La Divina Pastora

Another compilation by / Recopilacin de
Enero 2008
ISLAS FILIPINAS CIUDAD GAPAN, NUEVA ECIJA
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The devotion to the Divina Pastora, a Marian image so familiar in Spain and LatinAmerican countries, is unique to one place in the Philippines -- Gapan City in Nueva Ecija province. A legend that has been passed from generation to generation of Gapanenses says that the image of the Divina Pastora was found by farmers under a callos tree in a village called Callos in nearby Pearanda town which, in those days, was part of Gapan. The fact is, the origin of the Divina Pastora is not as mysterious as portrayed by legend. And Her story would not be accurate and complete without mentioning the family through whom She made Herself known and in whose household she lived for two centuries -- the Valmontes. The Divina Pastora's story began sometime in the 18th century when Juana Valmonte, the spinster daughter of Bartolome dela Cruz Valmonte who served as the first gobernadorcillo or mayor of Gapan in 1747, dreamed about the Virgin Mary which left her greatly perplexed. The following day, she told her father about it and he advised her to go to Intramuros in Manila to see a friar-friend -- an Augustinian, it can be surmised, as the Gapan parish then was administered by the Augustinian Order -- and seek his help in deciphering her dream. She did as she was told and took the long and perilous river boat trip to Manila. When she finally met the friar and recounted to him her dream, he was moved by her display of great faith. To reward her, the friar presented her with a wooden image of the Virgin Mary, barely a foot high, dressed as a shepherdess with the peculiar hat with upturned brim on her head and a shepherd's crooked staff in Her left hand, seated on a rock, and caressing with Her right hand a lamb perched on Her lap. The name of the image, the friar told Juana, was "La Divina Pastora." Juana returned to Gapan with the Divina Pastora, to the family home -- traditionally referred to by old-time residents as "bahay na sim" for a reason that has been lost in time -- that used to stand beside the river, along what is now Valmonte Street near the Gapan Church. She installed the image in a place of honor at the family altar. The family would pray to the Divina Pastora for abundant harvest, and She would grant it. In thanksgiving, the family would hold a fiesta in Her honor every May 1, the end of the harvest season and the start of the Marian month. In time, other miracles began to be attributed to the Divina Pastora. Among these was the incident immortalized in the legend: She would disappear from the family altar, and later would be found by farmers under a callos tree on a farmland owned by the Valmontes in Barrrio Callos. News of Her miracles quickly spread to other places in Gapan and neighboring towns, drawing numerous believers. From being a simple family thanksgiving affair, the May 1 fiesta became a day of pilgrimage for hordes of devotees from distant places who would show up uninvited at the Valmonte house to pray for intercession before Her image. So popular had the devotion to the Divina Pastora become that the Church eventually got involved in the staging of the fiesta, no doubt influenced by the fact that the image had Augustinian origins and the church was being run by Augustinian friars, and because several generations of caretakers of the image wielded political clout as the town's gobernadorcillo or presidente municipal, the last of them being General Pantaleon Valmonte, a hero of the Nueva Ecija uprising against Spain during the 1896 Philippine Revolution. The fiesta, though taken over by the Church, continued to have as its centerpiece the Divina Pastora image of the Valmontes. The image would be taken from the family altar, dressed up in richly embroidered vestments, set on a silver carroza bedecked with flowers, and transferred to the church for religious rites. Through the years, the May 1 fiesta has evolved into what is now the biggest religious festival in Nueva Ecija and Central Luzon, earning for Gapan the name "Pilgrimage City."
The Vatican, during the reign of Pope Paul VI, recognized the Divina Pastora of Gapan as worthy of devotion and approved the Canonical Coronation of Her image which took place on April 26, 1964.
The coronation rites were officiated by Bishop Mariano Gaviola. For the ceremony, a big church-owned replica of the Divina Pastora took the center stage. The small original image owned by the Valmonte family was given a place of honor and also crowned. Subsequently, the Divina Pastora was proclaimed patron saint of the Diocese of Cabanatuan and the province of Nuva Ecija.
On April 26, 1986, the century-old church of the Three Kings Parish was declared as the National Shrine of the Divina Pastora by the Catholic Bishops Conference of the Philippines. For that significant occasion, Donata Valmonte-Cala, who inherited the position of Divina Pastora caretaker from her father, General Pantaleon Valmonte, and her daughter Emma who was set to become the next caretaker, decided to donate the image to the Gapan church.
The Divina Pastora is now permanently enshrined in a niche at the left altar of the church. On April 26, 2006, the faithful of Gapan City gathered to celebrate another milestone in the long history of the Divina Pastora -- the 42nd anniversary of Her Canonical Coronation and the 20th anniversary of the declaration of the Gapan church as National Shrine of the Divina Pastora . Click here for photos of that event. NOTE: The early history of the Divina Pastora was derived from interviews with the late Joaquin Valmonte -- family chronicler, former Gapan mayor, son of Gen. Pantaleon Valmonte, and brother of Donata Valmonte-Cala Playing in the background is the Divina Pastora hymn entitled "Oh, Mahal na Birhen Divina Pastora." It was first performed on April 26, 1986 during the proclamation of the Gapan City church as the National Shrine of the Divina Pastora. Music: Ed Parungao Midi Arrangement: Glenn Hipolito Lyrics: Victorina Lacuna (Maestoso) Oh, Mahal na Birhen Divina Pastora, Aba, napupuno ka ng grasya Sa iyoy nagpupuri at umaasa, ang iyong bayan, buong puso at kaluluwa. Dito sa iyong pambansang dalanginan, Kamiy dumudulog, tuloy nagpupugay. Aming ihahain, mga karaingan Inang maawain, kami ay tulungan. (Cantabile) Lubos ang pag-asa, Ina naming Birhen Na ang aming daing at pananalangin. (Accelerando) Ay iyong tutulutan, sukat makarating Sa Poong Diyos Ama, tunay na butihin (Affectuoso) Maraming salamat mahal naming Ina Sa mga biyayang aming tinamasa Sa mga panganib kami ay iadya.
(Grandioso) Ihingi ng tawad sa nagawang sala. Amen.
An rare old photo of the original image of the Divina Pastora without vestments.
The big replica of the Divina Pastora which was canonically crowned on April 26, 1964.
Awit at Panalanging Pang-araw-araw 1. Nakatayong aawitin bago simulan ang pagsisyam o novena: SA DIVINA PASTORA Sa Divina Pastora Kami ay nagdarasal Si Maria aming Patrona Ibig naming marangal Kanyang tulong laging-lagi Kami ay humihingi Purihin yaring SENORA Tuwing araw at gabi. Kung kami'y nasa panganib Kay Maria tatakbo Tatawagin namin siya Kung lalapit ang tukso;
O Maria, tutulungan Kaming nangabubuhay Kami ay ipanalangin Kung kami'y mamamatay. 2. Nakaluhod na darasalin ang Santo Rosaryo at Litanya ng Mahal na Birhen. 3. Nakaluhod na darasalin: PANALANGIN SA BIRHEN DIVINA PASTORA Panginoon naming Jesucristo, Mabuting Pastol na inihain Mo ang Iyong Buhay para sa Iyong mga nilalang, at itinagubilin kaming Iyong bayan sa kalinis-linisan Mong Ina nang Ikaw ay nakabayubay sa krus; ipagkaloob mo sa amin, na kasama ng Birhen Divina Pastora ay makasunod kami sa Iyo na aming tunay na Pastol dito sa lupa upang makasama Mo kami sa buhay na walang hanggan, sa pamagitan ni Jesucristo kasama ng Espiritu Santo magpasawalang hanggan. Amen. 4. Nakatayong aawitin: Sa Hari ng Langit, Ina ni Hesus Tayo na't mag-alay, magpuring lubos, Ave, ave, ave, Maria! Ave, ave, ave, Maria! Sinta Ka ng puso, mahal kong Ina Yaman at pag-asa, niring kaluluiwa. Ave, ave, ave, Maria! Ave, ave, ave, Maria! 5. Pumili ng araw: Unang Araw: ANG PANGAKO Ikalawang Araw: SI MARIA, INA NG DIYOS Ikatlong Araw: ANG KAPANGYARIHAN NG ESPIRITU SANTO AT SI MARIA Ika-apat na Araw: ANG PANANAMPALATAYA NI MARIA Ikalimang Araw: ANG KABABAANG LOOB NI MARIA Ika-anim na Araw: SI MARIA AY MASUNURIN Ikapitong Araw: PAGTALIMA NATIN SA DIYOS Ikawalong Araw: SI MARIA, INA NG SANTA IGLESYA Ikasiyam na Araw: MARIA, INIAKYAT SA LANGIT, KATAWAN AT KALULUWA Mula sa nobernaryong nilimbag ng Diocesis ng Cabanatuan
The biggest and oldest church in Nueva Ecija is that of the Parish of the Three Kings in Gapan City Built in the 1800's by Augustinian friars with Gapanense forced labor, the brick church has withstood natural and man-made calamities, including the 1896 Philippine Revolution, World War II and the Great 1990 Earthquake. The Gapan church is a pilgrimage site for two miraculous patron saints -- the Three Kings whose feast day continues to be celebrated every January 6, and the Divina Pastora every May 1. The Gapan church was declared the National Shrine of the Divina Pastora on April 26, 1986.
The church facade...
...topped by a belfry with four huge bells heard as far as a few kilometers away.
The bells continue to summon the faithful to Mass. The parishioners have mastered the century-old language of the bells -- marking the important hours of each day, as they peal at 6:00 AM (time to wake up), 10:00 AM (time for merienda and to prepare lunch), 12:00 noon (Angelus and lunchtime), 2:00 PM (siesta time), 4:00 PM (time for afternoon merienda and to prepare dinner), 6:00 PM (Angelus and dinner) and 8:00 PM (bedtime); announcing the death of a parishioner -- high pitched if the deceased is female, low-pitched if male; marking special Church occasions; and warning Gapanenses of emergencies like fires.
Embossed on the bells are the dates of their casting -- this one in 1890.
_____ Standing as sentinels in their individual niches on both sides of the main doorway are the images of the patron saints of the two barangays that make up the Gapan poblacion: San Lorenzo (left) and San Vicente.
The Papal insignia is displayed atop the main church doorway.
At the left of the main doorway is the baptistry -- unused now.
The church interior was renovated in the 1980's. The painted stucco coating of the walls was stripped to show the bricks underneath.
Every Gapanense child at one time or another stared up in awe at the mural painted on the church cupola's ceiling...
... a tribute to Holy Trinity.
The antique main altar which was dangerously deteriorating had to be torn down in the 1970's to give way to a concrete-and-marble creation whose center of attraction is the second biggest crucifix in the Philippines.
The original side altars have been kept intact for the most part. At the left altar is enshrined a Spanish-era miraculous Marian image...
... the Divina Pastora, the object of pilgrimages.
The right altar contains an antique Epiphany tableau...
... showing the Three Kings after whom the Gapan parish was named.
Another view of the church interior...
... as the afternoon sunlight streams through the huge side windows and doorways.
The choir loft.
At the left side of the church , a garden...
... that leads to a shrine to the Divina Pastora at the back of the left side altar...
...and a place for pilgrims to light candle offerings.
In the church patio may be seen century-old acacia trees.
Digital photos and text by Ramon R. Valmonte
May, the Marian month, starts in Nueva Ecija with Gapan City's grand fiesta for the Divina Pastora -the patron saint of the province and the Diocese of Cabanatuan City. The local Catholic Church and the city government join hands to mark the event upon which depends Gapan's claim to fame as "The Pilgrimage City."
In the early afternoon of April 30, the visperas or eve of the fiesta, people begin to congregate at the Gapan City plaza to witness the start of the traditional parade.
By mid-afternoon, Gapanenses line the city streets eagerly awaiting the parade or paseo as it is locally called.
To first-time observers, the paseo is a parade like no other. It's a parade of thousands of ordinary people, devotees of the Divina Pastora, around the city's main streets.
Many participants, with children in tow, are pilgrims from other places.
The children take the long, hot walk clinging to their parents...
...or perched on grannies' shoulders or carried in fathers' arms.
Even little babies are made to participate in the paseo
in gratitude for being cured from some sickness which their parents attribute to the intercession of the Divina Pastora.
A group of old ladies garbed in ternos reenact what they have done for years, maybe even from childhood. In fulfillment of a vow to the Divina Pastora for favors granted, they dance their way through the paseo, unmindful of the amused smiles and occasional jeers from young onlookers who do not understand that the dance is being performed not for them, but for the Virgin Mary.
Other participants who would rather not walk, ride instead: on bikes...
...or astride carabaos...
... or in a trailer pulled by a handtractor...
... or on a horse-drawn cart...
... or in the family tricycle. Giving bursts of color and music to the paseo are the many marching bands.
The century-old Gapan church, the National Shrine of the Divina Pastora, is the center of religious activities on fiesta day.
The busiest part of the church is the eastern side chapel...
... where the original Divina Pastora image is enshrined at the center niche, behind protective glass.
The antique wooden image of the patron saint was donated to the parish by the original owners, the Valmonte family, in 1986. The Valmontes started the Divina Pastora fiesta purely as a family affair during the Spanish regime in thanksgiving for good harvest.
Pilgrims queue to go up the steps to the Divina Pastora' display case...
... to implore favors from, or give thanks to, Her...
...and touch the glass door with their hands or wipe it with their handkerchiefs which they then rub onto ailing parts of their bodies hoping for a miraculous cure, if not protection from sickness.
Outside, hundreds of votive candles are lit for various personal intentions.
A trip to the Gapan fiesta is never complete without bringing home something bought from the crowded street market outside the church...
... puto seco, for instance, made in Pampanga but a symbol of a pilgrimage to Gapan just the same.
At night, glitzy entertainment fare unfolds at the city plaza...
...highlighted by a fireworks display that brightens up the night sky, ending another memorable Divina Pastora fiesta in Gapan City. ### Digital photos and text by Ramon R. Valmonte. All rights reserved. May 2002
The Ruby Jubilee of the Canonical Coronation of the Divina Pastora was commemmorated with a series of activities.
As part of the celebrations for the 40th Canonical Coronation Anniversary of the Divina Pastora, over 30 images of the Virgin Mary have been assembled for the Marian Exhibition at the Divina Pastora College gymnasium in Gapan City. The prime mover of the project is the Church organization called God's Family led by its president, Dr. Angel del Rosario. Special guests during the launching of the exhibition last April 22 were Conrado "Ado" Escudero and Clifford Chua -- officers of the Cofradia dela Inmaculada Concepcion of the Manila Cathedral in Intramuros, Manila.
