In the historic town of Badoc, Ilocos Norte stands one of Ilocandia’s major pilgrimage sites: the Parish of St. John the Baptist. Also known as the Shrine of La Virgen Milagrosa of Badoc, this parish has earned its title through countless miracles attributed to the Virgin’s intercession, shaping the town’s spiritual and cultural identity, and is venerated as the Cause of the Ilocanos’ Joy and the Queen of Ilocos Norte.
The Discovery of the Miraculous Images
The story of these miraculous images dates back to 1620, when local fishermen discovered a large box washed ashore in Barangay Dadalaquiten, a coastal area between Sinait, Ilocos Sur, and Barangay Paguetpet in Badoc, Ilocos Norte. News of the discovery quickly spread, drawing crowds of locals eager to witness the contents. Inside the box were two sacred images: the Black Santo Cristo Milagroso and a statue of the Blessed Virgin Mary holding the Infant Jesus, accompanied by two angel figures and a violin.
This event sparked a dispute between the fishermen of Sinait and Badoc over the ownership of the images. According to legend, the conflict was resolved by what was seen as divine intervention. Only the fishermen from Sinait were able to lift and carry the image of the Black Nazarene, while only those from Badoc could move the image of La Virgen Milagrosa. Interpreting this as God’s will, each group took the image they could carry back to their town, where the statues became their patron saints.
The Iconography of La Virgen Milagrosa
The image of La Virgen Milagrosa of Badoc depicts the Blessed Virgin Mary gracefully holding the Child Jesus, symbolically presenting Him to humanity. The statue is intricately detailed: the Virgin wears red and blue garments, the Child Jesus is clothed in red, and both figures are adorned with wigs, richly decorated jewels, and crowns. A rostrillo frames the face of the Blessed Virgin, adding to her majesty.
Miraculous Interventions Through History
Numerous miracles are attributed to the Virgin of Badoc. In 1776, Moro pirates attacked Badoc, setting fire to the town and its church. Tradition holds that they attempted to behead the Virgin’s image but failed, leaving a visible mark above her left eye. When they threw the wooden statue into the flames, the fire was miraculously extinguished, prompting the raiders to flee in fear.
In 1836, Muslim marauders again attacked the town, burning homes and destroying the church. The townspeople, forewarned, fled to safety. Upon returning, they found the church in ruins, but the Virgin’s image remained completely unharmed.
Fr. Pedro Vivar, OSA, recounts in his history of the Ilocos Revolt (1762–1763) that devastating epidemics struck the province in 1656 and again in 1660. During these outbreaks, the image of Our Lady was brought to Vigan, where people fervently prayed to her. Soon after, the epidemics subsided.
From Parish to Minor Basilica
On February 5, 2019, the Parish of St. John the Baptist in Badoc was officially elevated to a Minor Basilica, becoming the Minor Basilica of St. John the Baptist, Shrine of La Virgen Milagrosa de Badoc. The solemn rites were attended by numerous devotees from Ilocandia and beyond. Later, on December 15, 2024, the Basilica was declared the Diocesan Shrine of Mary, Cause of Our Joy – La Virgen Milagrosa de Badoc.
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Prior to these recognitions, the parish had received significant honors. On May 2, 1980, the Most Rev. Edmundo M. Abaya, Bishop of Laoag, proclaimed La Virgen Milagrosa de Badoc—then known as Nuestra Señora de la Divina Maternidad—as “Cause of Our Joy, Patroness of Ilocos Norte” during a Eucharistic celebration. Later that year, from October to November 1980, the image went on a two-month pilgrimage, visiting all parishes in the Diocese of Laoag as well as selected parishes in La Union and Ilocos Sur.
On December 8, 1980, the image was episcopally crowned by Archbishop Juan C. Sison of Nueva Segovia and Bishop Edmundo M. Abaya of Laoag, affirming her proclamation as Patroness of Ilocos Norte. She was later canonically crowned that same month. In commemoration, an annual concelebrated Mass is held, officiated by the Bishop of Laoag, drawing devotees from across Ilocos Norte and neighboring provinces.
Several decades later, in honor of the 200th anniversary of Ilocos Norte’s foundation, the faithful petitioned for the Canonical Coronation of La Virgen Milagrosa. The Holy See granted the request, and on December 6, 2018, the Congregation for Divine Worship and the Discipline of the Sacraments issued a Papal Decree authorizing the coronation. The coronation rites took place on May 31, 2018, the Feast of the Visitation of Our Lady, attended by thousands of Marian devotees from Ilocandia and across the Philippines.
References:
Malabanan, J. (2018, March 10). La Virgen Milagrosa de Badoc – The Mother and Queen of Ilocos Norte. Pintakasi. https://pintakasiph.wordpress.com/2018/03/10/la-virgen-milagrosa-de-badoc-the-mother-and-queen-of-ilocos-norte/
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