A MOTHER TO LOVE,
A HISTORY TO REMEMBER
by Rev. Fr. VIRGILIO SAENZ MENDOZA
Rosario is a town especially consecrated to the Virgin Mary. The devotion to the Virgin Mary runs deep in the blood of every Rosarian. Time and again, Rosarians who have wandered in far distant places of the world would see to it that they make a sentimental journey back home for occasions like these which provide the chance for family reunions and for renewing ties with old time friends. They are chances for communal expressions of filial love and devotion to the 'Virgen del Rosario' and their hometown. As a way of expressing gratitude for the blessings received, homes are thrown open to visitors for a taste of typical Rosarian hospitality.
In these gatherings, memories of gone-by days become the favorite subject of conversations. Hence, let us take a journey down memory lane of the good old days...
In these gatherings, memories of gone-by days become the favorite subject of conversations. Hence, let us take a journey down memory lane of the good old days...
The Humble Beginnings of a Hometown
Rosario is a town along the coastal area of Cavite Province, Manila Bay. Before its establishment as an independent town, it was just a small barrio of the vast town of San Francisco de Malabon (now General Trias). It was originally called Salinas Marsella.
The word 'Salinas' came from the Spanish word 'sal' which means salt. At that time, salt making by means of solar evaporation of sea water was one of the sources of livelihood of the inhabitants. Salt beds carpeted with fine white and clean salt produced during the long hot months of summer lined the coastal area of the town. On the other hand, Marsella came from the Spanish word 'mar' which means sea. As the town is situated near the sea, it must have reminded the Spaniards Marseille a French town near the boarder of Spain along the Riviera.
In 1845, by order of Governor General Don Narciso Claveria y Zaldua, Salinas together with Ligtong and Noveleta, was created as an independent town with Rosario as its new name to honor the patroness of the new town.
Rosario has several barrios. One of the oldest known barrios was Ligtong. According to Prof. Isagani Medina, a Caviteño historian from the University of the Philippines, the word Ligtong came from an old Tagalog word 'libtong,' which means 'the deep holes found at the mouth of the river.'
A document dated 1659 mentions “un sitio que se llaman Leyton” with some cattle ranches. This document must have been written in reference to the Rancheria owned by the Hermanos Hospitalarious de San Juan de Dios who in 1641 came to Cavite Puerto (Cavite City) to establish the convent and Hospital de San Jose de Granada. The said Rancheria used to support the maintenance of the hospital. San Isidro, the patron of farmers, was chosen as patron of the barrio.
Muzon is a barrio which got its name from a Spanish word 'mojon' which was a permanent landmark placed to fix the boundaries of country, estates, boundaries and borders. The barrio was then the 'mojon' of Rancheria of the Hermanos de San Juan de Dios and the private hacienda of Don Jose Basa y Enriquez, a prominent lawyer and teacher of San Roque, Cavite.
Muzon was a busy fishing center. During the Spanish Regime, many boats used to drop anchor near the beach of Muzon. According to Prof. Alfredo Saulo, a battle was fought in this place between the Spaniards and the Filipino revolutionaries under Sergeant Cordillera and Valentin Vivo.
Bagbag, according to Prof. Saulo, was a thickly forested area teeming with woodcutters gathering firewood and charcoal. All through the day, the forest reverberated with the sound of wood chopping. People would say 'binakbakan ang mga punong-kahoy.' Soon the place was called Binakbakan or Bagbagan. At present it is called Bagbag.
Barrios Silangan and Kanluran imply the location on the eastern and western parts of the town.
Sapa is a Tagalog word which means small creek as there exists a small creek that runs between this barrio and Wawa.
Wawa is a Tagalog word which means 'mouth of the river.' The barrio is located at the mouth of Cañas River. This river separates Rosario from the neighboring town of Tanza. Another barrio called Paso de Tabla was named after a wooden bridge over a small river which connected the towns of Rosario and San Francisco de Malabon.
Tejeros got its name from one of the major industries of Rosario --- abaca and cotton weaving--- 'tejer' is a Spanish word which means to weave, from which the name Tejeros, which means weavers, came from. On March 22, 1897, a convention of Filipino revolutionaries was held at the Casa Hacienda of the Augustinians Friars in Tejeros establishing the Philippine Revolutionary government with Gen. Emillio Aguinaldo as the first elected president. The ill-fated Tejeros Convention was the start of the deep-seated enmity between Aguinaldo and Andress Bonifacio.
The word 'Salinas' came from the Spanish word 'sal' which means salt. At that time, salt making by means of solar evaporation of sea water was one of the sources of livelihood of the inhabitants. Salt beds carpeted with fine white and clean salt produced during the long hot months of summer lined the coastal area of the town. On the other hand, Marsella came from the Spanish word 'mar' which means sea. As the town is situated near the sea, it must have reminded the Spaniards Marseille a French town near the boarder of Spain along the Riviera.
In 1845, by order of Governor General Don Narciso Claveria y Zaldua, Salinas together with Ligtong and Noveleta, was created as an independent town with Rosario as its new name to honor the patroness of the new town.
Rosario has several barrios. One of the oldest known barrios was Ligtong. According to Prof. Isagani Medina, a Caviteño historian from the University of the Philippines, the word Ligtong came from an old Tagalog word 'libtong,' which means 'the deep holes found at the mouth of the river.'
A document dated 1659 mentions “un sitio que se llaman Leyton” with some cattle ranches. This document must have been written in reference to the Rancheria owned by the Hermanos Hospitalarious de San Juan de Dios who in 1641 came to Cavite Puerto (Cavite City) to establish the convent and Hospital de San Jose de Granada. The said Rancheria used to support the maintenance of the hospital. San Isidro, the patron of farmers, was chosen as patron of the barrio.
Muzon is a barrio which got its name from a Spanish word 'mojon' which was a permanent landmark placed to fix the boundaries of country, estates, boundaries and borders. The barrio was then the 'mojon' of Rancheria of the Hermanos de San Juan de Dios and the private hacienda of Don Jose Basa y Enriquez, a prominent lawyer and teacher of San Roque, Cavite.
