Pope Francis (AP Photo)
MANILA, Philippines — The Marian image of the Nuestra Señora de Fatima de Marikina was honored with a canonical coronation by Pope Francis.
In a statement Tuesday, the Shrine and Parish of St. Paul of the Cross said the canonical coronation rite will be held on May 12, 2023 and will be presided over by Diocese of Antipolo Bishop Ruperto Santos.
Novena masses are set from May 3 until 11.
“The canonical coronation is the highest honor given by the Catholic Church to an image of the Blessed Virgin Mary,” the statement read.
A canonical coronation is a papal honor bestowed upon an image of Jesus, Mary or Joseph.
According to the Diocese of Antipolo on Sunday, the Dicastery for Divine Worship and the Discipline of Sacraments issued the decree for the canonical coronation of the image on January 24.
The Diocese of Antipolo currently has six pontifically crowned images of the Virgin Mary.