Most Reverend Charles John Brown, Papal Nuncio to the Philippines, led the Pontifical Coronation of the image of the Virgin of the Barangay morning on Thursday, October 16, 2025.

The coronation rite was carried out at the San Sebastian Cathedral in Bacolod City.

Marian devotees converged at the San Sebastian Cathedral to show deep love of the Virgin Mary.

“It’s a very special visit for me because we just crowned in a pontifical function this beautiful and historic image of ‘Virgen sang Barangay’,” said Archbishop Brown.

He said he could not believe he himself placed the crown on the icon.

“It’s a beautiful image that I first saw when I arrived here in the Philippines, and I have no idea where it was from. And I was just delighted in God’s plan that I will be the one to crown this image,” Brown added.

Marian devotees swarmed the crowned image and offered roses, fruits, and other gifts.

A few attendees shared how their Marian devotion has changed their lives.

“Noong Grade 3 ako, nag-50-50 ako sa ospital, appendicitis. Supposedly, patay na po ako pero by the grace of God and sa pagpa-pray sa community namin sa barangay, miraculously napagaling ako,” said Jomer Melgarejo, a devotee.

Meanwhile, another devotee has recovered from a stroke, attributing healing to the devotion he keeps for the Virgin Mary.

“I had stroke in 2018, I was bedridden. Now look at me, I am able to climb, she gave me strength. Viva la Virgen,” Paquito, another devotee, said.