Parish priest Msgr. Jose Elmer Mangalinao (with raised hand) and his assistant Fr. Chito Beltran recite prayers before the opening of the exhibit.
The ceremonial cutting of the ribbon was performed by Escudero (middle) and Chua (right) assisted by Eileen Valdez-Gamad, treasurer of God's Family.
Fr. Beltran blesses the participating Marian images. A view of the opening day crowd.
The viewers pause for prayers...
... before the pilgrim image of the Divina Pastora that has been given a place of honor on the gymnasium stage. On display are portrayals of theVirgin Mary under Her different titles. Many of the images are life-size, and come from church and private collections:
Msgr. Mangalinao, Escudero, Fr. Beltran and Chua with the Divina Pastora.
Nuestra Seora delos Remedios (Dr. Angel del Rosario, Gapan City)
Nuestra Seora Mater Purisima (Paulo Corpuz, Gapan City)
Mary the Queen (Ernie Ocampo, Jaen, Nueva Ecija)
Our Lady of Manaoag (Rev. Fr. Victor Naval Cruz, Parish of St. Cecilia, Palayan City)
Nuestra Seora del Santo Rosario (Mar Bantug, Alua, San Isidro, Nueva Ecija)
La Inmaculada Concepcion (Roger Diego, Castillano, San Leonardo, Nueva Ecija)
Our Lady of the Miraculous Medal (Khan family, Gapan City)
Nuestra Seora dela Candelaria (Arlene Khan-Mariano, Gapan City)
Our Lady of Peace (Ramon Navarro, Cabanatuan City)
Mater Dolorosa (Dr. Angel del Rosario, Gapan City) Virgen dela Victoria (Jorge Allan Tengco, Baliuag, Bulacan)
Our Lady of Lourdes (Felicidad Factora, Gapan City)
Our Lady of the Assumption (Joanna Gouena, San Miguel, Bulacan)
La Purisima Concepcion (Rev. Fr. Rene Vigilia, Santa Rosa, Nueva Ecija)
Our Lady of the Holy Rosary (Henry Velarde, Jaen, Nueva Ecija) Other images capture scenes from the life of the Virgin Mary:
Nuestra Seora de la Soledad de Porta Vaga (San Isidro Parish, San Isidro, Nueva Ecija)
Our Lady of the Annunciation (Valdes family, Gapan City)
Virgen dela Natividad (Rev. Fr. Francisco Algas, San Antonio, Nueva Ecija) Pagpapaalam ni Hesus kay Birheng Maria (Khan family, Gapan City)
Mater Dolorosa and the Crucifixion tableau (Rev. Fr. Francisco Algas, St. Augustine Parish, Jaen, Nueva Ecija) La Pieta (Cyrus Khan, Gapan City)
Also on display are vestments worn by the Divina Pastora on several important occasions. Our Lady of the Presentation, the oldest image on exhibit, is part of the Epiphany tableau in the church of the Three Kings Parish, Gapan City
Digital photos and text by Ramon R. Valmonte April 22, 2004
About 300 residents of Obando, Bulacan visited Gapan City on April 25, 2004 -- the eve of the 40th Canonical Coronation Anniversary of the Divina Pastora. They brought with them the pilgrim images of their beloved Santa Clara, San Pasual, and the Nuestra Seora de Salambao, long famous as the patron saints of childless couples, and performed their famous "fertility dance" that snaked through the main streets of the city to the delight of Gapanenses. The project was a joint effort of the parish pastoral councils of Obando and Gapan City's Three Kings Parish.
The visit to Gapan begins with a concelebrated Mass at 8:30 AM...
... with the images of the three famous Obando patron saints set at a place of honor at the left of the altar.
In attendance are Gapan City officials led by Mayor Ernesto Natividad.
After the final blessing, a band strikes up the familiar "Santa Clara" folk tune inside the church, and the Obando pilgrims break into frenzied dancing...
... as the images of their three patron saints are carried on their andas for the start of the procession.
Outside the church, the pilgrim image of the Divina Pastora waits amid a burst of colors...
... for the visiting images of the Obando patron saints to emerge.
Swaying groups of Obando folks...
... in their multi-hued kimona and saya...
... lead the "fertility dance"...
... accompanied by the swaying images of San Pascual... ... Santa Clara...
... and the Divina Pastora. ... the Nuestra Seora de Salambao...
Obando youths in tie-dyed shirts join the street dancing.
The hats are no match for the intense heat of the summer sun as the dancers quench their thirst with bottled water.
But the dancing never stops... ... not even for senior participants.
A young couple imitates the movements of an Obando dancer.
Gapanenses could not resist the spirited dancing of the guests from Obando...
... and shed their inhibitions to sway and sashay around the city.
Others watch the event from widely-opened windows, waving and clapping...
... to the rhythm of the passing dancers below. Finally, the procession winds up where it began many minutes ealier, ending the Obando folks' memorable tribute to Gapan's Divina Pastora.
The 40th Anniversary of the Canonical Coronation of the Divina Pastora was commemorated with a Holy Mass on April 26, 2004 at the National Shrine of the Divina Pastora. The rites were presided over by the Bishop of the Diocese of Cabanatuan, the Most Rev. Sofio G. Balce, DD, and members of the clergy from the diocese as co-celebrants.
As guests arrive, a marching band provides a festive air to the occasion.
Nueva Ecija Gov. Tomas N. Joson III is welcomed by parish council officials led by their president, Dr. Celia Morales.
Gapan City Mayor Ernesto Natividad joins Gov. Joson for a brief chat before the start of the Mass.
The political and the religious leaders of the province: Gov. Joson and Cabanatuan Bishop Sofio Balce.
Two former Gapan parish priests present at the historic occasion: Msgr. Jesus Estonilo and Fr. Rene Vigilia.
Some of the guests: At extreme right is former Gapan City Mayor Arthur Velayo. Seated beside him is Atty. Cesar Peralejo.
From left: Gov. Joson, Mayor and Mrs. Natividad, and Vice Mayor and Mrs. Leoncio Mangahas.
At left, in Barong Tagalog, is broadcaster Joe Taruc.
...that passes between two columns of Knights of Columbus honor guards in full regalia. The Mass celebrants walk towards the altar in a
procession...
Leading the group is the image of the Divina Pastora... ... which is taken to a place of honor to the left of the main altar.
Members of the clergy from the Diocese of Cabanatuan.
Bishop Balce blesses the congregation as he walks towards the altar.
A view of the proceedings from the choir loft.
The bishop opens the Holy Mass...
... co-celebrated by Msgr. Elmer Mangalinao, parish priest of the Three Kings Parish, his assistant, Fr. Chito Beltran, and other priests from the diocese.
During the mass, the canonical coronation of the Divina Pastora is re-enacted, with Budget Undersecretary Evelyn Guerrero and Joe Taruc doing the honor.
Corazon Ramires puts on the veil.
A representative of the Provincial Police Office and Lucinia V. Parial insert the cane in the hand of the image.
Dr. Juliana Tamayo and Engr. Rodolfo Alvarez put on the cape.
Divina Yumol-Young pins the corsage.
Msgr. Mangalinao then offers incense to the image.
During the offertory, offerors are blessed and sprinkled with Holy Water.
Gov. Joson receives communion together with the other guests.
Members of the Divina Pastora fiesta committee headed by Dr. Philip Caro (extrene left) and Eduardo Tuazon (extreme right) present a plaque of appreciation to the governor after the Mass.
At a testimonial luncheon after the Anniversary Mass, the outstanding contributions of clergymen and lay persons, both living and deceased, in the propagation of the devotion to the Divina Pastora and the renovation of Her shrine were recognized. The honorees were aptly described as "jewels on the crown of the Divina Pastora." Posthumous awards were given to the Most Rev. Bishop Mariano Gaviola, Most Rev. Bishop Vicente Reyes, and Most Rev. Bishop Ciceron SM. Tumbokon, all former bishops of the Diocese of Cabanatuan; former parish priests Most Rev. Bishop Pedro G. Magugat, Rev. Msgr. Paterno Bernabe and Rev. Msgr. Luciano Gueco; and lay persons Orcina Ayroso de Borja, Marta Cuison, Carmen Figueroa, Manuel D. Mallare, Dr. Rogelio Mariano, Jose G. Nativid, Maria Garcia-Payawal, Judge Manuel E. Reyes and Felicidad Lopez-Viray. Plaques of appreciation were presented to former Three Kings Parish parish priests Very Rev. Msgr. Felipe Dayao, Jr., Very Rev. Msgr. Jesus B. Estonilo, Very Rev. Msgr. Felix Hernandez and Rev. Fr. Regino M. Vigilia; and lay persons Roberto Alvarez, Mary Ayroso, Victoria Ayroso, Emma Valmonte Cala-Blanco, Presentacion Morales-Baretto, Leoncio Eugenio, Felicidad Factora, Aniceta Garica, Jose V. Garcia, Marissa Caro-Guerrero, Dr. Evangeline Bauzon-Handog, Engr. Proceso Isidro, Architect Edmundo G. Linsangan, Epifania Palad, Lucinia Parial, Mario Parial, Judge Cesar Peralejo, Dr. Juliana G. Tamayo, Jose Taruc, Jr., Filomena Tuazon, Modesto Tuazon and Engr. Eladio Vllamayor.
At the parish center, awardees and other guests take their lunch as they await the start of the rites...
... helping themselves to sumptuous food at the buffet tables.
Serenading the guests with native songs is a choir from Barangay Santa Cruz. During the lull, Parish Pastoral Council President Dr. Celia Morales is interviewed by an ABS-CBN crew.
A view of the hall.
At the presidential table: the Gapan police chief, Sr. Supt. Jerome Pagaragan, Engr. Rodolfo Alvarez, Dr. Juliana G. Tamayo and Dr. Celia Morales...
... Fr. Chito Beltran (in shirt and tie) ...
... Msgr. Elmer Mangalinao, Atty and Mrs. Cesar Peralejo and Mrs. Nena Carillo-Garcia.
Some of the recipients of posthumous awards and plaques of appreciation:
Msgr. Mangalinao delivers his welcome remarks.
Atty. Cesar Peralejo
Mary Ayroso
Architect Edmundo G. Linsangan
Engr. Proceso Isidro
Felicidad Factora
Wheelchair-bound Filomena Tuazon Lucinia V. Parial
Dr. Juliana G. Tamayo
Marissa Caro-Guerrero
Nena Carillo-Garcia receives the posthumous award for her mother-in-law, Maria Payawal-Garcia
Rebecca Mallare accepts the posthumous award for her father-in-law, Manuel D. Mallare
To cap the 40th Canonical Coronation Anniversary of the Divina Pastora, a grand procession was held after the afternoon Mass on April 26, 2004. Although Gapan is now divided into three parishes, the grand procession for the Divina Pastora at the Parish of the Three Kings serves to reunite the city's Catholic faithful even for just one day, as it brings together some 40 images of patron saints and their devotees from all barangays and sitios.
The patio in front of the National Shrine of the Divina Pastora serves as the assembly point for the patron saints from different barangays. As one looks around, one is struck by the number of barangays that have San Roque as their patron saint...
... or Santa Elena...
... or the Santo Cristo.
The oldest icons come from the three adjoining barangays that make up the city proper: San Nicolas...
... San Vicente...
... and San Lorenzo.
The image of the Divina Pastora that was canonically crowned 40 years ago joins the procession...
... together with the Three Kings, the city's other patron saints.
As the sun begins to set, Fr. Chito Beltran and his assistants position themselves atop a truck to bless and offer incense to the images participating in the procession.
Some of the images arrive on traditional carrozas... ... a couple had to make do with decorated tricycles...
... while others are set atop motor vehicles.
The last carrozas to be blessed are those of the Three Kings...
Msgr. Elmer Mangalinao, parish priest, and Fr. Beltran follow the Divina Pastora's carroza at the tail of the procession. ... and the Divina Pastora.
As darkness falls, the Divina Pastora's carroza shimmers as its lights are turned on... The long procession crawls through the city's main streets.
... trailed by flickering candles.
With the grand procession over, weary devotees struggle to pull and push the dimly lit carrozas of their patron saints along dark city streets to return to their
barangays a few kilometers away -- a sacrifice they make out of their love for the Divina Pastora.
On April 26, 2003, the Catholic faithful of Gapan City celebrated the 39th anniversary of the canonical coronation of their patron saint, the Divina Pastora, at the Divina Pastora National Shrine in Gapan City. Rev. Fr. Rene Vigilia, the parish priest then, and his assistant, Fr. Chito Beltran, led the rites that included a morning Mass with Gapan City Mayor Ernesto Natividad and other city hall officials in attendance, and a late afternoon grand procession that was joined by over 30 images of patron saints of various Gapan City barangays and sitios. That year, the celebration was simpler and the guest list shorter than those in previous years, perhaps so as not to outshine the 40th year anniversary of the canonical coronation in 2004, which coincides with the 40th year of the founding of the Diocese of Cabanatuan. But the presence of devotees from all city barangays clearly drove home the message: the Divina Pastora is well-loved by the city that she continues to bless and protect.
The image of the Divina Pastora is prominently displayed near the altar for the morning Mass. Altar boys bearing censer and candelabras lead the processional.
Officiating priest is Fr. Rene Vigilia.
Incense is offered to the Divina Pastora.
The Holy Mass begins.
Mayor Ernesto Natividad (in brown barong, at the back) leads hundreds of Gapanenses for the offertory.
The mayor lines up for communion.
At the end of the Mass, Fr. Rene again offers incense to the Divina Pastora...
then kisses the image...
followed by the faithful.
The view from the choir loft.
Listless "angels" can't wait for the rites to end.
In the afternoon, the church patio -- as seen from the church belfry -- becomes a beehive of activities as parishioners from various barangays and sitios prepare their patrones for the grand procession. Those from nearby places are installed atop ornate carrozas; others from distant areas arrive atop all sorts of transportation: decorated tricycles, jeeps, vans... even a trailer pulled by a mechanized tiller.
By late afternoon, a big crowd gathers in front of the church to view the rare assembly of religious images.
Over to the side of the church is the carroza of the pilgrim image of the Divina Pastora.
There are actually three Divina Pastora images: the small original image permanently enshrined at the left side altar of the church; a large replica which was the one canonically crowned in 1964; and the pilgrim image that is taken around various parishes in the province and has many times joined the famous December Marian procession in Intramuros, Manila.
The images of the Three Kings, Gapan City's other patron saints, join the grand procession...
including some Spanish-era santos from the city's oldest barangays like San Lorenzo...
San Vicente...
San Nicolas...
Father Chito and Father Rene lead in welcoming each patron saint...
and San Roque.
which they bless and sprinkle with Holy Water before joining the procession.
The place of honor at the end of the long line of santos goes to the Divina Pastora.
She leaves Her shrine atop a carroza pulled and pushed by devotees.
As night falls, the Divina Pastora majestically sitting on her glittering silver carroza lit by virias presents an awesome sight.
www2.mozcom.com/~valmonte/DivinaPastora/main.html
Barquisimeto, estado lara