Muzon was a busy fishing center. During the Spanish Regime, many boats used to drop anchor near the beach of Muzon. According to Prof. Alfredo Saulo, a battle was fought in this place between the Spaniards and the Filipino revolutionaries under Sergeant Cordillera and Valentin Vivo.
Bagbag, according to Prof. Saulo, was a thickly forested area teeming with woodcutters gathering firewood and charcoal. All through the day, the forest reverberated with the sound of wood chopping. People would say 'binakbakan ang mga punong-kahoy.' Soon the place was called Binakbakan or Bagbagan. At present it is called Bagbag.
Barrios Silangan and Kanluran imply the location on the eastern and western parts of the town.
Sapa is a Tagalog word which means small creek as there exists a small creek that runs between this barrio and Wawa.
Wawa is a Tagalog word which means 'mouth of the river.' The barrio is located at the mouth of Cañas River. This river separates Rosario from the neighboring town of Tanza. Another barrio called Paso de Tabla was named after a wooden bridge over a small river which connected the towns of Rosario and San Francisco de Malabon.
Tejeros got its name from one of the major industries of Rosario --- abaca and cotton weaving--- 'tejer' is a Spanish word which means to weave, from which the name Tejeros, which means weavers, came from. On March 22, 1897, a convention of Filipino revolutionaries was held at the Casa Hacienda of the Augustinians Friars in Tejeros establishing the Philippine Revolutionary government with Gen. Emillio Aguinaldo as the first elected president. The ill-fated Tejeros Convention was the start of the deep-seated enmity between Aguinaldo and Andress Bonifacio.
Virgen del Rosario:
Patroness and Mother of our Hometown
Nobody knows exactly the exact details how the Virgen del Rosario, our beloved patroness came to our town to be its Mother. A plausible legend was told by one of the most respected couples of Rosario- Don Catalino Abueg and Doña Rosa Ner.
During the Spanish regime, one of the best means of transportation was by boat. Cargoes from the south were brought to Manila by big boats. It was a familiar scene to see a great number of “batel” (fishing boats) in the waters of Manila Bay.
Many years ago, in a date which remained unremembered, a strong typhoon visited Manila. It caused great destruction of life and properties especially to those who lived along the coastal areas. One of these boats coming from Mindoro was loaded with merchandise. The furious wind and terrifying lashes of rain hit the boat. The waves were in their wildest moments, thus, water started to fill the boat to the point that it was almost sinking. The crewmen of the boat, filled with terror as death approached, tied themselves to the boat to assure themselves that they won’t get lost. The head of the crew went inside the cabin to check whatever goods they could save but as he moved around he noticed a framed image of the Lady of the Most Holy Rosary hanging on the post. A strong wind rocked the boat that made the frame swing to the point of almost being dropped on the water. The sight of the image gave him a little light of hope and safety. He begged the Virgin to spare his life and that of his companions with the promise that they would build a chapel in her honor as soon as they landed on the shore. The Virgin must have heard his prayer for they were saved.
The stormy night was followed by a serene and sunny morning. The crewmen found themselves along the shore of Mojon presently called Muzon, a sitio of the barrio of Salinas-Marsella. With great joy and gratitude, they had a chapel built on a ground which was said belong to teniente Felix Suasa. The makeshift chapel was made of bamboo and the lumber used for the altar of the Virgin came from their very own boat. They narrated their story to the people of the place. It is said that a great feast was held in honor of the Virgin. There must have been lot of music and dancing. When the celebration was over, the framed image of the Virgin was entrusted by the crewmen to the people of the place before they left. With the miraculous image, they left behind a legacy which became an undying tradition - our town fiesta in honor of the Virgen del Rosario. It is said that after Sometimes, the people felt that they should give a more beautiful and bigger abode for Virgin, Hence from Muzon the shrine was transferred to the present site of our parish church and a more decent church was built.
Historically speaking, we still have no exact data or record as to when the Virgen del Rosario became our patroness. On April 21, 1984, Mr. Antonio G. Nazareno of Cavite City, the president of the Antique Dealers Association of the Philippines and a very ardent devotee of the Blessed Virgin Mary, examined and took the photo of the Virgin. According to Mr. Nazareno, the image is a product of a Filipino brush. The face of Our Lady of the Most Holy Rosary is very Filipina – a rare piece in Philippine Iconography. He said that the style belonged to a well known Filipino painter – Faustino Quiotang. It is interesting to note that unlike so many icons of the Virgin, our patroness was not of foreign origin but really our very own. Mr. Nazareno posits that our Virgin was painted sometime between 1810 to 1820.
During the Spanish regime, one of the best means of transportation was by boat. Cargoes from the south were brought to Manila by big boats. It was a familiar scene to see a great number of “batel” (fishing boats) in the waters of Manila Bay.
Many years ago, in a date which remained unremembered, a strong typhoon visited Manila. It caused great destruction of life and properties especially to those who lived along the coastal areas. One of these boats coming from Mindoro was loaded with merchandise. The furious wind and terrifying lashes of rain hit the boat. The waves were in their wildest moments, thus, water started to fill the boat to the point that it was almost sinking. The crewmen of the boat, filled with terror as death approached, tied themselves to the boat to assure themselves that they won’t get lost. The head of the crew went inside the cabin to check whatever goods they could save but as he moved around he noticed a framed image of the Lady of the Most Holy Rosary hanging on the post. A strong wind rocked the boat that made the frame swing to the point of almost being dropped on the water. The sight of the image gave him a little light of hope and safety. He begged the Virgin to spare his life and that of his companions with the promise that they would build a chapel in her honor as soon as they landed on the shore. The Virgin must have heard his prayer for they were saved.
