THE ‘MANTO’ or cape draped around the icon of Our Lady of Penafrancia and serves as its dress, is an important part of her iconography. The Manto of Ina has come to signify her patronage and protection. Imbued with a miraculous aura as an article of faith, the manto is often used in healing prayer rituals.
Avel Bacudio, who was commissioned to fabricate the cape, tells us how the manto that now drapes the beloved image was recreated for the Centenary of the Coronation.
“The Manto was intentionally recreated after the 1924 Manto – 100 years of devotion, gratitude, and history. The Manto’s fabric is sourced from the birthplace of the Church and Jesus, Jerusalem – to honor the origin of our faith.
In the center is the fountain that signifies Life and Renewal. It has 6 and 7 splashes of water that symbolize the 6 provinces and 7 cities of Bikol Region. The base of the fountain mimics bamboo stilts; the original home of Ina, the Peñafrancia Old Shrine was built with bamboo stilts, honoring our humble beginning with our beloved Ina. The Ruby represents the first miracle of Ina, the rebirth of the dog. Around the fountain is a rosary made out of pearls, symbolizing Filipinos’ ardent devotion to our Ina, the Blessed Virgin Mary. Above are the 138 cristal stones, remembering the 138 fallen devotees during the 1972 Colgante bridge tragedy.
The 6 sunflowers represent faithfulness and gratitude to the source of life of the Manto donor, the Odiamar Family. At the edge of the mantle, the cristal tassels symbolize the people’s great love and intense devotion to our Ina. Lastly, there are 100 pearls to celebrate the Centenary of the Canonical Coronation of Our Lady of Peñafrancia.
It is hand embroidered with Abaca and Piña in Lumban, Laguna – representing our roots as Filipinos and Bikolanos. It took 5 artisans, 150 hours, and 16,000 yards to create the embossed layer of the Manto. Pearls, Ruby, Swarovski, Gold, and Cristal Stones are elements used for the beadwork to symbolize historical relevance. Skillfully made by 3 young Bikolanos who dedicated 360 hours to incorporate our history of devotion to the Manto.
(Source: Avel Bacudio)
The Aureola, a halo represented as a golden ring of rays around the image’s head. Studded with 12 Stars and plated in gold, the aureola references the Book of Revelation when it describes Mary as a “… woman clothed with the sun… and on her head a crown of twelve stars.” – Rev. 12:1
Crown: A special honor is given to Mary, as the Queen of Heaven and Earth by placing an earthly crown, she who is the Mother of Jesus the King of Creation. The other crown shown in the photo adorns the head of the Child Jesus.
Donors: The Centenary Manto was donated by Mr & Mrs. Robert & Maricar Odiamar & Family, specially commissioned with Bikolano designer Avel Bacudio, assisted by Jeygette Bacudio and Trixie Odiamar. The Aureola was donated by Hermana Mayor, Ms. Cherry Tan-Rocha & family, the Crown by Ms. Gigi Ibasco, the Rostrillos by Mr. & Mrs. Bong & Rowena Aspe, Plancha and Peaña by Mr.Edgar Claros Dy Jr.. The Aureola, Crown, Rostrillos & Plancha were crafted by Mr. Rouel Dionisio of Joyeria by: Técnica Bordados Artesanales. The Stainless Steel Stabilizer was offered by Mr. & Mrs. Carlos & Milet Mendoza, the Andas Set by the Family of the late +Jesus Antonio & + Bernadita Carpio and the Angel Peaña by Mr. Rosendo & Mercy Preconcillo.