La Divina Pastora
Venezuela
Redoma de Cabudare
La imagen de la Divina Pastora, Patrona del estado Lara, se encuentra en la iglesia de Santa Rosa, pueblo cercano a Barquisimeto. Los larenses la veneran con especial cario y devocin, regalndole sombreros y trajes de telas preciosas, algunos de ellos encargados a los modistos ms afamados del mundo, motivo por el cual muchas personas comentan que no hay mujer en Venezuela que tenga un vestuario ms lujoso que el de la Divina Pastora.
Muestra de devocin a la divina pastora
El comienzo de la veneracin por la Divina Pastora se remonta al ao de 1736, fecha en que el prroco de Santa Rosa encarg a un famoso escultor que le hiciera una estatua de la Inmaculada Concepcin. No obstante, por una extraa equivocacin, en lugar de la Inmaculada, lleg al pueblo la imagen de la Divina Pastora. De inmediato el prroco quiso devolverla, pero por mucho que lo intentaron, no pudieron levantar el cajn donde haban colocado la imagen. A partir de este momento la poblacin interpret este raro acontecimiento como seal de que la Divina Pastora quera quedarse entre ellos. Posteriormente, durante los sucesos del terremoto de 1812, el templo donde se veneraba la Divina Pastora fue destruido, pero su imagen qued milagrosamente intacta, hecho que reforz la creencia de los fieles de Santa Rosa de que la Virgen quera quedarse siempre entre ellos para protegerlos.
Millones de personas acuden al llamado de la fe
Finalmente, a mediados del siglo XIX venezolano tuvo lugar un acontecimiento que contribuira a la consolidacin definitiva
de la Divina Pastora como patrona del estado Lara. En 1855, se desat en Venezuela una terrible epidemia de clera. Muchas familias de Barquisimeto fueron diezmadas por el terrible mal, ante lo cual fueron completamente intiles medicinas, lamentos y plegarias. Desesperados y como ltimo remedio, los pobladores decidieron sacar en procesin por las calles de Barquisimeto la imagen de la Divina Pastora para implorar su misericordia, la cual fue concedida, ya que a partir de ese mismo da, ces la epidemia de clera. Es por esto que en recuerdo de ese hecho, todos los 14 de enero se traslada, en una procesin multitudinaria y fervorosa, la Divina Pastora a Barquisimeto desde su iglesia de Santa Rosa.
Un poco de Historia Cada ao, miles de personas se renen para participar juntas en una de las procesiones ms concurridas de Venezuela, en las que se recorren unos cinco kilmetros aproximadamente. Durante el resto del ao, este icono religioso se encuentra ubicado en la iglesia de Santa Rosa, un pueblo cercano a la capital del estado Lara. All, todos los nativos de esta localidad venezolana veneran a la Divina Pastora con devocin, fe y esperanza. Le regalan sombreros, trajes, telas preciosas.
El origen de esta devocin a la Virgen Maria, bajo esta advocacin de Divina Pastora de las Almas es inspiracin del sacerdote capuchino Fray Isidoro de Sevilla (1662-1750), basado en el capitulo 10 del evangelio de san Juan, Jesucristo nuestro salvador nos presenta como el buen pastor que cuida y da vida por sus ovejas.
Fray Isidoro, hizo una descripcin de la Virgen, como una pastora y pidi a Miguel Alfonso de Tovar, el ms famoso y notable pintor sevillano, que le pintara este cuadro de la Divina Pastora con esas caractersticas.
Para el 8 de septiembre de 1703, terminado ya el cuadro, es sacado con su imagen procesionalmente, desde la parroquia de San Gil hasta la alameda de Sevilla,
donde Fray Isidoro predica por primera vez las glorias de Maria, bajo esta advocacin, como la madre del buen pastor, que intercede y cuida el rebao de su hijo Jess.
Esta devocin es trada la provincia de Venezuela desde Sevilla en mayo de 1706, que regresa desde all Fray Marcelino de San Vicente, con 7 frailes capuchinos Andaluces.
Los 7 frailes desde este momento comenzaron a sembrar esta devocin en sus campos de misin en todo el territorio de Venezuela. Para el ao 1750 ao en el cual fallece Fray Isidoro, esta devocin estaba muy extendida tanto en Europa como en Amrica.
El sacerdote Venezolano Sebastin Bernal, cura prroco de Santa Rosa, desde junio de 1736 hasta agosto de 1792, gran devoto de la Divina Pastora fue el que adquiri la imagen de la Pastora que hoy se venera en esta poblacin de Santa Rosa.
La entroniz en la capilla lateral izquierda del nuevo templo que el mismo construy, el da 8 de septiembre de 1740, por eso en este da se ha celebrado su festividad, creciendo cada da ms desde el principio la devocin del pueblo indgena, blancos, negros, criollo y mulatos, recibiendo muchos favores.
El 26 de Marzo de 1812, un devastador terremoto, sacude una buena parte del territorio venezolano y la Iglesia de Santa Rosa se desplom completo menos la capilla donde estaba la imagen de la Divina Pastora, lo cual fue visto por los devotos como un hecho prodigioso del poder de Dios y la mediacin de la virgen, lo que hizo que la fe fuese aumentado cada da.
En diciembre de 1855, llega el flagelo de la peste del clera a Venezuela cobrando numerosas vctimas, igualmente lleg a Barquisimeto y sus alrededores, ante tal situacin de penumbra y dolor el presbtero maestro Jos Macario, cura de la Concepcin en Barquisimeto, con algunos feligreses dispuso a levantar un monumento a la santa cruz salvadora en el sitio de tierritas blancas para pedir a Dios que alejara la peste.
Este monumento lo bendijo el da de 14 de enero de 1856, para este acto llev la imagen de Jess Nazareno, desde la iglesia de la Concepcin y la Divina Pastora desde Santa Rosa, ya que tanto el padre Ypez como el Presbtero Dr. Jos Mara Raldiriz, estuvieron sirvieron en esta parroquia de Santa Rosa como curas internos durante 15 aos.
agosto de 1835 agosto de 1850, desde all la imagen fue llevada a Barquisimeto donde permaneci varios das y segn la tradicin se produjeron varias curaciones milagrosas de la peste del clera, atribuidas a la Divina Pastora. El padre Ypez enferm de clera y se san, pero inmediatamente le dio fiebre tifoidea y falleci el 16 de junio de 1856. El presbtero Dr. Jos Mara Raldris, en su cualidad de vicario forneo de Barquisimeto, como un testimonio de perenne gratitud a la Divina Pastora, dispuso que su imagen fuera llevada a la ciudad de Barquisimeto todos los aos el da 14 de enero, lo cual se ha cumplido hasta el da de hoy y son innumerable los favores y milagros que los creyentes han recibido a travs de la mediacin de la Divina Pastora y cada da aumente la fe hacia ella.
Esto ocasiona ros humanos en la procesin del da 14 de enero que sobrepasan los fieles a un milln de asistentes y luego la acompaan en sus recorrido de las 50 parroquias existentes en Barquisimeto, desde el 14 de enero hasta el da sbado vspera del da del domingo de Ramos, que regresa de nuevo a su santuario en Santa Rosa, dejando y trayendo mensajes de fe, esperanza y caridad. Poema a la Divina Pastora Hermosa Virgen de Cabellos de Oro a quien el hombre en su dolor implora T eres el cielo sin igual tesoro y dulce aliento del que triste llora El infeliz que cruza sollozando su sendero de espinas y de abrojos en tus consuelos plcidos confiando fija en ti, Virgen, sus nublados ojos Por eso el pueblo que venera tanto tu imagen sin igual, encantadora, henchido de esperanza y amor santo, se arrodilla ante ti bella Pastora Derrama, pues, sobre tus bendiciones, tu que puedes todo, Virgen pura, mientras se oyen las santas oraciones, que nuestros labios para ti murmuran Nota: Poema a la Divina Pastora, que tiene un siglo De Creacin. Sociedad de la Divina Pastora La Divina pastora tiene ms de 100 Vestidos, los cuales le cambian cada 15 das. Coordenadas Si tiene el MapSource clica sobre las coordenadas y descarga el Mapa de posadas y lugares tursticos de Venezuela de Venaventours.com N10 03 41.5 W69 15 58.9
http://www.venaventours.com/divinapastora/default.asp
Desde sevilla it came from seville
Divina Pastora de las Almas

