OUR LADY OF PIAT

Formally known as Nuestra Señora de Piat

16th century Roman Catholic icon of the

Blessed Virgin Mary enshrined in Piat, in the
province of Cagayan, Philippines.
Feast day: July 2

Attributes: Dark complexion, the child of

Jesus, rosary, crown, flowers

Patronage: Piat, Cagayn Valley, the sick, the

Itawes, Ibanag, and Ilocano peoples
The image, one of the oldest in the country, is
credited with many miracles including the end
of the drought that threatened famine in the
Itawes homeland of the Cagayan Valley. Piat is
dubbed as the Pilgrimage Center of Cagayan
Valley because of the thousands of devotees
and tourists who flock the image.
The history of Our Lady of Piat dates back in
1604 when a black image of the Virgin Mary
with the infant of Jesus on her left arm was
brought to the Philippines from Macau by the
Dominican friars. Eventually, the image was
taken to Piat, and enshrined on a side altar.
Their love and devotion to the Virgin had
grown with the years, and attachment to her
image bordered fantacism. This was clearly
seen when Fr Juan de Santa Ana sent the
image to Tuguegarao City in 1622 and
ordered another ome more beautiful from
Manila to replace the image. The people
promptly protested this, insisting that the
original image be returned to them.
De Santa Ana finally gave in, and the image
was brought back amidst great rejoicing.
These arose, however, dispute between the
peoples of Piat and Tuao as to where the
image’s sanctuary should be; both towns
agreed to build the shrine midway between
them.
In 1954, the Lady of Piat was canonically
crowned Queen, mother and Patroness of
Cagayan Valley.
One who sees the image of Our Lady of Piat
for the first time will be suprised by its natural
charm and appeal. This might be explained
by the fact that the image is life-size, and has
features very similar to our own. It is made of
carved wood, and with the passing of time, it
has taken a natural brown color so peculiar to
Filipinos.
The1624 Drought
The ship
The flood
END OF THE REPORT