Every month of November an icon is borne across Manila Bay to honor this patroness of the galleons - "Nuestra Señora de la Soledad de Porta Vaga" or commonly known as Our Lady of Porta Vaga, is the patroness of Cavite province. She is titled as "Reina de Cavite," "La Excelsa Patrona y La Celestial Guardiana y Protectora de la Provincia de Cavite y su Puerto" is one of the most reverent Marian images in the Philippines. She witnessed galleons built at Sangley Point and blessed hundreds of galleons sailed and returned of the 250 years of the infamous Manila/Acapulco Galleon Trade.
Her feast is celebrated every second Sunday of November in Cavite City, where She is honored as the Patroness of the entire city. Nuestra Señora de la Soledad de Porta Vaga is also celebrated during Lenten rites as well as the customary observance of All Saints/All Souls Day, where she's referred to as "Inang Magkakandila," the image is given a Pontifical high mass at Binondo Church (Minor Basilica of Saint Lorenzo Ruiz). In 1892, the Philippine National Anthem composer Julian Felipe, composed a hymn called "Reina de Cavite" on her honor.
On March 16, 1984, the icon was stolen, after months of search it was recovered on August, 1984, the icon was stripped off all its original gold decorations and precious stones. Nuestra Señora de la Soledad de Porta Vaga - the patroness of the galleons was re-enshrined in her altar by devotees include OFWs and other foreign nationals who flock Manila Bay and Cavite to join the Porta Vaga Festival.
- ka tony
**photo courtesy of our good friend Jing Lo Puertollano
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