(Redirigido desde Virgen de la Divina Pastora)
La Divina Pastora fue concebida en Sevilla en el ao de 1703 en la mente de un sacerdote capuchino de gran devocin mariana conocido como el Padre Isidoro de Sevilla. Este padre le encarg un lienzo de la Virgen al renombrado artista Miguel Alonso de Tovar de la Escuela pictrica sevillana.
Divina Pastora, como visto en El Pardo (Madrid)
La descripcin que dio el sacerdote al artista para que realizara la obra es la siguiente: En el centro y bajo la sombra de un rbol, la virgen santsima sedente en una pea, irradiando de su rostro divino amor y ternura. La tnica roja, pero cubierto el busto hasta las rodillas, de blanco pellico ceido a la cintura. Un manto azul, terciado al hombro izquierdo, envolver el entorno de su cuerpo, y hacia el derecho en las espaldas, llevar el sombrero pastoril y junto a la diestra aparecer el bculo de su podero. En la mano izquierda sostendr al nio y posar la mano derecha sobre un cordero que se acoge a su regazo. Algunas ovejas rodearn la Virgen, formando su rebao y todas en sus boquitas llevarn sendas rosas, simblicas del Ave Mara con que la veneran... El 8 de septiembre de 1703, durante la fiesta de La Natividad de la Virgen, se realiza la primera procesin en que es mostrado el lienzo a la feligresa. Posteriormente, Francisco Antonio Gijn, catedrtico de Arte de la Universidad de Sevilla, esculpi la primera imagen tamao natural de la Divina Pastora. Esta imagen es llevada en su primera procesin en octubre de 1705, dentro de una gran solemnidad,
hasta la iglesia parroquial de Santa Marina, que para el momento constitua la novena sede de la Primitiva Hermandad del Rebao de Mara. A partir de ah, se comenz a propagar por todos los territorios del reino de Espaa esta advocacin mariana.
Divina Pastora en Mlaga (Andaluca, Espaa) [editar]

La devocin a la Divina Pastora de las Almas surge en Mlaga a los pocos aos de su eclosin en Sevilla de la mano de fray Isidoro en 1703. La imagen, atribuida por diversos estudios al imaginero Jos Montes de Oca, data de los aos treinta del siglo XVIII, por lo que fue esculpida al calor de la incipiente costumbre de representar a la Madre de Dios como Pastora de las Almas. Una crnica de 1791 recogida por el ilustre malagueo Narciso Daz de Escovar en su publicacin peridica 'Efemrides malagueas' afirma que el 4 de mayo de 1791 se celebraron en el barrio de Capuchinos grandes fiestas en honor de la Divina Pastora. Daz Escovar seala que los frailes capuchinos, cuya presencia en la ciudad est documentada desde comienzos del siglo XVII, dedicaban notables funciones religiosas a la Divina Pastora, especialmente al llegar la poca de su novena.
Divina Pastora de Mlaga, realizada por Jos Montes de Oca en el siglo XVIII
Se cre la Hermandad y a ella pertenecan los vecinos ms distinguidos y piadosos del barrio, que pagaban una pequea cuota, prosigue la nota de Daz de Escovar, lo que indica que la Hermandad, que posteriormente pas a denominarse Congregacin de la Divina Pastora de las Almas, ya exista como tal a finales del siglo XVIII. La expulsin de los frailes capuchinos a mediados
del siglo XIX, con la desamortizacin, no merm el culto a la Virgen y, a mediados de esa centuria, se relanz su Hermandad y la organizacin de la novena. En 1865, un sacerdote conocido como el padre Flix organiz coros que cantaban en las misas las coplas dedicadas a la Pastora. El beato Marcelo Spnola y Maestre fue un gran impulsor de la devocin pastorea durante su etapa de obispo de Mlaga, a finales del siglo XIX. En el ao 1906 se aprobaron nuevos estatutos para la Congregacin de la Divina Pastora de las Almas de Mlaga. Adems, perduran documentos sobre la novena en ese ao y anteriores. En 1920, lleg a predicarla el padre Tiburcio Arnaiz. Durante la Repblica hubo un intento por parte de la milicia de demoler la iglesia pero, segn las crnicas, los republicanos del barrio de Capuchinos se opusieron porque dentro estaba su Patrona. En 1930, los cultos cambian de fecha y se celebran en junio en vez del mes de mayo. Durante la Guerra Civil se interrumpen las manifestaciones religiosas en honor de la Pastora malaguea, pero se conserva su talla, al instalarse junto al templo un hospital militar. La Orden Tercera de San Francisco retom de forma modesta el culto a la Divina Pastora de las Almas hasta que la Congregacin fue reorganizada en el ao 1948, de la mano de Don Jos Claros Lpez, que fue nombrado Hermano Mayor Perpetuo. Este breve repaso histrico confirma que la devocin a la Divina Pastora de las Almas ha permanecido prcticamente inalterable desde mediados del siglo XVIII en el barrio de Capuchinos, del que es Patrona y Protectora. En 1970, la imagen se convirti en titular principal de la parroquia creada en 1951 en el templo con el nombre de Santa Teresa de Jess. Adems, la Divina Pastora es Patrona del Deporte Nacional, lo que ha fomentado la relacin de su Congregacin, desde que se reorganizase en 1948, principalmente con diferentes entidades deportivas de la ciudad de Mlaga.
Divina Pastora en Venezuela [editar]
A Venezuela, la devocin lleg con la presencia de los padres capuchinos alrededor de 1706, especialmente por el Padre Marcelino de San Vicente. En el ao de 1736, Barquisimeto (Venezuela) era un pequeo poblado con varias iglesias. En la iglesia del casero de Santa Rosa (afueras de Barquisimeto) se encontraba un cajn con una imagen de la Divina Pastora, pero el padre Sebastin Bernal haba solicitado una imagen de la Inmaculada Concepcin. Al tratar de mover el cajn para trasladar la imagen a otro destino se volvi tan pesado que no pudieron moverlo. Por esto, el cura con la autorizacin del vicario decidi dejar a la Divina Pastora en Santa Rosa, siendo sta su sede hasta nuestros das. En el ao de 1812 hubo un fuerte terremoto en Venezuela que afect a varias poblaciones, incluyendo a Caracas, Barquisimeto y destruyendo por completo la ciudad de El Tocuyo. El techo de la iglesia de Santa Rosa fue destruido, pero la imagen no sufri en lo ms mnimo. En septiembre de 1854 el clera lleg a Venezuela entrando por la isla de Margarita. Para diciembre de 1854 la epidemia de clera asolaba a Barquisimeto. El padre Jos Macario Ypez, el 14 de enero de 1855, desde el plpito se ofreci como vctima del clera si el mal cesaba en la ciudad. Seis meses despus, el sacerdote contrajo el clera y muri, acabndose la epidemia en Barquisimeto. Por esta razn, el 14 de enero fue tomado como el da de la Divina Pastora, realizndose la primera procesin el 14 de enero de 1856. Hoy en da, la procesin va desde Santa Rosa hasta la Catedral Metropolitana de Barquisimeto y se ha convertido en la ms multitudinaria de Amrica con ms de un milln y medio de creyentes. Actualmente muchos visitantes extranjeros acuden ese da a la fiesta de la Divina Pastora.
Wikipedia
GUESTBOOK PHILIPPINE DEVOTION:

