By SIDTP SoCom

Published on November 13, 2024

Tanay, a town with deep historical and spiritual roots, has long held a devotion to the Blessed Virgin Mary. However, many local devotees and residents remain unaware that the true secondary patroness of the town is La Purisima Concepcion, not Our Lady of Guadalupe. This distinction, rooted in centuries-old historical records, provides an enriching insight into the legacy of faith that shapes Tanay’s identity.

The history of the parish of Tanay traces back to 1606, when the “visita” of Tanay on Mount Tanay gained independence from Pililla. Spearheaded by Padre Pedro de Talavera, OFM, the first humble church was constructed from cane and nipa and dedicated to San Ildefonso de Toledo, the town’s primary patron. This first chapel marked the beginnings of a community brought together under the faith.

Archivo Franciscano Filipino references and Estado Geografico by Fray Felix Huerta, OFM, chronicle that in 1620, Tanay’s church was relocated to a new site, named San Antonio, still on Mount Tanay. This second iteration of the church continued to bear the dedication to San Ildefonso de Toledo. Around this time, a sacred image of La Purisima Concepcion is said to have been brought to the area. Records suggest that the image arrived as early as 1572 with Spaniards accompanying Juan de Salcedo’s expedition, potentially making it one of the earliest icons of the Blessed Virgin in the region. Local legends say that even the non-Christian locals, termed “infieles” by the Spaniards, venerated the image.

In 1639, the Chinese uprising marked a tense period in the history of Tanay, as Chinese fugitives sought refuge on Mount Tanay. The precious image of La Purisima Concepcion was hidden in the forest to protect it from violence. According to local accounts, three Chinese fugitives found the image in the forest. When they assaulted it, two of them died mysteriously, and the third, horrified, took his own life. This event sparked a deep devotion among the town’s people, who saw these events as a sign of divine intervention and protection by La Purisima. One year later, in 1640, the town and church were moved once more to what is now modern-day Tanay, ensuring that both the faith and its symbols were preserved despite the challenges.

Some reference books of the parish mention that the original image of La Purisima was a painting from 1620, attributed to the style of Bartolomé Esteban Murillo, who was born only in 1618—making this attribution likely inaccurate. Other sources suggest that the image was actually a sculpture, not a painting, as it bore physical marks from being stabbed and struck on the face. There is also speculation that over time, the title of La Purisima may have been replaced with Our Lady of Guadalupe due to a heightened emphasis on veneration of the image itself. Yet, despite these varying accounts about the form and title of the original image, what remains clear is the unwavering devotion to La Purisima Concepcion—a title and representation of the Blessed Virgin that resonated profoundly with the people of Tanay. This devotion, rooted in a spiritual connection rather than tied to any specific artistic form, has strengthened over centuries and continues to be a core of Tanay’s faith.

A major development came in 1680 when a stone church was built, funded by donations given in honor of La Purisima Concepcion. The continued devotion to the Blessed Virgin Mary is evident, as the townspeople’s sacrifices enabled the construction of a sturdier, more enduring place of worship. This church, through the centuries, has stood as a testament to the unwavering faith of Tanay’s people. In 1773, the Reverendo Padre Fray Ildefonso Fentanes, OFM, expanded the church, and by 1783, the town saw the completion of a new, larger structure. The church was primarily built with the support of the townsfolk and contributions from nearby Majayjay and Manila.

The historical records also detail continuous efforts to maintain and expand the church. In 1851, Padre Fray Antonio Santiago, OFM, led restoration efforts on the convent, which served as both a spiritual and cultural center for the parish.

Through these historical accounts, we see that Tanay’s devotion to La Purisima Concepcion is an essential part of the town’s heritage. It is clear from the records preserved by historians like Fray Valentin Marin, OP, Bruce Cruikshank, and Fray Antolin Abad, OFM, that the Blessed Virgin Mary, under the title La Purisima Concepcion, holds a special place in the hearts of Tanay’s faithful, distinct from the image of Our Lady of Guadalupe.

Today, it’s crucial to recognize La Purisima Concepcion as the rightful secondary patroness of Tanay, honoring the sacrifices and dedication of past generations. This historical clarification enriches the faith community’s identity and ensures that future generations know the true lineage of Tanay’s spiritual heritage. La Purisima Concepcion, celebrated and venerated through centuries, remains the steadfast beacon guiding the faithful of Tanay. By embracing this legacy, the people of Tanay can more deeply connect with their town’s unique history, ensuring that the devotion to La Purisima Concepcion remains alive in the heart of the parish and among its people.

References:

1. Los Franciscanos En Filipinas (1578-1898) by Fray Antolin Abad, OFM
2. Spanish Franciscans in the Colonial Philippines, 1578-1898: Catalogs and Analysis for a History of Filipinos in Franciscan Parishes* by Bruce Cruikshank
3. Tanay Estado Geografico by Felix Huerta
4. Ensayo de Una Sintesis de los Trabajos Realizados Por Las Corporaciones Religiosas Españolas De Filipinas by Fr. Valentin Marin y Morales