The stormy night was followed by a serene and sunny morning. The crewmen found themselves along the shore of Mojon presently called Muzon, a sitio of the barrio of Salinas-Marsella. With great joy and gratitude, they had a chapel built on a ground which was said belong to teniente Felix Suasa. The makeshift chapel was made of bamboo and the lumber used for the altar of the Virgin came from their very own boat. They narrated their story to the people of the place. It is said that a great feast was held in honor of the Virgin. There must have been lot of music and dancing. When the celebration was over, the framed image of the Virgin was entrusted by the crewmen to the people of the place before they left. With the miraculous image, they left behind a legacy which became an undying tradition - our town fiesta in honor of the Virgen del Rosario. It is said that after Sometimes, the people felt that they should give a more beautiful and bigger abode for Virgin, Hence from Muzon the shrine was transferred to the present site of our parish church and a more decent church was built.
Historically speaking, we still have no exact data or record as to when the Virgen del Rosario became our patroness. On April 21, 1984, Mr. Antonio G. Nazareno of Cavite City, the president of the Antique Dealers Association of the Philippines and a very ardent devotee of the Blessed Virgin Mary, examined and took the photo of the Virgin. According to Mr. Nazareno, the image is a product of a Filipino brush. The face of Our Lady of the Most Holy Rosary is very Filipina – a rare piece in Philippine Iconography. He said that the style belonged to a well known Filipino painter – Faustino Quiotang. It is interesting to note that unlike so many icons of the Virgin, our patroness was not of foreign origin but really our very own. Mr. Nazareno posits that our Virgin was painted sometime between 1810 to 1820.
The Making and Transformation of a Parish
and a Town for a Beloved Patroness
The image of the “Virgin del Rosario” must have come to our town in a date much earlier than what was mentioned in our previous souvenir programs. This is attested by some archival documents researched by. Mr. Ricky Trota Jose, a well known ecclesiastical art historian at the Manila Archdiocesan Archives formerly housed in San Carlos Seminary.
One of the earliest records is a petition written by the Governor-General of the Philippines, Don Marcelino Oraa, was addressed to the Most Revered Jose Segul O.E.S.S., Archbishop of Manila. The petition was signed on August 12, 1842. However this petition was not immediately acted upon. No record was found regarding the response to this matter. Another document dated December 20, 1843, written by the Politico – Military Governor of Cavite, Don Miguel Roca, to the Archbishop was found. This document stated that the Governor of Cavite has taken steps for formal erection of a new town constituted by the barrios of Salinas, Leiton (Ligtong) and Tierra – Alta (Noveleta). This could not immediately materialize however until a church, a convent, a school and a “casa tribunal“ (municipal house) would be built. The following year, the new Governor – General Don Narciso Claveria, wrote to Archbishop Segul. The letter which was dated July 30, 1844 seemed to be a response to the previous letter of the Archbishop dated February 27, 1844. In this letter, the Governor – General informed the Archbishop that he has directed the Superintendent of Treasury to take immediate action on the formation of the new town comprising Salinas Leiton and Tierra Alta. Another letter to this effect was sent by Governor Claveria on August 12, 1844. Things seemed to have gone slow. It took another year before Don Jose Cerero, the Superintendent of the Army and of the National Treasury could inform the Archbishop of the particulars of the financial matters regarding the building of the church. Thus on June 23, 1845, Cerero informed Archbishop Segul of the result of the meeting of the Board of Directors of the National Treasury. He said that for proposed fund of $3,061 for the building of the church, one third should be taken from the treasury of the Archdiocese, the other one third from the National Treasury and the rest will be shouldered by the people of the town.
Finally, on October 22, 1845, the Decree for the establishment of the town and the parish of Rosario was promulgated by Governor – General Don Narciso Claveria. On October 27, 1845, Don Joaquin Arlegui, the Vicar-General of the Archdiocese of Manila, informed the Politico – Military Governor of Cavite Don Miguel Roca, that he was designated by the Governor – Genaral to look for the person to whom the fund coming from the Archdiocesan and National Treasury can be entrusted. This money was supposed to be used for the construction of the church building. The appointment was made by the Governor General since the Archdiocese was “sede vacante,” following the death of Archbishop Segul. According to the law “no. 6 a tit 2, lib. 10” of the laws of Indies, the fund for the church construction and for the acquisition of church ornaments must be given to a man of unquestionable integrity. Hence, Arlegui chose Governor Roca to take charge of the fund.
On November 3, 1845, Don Joaquin Arlegui informed the Governor General of his choice and he asked the Governor to confirm the appointment as soon as possible so that the governor of Cavite could assign a justice of the peace and a priest who would take charge of the parish. For the meantime he (the vicar general) appointed an interim parish priest. This was no other than the presbyter Don Mamerto Ner Mariano, a native of Rosario and at that time one of the best priest of the Curia of Manila. On November 5, 1845, Arlegui also informed the Superintended of the National Treasury regarding his choice to Narciso Clavaria accepted the nomination and in a letter he has directed the Superintendent of the National Treasury to pay the stipends of Don Mamerto Ner Mariano while provisions for the parish had not been made yet.
On November 27, 1845, Don Pedro Palaez, the champion of Filipino secular clergy and the Vicar Capitular of the Archdiocese of Manila wrote to Don Lazaro Salustiano, the Vicar Forane of Cavite and parish priest of San Roque, Cavite. He asked the Vicar Forane to inform the parish priest of San Francisco de Malabon and of Cavite Viejo (Kawit) reagarding the establishment of Salinas as a Independent parish under the patronage of the Most Holy Rosary. In response, D. Lazaro Salustiano infromed the Vicar Capitular that once, he passed by the new town and he blessed tha church under construction and the graveyard behind. He said that he found the place decent enough. This data came from a letter dated December 2, 1845. After sometime D. Mamerto Ner Mariano was officially installed as parish priest. Very significant is the fact that he was a Filipino priest and a native of the town.
The church of Rosario underwent continuous construction. One march 27, 1851 Don Mamerto Ner Mariano was authorized by the Archbishop of Manila. Most Reverend Jose Aranguren O.R.S.A. to barrow $1,000 from Balayan, $3,000 from Bacoor and $200 from Indang for the continuation of the church construction. Don Julian Castro, parish priest of Silang offered to lend Rosario another $500. This was Approved by the Archbishop on August 21, 1851.
