Description of the Crown Design
The canonical coronation emblem design of the image of Nuestra Senora de Lourdes is comprised of three parts.
Marian Auspice
The Marian Auspice at the center is depicted with a crown, symbolizing the Patroness of Retiro, Nuestra Senora de Lourdes de Cuidad de Quezon. The Auspice forms the interwoven letters A and M, symbolizing the first letters of the ancient prayer “Ave Maria” (Hail Mary) and acknowledges Mary’s protection of the community. The color of the auspice is typical of the color of Our Lady.
It symbolizes the apparition of Our Lady to St. Bernadette Soubirous near the Grotto of Massabielle in Lourdes, France on February 11, 1858. The auspice itself is a French style auspice, decorated with fleur-de-lis, signifying the origin of the devotion.
The waters flowing from the auspice represent the immense devotion from this Marian title spreading from Lourdes to the Philippines. The three hills placed together at the bottom symbolizes Quezon City as built in hills and also acknowledges God’s presence as the Blessed Trinity. This symbolizes the blessings brought to the Diocese of Cubao as it became the local See for the National Shrine of Our Lady of Lourdes.
The crown at the top of the shield, decorated with an array of six-pointed stars, symbolizes the legacy of this image as originating from Intramuros, Manila when the Capuchins introduced this devotion in the country in 1892 (MDCCCXCIII).
Shields
The two shields on the top and bottom of the primary seal symbolize the promoters of the devotion. At the top is the papal coat of arms, typified by the papal tiara and the crossed keys of St. Peter (cf. Mat.16:19), symbolizing the grant of pontifical coronation by Pope Francis to be held on May 2, 2020 (MMXX). It also symbolizes the Holy See’s historic approval of the devotion to Our Lady of Lourdes by Pope Bl. Pius IX in 1870.
At the bottom is the Franciscan coat of arms, typified by the crossed hands of Christ and St. Francis of Assisi over the Tau Cross. The Tau Cross is featured as made of bamboo, symbolizing both the Philippines, the Philippine Franciscan Capuchin Province and the resiliency of the Filipino. The Franciscan Capuchins; one of the three chief offshoots of Franciscans promoted this Marian devotion in the country since the arrival of their Spanish brethren here in 1886, hence the colors of the Spanish flag.
Theme of the Coronation
The theme of the coronation is “LÆTITIA IN VITA ETERNA” – “HAPPINESS IN ETERNAL LIFE”.
These are inspired by the words of Our Lady of Lourdes to St. Bernadette Soubirous saying, “ I do not promise you happiness in this world but in the next”.cf. Third Apparition of Our Lady to St. Bernadette Soubirous, February 18, 1858.
Designed by Kendrick Ivan B. Panganiban DOMVS AVREA ECCLESISTICAL DESIGNS I 2019
