Naga: The Porta Mariae

The Porta Mariae

"The rite of opening doors marks a time of elation and thanksgiving. In the history of the Church, sacred doors are opened during jubilee years to signify the bestowal of indulgence and grace. In secular history, gates and doors are monument of victory and triumph."...

...May those who behold and pass through this gate be led to the one and only Saviour, JESUS CHRIST.

In the same spirit and significance, this Porta Mariae was erected. It is a monument which stands as a symbol of the deep gratitude of the Bicolanos to the Blessed Mother for three centuries of constant intercession, protection and unconditionl love under the title Nuestra Senora de Penafrancia. It is a testimony to INA's abiding presence in Bicol as she is the door and the gate to her son, JESUS CHRIST.

Funded by the Penafrancia Devotees of Metro Manila Foundation, Inc., designed by Architect Gian Paolo P. Prieta and completed under the direction of Engineer Noriel L. Villar, this monument was blesses and inaugurated by the Most Reverend Archibishop of Caceres on the 9th of September, in the year of our Lord 2010, in celebration of the 300th year of the devotion to INA (1710-2010), Nuestra senora de Penafrancia, on the 26th year of incumbency of His Excellency, Most Rev. Leonardo Z. Legaspi OP,DD, when the Rev. Msgr. Zosimo Ma, Sanado HP, was Parish Priest of the Metropolitan Cathedral of Naga City, Philippines.

And now, a revisit to the Metropolitan Cathedral of Naga:

The Dome in front of the Church

The Dome at the back of the Porta Mariae

The Dome's Colorful Glass Ceiling

The Facade of Metropolitan Church

The Angel Inside

The Ten Commandments Monument

Note:Texts above lifted from the commemorative marker attached to the arch.