In 1854 osario acquired two more bells in addition to the one acquired in 1845. The first bell had the inscription ”N.S. del Rosario D. 1845” while the other two had the folloeing inscription “El Presbitero Don Leonso Basilio en dono cien pesos por esta campana de Nuestra Señora del Rosario D. 1854.” These bells still served the voice of God calling the people of Rosario to worship.
At the height of natives’ oppression by the Firar-hacienda a lot of Caviteños were alienated from the mainstream of ordinary life. The initial protest against the unfair labor practices of the fiars, resulted to banditry. The “Tulisanes” started raiding the haciendas. Eventually even the helpless and poor people were not spared. On January 22, 1863, the parish convent of Rosario was ransacked by the “tulisanes.” $500 from the personal funds of the parish priest was taken together with the $307.32 from the church. Other goods stolen were 16 silver spoons, eight silver teaspoons, some clothes and other utensils. However, the church was spared. Fr. Mamerto Ner continued the repairs of the church and on December 16, 1866 hr reported that the “principales” of the town would donate 24 silver candlestick holders and at the same time he ordered a new tabernacle made of silver. The Archbishop agreed to use the church fund amounting to $1,048 for the acquisition of the tabernacle and sacred vessels.
In July 1868, the house of Don Lino Ner Mariano, the brother of Don Mamerto Ner Mariano was offered for sale to be used as a convent. This was the same house where the former parish priest Don Mamerto used to live. The house was offered for 2, 000 escudos. On July 10, 1868, the interim parish priest Don Nicasio A. Trinidad requested the Vicar Forane to facilitate the purchase of the house since it was located in a very strategic position, where the parish priest could keep watch of the church and the sacristy where the jewels and scared paraphernalias were kept. It also offered security for the parish priest and the funds under his care against the attack of the “tulisanes.” Don Mariano Gomes, the Vicar Forane of Cavite and one of the ill-fated priest martyrs of 1872, made a recommendation to Archbishop Gregorio Meliton of Manila on July 16, 1868. Such was respect of the Archbishop for the opinion of the venerable head of the Cavite clergy that on July 23, 1963 the request was promptly approved.
However, it seemed that the church would never be completed. By May 24, 1869 the “Cura interino” D. Nicasio A. Trinidad reported that he needed $4,120 for the repair of the church. Since the amount was quite big, the Vicar Foraine suggested that the money be given by installment. On July 7 1869, Archbishop Martinez approved the suggestion of Gomez.
As early as 1861, a royal decree was already promulgated which declared that parishes in Cavite under the Filipino secular clergy would be given to the Augustinian Recollect Fathers. This was to compensate for the loss of their parishes in Mindanao which were given to the Jesuits when the latter returned to the Philippines after their long years of exile. At the same time this was a safety measure adapted by the Spanish Government as the tide of Filipino nationalism was beginning to rise among “ilustrados” and the native clergy. There was a perception that the Filipino was very supportive of the nationalistic propaganda movement. Hence the takeover of the Spanish Recollect Friars of the parishes near the capital especially of Cavite where the general discontent was more manifest was an assurance of the preservation of the Spanish sovereignty. By 1869, the parish of Rosario was given to the Recollect Fathers with Fray Toribio Bonel O.R.S.A. As the first Spanish parish priest. On same year another parish priest was assigned - Fr Toribio Miguella de la Virgen de la Merced O.R.S.A. Fr. Toribio also took interest in renovating the church. He filled a request of $1,062 for the repair of the church. On September 28, 1869, the Archbishop approved the request. On February 28, 1871 Fray Toribio borrowed another $500 from Taytay for further church repairs However, the estimated fund necessary was $4,013, an amount far greater than the cash on hand which was only $3,100. The Archbishop approved the requisition on March 7, 1871. On October 19, 1871, Fray Toribio decided to reinforce the walls of the Church by putting eight “estribos” to support the walls. He found out that the mixture of the foundation of the church was poor. Hence there was further reinforcement of the walls. Another proposed fund amounting to $5,247 was given by the parish priest. The proposal was approved by the Archbishop on October 31, 1871. Fray Toribio reported that the parish of Antipolo was willing to lend $2,000 for the said repair.
In 1891, the parish priest of Rosario, Fray Marciano Landa O.R.S.A reported the details of the construction and repairs that were being done. The amount spent was $4,918.87. However, the provincial of the Augustinian Recollect ordered the parish priest to stop the repair convent while inspection was being undertaken by the Friar of the convent of St. Nicolas de Tolentino of Cavite Puerto. After a few years, on January 8, 1894, Fray Marciano Landa O.R.S.A. reported that the tile roof was in danger of falling as beams were breaking because of the great weight. He noted that the people of the town were afraid to enter the church, and were forced to hear mass at the entrance of the church. Fray Marciano wanted to borrow $4,000 from the parish of San Roque. However the archbishop disapproved the proposal since the parish was also financially unstable at that time. For this reason, there were complaints that masses were not celebrated with proper decorum.
By August 1896, the flame of the revolution had also spread in Cavite. Members of the Katipunan started to manifest their hostilities against the friars whom they considered as oppressive landlords. The Magdiwang faction of the katipunan was vehemently anti-friars. On april 1, 1897 the “casa tribunal”, the church and were burned by the “insurectos.” Everything was destroyed and lost. Only the walls of the church and ashes were left. On September 23, 1897, Fray Marciano reported that blocks and cinc were being taken from the windows of the church upon the order of the military commander of the “insurectos.” He complained that stones were taken from the new convent and sacristy was pillaged and burned. On October 2, 1897, the new parish priest Fray Gerardo Banuelos O.R.S.A. reported that he only had $790 for the maintenance of the church. However, he needed $310.56 more for the purchase of sacred vessels and accessories to replace those which were lost during the burning of the church. The Archbishop approved his request for assistance on October 7, 1897. On November 5, 1897 he also authorized the replacement of the roof of the church. However, the funds available was just enough for nipa, a more humble material. For a brief period peace was restored when the Pact of Biak-na-Bato was signed.