The Cybershrine of La Divina Pastora
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ustehs76 http://www.ustehs76.com prend.webmaster@ustehs76.com Just Surfed In Mabuhay! po sa inyong lahat! If you happen to know Divina O. Yumol-Young, please let her know that her HS batchmates have been looking for her. Thank you very much!
Saturday 09/15/2007 9:17:12pm Name: Homepage: E-Mail: Referred By: City/Country: Message: miloville61@yahoo.com Just Surfed In Pasay City, Philippines VIVA LA VIRGEN DIVINA PASTORA! Congratulations to all the faithful of Divina Pastora and to the one who created this site. To all my classmates at SEC 78, let us all request LA DIVINA PASTORA to make our 30th reunion next year to be a succesful one. Thank you. MILO C. VILLANUEVA
Monday 08/27/2007 2:36:16pm Name: Homepage: E-Mail: Referred By: City/Country: Message: fr.danes@yahoo.com Just Surfed In San Pedro, Ambergris Caye Belize C. A. Salamat sa mga taong nasa likod ng paglikha ng web site na ito dahil sa pamamagitan nito ay aming nadarama ang pagpapala ng mahal na Ina kahit kami malayo sa ating bayang sinilangan. Fr. Daniel Nunez Lemence,SOLT
Monday 05/28/2007 5:00:30am Name: Homepage: E-Mail: shelizamali@yahoo.com sheliza ali
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Just Surfed In trinidad, w.i Thank You, La Divina Pastora for your intercession to me requests.
Sunday 05/06/2007 2:41:10am Name: Homepage: E-Mail: Referred By: City/Country: Message: nelson chico http://Sanlorenzo Gapan city nel_chico@yahoo.com Just Surfed In canada toronto hi to all novocijanos ako po ay nakapanata sa mahalna divinapastora kahit na im here in canada meron kaming organisasion ng mahal na DIVINA PASTORA im so happy that nakakapag lilingkod parin ako sa kanya ako po ang vice press ng samahan dito sa canada mabuhay and pasayo ng gapan
Sunday 04/22/2007 8:27:26pm Name: Homepage: E-Mail: Referred By: City/Country: Message: patrize_pj@yahoo.com Just Surfed In kuwait city ..miss ko na ang pagsimba sa gapan kasama ng mga kabarkada ko,lgi kmi sa side ng altar ng mahal na birhen DIVINA PASTORA,ang ganda na lalo pla ng church ntin ng makita ko sya sa web site ng three kings....keep up the goodwork mnsgr.elmer mangalinao....and hello nga pla sa pamangkin ko si kristian and his friends who are very active in three kings parish church... victor mactal
Saturday 01/20/2007 2:20:09pm Name: Homepage: E-Mail: Referred By: City/Country: Message: pogingpao@yahoo.com.au Just Surfed In Milpitas,CA, USA Mabuhay! Birhen divina pastora! and regards sa mga kaibigan ko sa cabanatuan miss ko na kayo lahat...lalo na c Fr. Joey paulo cruz
Saturday 12/23/2006 7:52:14pm Name: Universal Living Rosary, ST PHILOMENA
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http://www.grocities.com/saint_philomena289 saint_philomena289@yahoo.com Just Surfed In Philippines VIVA MARIA DIVINA PASTORA! -Universal Living Rosary Association of Saint Philomena - Manila
Tuesday 12/12/2006 11:59:06am Name: Homepage: E-Mail: Referred By: City/Country: Message: pogingpao@yahoo.com Just Surfed In california,u.s.a. VIVA LA VIRGEN DIVINA PASTORA!!! paulo cruz
Friday 09/29/2006 8:25:21am Name: Homepage: E-Mail: Referred By: City/Country: Message: jasper.matias@aramco.com Just Surfed In Dhahran Kingdom of Saudi Arabia Hi! there mga Novo Ecijanos, i'm originally from Cabiao, Nueva Ecija. Just drop by to say more power to the site and keep up the good work. Thanks for creating this site for us to keep in touch with you guys. Jasper R. Matias
Thursday 09/14/2006 4:46:03am Name: Homepage: E-Mail: Referred By: City/Country: Message: padilla.robert@yahoo.co.uk Just Surfed In United Kingdom please pray for me & my family,thanks. Mr &Mrs Robert Padilla&Family
Wednesday 06/28/2006 9:28:50am Name: Homepage: Martin V. Bagasan
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filirican36@yahoo.com Just Surfed In Angeles City, Pampanga Anybody from Class '73 out there?! If you (or I should say "We") have a Class Reunion please tell me!!!
Wednesday 06/14/2006 9:08:30am Name: Homepage: E-Mail: Referred By: City/Country: Message: mmmzialcita@aol.com Friend San Diego California Wish I can read notes from my classsss. I just know one... Joe Taruc.. Please let me know where you are and how you guys are doing... maybe a classs party! Mario M. Zialcita
Tuesday 06/13/2006 0:22:46am Name: Homepage: E-Mail: Referred By: City/Country: Message: Francisco http://www.artesacro.org sevillainformacion@yahoo.es Search Engine Sevilla Beggards from Sevilla (Spain), the city of the "Divina Pastora".
Thursday 05/18/2006 2:36:42pm Name: Homepage: E-Mail: Referred By: City/Country: Message: Ellis Manuel M. Mendez http://www.geocities.com/ellis_mendez/ ellis_mendez@yahoo.com.au Just Surfed In Cebu City, Philippines Tis website is indeed very fascinating. I learned more about The divine sheperdess through this site.
Friday 05/12/2006 1:25:08pm Name: Homepage: E-Mail: mass_o_paolo@yahoo.com Paolo Cobangbang
Search Engine binan, laguna, philippines AVE MARIA! may the name of Mary, under the glorious and miraculous title of LA DIVINA PASTORA be forever venerated!! SALAMAT, INA!!
Tuesday 05/09/2006 11:48:27pm Name: Homepage: E-Mail: Referred By: City/Country: Message: brchubcap@yahoo.com.ph Just Surfed In Lipa City,Philippines I am a member of the Capuchin Order and our first patron in the Philippines was the Divina Pastora.According to our tradition this devotion and image was revealed to Fr.Isidore of Sevilla in 1703. Br. Mark Sheran D. Leosala,OFMCap
Sunday 05/07/2006 1:17:54am Name: Homepage: E-Mail: Referred By: City/Country: Message: Fr. Gary T. Villanueva http://www.stmaryspiscataway.org fathergary@gmail.com Just Surfed In Maryland, USA Although I've never been to Gapan, Nueva Ecija, I am pleased to browse the website of the Shrine of Divina Pastora. I am ministering to the Filipino-American Community in Washington, DC and Maryland and I did incorporate the background history of Divina Pastora in my homily during the Good Shepherd Sunday. Mabuhay!
Friday 05/05/2006 2:02:32am Name: Homepage: E-Mail: Referred By: City/Country: Message: roger.j.ligon@navy.mil Just Surfed In Bonita, California, USA Ramon, your effort are greatly appreciated. Thanks for having the Divina Pastora website. I wish that everyone who enters your website recognized how great you are doing this grand and noble task. More Power and God Bless. May Santo Nino through the intercession of the Beloved Divina Pastora Bless Us All. Rollie J. Ligon
Wednesday 05/03/2006 9:56:32am Name: Homepage: E-Mail: Referred By: City/Country: Message: smacayan@clausiusphils.com.ph Just Surfed In Makati City, Philippines Im just trying to find the lyrics of divina pastora song, because i really love that song. Then i was amazed i found this site! hi there batch 1996! in JRLMHS! pls. get in touch! bye.... God Bless..... Sonia Macayan-Paguio
Tuesday 04/25/2006 3:29:43pm Name: Homepage: E-Mail: Referred By: City/Country: Message: Friend malabon city philippines sana po makita namin ng mga kaibigan ko ang images na personal at gabayan nya po ako at ang aking mga pamilya at kaibigan sa anumang oras jeffrey v. naol http://herrera st.brgy.ibaba
Saturday 04/22/2006 4:11:42pm Name: Homepage: E-Mail: Referred By: City/Country: Message: cin_estares@hotmail.it Just Surfed In Rome,Italy Missed ko ng pag pasok sa church ng Gapan,During my time of Study.I always go infront of our Divina Pastora to pray, I wont forget that.I missed it very much... Cindy A.Estares
Tuesday 04/18/2006 7:27:14pm Name: Homepage: E-Mail: Referred By: City/Country: Message: kaloi_op2005@yahoo.com Just Surfed In Gapan City, Philippines i was deeply awed by the miracles of the Virgen Divina Pastora... i am so grateful that you have this presentation... more power to you and God bless! CARLOS %22kaloi%22 P. LORIDO
Friday 04/14/2006 5:03:56pm Name: Homepage: E-Mail: Referred By: City/Country: Message: reymar202@yahoo.com Just Surfed In u.s.a. i'm not from gapan but i have friends who live there. hopefully i can visit gapan again sometime. mabuhay novo ecijanos and god bless us all!!!!! tess gonzales
Thursday 04/06/2006 9:08:56pm Name: Homepage: E-Mail: Referred By: City/Country: Message: cvpoblete@gmail.com Just Surfed In Germany Catalina Valmonte Poblete
Wednesday 03/15/2006 10:39:02am Name: Homepage: E-Mail: Referred By: City/Country: Message: vivian.valmonte@aeropack.com.au Just Surfed In Sydney, Australia Been away from Gapan for a while now and just want to check how everyone is through the Nueva Ecija bulletin and came across this amazing website. Am overwhelmed. I knew bits and pieces of the story but never as wonderfully chronicled as this.Have done my share in preparing the " karo" of our La Divina Pastora for fiesta during my youth! I never felt so close to home as I am now. Maraming salamat. Vivian Valmonte
Saturday 02/04/2006 8:51:59am Name: Homepage: E-Mail: Referred By: City/Country: Message: jahdora@sintmaarten.net Just Surfed In Sint Maarten I was born in Trinidad in May 9th 1963, and I was named after this Saint. Very Proud to carry her name. thank you and may She Bless all who read this site. Patsy Pastora Daniel
Monday 01/16/2006 7:49:40pm Name: Homepage: E-Mail: Referred By: City/Country: Message: Friend madrid Es un sitio muy bonito y muy espaol. Espero ir algn da por ah y visitar el santuario.Que la Divina Pastora proteja a Filipinas! Gracias. alfonso velzquez garca
Monday 01/16/2006 4:08:26am Name: Homepage: E-Mail: Referred By: City/Country: Message: Fr. Rene Ramirez, RCJ http://gnhs.net renzki@msn.com Just Surfed In Rome, Italy Greetings to all my kababayans! If you happen to be an alumnus of Gapan National High School (JRLMHS) batch 1985, please visit and register at our budding website in view of our Silver Jubilee Celebration! http://gnhs.net
Friday 01/06/2006 4:21:42pm Name: Homepage: E-Mail: Referred By: City/Country: Message: Avemariainmaculada@yahoo.com Just Surfed In Marikina City Viva la Virgen Nuestra Seora Divina Pastora Dionne Mar Josef
Saturday 12/24/2005 4:18:00pm Name: Homepage: E-Mail: Referred By: City/Country: Message: apecson@yahoo.com Just Surfed In philippines thank you. i like to get in touch with you to get to know our lady in her title as divina pastora. anita pecson
Thursday 12/15/2005 10:19:00pm Name: Homepage: E-Mail: Referred By: City/Country: Message: minigrace95@yahoo.com Just Surfed In toronto, canada merry Christmas and a blessed new year to all my kababayan in gapan nueva ecija minerva villegas
Wednesday 12/07/2005 6:46:34pm Name: Homepage: E-Mail: Referred By: City/Country: Message: jojo_lumibao@yahoo.com Friend Philippines thanx for this website,..last sunday was a marian pilgrimage in Intramuros manila.me and my fellow youth minister went there..its my first time to attained this kind of pilrimage..and im proud and greatful after that event.and ill promise to give time and PAGKILALA kay Divina Pastora.. Mabuhay Tayo.. thanx and GOD Bless Susan L. Parungao
Thursday 12/01/2005 8:18:28pm Name: Homepage: E-Mail: Referred By: City/Country: Message: mike_estrada72@hotmail.com Just Surfed In Philippines Nakakatuwa at mayroon palang ganito site sa internet. Napakalking tulong upang maunawaan ang debosyon sa Mahal na Birhen. Mabuhay kayo dyan!! VIVA LA VIRGEN!! Michael Estrada
Wednesday 11/02/2005 1:53:13pm Name: Homepage: E-Mail: Referred By: City/Country: Message: ARTEMIOGONZALES@HOTMAIL.COM Just Surfed In NEWPORT SOUTH WALES UK ARTEMIO GONZALES
Sunday 09/25/2005 2:31:27pm Name: Homepage: E-Mail: Referred By: City/Country: Message: frederick_pangilinan@yahoo.co.nz Just Surfed In North Shore Auckland New Zealand Kamusta mga Kababayan...I miss a lot in Gapan,especially the Fiesta and simbang gabi every Christmas.I'm so glad to see this website.We miss u all mga kababayan. Frederick Pangilinan
Wednesday 09/07/2005 1:29:29pm Name: Homepage: E-Mail: Referred By: City/Country: Message: zoom_printing@yahoo.com Just Surfed In Quezon City, Philippines Congratulations nomer t. corpuz
Saturday 08/27/2005 8:51:09pm Name: Homepage: E-Mail: Referred By: City/Country: Message: Ellis Manuel M. Mendez http://geocities.com/ellis_mendez/ ellis_mendez@yahoo.com.au Just Surfed In Cebu City, Philippines This site is exellent! it gave me interesting information of the divine sheperdess.
Wednesday 08/24/2005 4:58:51pm Name: Homepage: E-Mail: Referred By: City/Country: Message: christopher_luzana@yahoo.com Just Surfed In Nueva Ecija / Saudi Arabia I am christopher, 24 years of age and a believer of Blessed Divina Pastora. Even i came here in Saudi, I always pray for guidance and helpo form the virgin and i believed that she is one of those who takes care of me and my family from time to time. I had the chance of knowing her stories and miracles is when i was in college. Me and my groupmates had a chance to get informations for our subject about chruches. and i must say that of all churches, what i liked most and had touched my life is Divina Pastora. Christopher Luzana
