LA PAZ, Tarlac (Jan. 16, 2026) – History was witnessed in the town of La Paz on Thursday, January 15, as the Most Rev. Roberto C. Mallari, D.D., Bishop of Tarlac, presided over the solemn ‘Episcopal Coronation’ of the town’s patroness, Nuestra Señora de la Paz y Buen Viaje (Our Lady of Peace and Good Voyage).
The momentous rite formally affirmed the century-deep devotion of the faithful and recognized the Blessed Virgin’s abiding spiritual presence within the community, officially establishing her as the third Coronada in the Diocese of Tarlac.
The episcopal coronation, an act promulgated by the local ordinary, formally acknowledges the widespread and enduring devotion to a specific title of Mary within a diocese. In his homily, Bishop Mallari emphasized the significance of the act:
“Ngayong araw ay ipinagdiriwang natin ang napakalaking biyaya. Hindi natin kinokoronahan si Maria dahil kailangan niya ang parangal–tayo ang nangangailangan… sapagkat ang episcopal coronation ay isang pagpapahayag na ang ating Mahal na Birheng Maria ay Ina ng Simbahan o Ina ng Diyosesis at gabay ng sambayanan.”
He connected the Virgin’s titles to the faithful’s journey, stating, “Si Hesus ang Prinsipe ng Kapayapaan–ang pangalawang pangalan ng Mahal na Ina ay ‘Buen Viaje’ o ‘Mabuting Paglalakbay’. Ito ay paalala mula sa lahat ng manlalakbay sa buhay…” The bishop concluded by entrusting the diocese to Mary’s care: “Ina, tanggapin mo kami, akayin mo kami, at ilapit sa puso ng iyong Anak na si Hesus.”
Present at the momentous occasion were La Paz Mayor Venus Jordan, Vice Mayor Lorna Manalo, Sangguniang Bayan members, Parish Pastoral Council President Mae Sison and officers, Hermana Mayor Arlene Uy, together with numerous clergy and devotees.
A History of Devotion and Miracles
The devotion to Nuestra Señora de la Paz y Buen Viaje in La Paz traces its roots to the early 20th century, with the image acquired through the donations of parishioners. Over time, the shrine has become a popular pilgrimage site in Central Luzon, with numerous devotees attesting to miraculous healings and graces received through the Virgin’s intercession.
While distinct to La Paz, this local devotion stems from the original title of Our Lady of Peace and Good Voyage, famously enshrined in Antipolo Cathedral, whose image arrived from Mexico in 1626.
Shrine Rector’s Message of Thanksgiving and Unity
Rev. Fr. Renato Dimaculangan, the shrine rector, expressed his gratitude to all who worked for the event’s success.
In his message, he reflected on the maternal mediation of Mary: “Kung ang ating Panginoon ay Hari ng mga hari, ang ating Inang Maria naman ang Inang Reyna ng Hari… siya ang namamagitan sa atin…” He hoped the coronation would be an instrument for deeper love, unity, and service: “Sana ang okasyon na ito ang maging instrumento para lumalim ang ating pagmamahalan sa isa’t-isa, pagkakaisa, pagbibigayan, at malalim na pagsisilbi sa Diyos.”
Other Coronadas in the Diocese of Tarlac
The Diocese of Tarlac has witnessed several notable coronations in recent years. The Mater Dolorosa of Dolores, Capas was the first image in the diocese to receive an Episcopal Coronation on September 15, 2018, followed by a higher Pontifical Coronation granted by Pope Francis on June 5, 2021.
Following this, Nuestra Señora de la Merced of Tarlac City was episcopally crowned on September 24, 2020, declared Queen of Tarlac City, and later received a Pontifical Coronation on February 24, 2023; on September 24, 2025, Bishop Mallari further declared her the “Virgin of the Diocese of Tarlac.”
The coronation in La Paz adds another glorious chapter to the diocese’s Marian devotion. As the faithful rejoiced with cries of “Viva la Virgen Coronada! Viva Nuestra Señora de la Paz!”, the event stands as a powerful testament to a community’s enduring faith, seeking the Virgin’s guidance for peace and safety in every journey of life.
