Vatican grants special

privilege to Taal Shrine

DEVOTEES making pilgrimage to the Shrine of Our Lady of Caysasay in the historic town of Taal in Batangas will now be able to receive the same plenary indulgence granted to pilgrims who visit the ancient church of St. Mary Major in Rome. The Vatican has issued a decree signed by Cardinal Bernard Francis Law, arch-priest-emeritus of St. Mary Major, granting the Caysasay Shrine the same special privilege attached to the Roman Basilica. Pilgrims who visit and pray at the Shrine will receive plenary indulgence provided they fulfill the prescribed conditions of going to confession, participating in a Mass and praying for the intention of the Holy Father.Fr. Nonie Dolor, the arch-diocesan media director, said the Vatican’s pronouncement came very timely as the arch-diocese is preparing for the grand celebration of its 40thanniversary.On June 3, Lipa Archbishop Ramon C. Arguelles presided at the Shrine a Mass of Declaration formally announcing to the public the special privilege granted by the Vatican. The ceremonies include the reading of the decree and placing of the original Latin text and its translation as a marker at the Shrine’s entrance. On Saturdays, the other-wise sleepy shrine becomes vibrant when pilgrims gather to pay homage to the Blessed Virgin. The Marian icon, now known as our Lady of Caysasay was said to have been found by a local fisherman at the Pansipit River, according to a local legend. The people had the Marian image enshrined at Labac where devotees flock every Saturday to pay homage. Miracles attributed to the image attracted many devotees to make annual pilgrimages to the Shrine, especially Chinese Catholics who regard the image of Our Lady of Caysasay as their own. (CBCPNews)