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Papal Nuncio Archbishop Charles Brown and Bishop Reynaldo Evangelista of Imus lead the canonical coronation of the image of Nuestra Señora del Santísimo Rosario – Reina del Caracol in Rosario, Cavite, on Oct. 9, 2025. COURTESY OF RADYO VERITAS/NORMAN DEQUIA
By Norman Dequia
October 10, 2025
Rosario, Cavite
Archbishop Charles Brown, apostolic nuncio to the Philippines, urged the faithful to “listen to the music of God” and live Christ’s love during a Marian pontifical coronation in Rosario, Cavite on Oct. 9.
In his homily at the Diocesan Shrine and Parish of Our Lady of the Most Holy Rosary – Reina del Caracol on Oct. 9, he called on devotees to express faith with joy and gratitude.
He likened the traditional “caracol” dance to a living symbol of Christian devotion, reminding the faithful that faith should move hearts in rhythm with divine grace.
“Let us allow the music of God to inspire us.,” Brown said. “We need to listen to the music of God—the grace and love of Jesus—and let our lives move to that rhythm.”
The papal nuncio reflected on the Blessed Virgin Mary as the “new Ark of the Covenant,” the living vessel who bore the presence of God in Jesus Christ.
“Mary is the new Ark of the Covenant, the living vessel who carried within her the presence of God,” he said, drawing parallels between Mary and divine faithfulness.
Brown commended the people of Rosario for their deep Marian devotion, saying that the caracol procession—a rhythmic dance of prayer and praise—embodies their vibrant faith and culture.
“Our lives are a joyful dance, a caracol offered to God. Your town is known as the town of the Rosary, and it gives me so much joy to be part of this wonderful celebration,” he said.
After Brown’s homily, Cardinal Jose Advincula of Manila emphasized Mary’s example of faith and unity as central to the life of the Church.
He said the crowning of Reina del Caracol affirms the Holy Father’s recognition of Filipinos’ steadfast devotion to God through their enduring love for the Blessed Virgin Mary.
Advincula described Mary as a model of humility and discipleship, reflecting what it means to be a synodal Church that listens, journeys together, and remains faithful amid trials.
“Mary is the model of what it means to be a synodal Church,” he said. “She is the first disciple—the first to say yes, to listen, to ponder, and to trust.”
“Mary never ceases to open doors, build bridges, break down walls, and help humanity to live in peace and harmony—in the harmony of diversity,” Advincula added.
He urged the faithful to build a Church that listens to God and one another, especially to the poor, the marginalized, and the forgotten.
“Let us listen first to God, to one another—especially to the unheard voices, the poor and the abandoned. The best coronation of our Blessed Mother happens in our hearts whenever we listen to her Son, Jesus,” the cardinal also said.
The image of Nuestra Señora del Santísimo Rosario – Reina del Caracol became the 61st canonically crowned Marian image in the Philippines.
Among those present were retired Bishop Pedro Arigo of Puerto Princesa, Bishop Crispin Varquez of Borongan, clergy from the Diocese of Imus, and neighboring dioceses.
Bishop Reynaldo Evangelista of Imus joined Archbishop Brown in crowning the image, while Cardinal Advincula and Bishop Arigo placed the rosary in solemn thanksgiving.
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