Friday 08/12/2005 2:56:17pm Name: Homepage: E-Mail: Referred By: City/Country: Message: Ella Guingon-Soler http://yahoo.com emgsoler@yahoo.com Just Surfed In Philippines Hi.I just wanted to know if there are some of my batchmates(1991) surfing the net.I know most of you are married so can you please e-mail me so we can had some time communicating with each other.Hello nga pala sa mga classmates ko from II-Quezon to IV-Charity.
Saturday 08/06/2005 6:39:49pm Name: Homepage: E-Mail: Referred By: City/Country: Message: joy_atienza115@yahoo.com Friend Paraaque City Joy D. Atienza
Friday 08/05/2005 3:21:59pm Name: Homepage: E-Mail: Referred By: City/Country: Message: fecalixterio@hotmail.com Search Engine Saipan Great website! I was just tryin to find Rev Msgr. Felipe Dayao Jr. my long time friend and finding out how to get in touch with him.. Please if anyone know any info please give me some feedbacks. Thank you very much.. and God bless always. Fe Yanoria Calixterio
Friday 07/29/2005 12:42:10am Name: Homepage: E-Mail: Referred By: City/Country: Message: jesus.fernando@link2support.com Just Surfed In San Mateo, Rizal, Philippines Napakalaking tulong ng site na ito, sa kadahilanang, nais kong magpagawa ng imahen ng divina pastora na gagamitin ng aming parokya tuwing marian procession. Kung maari po, pede po ba makahingi ng actual na larawan ng mahal na birhen Jesus Nazareth A. Fernando
Monday 07/25/2005 10:31:14am Name: Homepage: E-Mail: Referred By: City/Country: Message: alo_na04@yahoo.com Just Surfed In Washington DC, USA Im very thankful to see this web site, i feel bless.Para na din ako nakaattend ng mass sa church natin.You know mon naging teacher ko mother mo when i was in grade 4 in Gapan North Central Schl.Thanks mon for this web site,God Bless.May our lady of Divina Pastora always guide and bless all of us here..... Marlon "ALO" Carlos
Monday 07/25/2005 4:06:59am Name: Homepage: E-Mail: Referred By: City/Country: Message: maricel_m_leyva@yahoo.com Just Surfed In Seattle Washington U.S.A. im so glad to see this website nakakabawas ng homesick and the background music its really good. i miss gapan so much especially the fiestas...hello to all my kababayan`s.. god bless us all!!! Maricel Manalang Leyva
Tuesday 07/19/2005 4:39:24pm Name: Homepage: E-Mail: Referred By: City/Country: Message: fidgiepulido@yahoo.com Just Surfed In Cavite, Philippines The Divina Pastora had been my advocate and intercessor before God, it will always be my pleasure to be of service to her. Franz Gerard C. Pulido
Wednesday 07/13/2005 10:11:08am Name: Homepage: E-Mail: Referred By: City/Country: Message: bombet99@yahoo.com Just Surfed In Seattle, Washington, USA Thank you for providing us a place to see and pray to our Divina Pastora. Eva Kanagusuku
Friday 07/08/2005 9:57:34pm Name: Homepage: E-Mail: Referred By: City/Country: Message: emiluz@hotmail.com Friend Calgary, Alberta Canada We grew up in gapan (all ten of us ,thy're mostly in Vancouver B.C.)pag naho-home sick eh nakikibalita dito sa Nueva Ecija Journal.Pinsan buo namin si Rufing Beltran at may plano kami na dumalaw sa mahal na araw 2006.Regads kay Ramon and is Nathy your sister?My sister Maura Gregrio is her close freind during Divina Pastora days(1965 or 1966) Luzviminda Gregorio Mendoza
Thursday 06/30/2005 1:57:43am Name: Homepage: E-Mail: Referred By: City/Country: Message: fidgiepulido@yahoo.com Just Surfed In Cavite, Philippines Ever sinced i've entered the cybershrine, i tried to visit it often, i like to sing with the background music and i fell in love with LA DIVINA PASTORA Franz Gerard C. Pulido
Saturday 06/25/2005 11:16:02pm Name: Homepage: E-Mail: Referred By: City/Country: Message: Emiluz@hotmail.com Friend Calgary,Alberta ,Canada Namimiss ko lang ang Gapan,since 1975 pa kami umalis doon, sa may San Lorenzo St.kami at sampo kaming magkakapatid,pero nasa Vancouver,British Columbia ang walo at isa sa California.1967-1968 sa Divina Pastora. Luz Gregorio Mendoza
Thursday 06/23/2005 7:15:28pm Name: Homepage: E-Mail: Referred By: City/Country: Message: Uknurse1966@aol.com Just Surfed In East Sussex ,England Hello and more power to our kababayans.This is a wonderful site to get an updates of the parish church activities.Also,a place where we can meditate after an image of the DIVINA M.Alarilla
PASTORA.SHE INDEED IS MIRACULOUS,I have asked a child from her and gave me not one but three.GOD BLESS YOU ALL!!!
Saturday 06/04/2005 10:48:27pm Name: Homepage: E-Mail: Referred By: City/Country: Message: Jelly Perez http://www.postpoems.com/members/sleepyangel ursleepyangel@aol.com Just Surfed In Pampanga/Philippines A very interesting site. I wish I would have the chance to visit the shrine in Gapan too.
Saturday 06/04/2005 1:57:07am Name: Homepage: E-Mail: Referred By: City/Country: Message: alex.palang@usda.gov Friend Hercules, Ca. USA This is a good one to passed along to friends and relative of people in Gapan City around the world i my self is not from Gapan It so happen that my wife is from Pambuan, Gapan Family name of Sudla on Tini, And I am a member of Gapan association of Northern Ca. Thanks, Alex B. Palang
Thursday 06/02/2005 12:21:19am Name: Homepage: E-Mail: Referred By: City/Country: Message: alpharetta_2000@yahoo.com Just Surfed In alpharetta,georgia usa michael tecson
Saturday 05/21/2005 9:08:46pm Name: Homepage: E-Mail: emiegomez@yahoo.com emie m. gomez
Just Surfed In Philippines please be with us, my family and all those people whom i loved.
Friday 05/20/2005 1:32:58pm Name: Homepage: E-Mail: Referred By: City/Country: Message: jeffamanalang@yahoo.com Just Surfed In Seattle, Washington I missed 3 fiestas already and this website has been a great window to see my hometown. Thanks and more power to you all Gapanenos. Jeff Manalang
Wednesday 05/18/2005 9:59:37am Name: Homepage: E-Mail: Referred By: City/Country: Message: Friend CALIFORNIA, USA I MISSED THE FIESTA OF THE DIVINA PASTORA. I'LL BE HOME IN TIME GLORIA R. PABLO http://STO. NINO, GAPAN, NUEVA ECIJA
Sunday 05/15/2005 3:56:28am Name: Homepage: E-Mail: Referred By: City/Country: Message: Danny V. Marco http://Verizon danvemarc@yahoo.com Just Surfed In Flushing, NY, USA I hope that our beloved La Divina Pastora will continue blessing the farmers of Gapan City.
Saturday 04/23/2005 4:55:01am Name: Homepage: E-Mail: Referred By: City/Country: aliaphil@yahoo.it Just Surfed In rome, italy alejandro caballero alia
Message:
I GREET YOU ALL A HAPPY FEASTA. THE DIVINA PASTORA LOVES YOU ALL. GOD BLESS...!
Saturday 04/23/2005 2:00:25am Name: Homepage: E-Mail: Referred By: City/Country: Message: Stolits11302@yahoo.com Just Surfed In Jersey City, New Jersey USA I missed all my DPC class of '79 batchmates. Im the son of Betty Fernadez (Divina Pastora Subdivision)Most of all i missed the warm hospitality of the Gapanese. God Bless your family.. Lito Perez
Thursday 04/21/2005 5:56:44am Name: Homepage: E-Mail: Referred By: City/Country: Message: zepha_x@hotmail.com Just Surfed In chaguanas/trinidad interesting ...is it a statue of the virgin mary then? how does one get blessings from the statue and is it recorded in the bible? elena harry
Monday 04/18/2005 10:03:08pm Name: Homepage: E-Mail: Referred By: City/Country: Message: Just Surfed In QUEZON CITY MAY GOD THROUGH THE INTERCESSION OF THE DIVINA PASTORA BLESS US ALL. ELIZABETH JACINTO VALENZUELA AND FAMILY
Sunday 04/17/2005 8:19:44am Name: Homepage: E-Mail: Referred By: City/Country: Message: emmabalay @msn.com Just Surfed In virginia, usa hi to fr chito and msgr elmer edwin mabalay
Thursday 04/14/2005 5:34:43am Name: Homepage: E-Mail: Referred By: City/Country: Message: lsaugueza@ntlworld.com Just Surfed In grimsby,england im so glad to see this website.i feel really blessed to see the unity of filipinos worldwide.mabuhay ang bayan ng gapan.kumusta mga taga cabanatuan. lawrence sangueza
Wednesday 04/13/2005 6:47:44am Name: Homepage: E-Mail: Referred By: City/Country: Message: emie48@gmail.com Just Surfed In Vallejo, California, US Very nice website, more power to you Ramon. Maraming taga Gapan dito sa Vallejo and we have an organization called Gapan City Club of Northern California. The Valmonte family here are our members. Ramon, kindly send me a picture of the front of the Church and the Gapan City Hall. Thank you. Emelito Santa Maria
Tuesday 04/12/2005 7:13:15pm Name: Homepage: E-Mail: Referred By: City/Country: Message: dyeri_0531@yahoo.com Just Surfed In cabanatuan city philippines mabuhay ang divina pastora....!!!! viva il divinae pastorae!!!! kamusta na po ang mga kabataan jan sa divina pastora....go! go! go! guyz.... gerry grospe liwag
Saturday 04/09/2005 8:13:10pm Name: Homepage: E-Mail: tonycg9@aol.com Anthony Guevarra
Friend Houston, Texas, USA Kumusta Fr. Chito Beltran? I hope everything's ok...Email me kapag may time ka....See you soon...Take Care...
Thursday 04/07/2005 3:25:10am Name: Homepage: E-Mail: Referred By: City/Country: Message: erinfune@aol.com Just Surfed In manasquan, NJ, USA i am very thankful that we have a means of getting updates about our Patroness. i am interested in acquiring a CD or tape of the music written for Her. are there any other prayer/sacramentals available? thank you for any assistance you can extend. erin ann garcia-fune
Monday 04/04/2005 9:55:30pm Name: Homepage: E-Mail: Referred By: City/Country: Message: wil_luz@yahoo.com Friend Manama, Bahrain God Bless all those people who made this web site. Now, even we are here in Bahrain we can continue our devotion by visiting this web site. God Bless Willie L. Ouano - Luz Mangulabnan-Ouano
Saturday 03/26/2005 1:13:30am Name: Homepage: E-Mail: Referred By: City/Country: Message: evreyes@rogers.com Just Surfed In Scarborough, Ontario Canada Greetings to our kababayan.Seing this website makes me feel back home.May our Lady of the Divina Pastora always guide and bless all of us. Thank you Ramon for this web site. Estrellita (Baby Liwag) Reyes
Thursday 03/24/2005 1:57:18pm Name: Homepage: den-den morales
E-Mail: Referred By: City/Country: Message: Just Surfed In dallas texas u.s.a. pls.pray for my grandma died last januery i miss her so much at sa mga tiga daan sarile best wishes to all kay pare ariel silungan, joy santiago
Thursday 03/24/2005 1:44:39pm Name: Homepage: E-Mail: Referred By: City/Country: Message: den-den morales http://972-603 6993 diosamaquez@hotmail.com Just Surfed In dallas texas u.s.a. pls.pray for my grandma died last januery i miss her so much
Saturday 03/19/2005 4:00:41pm Name: Homepage: E-Mail: Referred By: City/Country: Message: noney48@yahoo.com E-Mail hong kong miss ko na gapan lalo na yung fiesta,yung putoseko,parade,church, dpc, at mga taga gapan!thanks talaga sa gumawa ng website nato :) karen wei
Thursday 03/17/2005 11:28:41pm Name: Homepage: E-Mail: Referred By: City/Country: Message: annalee_8081@yahoo.com Just Surfed In kuwait thanks to all who made this website. ang saya saya ko makita ko uli ang gapan city kahit sa pictures lang. daming improvement. miss ko na talaga ang gapan lalo na ang church. musta sa lahat ng mga taga puting tubig. miss you all!!!!!!!!!!!!!specially my family annalee hernandez
Saturday 03/12/2005 6:48:15am Name: Anthony Guevarra
Homepage: E-Mail: Referred By: City/Country: Message: Texpnoy@aol.com Friend Houston,Texas, USA I missed Gapan's fiesta....It's the best. And I missed my good friend "Gerardo Paguio". See ya'll soon.
Friday 03/11/2005 2:14:55pm Name: Homepage: E-Mail: Referred By: City/Country: Message: yam1657@yahoo.com Just Surfed In san diego california i miss our town so much, the food like buro, bibingka and puto bungbong... miriam alfaro rabanzo
Thursday 03/10/2005 1:22:21pm Name: Homepage: E-Mail: Referred By: City/Country: Message: agp_endo28@yahoo.com/adoraen@hotmail.com Just Surfed In Japan Im happy may hopepage sa Gapan City, Nueva Ecija. Adora P. Endo
Wednesday 02/16/2005 6:19:48pm Name: Homepage: E-Mail: Referred By: City/Country: Message: gansu25@yahoo.com Just Surfed In taiwan I'M A DEVOTEE OF LA DIVINA PASTORA I SURE AM GLAD TO HAVE FOUND THIS SITE AND WITH MATCHING BACKGROUND MUSIC WHILE YOU'RE VISITING THE WEBSITE SUPERB!!!HELLO TO ALL MY FRIENDS THERE IN SAN ANTONIO N.E. SUSAN GAN
Saturday 02/12/2005 6:20:06pm Name: Homepage: Lilia Dayao
E-Mail: Referred By: City/Country: Message:
laidayao@yahoo.com Just Surfed In Manila When I view this page, I remember the time that I am at Gapan doing the Visita Iglesia last holy week 99...I cherish those special memories when I am very active member of church..Its nice to remember...feels good!!!
Tuesday 02/08/2005 1:40:28pm Name: Homepage: E-Mail: Referred By: City/Country: Message: rbperez22@yahoo.com Just Surfed In sta. rosa/gapan city, nueva ecija i missed the fiestas in gapan (my cousins & i hadn't been there since lola paring passed away. i missed her cooking. hi tito ramon! ;) )...up to now, i never thought that the Valmontes had a great part in the history of gapan city (i'm proud to be one!). rafaela perez
Sunday 01/23/2005 11:47:06am Name: Homepage: E-Mail: Referred By: City/Country: Message: densrel620@aol.com Just Surfed In newcastle upon tyne, england neh.......ano ba yon.....puntong zaragosa..kumusta mga kabayan dennis relucio
Tuesday 12/28/2004 6:03:32am Name: Homepage: E-Mail: Referred By: City/Country: Message: dmathias@neptune.on.Ka Just Surfed In Kanada No C in Tagalog, Beautiful "C"hurch though. Thankyou to the father that let me take pictures 05 12 2004 inside. I visited and prayered with my wife on that cherished day. I wish I could understand the sermon regarding the Siera Madres. It was so full of passion that I feel at a total loss for my understanding of the language. David Mathias
Saturday 12/11/2004 11:37:02am
Adele S. Traspe astraspeau@yahoo.com Just Surfed In Cabanatuan City/ Philippines It feels good to see local areas featued in the net. It makes one proud of his origin. Novo Ecijano ata eto!
Saturday 12/04/2004 5:56:27pm Name: Homepage: E-Mail: Referred By: City/Country: Message: jerome basa http://yahoo jeromebasa2002@yahoo.com Web Ring philippines, marikina i ve always wanted to see the divina pastora personally but i am a little bit busy being the youngest owner collector of diff. images around marikina area. pls include me in your prayers
Friday 11/26/2004 11:17:10pm Name: Homepage: E-Mail: Referred By: City/Country: Message: Terence Gamit http://www.msn-hotmail.com terexspeedy123@hotmail.com Just Surfed In Vancouver,British Columbia,CANADA I have always wanted to go to the Philippines [especially Zaragosa,Nueva Ecija. My dad's home town. Regards to my family in Zaragosa!!!!
Friday 10/22/2004 7:29:08am Name: Homepage: E-Mail: Referred By: City/Country: Message: coolmom26@sbcglobal.net Just Surfed In Chicago, Il My daughter Michelle is so inspired by the Divina Pastora that she is using her name for her confirmation this coming year. Mila Fajardo
Saturday 10/09/2004 4:59:27am Name: Homepage: E-Mail: Referred By: City/Country: Message: cgbejarin2001@yahoo.com Friend orange county c.a. i'll really miss Gapan esp. the Fiesta Day!!! marjorie garcia bejarin
Thursday 10/07/2004 4:15:30am Name: Homepage: E-Mail: Referred By: City/Country: Message: cesar cruz santos http://omega829@yahoo.com omega829@hotmail.com Just Surfed In chicago illnois u.s.a. my the lord always guide us specially mama mary
Sunday 10/03/2004 0:29:57am Name: Homepage: E-Mail: Referred By: City/Country: Message: reysan99@hotmail.com Search Engine Bremerton, Washington Maraming salamat sa lahat na lumikha ng website na ito, ang isa sa pinakamabisang paraan to keep the Pilipino cultures and tradition alive and known for the next generation. Mabuhay ang Novo Ecijanos! Reynaldo M. Santiago
Thursday 09/23/2004 5:40:52pm Name: Homepage: E-Mail: Referred By: City/Country: Message: manny2004m@yahoo.com Just Surfed In kingdom of saudi arabia i'm glad to see in the internet that our Divina Pastora has it's own website, more power for those who initiate it accept my prayers MANUEL EDRADA MENDOZA
Friday 09/17/2004 8:12:25am
michael tecson alpharetta_2000@yahoo.com Just Surfed In atlanta ga. kamusta sa lahat ng mga taga gapan
Friday 08/27/2004 7:40:09pm Name: Homepage: E-Mail: Referred By: City/Country: Message: Just Surfed In New York City, USA hMm.... miss this place so much.... thanks for making me feel at home through this website..MABUHAY la divina pastora.... mabuhay sa lahat ng batchmates ko sa divina pastora college batch 2000-'01.... u surely are the best.. stay witty and pretty.((like me.. *wink!!)).. rocK onNn! =p Sheena Bonayog
Wednesday 08/18/2004 5:59:29pm Name: Homepage: E-Mail: Referred By: City/Country: Message: Just Surfed In Quezon City I love your site because actually our province is on Gapan City so I'm very glad and overwhelmed that the City of Gapan created a webpage dedicated for our beloved La Divina Pastora God Bless and Mabuhay Angelbert Z. Hernandez
Monday 08/16/2004 11:27:16am Name: Homepage: E-Mail: Referred By: City/Country: Message: torresfam4@hotmail.com Just Surfed In Jacksonville, Florida Hello to all my friends and former classmates in Gapan. Spent my freshman year at Divina Pastora Academy, 1966-67. Mr. Ramon Valmonte, I believe we were in the same class. Thanks for the website and keep up the good work. Manuel D. Torres, Jr.
Thursday 08/12/2004 9:27:34pm Name: Homepage: E-Mail: Referred By: City/Country: Message: Gerdie Navatilan http://divinapastora.net gerdie10@yahoo.com Friend San Vicente ,Gapan Salamat Ramon Valmonte at Mabuhay ang ating Parish Priest MSGR.JOSE ELMER I. MANGALINAO at ang ating minamahal na Astt. Parish Priest wala ng hihigit pa kundi si FR.CHITO BELTRAN at si Rev. Reymond Oliveros ang kanilang katulong sa pagpapalakad ng Three Kings Parish Church... MUBUHAY GAPAN AT ANG ATING MAHAL NA PATRON LA VIRGEN DIVINA PASTORA...
Wednesday 08/04/2004 6:48:36pm Name: Homepage: E-Mail: Referred By: City/Country: Message: deguzman_87@yahoo.com Just Surfed In Gapan City, Nueva Ecija / Baguio City thanks po sa site na ito kc po napakalaki po na naitulong nya sa research work namin sa sociology. comments: medyo kulang pa po sa info about sa gapan! tulad po ng political structure, economy as a whole, socio cultural aspect and organizations. pero ganon pa man po ok po kasi hindi po naiiwan ang Gapan kumpara sa iba. thanks po sa webmasters et. al.!!!! de Guzman, Melvin Pili
Monday 08/02/2004 6:15:45am Name: Homepage: E-Mail: Referred By: City/Country: Message: Manolo P. Jimenez Jr. http://RichmondAmerican International University in London www.jimenem@richmond.ac.uk Just Surfed In London/ England Sir, Very inspirational and If l can help in way or another please don't hesitate to ask. 'If you don't ask you never know', I want you to be there, as long as l can imagine. God Bless and 'you're doing a fine job' sir. Sincerely, Manolo
Friday 07/23/2004 10:49:39am Name: Homepage: E-Mail: Referred By: City/Country: Message: Sarah Pavelski http://www.stlinus.org sarahvator@hotmail.com Search Engine Norwalk, CA USA Can anyone email me the mailing address to the Three Kings Parish in Gapan, Nueva Ecija in the Philippines? I need to mail a document and am having a difficult time locating the address. Thank you! Sarah sarahvator@hotmail.com
Sunday 07/04/2004 6:35:01am Name: Homepage: E-Mail: Referred By: City/Country: Message: elborreguito03@hotmail.com Just Surfed In San Fernando (Cdiz) Spain Hola: somos tres hermanos de la Divina Pastora de San Fernando (Cdiz). Hemos visto a travs de Internet que tenis la imagen de nuestra titular y nos ha sorprendido. As que quisiramos saludaros y comunicaros que, as como vuestra Pastora ya es Coronada, la nuestra va a serlo el prximo da 1 de noviembre de 2004. Viva la Divina Pastora! Paz y bien. Gemma Tocino lvarez
Monday 06/07/2004 0:43:55am Name: Homepage: E-Mail: Referred By: City/Country: Message: Annaliza Rivera http://msn hotmail anne92R@hotmail.com Just Surfed In Burnaby,British Columbia Canada this is owesome thanks to you mr. valmonte
Friday 06/04/2004 3:54:51am Name: Homepage: E-Mail: Referred By: City/Country: Message: Just Surfed In Hacienda Heights, California, U. S.A. The historical description of the our patron saint, the Divina Pastora, is very informative. Roberto Uytingco Garcia
Monday 05/31/2004 9:35:11am Name: Homepage: E-Mail: Referred By: City/Country: Message: mhelsarazua@yahoo.com Just Surfed In Palm Desert California Hello to all the gapanese,specially to all the people in Pambuan....God Bless You All..... Merlie F.Sarazua
Sunday 05/30/2004 5:38:12am Name: Homepage: E-Mail: Referred By: City/Country: Message: IT's great to have a homepage for our dearest Patroness. Thank you Ramon for the effort. More power and God bless! Fr. Ren Ramirez, RCJ http://www.difrancia.net renzki@rcj.org Just Surfed In Rome
Tuesday 05/25/2004 10:35:35am Name: Homepage: E-Mail: Referred By: City/Country: Message: benmabalot@netzero.net Just Surfed In San Diego, California I am hoping to make contacts with my old high school classmates. I graduated in 1975. Benedicto Y. Mabalot
Saturday 05/15/2004 3:28:58am Name: Homepage: E-Mail: Referred By: City/Country: Message: Mariqzs@comcast.net Just Surfed In West Chester, PA This is an awesome site to see what is happening in Gapan. Everything is very nice and informative. Mariquita Zabat-Santos
Keep up the good work! Thank you.
Friday 05/14/2004 8:25:42am Name: Homepage: E-Mail: Referred By: City/Country: Message: Just Surfed In Visalia, CA Thank you kamag-anak (Ramon) for those pictures. Kudos to Dr. Angel Del Rosario, my classmate in high school and best friend for being so involved with the Divina Pastora event, even saw him in one of the pictures. Now, I really miss Gapan! Irene Yuzon Gamble
Thursday 05/06/2004 11:25:05am Name: Homepage: E-Mail: Referred By: City/Country: Message: yochapa@aol.com Friend Edinburg, TEXAS I pray I can visit there again. Your website is a blessing for us so far away. Pray for us there always... Yolanda Chapa
Thursday 05/06/2004 8:22:29am Name: Homepage: E-Mail: Referred By: City/Country: Message: Friend Mesa, Arizona USA An excellent website, especially keeping it up to date with the all festivities in town & church. A job well done! Keep up with the good work! God Bless. Mylah Calimag
Wednesday 05/05/2004 5:56:35pm Name: Homepage: E-Mail: Referred By: City/Country: glennhipolito@fastmail.fm Search Engine Perth, Western Australia Glenn Hipolito
Message:
You made us aware of what's happening around in Gapan City. Especially this particular La Divina Pastora web site, I'm really looking forward to visit and attend a mass again in Gapan. You have the awesome intention to keep us near to Gapan. SALAMAT po Ginoong Valmonte!
Wednesday 05/05/2004 1:03:33am Name: Homepage: E-Mail: Referred By: City/Country: Message: m.malgapo@verizon.net Friend Phila,Pa USA To Ramon Valmonte, I am the brother of Esperanza Malgapo, kinakapatid mo, ninang niya si Aling Paring, Nanay mo. Manuel J. Malgapo
Monday 05/03/2004 3:43:02pm Name: Homepage: E-Mail: Referred By: City/Country: Message: mila.marti@bluewin.ch Just Surfed In Zrich, Switzerland Regards to all!!!!! Milagros Valencia Marti
Monday 05/03/2004 5:24:06am Name: Homepage: E-Mail: Referred By: City/Country: Message: jay jacinto http://jj35112003 jj35112003@yahoo.com Just Surfed In Antwerp,Belgium MISS KO NA ANG GAPAN!!!! regards to all my friends!!
Monday 05/03/2004 3:46:17am Name: Homepage: E-Mail: Referred By: City/Country: erinanngfune@aol.com Friend manasquan, nj,usa erin ann garcia fune
Message:
congratulations on another website/job well done. it is comforting to know i can see the developments in my hometown even if i am so far away. God's blessings on everyone!
Friday 04/30/2004 2:14:38am Name: Homepage: E-Mail: Referred By: City/Country: Message: corypalaganas@yahoo.com Friend LOS ANGELES CALIF, USA Happy Fiesta to All GAPANENSES, and to ALL my kababayan in CALABA SAN ISIDRO NUEVA ECIJA. CORY CUDIA-PALAGANAS
Friday 04/30/2004 2:05:42am Name: Homepage: E-Mail: Referred By: City/Country: Message: ericpalaganas@yahoo.com Web Ring Hollywood California USA Happy Fiesta to all Gapananses....and also Regards to all my kakabayan in Calaba San Isidro Nueva Ecija.... Eric M.Palaganas
Thursday 04/29/2004 10:11:11am Name: Homepage: E-Mail: Referred By: City/Country: Message: joanneordonez622@hotmail.com Just Surfed In United Kingdom regards to all Gapanesse.You've made me miss Gapan so much with all the photos and activities going on there. Joan Ordonez
Wednesday 04/28/2004 7:13:35pm Name: Homepage: E-Mail: Referred By: City/Country: mars830ph@yahoo.com Friend Cabanatuan City Mars B. Ramos
Message:
Very Inspiring.
Wednesday 04/28/2004 10:52:22am Name: Homepage: E-Mail: Referred By: City/Country: Message: Friend Cabanatuan City You're the best. Regards to kuya Chito. Rev Jef and Rev Dan
Monday 04/26/2004 11:57:17am Name: Homepage: E-Mail: Referred By: City/Country: Message: Just Surfed In cabanatuan city hello to all my friends in gapancity feddie paz
Another compilation by / Recopilacin de
enero 2008