In 1898, there was a resurgence of hostilities between the “insurectos” and the Spaniards. At the height of the revolution, the Spanish “cura” was force to give up his post. Once again the parish reverted to the Filipino secular priest. Don Severo Buenaventura a native of Imus, Cavite became the parish priest. On August 28, 1901, he reported that the convent was converted into a “cuartel” of revolutionaries who were fighting a new enemy-the Americans. After the fall of Gen. Aguinaldo the Philippines was passed to another foreign domination and peace was gradually restored.
One of the earliest records is a petition written by the Governor-General of the Philippines, Don Marcelino Oraa, was addressed to the Most Revered Jose Segul O.E.S.S., Archbishop of Manila. The petition was signed on August 12, 1842. However this petition was not immediately acted upon. No record was found regarding the response to this matter. Another document dated December 20, 1843, written by the Politico – Military Governor of Cavite, Don Miguel Roca, to the Archbishop was found. This document stated that the Governor of Cavite has taken steps for formal erection of a new town constituted by the barrios of Salinas, Leiton (Ligtong) and Tierra – Alta (Noveleta). This could not immediately materialize however until a church, a convent, a school and a “casa tribunal“ (municipal house) would be built. The following year, the new Governor – General Don Narciso Claveria, wrote to Archbishop Segul. The letter which was dated July 30, 1844 seemed to be a response to the previous letter of the Archbishop dated February 27, 1844. In this letter, the Governor – General informed the Archbishop that he has directed the Superintendent of Treasury to take immediate action on the formation of the new town comprising Salinas Leiton and Tierra Alta. Another letter to this effect was sent by Governor Claveria on August 12, 1844. Things seemed to have gone slow. It took another year before Don Jose Cerero, the Superintendent of the Army and of the National Treasury could inform the Archbishop of the particulars of the financial matters regarding the building of the church. Thus on June 23, 1845, Cerero informed Archbishop Segul of the result of the meeting of the Board of Directors of the National Treasury. He said that for proposed fund of $3,061 for the building of the church, one third should be taken from the treasury of the Archdiocese, the other one third from the National Treasury and the rest will be shouldered by the people of the town.
Finally, on October 22, 1845, the Decree for the establishment of the town and the parish of Rosario was promulgated by Governor – General Don Narciso Claveria. On October 27, 1845, Don Joaquin Arlegui, the Vicar-General of the Archdiocese of Manila, informed the Politico – Military Governor of Cavite Don Miguel Roca, that he was designated by the Governor – Genaral to look for the person to whom the fund coming from the Archdiocesan and National Treasury can be entrusted. This money was supposed to be used for the construction of the church building. The appointment was made by the Governor General since the Archdiocese was “sede vacante,” following the death of Archbishop Segul. According to the law “no. 6 a tit 2, lib. 10” of the laws of Indies, the fund for the church construction and for the acquisition of church ornaments must be given to a man of unquestionable integrity. Hence, Arlegui chose Governor Roca to take charge of the fund.
On November 3, 1845, Don Joaquin Arlegui informed the Governor General of his choice and he asked the Governor to confirm the appointment as soon as possible so that the governor of Cavite could assign a justice of the peace and a priest who would take charge of the parish. For the meantime he (the vicar general) appointed an interim parish priest. This was no other than the presbyter Don Mamerto Ner Mariano, a native of Rosario and at that time one of the best priest of the Curia of Manila. On November 5, 1845, Arlegui also informed the Superintended of the National Treasury regarding his choice to Narciso Clavaria accepted the nomination and in a letter he has directed the Superintendent of the National Treasury to pay the stipends of Don Mamerto Ner Mariano while provisions for the parish had not been made yet.
On November 27, 1845, Don Pedro Palaez, the champion of Filipino secular clergy and the Vicar Capitular of the Archdiocese of Manila wrote to Don Lazaro Salustiano, the Vicar Forane of Cavite and parish priest of San Roque, Cavite. He asked the Vicar Forane to inform the parish priest of San Francisco de Malabon and of Cavite Viejo (Kawit) reagarding the establishment of Salinas as a Independent parish under the patronage of the Most Holy Rosary. In response, D. Lazaro Salustiano infromed the Vicar Capitular that once, he passed by the new town and he blessed tha church under construction and the graveyard behind. He said that he found the place decent enough. This data came from a letter dated December 2, 1845. After sometime D. Mamerto Ner Mariano was officially installed as parish priest. Very significant is the fact that he was a Filipino priest and a native of the town.
The church of Rosario underwent continuous construction. One march 27, 1851 Don Mamerto Ner Mariano was authorized by the Archbishop of Manila. Most Reverend Jose Aranguren O.R.S.A. to barrow $1,000 from Balayan, $3,000 from Bacoor and $200 from Indang for the continuation of the church construction. Don Julian Castro, parish priest of Silang offered to lend Rosario another $500. This was Approved by the Archbishop on August 21, 1851.
In 1854 osario acquired two more bells in addition to the one acquired in 1845. The first bell had the inscription ”N.S. del Rosario D. 1845” while the other two had the folloeing inscription “El Presbitero Don Leonso Basilio en dono cien pesos por esta campana de Nuestra Señora del Rosario D. 1854.” These bells still served the voice of God calling the people of Rosario to worship.
At the height of natives’ oppression by the Firar-hacienda a lot of Caviteños were alienated from the mainstream of ordinary life. The initial protest against the unfair labor practices of the fiars, resulted to banditry. The “Tulisanes” started raiding the haciendas. Eventually even the helpless and poor people were not spared. On January 22, 1863, the parish convent of Rosario was ransacked by the “tulisanes.” $500 from the personal funds of the parish priest was taken together with the $307.32 from the church. Other goods stolen were 16 silver spoons, eight silver teaspoons, some clothes and other utensils. However, the church was spared. Fr. Mamerto Ner continued the repairs of the church and on December 16, 1866 hr reported that the “principales” of the town would donate 24 silver candlestick holders and at the same time he ordered a new tabernacle made of silver. The Archbishop agreed to use the church fund amounting to $1,048 for the acquisition of the tabernacle and sacred vessels.
