Palo, Leyte – The image of Nuestra Señora de la Esperanza de Palo, commonly known as Our Lady of Hope, received an episcopal coronation from His Grace, Most Rev. John F. Du, D.D., at the Palo Metropolitan Cathedral on November 8, 2022, exactly nine years after the devastation of the killer storm, Super Typhoon Yolanda. 

During the rite of coronation, Archbishop Du blessed the new crowns that will be placed on the Blessed Mother. Accompanying him were Palo mayor, Hon. Remedios “Matin” L. Petilla, former mayor, Frances Ann B. Petilla, Leyte governor, Gov. Jerico “Icot” L. Petilla, and Mr. Willy Layug, the renowned artist who formed and created the said image.

“Our God has never abandoned us, and he has given us a mother—a mother to whom we could express our grieving, sadness, and mourning,” said Archbishop Du in his homily. “She accompanies us in the journey and difficulties of life.”

He also stated that the image of Mary gives us Jesus, the one and true hope.

The said historical event was graced by the presence of the Bishop of the Military Ordinariate of the Philippines, Bishop Oscar Florencio, D.D, Bishop of Naval, Bishop Rex C. Ramirez, Archbishop Emeritus of Palo, His Grace Most Rev. Pedro R. Dean, D.D., clergy from the Archdiocese of Palo, religious sisters, seminarians, benefactors, LGU officials, and visitors. 

Before the mass ended, Rev. Fr. Rodolfo P. Barro, Rector, Our Lord’s Transfiguration – Palo Metropolitan Cathedral, expressed his words of gratitude on behalf of Archbishop Du, and presented a token of appreciation to Mr. Willy Layug, who conceptualized and created the said image and the most prolific ecclesiastical and renowned sculptor that is based in Betis, Pampanga. Also, Mr. Noli Manalang, a Filipino artist who Handcrafted the Crown of the Blessed Mother and the Child Jesus, was recognized.

Despite the tremendous challenges, hardships, and difficulties that happened nine years ago, the people of Leyte and Samar were still able to rise up and look for ways to recover from the terrible tragedy. But there was a mother who helped, guided, and protected us—the image of the unrelenting faith of the people during the time of despair, the Our Lady of Hope of Palo.

-Karl Palacio-

PHOTO credits: Ken Garcia, Jay Vincent Campo