TARLAC CITY, Tarlac (Sept. 24, 2025) — In a momentous celebration filled with grace and jubilation, the Diocese of Tarlac witnessed a historic event today, September 24 as the Most Rev. Roberto C. Mallari, D.D., Bishop of Tarlac, officially declared Nuestra Señora de la Merced – Coronada as the “Virgin of the Diocese of Tarlac.”
The solemn declaration was made during the Pontifical Mass marking the 70th Patronal Feast of the revered image, held at the Diocesan Shrine and Parish of Nuestra Señora de la Merced in Brgy. Matatalaib, Tarlac City.
The celebration, bearing the theme “MERCED at 70: Taid-taid cang Maria, Calam ning Pitumpulung Banua” (Together with Mary, in the grace of 70 years), was presided over by Bishop Mallari, together with the Shrine Rector, Rev. Fr. Jesus R. Gragasin, OFS, and Shrine Vice Rector, Rev. Fr. Nickson Liwag, and concelebrated by numerous priests, deacon, religious sisters, and lay faithful.
In attendance were Tarlac City Mayor Susan Yap, city councilors, barangay officials, and parish servant leaders, all united in thanksgiving for seven decades of maternal care from the Blessed Virgin.
The official declaration was formalized through a decree signed by Bishop Mallari on September 15, 2025. The document cited the long-standing and fervent devotion to Nuestra Señora de la Merced in the city and diocese, recognizing her as a “beacon of hope and a refuge in times of need.” It also noted the recent Canonical Coronation of the image as an affirmation of the people’s profound faith.
In his homily, Bishop Mallari reflected on the significance of the milestone. “Ngayon, habang tayo’y nagpapasalamat sa pitumpung-taon ng biyaya hindi ito pagtatapos, kundi panibagong simula,” he said. “Ang hamon ay ipagpatuloy natin ang pagiging sambayanang ginagabayan ni Maria.”
Drawing from the Gospel of the Wedding at Cana, the bishop emphasized Our Lady’s enduring instruction: “Do whatever He tells you. Anuman ang sabihin Niya sa atin ay ‘wag tayong mag-atubili… don’t hesitate to embrace what He desires you to do it, because it will always be for your own good, and for the good of a lot of people who have been entrusted to you by the Lord, at kung tayo’y makikinig, ang milagro ng pitumpung taon ay mauulit pa, mas lalawak at mas lalalim, at makikita ang kadakilaan ng Diyos sa ating buhay.”
The devotion to Nuestra Señora de la Merced in Tarlac dates back to the 1950s. The original image, carved by Maximo Vicente, was stolen in 1993, causing great sorrow among devotees. In what was seen as a miracle itself, the image was rediscovered in 2015 and triumphantly returned to her shrine in time for the parish’s 60th anniversary.
The Virgin’s intercession is credited with numerous miracles over the years, from dramatic healings, such as a woman’s recovery from breast cancer, to answered prayers for employment and family reconciliation. These accounts of grace fueled the devotion, leading to the parish’s elevation to a Diocesan Shrine in 2018 and the image receiving a Pontifical Coronation in 2023 as Queen of the City of Tarlac.
With this latest declaration, Nuestra Señora de la Merced is now eternally enshrined as the primary Marian patroness of the entire Diocese of Tarlac, affirming her place in the heart of the faithful as a perpetual testament to God’s mercy.
Viva Virgen Coronada! Viva Nuestra Reina!