In July 1868, the house of Don Lino Ner Mariano, the brother of Don Mamerto Ner Mariano was offered for sale to be used as a convent. This was the same house where the former parish priest Don Mamerto used to live. The house was offered for 2, 000 escudos. On July 10, 1868, the interim parish priest Don Nicasio A. Trinidad requested the Vicar Forane to facilitate the purchase of the house since it was located in a very strategic position, where the parish priest could keep watch of the church and the sacristy where the jewels and scared paraphernalias were kept. It also offered security for the parish priest and the funds under his care against the attack of the “tulisanes.” Don Mariano Gomes, the Vicar Forane of Cavite and one of the ill-fated priest martyrs of 1872, made a recommendation to Archbishop Gregorio Meliton of Manila on July 16, 1868. Such was respect of the Archbishop for the opinion of the venerable head of the Cavite clergy that on July 23, 1963 the request was promptly approved.
However, it seemed that the church would never be completed. By May 24, 1869 the “Cura interino” D. Nicasio A. Trinidad reported that he needed $4,120 for the repair of the church. Since the amount was quite big, the Vicar Foraine suggested that the money be given by installment. On July 7 1869, Archbishop Martinez approved the suggestion of Gomez.
As early as 1861, a royal decree was already promulgated which declared that parishes in Cavite under the Filipino secular clergy would be given to the Augustinian Recollect Fathers. This was to compensate for the loss of their parishes in Mindanao which were given to the Jesuits when the latter returned to the Philippines after their long years of exile. At the same time this was a safety measure adapted by the Spanish Government as the tide of Filipino nationalism was beginning to rise among “ilustrados” and the native clergy. There was a perception that the Filipino was very supportive of the nationalistic propaganda movement. Hence the takeover of the Spanish Recollect Friars of the parishes near the capital especially of Cavite where the general discontent was more manifest was an assurance of the preservation of the Spanish sovereignty. By 1869, the parish of Rosario was given to the Recollect Fathers with Fray Toribio Bonel O.R.S.A. As the first Spanish parish priest. On same year another parish priest was assigned - Fr Toribio Miguella de la Virgen de la Merced O.R.S.A. Fr. Toribio also took interest in renovating the church. He filled a request of $1,062 for the repair of the church. On September 28, 1869, the Archbishop approved the request. On February 28, 1871 Fray Toribio borrowed another $500 from Taytay for further church repairs However, the estimated fund necessary was $4,013, an amount far greater than the cash on hand which was only $3,100. The Archbishop approved the requisition on March 7, 1871. On October 19, 1871, Fray Toribio decided to reinforce the walls of the Church by putting eight “estribos” to support the walls. He found out that the mixture of the foundation of the church was poor. Hence there was further reinforcement of the walls. Another proposed fund amounting to $5,247 was given by the parish priest. The proposal was approved by the Archbishop on October 31, 1871. Fray Toribio reported that the parish of Antipolo was willing to lend $2,000 for the said repair.
In 1891, the parish priest of Rosario, Fray Marciano Landa O.R.S.A reported the details of the construction and repairs that were being done. The amount spent was $4,918.87. However, the provincial of the Augustinian Recollect ordered the parish priest to stop the repair convent while inspection was being undertaken by the Friar of the convent of St. Nicolas de Tolentino of Cavite Puerto. After a few years, on January 8, 1894, Fray Marciano Landa O.R.S.A. reported that the tile roof was in danger of falling as beams were breaking because of the great weight. He noted that the people of the town were afraid to enter the church, and were forced to hear mass at the entrance of the church. Fray Marciano wanted to borrow $4,000 from the parish of San Roque. However the archbishop disapproved the proposal since the parish was also financially unstable at that time. For this reason, there were complaints that masses were not celebrated with proper decorum.
By August 1896, the flame of the revolution had also spread in Cavite. Members of the Katipunan started to manifest their hostilities against the friars whom they considered as oppressive landlords. The Magdiwang faction of the katipunan was vehemently anti-friars. On april 1, 1897 the “casa tribunal”, the church and were burned by the “insurectos.” Everything was destroyed and lost. Only the walls of the church and ashes were left. On September 23, 1897, Fray Marciano reported that blocks and cinc were being taken from the windows of the church upon the order of the military commander of the “insurectos.” He complained that stones were taken from the new convent and sacristy was pillaged and burned. On October 2, 1897, the new parish priest Fray Gerardo Banuelos O.R.S.A. reported that he only had $790 for the maintenance of the church. However, he needed $310.56 more for the purchase of sacred vessels and accessories to replace those which were lost during the burning of the church. The Archbishop approved his request for assistance on October 7, 1897. On November 5, 1897 he also authorized the replacement of the roof of the church. However, the funds available was just enough for nipa, a more humble material. For a brief period peace was restored when the Pact of Biak-na-Bato was signed.
In 1898, there was a resurgence of hostilities between the “insurectos” and the Spaniards. At the height of the revolution, the Spanish “cura” was force to give up his post. Once again the parish reverted to the Filipino secular priest. Don Severo Buenaventura a native of Imus, Cavite became the parish priest. On August 28, 1901, he reported that the convent was converted into a “cuartel” of revolutionaries who were fighting a new enemy-the Americans. After the fall of Gen. Aguinaldo the Philippines was passed to another foreign domination and peace was gradually restored.
The Advent of the 20th Century:
Truimphs over the years
In 1905, Don Severo Buenaventura gave a brief report of the properties of the church of Rosario and thiers conditions. The church was partly dilapidated. However, the imageof the Virgen del Rosario was well kept. There were white green and black chasubles and a cape in the sacristy. There were also one chalice and paten made of gold and few silver “candeleros” for the altar.
