THE National Shrine of Our Lady of Mount Carmel welcomed the 80-year-old 30-foot-tall concrete image of Our Lady of Mount Carmel on September 8. The image was donated to the national shrine by the heirs of its original owner, Don Jose Mariano de los Reyes Ocampo, a lawyer, real-estate proprietor and collector of arts and antiques.
Fancifully called “Ina ng Mundo,” many miracles have been attributed to the image when it was still housed at the Ocampo compound in Quiapo, Manila.
It was made by a renowned sculptor and National Artist Anastacio Caedo, the Mount Carmel Shrine Facebook page said. The image shows the Virgin Mary holding the Child Jesus as she is seated on a giant globe. The globe is borne by seven allegorical figures, who represent the people of the seven continents of the world. Beside the bearer’s feet are prayers in different languages, the Saint Edith Stein Community of the Secular Order of Discalced Carmelites said in its journal.
Droves of people continue to see, pray and light candles to the image of Ina ng Mundo since its arrival at its new home at the spacious rotunda in front of the Mark Horan Hall at the national shrine on Doña Juana Rodriguez Avenue (formerly Broadway Avenue), New Manila, Quezon City. Many have also pledged assistance for its restoration.
SESC
Image credits: Mount Carmel Shrine Facebook page