Viva Nuestra Señora de Caridad!

Our Lady Of Charity Agoo, La Union

from wikipilipinas

In 17 century, a three men set out to collect sea salt for preserving the meat for the copper miners, before reaching the bay of Nipe, the strong storm came. As they need to encamped themselves because their canaos were ruined by the storm. They seen a small bundle floating on a piece of wood that they mistook for a sea bird. In reality, it was a small statue of Mother Mary holding the infant Jesus in her left arm and a gold cross in her right. Inscribed on the wooden board were the words, Yo soy la Virgen de la Caridad (I am the Virgin of Charity).
In the Philippines, the images are ancient, it was dated back to the early years of the Spanish colonization. The image of Our Lady of Charity or Apo Caridad de Agoo was enshrined at the Basilica in Agoo, La Union, and the other image also called as Apo Caridad de Bantay was at the Parish Church of Bantay,Ilocos Sur. The shrine of Nuestra Señora de la Caridad in Bantay, Ilocos Sur was founded by Fr. Juan de Montoya, OSA.
[edit] Apo Caridad de Agoo

It is also refers to Our Lady of Cord, because it wears a cord around its waistline in the of Augustinian cincture, with likeness to Cincture of the San Agustin Church in Manila. Caridad was the title given to her by the Ilocano devotees, in gratitude for favors received from her charitable hand.
The people believed that their rich land and sea resources are because of the infinite charity and compassion for them of Our Lady of Charity.