La Divina Pastora

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La Divina Pastora

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Another compilation by / Recopilacin de

ISLAS FILIPINAS CIUDAD GAPAN, NUEVA ECIJA

(Grandioso) Ihingi ng tawad sa nagawang sala. Amen.

The church facade...

The Papal insignia is displayed atop the main church doorway.

At the left of the main doorway is the baptistry -- unused now.

... a tribute to Holy Trinity.

... the Divina Pastora, the object of pilgrimages.

The right altar contains an antique Epiphany tableau...

Another view of the church interior...

The choir loft.

At the left side of the church , a garden...

...and a place for pilgrims to light candle offerings.

In the church patio may be seen century-old acacia trees.

Digital photos and text by Ramon R. Valmonte

...or perched on grannies' shoulders or carried in fathers' arms.

Even little babies are made to participate in the paseo

...or astride carabaos...

... or in a trailer pulled by a handtractor...

... or on a horse-drawn cart...

The busiest part of the church is the eastern side chapel...

Pilgrims queue to go up the steps to the Divina Pastora' display case...

... to implore favors from, or give thanks to, Her...

At night, glitzy entertainment fare unfolds at the city plaza...

The viewers pause for prayers...

Nuestra Seora Mater Purisima (Paulo Corpuz, Gapan City)

Mary the Queen (Ernie Ocampo, Jaen, Nueva Ecija)

La Inmaculada Concepcion (Roger Diego, Castillano, San Leonardo, Nueva Ecija)

Our Lady of the Miraculous Medal (Khan family, Gapan City)

Nuestra Seora dela Candelaria (Arlene Khan-Mariano, Gapan City)

Our Lady of Peace (Ramon Navarro, Cabanatuan City)

Our Lady of Lourdes (Felicidad Factora, Gapan City)

Our Lady of the Assumption (Joanna Gouena, San Miguel, Bulacan)

Our Lady of the Annunciation (Valdes family, Gapan City)

Digital photos and text by Ramon R. Valmonte April 22, 2004

The visit to Gapan begins with a concelebrated Mass at 8:30 AM...

In attendance are Gapan City officials led by Mayor Ernesto Natividad.

Swaying groups of Obando folks...

... in their multi-hued kimona and saya...

... lead the "fertility dance"...

Obando youths in tie-dyed shirts join the street dancing.

A young couple imitates the movements of an Obando dancer.

Digital photos and text by Ramon R. Valmonte April 25, 2004

As guests arrive, a marching band provides a festive air to the occasion.

At left, in Barong Tagalog, is broadcaster Joe Taruc.

Members of the clergy from the Diocese of Cabanatuan.

Bishop Balce blesses the congregation as he walks towards the altar.

A view of the proceedings from the choir loft.

The bishop opens the Holy Mass...

Corazon Ramires puts on the veil.

Divina Yumol-Young pins the corsage.

Msgr. Mangalinao then offers incense to the image.

Gov. Joson receives communion together with the other guests.

Digital photos and text by Ramon R. Valmonte April 26, 2004

... helping themselves to sumptuous food at the buffet tables.

A view of the hall.

... Fr. Chito Beltran (in shirt and tie) ...

Some of the recipients of posthumous awards and plaques of appreciation:

Msgr. Mangalinao delivers his welcome remarks.

Atty. Cesar Peralejo

Architect Edmundo G. Linsangan

Engr. Proceso Isidro

Wheelchair-bound Filomena Tuazon Lucinia V. Parial

Dr. Juliana G. Tamayo