The barrios of Wawa and Tejeros had no patron saint while Ligtong had San Isidro for its patron. However, the chapel was taken over by the Aglipayans, a local sect almost similar to the Catholic Church but separated from Rome. There were also few organizations like Cofradia de San Francisco and the Asociasion del Sagrado Corazon de Jesus. The Catholic cemetery was in good condition with a bamboo arch at the entrance.
Readinng from the archival documents that we have, the continous construction and repairs of our parish church, the shrine of Our Lady had been undertaken. These documents somehow revealed to us the economic status of our town in its earlier days. The fact that we had to borrow money from the neighboring towns for the construction of the church revealed that at a certain point in our history, the town was not economically prosperous. However, through the years we have attained a very high degree of economic progress to the point that today our parish church is one of the most beautiful churches in Cavite.
Our town was not backward though. Based on a description given to us by Buzeta and Bravo between 1850-1851, it was like any ordinary town in the Philippines. They described Rosario as a
“Town with parish priest and gobernadorcillo, province of Cavit, archbishoprie of Manila,situated at 124°33’30 long.,26°20’., o level land and temperate climate. Has 1,023 houses,parish church and the municipal building where the jail is housed. Has a parich church served by a secular priest under the patronage of Ntra. Sra. Del Rosario, also has a primary school, cemetery outside the town and roads in condition. From the capital building of the province, mail is received everyweek. Bounded at the north by San Roque, some 1-1/2 leagues, at the west by sta. cruz, one mile distance. The land is even and fertile; watered by Julan and Abat rivers, which originate from the cordillera that divides the province of Cavite from Batangas. The products are rice, corn, sugar cane, vegetables and various kinds of fruits. Industry: agriculture is the principal occupation of the natives; the women dedicate themselves to spinning and weaving cotton and abaca. Population 6,137 souls.”
According to Prof. Medina, “In the 1890s most of Rosario land were part of the Augustinian Casa Hacienda de Tejeros which had 1,125 hectares of wet rice. Lessees paid the annual rent of 11 cavans of palay which gave the Friars a total collection of P19,000 annually.” Besides farming, there was another thriving industry-abaca and cotton weaving. Women of barrio Tejeros devoted their time in spinning and weaving cotton and abacca textile. The high quality of textile produced was attested by two Rosario residents, Hilario Combate and Manuel Rivera who exhibited cotton and indigo (used as dye) during the Exposicion Universal de Paris in 1867.
There was also a flourishing trade with the neighboring provinces. Salt and fish especially the Rosario “tinapa” were exchanged for coconut and its by-products from Laguna, pottery from Pasig and nipa from Bulacan. By 1870 a boat named “Moleῆo” of the Compania Naviera de Ynchausti left its station in Cavite Puerto daily passing along the coast of Rosario to fetch passengers going to Manila. By 1880 Rosario was reported to have daily market days from Monday to Saturday.
A study made by Prof. Medina also showed that Rosario, just like any town had its own social elites. Doῆa Juana Gonzales was Rosario’s richest. She had a stone house valued at P3, 500. There was Don Francisco Carillo whose wood and sheet iron roof house and lot cost P2, 000. A Chinese Mestizo Felix Garces Yap-Yatco, who had a house of wood and iron sheet ranked third. Among the town elites were the former gobernadorcillos Mariano Punzalan owned a residential house valued at P470, Francisco sales had a wood and nipa house worth P450 and Pablo Raqueῆo owned a house valued at P400.
Literacy was also high. Children were taught how to read and write by teachers paid by the Spanish Government. Most of the classes were held at the convent. Subjects like Spanish, geography and other subjects prescribed by the Church and the Spanish Government were taught. Among the well known teachers were the Maestro Esteban Gonzales and Maestra Hilaria Sanchez, both were natives of Rosario, Maestro Juan Cailles of Batangas who figured prominently during the revolution, Maestrong Teban de la Cruz and Maestrang Osang. At the dawn of a new era of American domination, education was given priority. The first American teachers were Mr. Whiting, Mr. Darborough and Mr. And Mrs Flint. A monumental remainder of this endeavour is the main building of Rosario Elementary School built in 1914.
The barrios of Wawa and Tejeros had no patron saint while Ligtong had San Isidro for its patron. However, the chapel was taken over by the Aglipayans, a local sect almost similar to the Catholic Church but separated from Rome. There were also few organizations like Cofradia de San Francisco and the Asociasion del Sagrado Corazon de Jesus. The Catholic cemetery was in good condition with a bamboo arch at the entrance.
Readinng from the archival documents that we have, the continous construction and repairs of our parish church, the shrine of Our Lady had been undertaken. These documents somehow revealed to us the economic status of our town in its earlier days. The fact that we had to borrow money from the neighboring towns for the construction of the church revealed that at a certain point in our history, the town was not economically prosperous. However, through the years we have attained a very high degree of economic progress to the point that today our parish church is one of the most beautiful churches in Cavite.
Our town was not backward though. Based on a description given to us by Buzeta and Bravo between 1850-1851, it was like any ordinary town in the Philippines. They described Rosario as a
“Town with parish priest and gobernadorcillo, province of Cavit, archbishoprie of Manila,situated at 124°33’30 long.,26°20’., o level land and temperate climate. Has 1,023 houses,parish church and the municipal building where the jail is housed. Has a parich church served by a secular priest under the patronage of Ntra. Sra. Del Rosario, also has a primary school, cemetery outside the town and roads in condition. From the capital building of the province, mail is received everyweek. Bounded at the north by San Roque, some 1-1/2 leagues, at the west by sta. cruz, one mile distance. The land is even and fertile; watered by Julan and Abat rivers, which originate from the cordillera that divides the province of Cavite from Batangas. The products are rice, corn, sugar cane, vegetables and various kinds of fruits. Industry: agriculture is the principal occupation of the natives; the women dedicate themselves to spinning and weaving cotton and abaca. Population 6,137 souls.”
