By Social Communications Ministry

Published on July 27, 2025

Tanay, Rizal, has long been known for its deep devotion to the Virgin Mary. For centuries, the image venerated by the townspeople was known as La Purísima Concepción (The Immaculate Conception), a title that reflects the Church’s belief in the Virgin Mary’s sinless conception. This devotion dates back to the early 1600s and is anchored in a miraculous event at the core of the town’s faith. During the major Chinese uprising that struck Manila in 1639, some of the rebels escaped to the mountainous regions of Tanay. In the midst of the violence, they attempted to desecrate the local church and destroy the image of the Virgin Mary. According to tradition, two rebels tried to strike the sacred image with weapons but was instantly struck dead before he could land a blow. Witnesses saw this as a clear sign of divine intervention, affirming the Virgin’s powerful protection over the town and its people..

But as time passed, the title was replaced with Our Lady of Guadalupe, a name embraced by generations. Now, the question arises: in restoring the original title, are we correcting history or simply revisiting a lost piece of Tanay’s cultural memory?

The Shift to Our Lady of Guadalupe
Over time, however, the title of the image shifted from La Purísima Concepción to Our Lady of Guadalupe, a devotion that grew in popularity during the 19th and 20th centuries. While this shift is widely recognized, it is important to note that there is no formal canonical document or decree that recorded this change. The title Our Lady of Guadalupe likely gained traction through local tradition, popular devotion, and perhaps the broader influence of Mexican Catholicism, but it was never officially recognized or authorized by the Church. The absence of any formal documentation makes the change to Our Lady of Guadalupe a historical development rather than an official Church decision.

Despite this, the title Our Lady of Guadalupe became embedded in the cultural and religious life of Tanay, as the devotion continued to grow. However, this has led to questions about the historical authenticity of the image’s title and whether it should return to its original name.

The Importance of Historical Accuracy
The recent decision by the Diocese of Antipolo to restore the original title La Purísima Concepción is grounded in a desire to reclaim the historical accuracy of the town’s Marian devotion. The Diocese, after a careful review of historical records, early missionary accounts, and local testimonies, has confirmed that La Purísima Concepción was indeed the first and authentic title of the image venerated in Tanay. This decision is a recognition of the truth of the town’s Marian heritage and a step toward preserving the faith that has been nurtured for centuries.

Under Canon Law and the guidance of the Second Vatican Council, it is the responsibility of the bishop to oversee the liturgical and devotional life of the diocese. In this case, the Bishop of Antipolo has undertaken a process of discernment and historical review to ensure that the devotion to the Virgin Mary in Tanay is rooted in the authentic history of the Church. The bishop’s authority is derived from the Lumen Gentium (Dogmatic Constitution on the Church), which emphasizes the importance of safeguarding the truth of the faith and the historical integrity of the Church’s devotions.

The Role of the Miracle in the Devotion
Some critics of the decision to restore the title La Purísima Concepción have raised concerns about the miracle at the center of the devotion. They argue that the miracle of the arrow, in which the arrow turned back, may be perceived as a “negative miracle” because it involved the potential for violence and death. However, this interpretation of the miracle overlooks the deeper spiritual significance of the event.

The miracle should not be seen as one of destruction, but rather as an act of divine protection. The event was a sign that the Virgin Mary was actively intervening to shield the town from harm. In Catholic theology, Mary is not associated with death or violence but with protection, love, and care for the faithful. The miracle of La Purísima Concepción represents Mary’s role as the Mother of Mercy, who intercedes on behalf of her children, keeping them safe from harm. The weapons that did not strike the image symbolized Mary’s protection, not her causing death or harm.

The Feast of Our Lady of Guadalupe: Clarifying the Date
The people of Tanay have long celebrated the Feast of Our Lady of Guadalupe on January 24. However, it is important to clarify that this is not the official feast day of Our Lady of Guadalupe in the Catholic Church. The true feast day of Our Lady of Guadalupe is observed on December 12, commemorating the apparition of the Virgin Mary to St. Juan Diego in Mexico in 1531. The January 24 celebration is a local tradition, and it has become a beloved custom in Tanay, but it is not tied to the actual feast of Our Lady of Guadalupe. This discrepancy further highlights the importance of historical accuracy in understanding the true identity of the image venerated in Tanay.

Moreover, there is no recorded or exact date for the miracle that supposedly took place in Tanay involving Our Lady of Guadalupe, further calling into question the accuracy of that title. Without historical evidence to support the claim, the decision to return to La Purísima Concepción is a way of reaffirming the true, documented history of the town’s devotion.

The Process of Restoring the Title
The decision to restore the title La Purísima Concepción has not been made hastily. Since 2023, the parish has gradually reintroduced the discussion to the people of Tanay, with ample opportunities for consultation and feedback. While some have expressed concerns, particularly among the older generations, the process has been a careful one, grounded in research, discernment, and a deep respect for the history and devotion of the people.

The Parish Pastoral Council, as representatives of the parish, fulfilled their role by acting in accordance with both the Church’s canon laws and the historical accuracy of the devotion. While some may feel that they were not consulted, the change was not abrupt or dismissive of the community’s love for the image, but rather a respectful return to the historical truth that underpins Tanay’s faith. The petition, though heartfelt, must also be seen in light of the Church’s authority and its responsibility to guide the faithful towards the authentic expression of devotion. The final decision was made in the spirit of unity and fidelity to the Church’s teachings and traditions.

The Church has a responsibility to ensure that the titles of Marian images are historically accurate and theologically sound. According to the Ordo Coronandi Imaginem Beatae Mariae Virginis (1981), the Vatican’s official ritual for Marian coronations, only those images with clear liturgical, devotional, and historical significance are eligible for canonical coronation. This means that for the image of Tanay to be crowned, the title must be rooted in historical truth and in the heart of the town’s faith. By restoring the title La Purísima Concepción, the parish is acting in accordance with Canon Law, ensuring that the devotion is both historically accurate and theologically grounded.

Unity in Faith and Devotion
It is essential to understand that the restoration of the title La Purísima Concepción is not an attempt to erase or diminish the devotion to Our Lady of Guadalupe. The Virgin Mary remains the same, regardless of the title. Whether she is known as La Purísima Concepción, Our Lady of Guadalupe, or under any other title, Mary is the same loving mother who draws her children to her Son. The return to La Purísima Concepción is about honoring the historical roots of the devotion in Tanay and reaffirming the community’s relationship with the Virgin Mary as it has been passed down through the centuries.

This process is ultimately one of historical restoration, where the people of Tanay are invited to reconnect with the original identity of the devotion that has sustained them for generations. It is a reminder that the Catholic Church, through the guidance of the Holy Spirit and the authority of the bishop, seeks not only to preserve tradition but also to correct any errors in the historical narrative, ensuring that the faith is passed on authentically to future generations.

In embracing the original title of La Purísima Concepción, the faithful of Tanay are not losing a devotion but rather reclaiming it in its truest form. The miracle of divine protection, the historical accuracy of the title, and the Church’s careful process all come together to ensure that Tanay’s devotion to the Virgin Mary remains deeply rooted in truth and authenticity.