The Enduring Legacy of St. Augustine and the Virgin of Regla
The story of the Virgin of Regla begins not in the Philippines, but with one of the Catholic Church's most influential figures, Saint Augustine. Born in the year 354 in Algeria, Augustine lived a worldly youth before his profound transformation, guided tirelessly by his mother, Saint Monica.
He eventually became a priest and then a Bishop of Hippo in North Africa. His extensive theological writings earned him the title of a Doctor of the Church, cementing his importance in Catholic doctrine.
The Rules and the Divine Vision
Around the year 400, Saint Augustine established a set of spiritual rules that continue to influence various religious orders today. These guidelines covered essential aspects of faith and community life, including:
- Prayer and devotion
- Caring for the sick
- Forgiveness of sins
- Sharing with others
- Living a balanced life
- Following God's commandments
The name 'Regla' itself is derived from the Spanish word for these very rules. In a pivotal moment, an angel appeared to Augustine in a dream, instructing him to carve an image of the Virgin Mary. He created a dark-skinned statue, now known as the Virgin of Regla, possibly to resonate more deeply with the local population.
A Miraculous Journey to the Philippines
The devotion to the Virgin of Regla attracted countless followers. After Saint Augustine's death, when his region was attacked by Moors, the sacred image was transported to Spain for safekeeping by San Cyprian. It was hidden underground for 500 years until the Virgin Mary miraculously revealed its location.
The statue was eventually found and enshrined in a major church in Chipiona, Spain. From there, the devotion spread across the globe, reaching Florida, USA, and Havana, Cuba.
In the Philippines, the Virgin of Regla is the patroness of Lapu-Lapu City. An image of her resides in the Poblacion Barangay Church. The devotion was initiated in Opon, the old name for Lapu-Lapu City, by Padre Aballe in 1732, who brought a copy of the image from Spain. After the locals prayed to it, numerous miracles were reported, solidifying her veneration.
Today, the city celebrates her feast day every November 20-21. The festivities begin with a vibrant seaborne procession, where a multitude of boats accompany the image, a unique and powerful tradition that continues to draw the faithful. The original image brought by Padre Aballe remains in Opon to this day.
