Jaro Cathedral
Visayas Region
Jaro Cathedral, located in the Visayas region of the Philippines, is renowned for enshrining the venerated image of Nuestra Señora de la Purificación y la Candelaria (Our Lady of Purification and Candle), the patroness of Western Visayas and Negros Occidental. This limestone statue, discovered floating in the Iloilo River in the 16th century, is famed for miraculous stories including its changing weight and ability to float. The image depicts the Virgin Mary and Child Jesus holding lighted tapers, symbolizing purification and illumination. Both figures are crowned, with the Christ child holding a globus cruciger representing his reign over the earth. The statue’s necklace bears an elephant symbol, linking it to the ancient Buddhist Srivijaya Empire and the precolonial heritage of Panay Island. Pope John Paul II personally crowned the image in 1981, marking it as the first Marian image in Asia crowned by a pope in person. The cathedral itself is a significant religious and cultural landmark, reflecting centuries of devotion and the unique fusion of Catholic and pre-Hispanic symbolism. Visitors can access the shrine by steps on the cathedral's northeastern facade, where the image is traditionally vested in gold cloth and adorned with crowns. The cathedral’s history and Marian devotion continue to inspire pilgrims and tourists alike, emphasizing its importance as a spiritual center in the Philippines.
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Tip: Visitors are encouraged to attend the feast day celebrations on February 2, the Feast of Candlemas, to experience the vibrant local devotion. It is advisable to visit during weekdays or early mornings to avoid large crowds. Tickets or entrance fees are generally not required, but donations are welcomed. Booking guided tours in advance can enrich the experience. Discounts may be available for groups or pilgrims. Contacting the cathedral via phone or their Facebook page can provide updated schedules and event information.
Interesting facts
- •The image of Nuestra Señora de la Candelaria is the first Marian statue in Asia to be personally crowned by a pope (Saint John Paul II) in 1981.
- •The statue was found floating in the Iloilo River, an unusual phenomenon for a limestone statue.
- •The Christ child in the statue wears a necklace with an elephant, symbolizing connections to the ancient Srivijaya Empire and Panay Island's precolonial heritage.
- •The candle held by the statue is currently tipped with a red electrical bulb, modernizing the traditional taper.
- •Iloilo City, under the Archdiocese of Jaro, was once the last overseas capital of the Spanish Empire and was titled 'The Most Loyal and Noble City of Iloilo' by Queen Maria Cristina of Spain.
History
The statue of Nuestra Señora de la Candelaria de Jaro was first discovered in 1587 by fishermen in the Iloilo River, who found it miraculously floating and initially unable to lift it due to its weight.
When they decided to bring it to Jaro, the image became easier to carry and was placed near the apex of the church's central spire.
Over centuries, folklore recounts the statue’s growth in size, prompting its transfer to the balcony accessible by steps on the cathedral’s façade.
In 1981, Pope John Paul II personally crowned the image during his Apostolic Visit to the Philippines, making it the only Marian statue in the country crowned by a pontiff in person.
Subsequently, the image was declared the patroness of Western Visayas by papal decree in 1982.
Place Guide
Nuestra Señora de la Candelaria Statue16th century
A 16th-century limestone statue depicting the Virgin Mary and Child Jesus holding lighted tapers, symbolizing purification. It is crowned and vested in gold, with the Christ child holding a globus cruciger and wearing a necklace with an elephant symbol.
Cathedral Shrine Balcony
The current location of the statue accessible by a flight of steps on the cathedral’s northeastern façade, reflecting the statue’s historical growth and importance.
Contact
Phone: (033) 329 1625
