by joseph a. bandao email j88joshua@yahoo.com<br />The Virgin of Manaoag has an amiable, radiant expression. Her countenance inspires love, adoration and awe. She exudes beauty beyond description. She is patroness of the sick, protectress of the helpless, benefactress of the needy. Her miracles are numerous and are not only part of the past but continue to adorn the present. Huge crowds attended the day the image was canonically crowned by the Papal Nuncio in April 21, 1926. So also during the silver jubilee celebrations in 1951. This year, 1976, Manaoag is preparing itself to receive the flocks of devotees who will come to honor her on her golden jubilee of the year. By the time that comes she shall have visited all the barrios of Manaoag, and all the towns of Pangasinan -- something she does every twenty five years.<br /><br />From the Solemn Novena in honor of Our Lady of Manaoag published by the Shrine of Our Lady of Manaoag, Manaoag, Pangasinan, Philippines.
