful stance.

A soulful "Daghang Salamat, Maria" is sung (usually by the UV Chorale), and slowly, ever so slowly, the image "descends" along a flower-decked ramp. As the last note fades the singers switch to "Maghimaya ka Maria" followed by another Marian song until the image finally reaches the base of the ramp where a shower of petals greets her, and where the devotees reverently touch her.

As this is happening a healing prayer is recited by a priest and holy water is sprinkled on the assembled people who seek healing. Has healing really occurred under this ritual? There is no record of this, but there were those who testified that they did feel better after the process.

Healing or no healing, many believers love to take part in the Pagkanaug ritual because of their love of the Virgin Mary, especially the Virgin of Lourdes. From the time the mother of God appeared to a 14-year-old girl named Bernadette Soubirous in 1844 in Lourdes, France, the devotion to the Virgin Mary has been a popular one. Millions have visited the town of Lourdes to seek physical or spiritual healing. Millions too just go there for no other reason than to venerate the Mother of Jesus and our mother too.

Pilgrimage to Lourdes, however, is not a precondition to receiving graces from the Virgin Mary. Even by just staying where they are Catholics can still honor her through sincere participation in the solemnities during her feast day such as the novena prayers, the religious procession, and the Pagkanaug, and in the process gain the graces they pray for.

Being our mother-and Catholics address her as Mama Mary-the "Beautiful Lady" of Lourdes has been known for her unfailing intercession in times of trouble and suffering. Thus one prayers runs: "Remember, Mother Mary, that never was it known that anyone who came to you for help was left unaided."

As Catholics celebrate the feast day of Lourdes what lessons from the apparitions come to mind? First is that to be holy one does not need intellectual superiority but only a child-like simplicity like that of Bernadette who did not even know how to read and write; second, the Mother of God is very much pleased whenever the holy rosary is prayed as shown by the glow in the Bernadette's face whenever she prayed the prayers; third, it is very important to pray for sinners as the Lady requested the visionary to do so; and fourth, despite obstacles one should persevere to continue praying and doing good because this is pleasing to God, after all, Jesus suffered much to save human souls.

As a devotee observes the life-like replica of the Virgin of Lourdes "descending from heaven" as portrayed in the Pagkanaug, he cannot help but be touched by the love of the Mother of God and our mother, who comes down to earth to comfort her suffering children.