CEBU, Philippines - Enshrined in the high altar of Boljoon Church is the ancient image of Our Lady of Patrocinio, that once commanded a veneration so widespread in Southern Cebu and the neighboring islands.
The Augustinian Friar Bartolome de Garcia, OSA brought the image from Spain in 1599 and enshrined it in a chapel in the Christian mission established in the old settlement of Nabulho. Tradition has it that the Virgin saved the settlers from a strange and deadly malady. This special protection of the Virgin Mary continued to be felt throughout the turbulent years of Boljoon's history when raiders came from depredation and laid to waste both homes and crops.
In 1615, invaders from the neighboring island of Bool (Bohol) burned the church, but the wood and ivory image would neither burn nor shatter amidst the flames that destroyed the church. It was still intact when Fray Juan Pinili rescued it from the flames.
The image was hidden in the hill behind the church by fleeing townspeople. Already on the brink of annihilation, the settlement was miraculously saved when mysterious lightning struck the invaders and forced them to flee. This event passed into legend as one of the greatest miracles of the Virgin of Patrocinio.
After the invasion of 1615, the church was rebuilt and lasted until 1782 when a fire of unknown origin destroyed it along with church records. The image once again escaped the destruction of the church. The present stone church was begun in 1783 and completed by Fray Julian Bermejo, OSA in the mid-1800s.
The image today retains its beauty through the many centuries of destruction as when it was first carved. Numerous miracles continue to be attributed to the Virgin such as sick person restored to health; a wayward husband finding his way home again; a student passing the board examinations; fortune lost and restored. Miraculous or not, they are a testimony to the faith arising from simple hearts.
Believed to possess miraculous powers, the image survived the onslaught of time and men seeking its destruction. It has aroused no little interest, and not only the people of Boljoon but also many others have come from varied and remote places in the islands to venerate in the church of Boljoon the Blessed Virgin Mary under the title Our Lady of Patrocinio.
Numerous blessings are told with each visit and supplication addressed to the Virgin of Patrocinio. Time and again, miracles are reported. The people's piety has not waned, and all continue to find favor and consolation from the Virgin whose image stood in the church of Boljoon since the foundation of the first Christian settlement in Southern Cebu.
Accommodations may be arranged for pilgrimage groups who wish to stay overnight and attend the early morning Mass in the church.
Souvenir items are available at the church museum for visitors and pilgrims. These include t-shirts, mugs, rosaries and limited edition book on the Boljoon church.
Viewing of the old church interior and convent can be requested at the parish office. A side chapel on the left side of the church functions as the Shrine of the Miraculous Image of Our Lady of Patronage.
Replicas of the statue as souvenir item for devotees will soon be available. For details/info on pilgrimages (by arrangement with the Parish and Heritage Foundation), Cebu City devotees may contact 09339991371.
Accommodations are available for pilgrimage groups who wish to stay overnight to attend the early morning Mass in the church.