The Dominican Influence in the Philippines in Terms of Marian Piety: Yesterday, Today and Beyond the 500 Years of Christianity

Abstract

This research paper revolves around the influence of the Dominicans in the Philippines in terms of Marian devotions. It discusses the rich Marian pious exercises that originated from the Dominican Order also known as the Order of Preachers. These practices were handed down by the Dominican missionaries since 1587. One of the charisms of the Dominicans is the propagation of the Holy Rosary. This pious exercise was highlighted through its history and connectedness to the Friars Preachers and how it helped in the evangelization of the missionaries. The establishment of Marian shrines has been one of the legacies of the Dominican missionaries specially in the northern part of the archipelago which up to now are still in existence. The shrines of Our Lady of the Rosary, La Naval de Manila and the Shrine of Our Lady of the Rosary Manaoag, Pangasinan, are two notable sanctuaries dedicated to the promotion of the Holy Rosary. These Marian liturgical and devotional practices followed the principles of Vatican II’s Chapter Eight of Lumen Gentium and the Marialis Cultus of St. Pope Paul VI. Finally in the last part of the article, it discusses how the Dominicans adopted to the “new normal” of promoting Marian devotions through online means and the use of social media platforms. While at the same time remaining faithful and rooted in the principles set by the Directory on Popular Piety and Liturgy.