Archbishop grants episcopal coronation of Tambo Marián image

Most Rev. Rolando Tirona, OCD, Archbishop of Caceres, has approved the petition for the episcopal coronation of the 247-year-old image of Nuestra Señora De la Soledad in Tambo, Buhi, Camarines Sur.

The Archbishop has also granted the petition to elevate the Parish of Our Lady of Solitude in Tambo, Buhi, Camarines Sur to the rank and dignity of an Archdiocesan Shrine.

The Solemn Episcopal Coronation of the Venerated and Miraculous Image of Nuestra Señora de la Soledad de Tambo and the declaration of the Parish of Our Lady of Solitude as Archdiocesan Shrine is set on December 8.

An Episcopal Coronation is an act of the local Bishop or Archbishop of the local Diocese (or Archdiocese), expressed thru a Decree of Coronation issued by the local diocesan Chancery where it recognizes the cult of a Marian Image under a specific title being venerated in a certain locality.

Tambo Church serves as the home of the miraculous image of the 247-year-old image of Nuestra Señora De la Soledad.

According to tradition, it was in 1776 when the images of Virgen de la Soledad, Virgen de Salvacion and San Antonio de Padua were made from the “Calpe” tree whose leaves did not wilt even after it was already cut down for a long period of time.

The three images are already 247 year old as of this year. Virgen De la Soledad image is venerated in Tambo, Buhi; Virgen De Salvacion, is in Joroan, Tiwi, Albay and the image of San Antonio De Padua is in the parish church of St. Francis of Assisi is in the town of Buhi.

To prepare the devotees for the episcopal coronation, the miraculous image was brought to the neighbouring parishes during the month of November which is called Visita Soledad. A catechesis on the episcopal coronation and declaration of the parish as archdiocesan shrine was conducted in the parish church last November 26, 2023. A Soledad exhibit was opened at the parish pastoral hall which showed the old images, photos and novena booklets. Novena masses are being held in honor of Our Lady of Solitude which started last November 29 and will end on December 7, with a pilgrim mass.

On the same day, a procession with the different Soledad images will be made after the 5pm mass. Harana ki Ina / Rosario Cantada will take place at eight in the evening of December 7.

The Episcopal Coronation and Elevation Rites will be held on Friday, 08 December 2023, the Solemnity of the Immaculate Conception of the Blessed Virgin Mary.

The Parish of Our Lady of Solitude is under the jurisdiction of the Archdiocese of Caceres with Rev. Fr. Ricardo Bismonte as parish priest. (By Myrna S. Bermudo)