According to Prof. Medina, “In the 1890s most of Rosario land were part of the Augustinian Casa Hacienda de Tejeros which had 1,125 hectares of wet rice. Lessees paid the annual rent of 11 cavans of palay which gave the Friars a total collection of P19,000 annually.” Besides farming, there was another thriving industry-abaca and cotton weaving. Women of barrio Tejeros devoted their time in spinning and weaving cotton and abacca textile. The high quality of textile produced was attested by two Rosario residents, Hilario Combate and Manuel Rivera who exhibited cotton and indigo (used as dye) during the Exposicion Universal de Paris in 1867.
There was also a flourishing trade with the neighboring provinces. Salt and fish especially the Rosario “tinapa” were exchanged for coconut and its by-products from Laguna, pottery from Pasig and nipa from Bulacan. By 1870 a boat named “Moleῆo” of the Compania Naviera de Ynchausti left its station in Cavite Puerto daily passing along the coast of Rosario to fetch passengers going to Manila. By 1880 Rosario was reported to have daily market days from Monday to Saturday.
A study made by Prof. Medina also showed that Rosario, just like any town had its own social elites. Doῆa Juana Gonzales was Rosario’s richest. She had a stone house valued at P3, 500. There was Don Francisco Carillo whose wood and sheet iron roof house and lot cost P2, 000. A Chinese Mestizo Felix Garces Yap-Yatco, who had a house of wood and iron sheet ranked third. Among the town elites were the former gobernadorcillos Mariano Punzalan owned a residential house valued at P470, Francisco sales had a wood and nipa house worth P450 and Pablo Raqueῆo owned a house valued at P400.
Literacy was also high. Children were taught how to read and write by teachers paid by the Spanish Government. Most of the classes were held at the convent. Subjects like Spanish, geography and other subjects prescribed by the Church and the Spanish Government were taught. Among the well known teachers were the Maestro Esteban Gonzales and Maestra Hilaria Sanchez, both were natives of Rosario, Maestro Juan Cailles of Batangas who figured prominently during the revolution, Maestrong Teban de la Cruz and Maestrang Osang. At the dawn of a new era of American domination, education was given priority. The first American teachers were Mr. Whiting, Mr. Darborough and Mr. And Mrs Flint. A monumental remainder of this endeavour is the main building of Rosario Elementary School built in 1914.
Virgen del Rosario del Caracol
One of the most colorful traditions of our town handed to us by our forefathers is the famous “Caracol.” It is more than a century old tradition connected with the celebration of the fiesta in honor of the Virgen del Rosario. The term caracol is a Spanish word meaning snail. The fluvial procession is called caracol because of its slow movement. During the “Visperas” of the fiesta, the Virgin is borne on the shoulder of the shoulder of her devotees. The Virgin is placed on a grand “arco” heavily decorated with flowers. All the participants danced to the tune of “fandanggo.” From the church the caracol passes the main road of the town going towards the direction of Barrio Wawa where the Virgin is boarded on a big and well decorated fishing boat. Brass band from neighboring towns is hired to provide music to the dancers. Banners of the different parcipating “basnig” carried by their respective crewmens during the caracol swaying to the tune of fandanggo. Thousands of people from Rosario and nearby town participate in this event year after year. Most of them dance during the caracol to express their gratitude to God for the favors received through the Virgin. Some have their petitions asking for particulars favors. It is very remarkable that while the people dance to the joyful tune there is a certain degree of solemnity which distinguishes it from ordinary mardi-gras.
Once the Virgin has boarded the boat, she sails along the coastal areas of Rosario towards Barrio Muzon as if to bless the sea along Rosario. Over a hundred “basnig ”(fishing boats) well decorated and filled with people sail around the Marian boat to honor its August passenger. The Virgin disembarks from the boat in Muzon to commemorate her first arrival in our town. From Muzon the caracol goes back to the parish church. Perhaps this practice is a reminiscence of David’s dance when he welcomed the Arc of the Covenant as it approached the Holy City of Jerusalem. David could not contain his joy that he danced around the arc until it reached the gate of Jerusalem. Thus, the caracol has its Biblical basis-an expression of joy for grace-filled moments.
The famous caracol of Rosario caught the attention of Cofradia de Immaculada Concepcion, the organizers of the grand Marian processions in Intramuros. In December 1982, the Virgin and the people of Rosario were invited to participate in the annual Marian Procession in Intramuros. To diffrentiate our patroness from other images with the title of Virgen del Rosario, Don Conrado Escudero one of the organizers, added to her title the word caracol Hence in Intramuros she would be known Nuestra Seῆora del Santisimo Rosario de Caracol. During the said procession hundreds of Rosarian went with their beloved patroness. At a certain point during the procession the brass band from Rosario started to play the proper tune for the Caracol. The people Rosario started to dance with joy and pious devotion. Bystanders and other onlookers affected by the festive mood clapped their hands as Virgin passed in front of them. Even the late Apostolic Nuncio to the Philippines Most Reverend Bruno Torpigliani D.D was deeply touched by the scene. Thus, he commented that this was the first time he witnessed such a tremendous outpouring joy filial devotion to the Virgin Mary.
Through the years, Rosario had undergone tremendous change. Industrialization, especially with the advent of the export processing zone is fast changing the town and its people. Gone are the vast tracts of the farm lands. Fishing has become a major source of livelihood and a very recently factories mostly foreign owned have mushroomed.
People from the different part of the country have migrated to our town while the original inhabitants have left for the United Stated or for some distant lands. Almost every family in our town has one or more members who belonged to the United States Navy. For this reason, it is so easy for their children to migrate to the United States. Inevitably, the migration of the People coming from different regions of the country has its effect on the values, socio-cultural and faith life of our people. The sudden increase in population has changed the face of Rosario economically and socially.
Hence, one of the big challenges facing the Church and the government is how to keep pace with the rapid change and economic progress while preserving the rich socio-cultural and spiritual heritage of the town. Through the years, there has been an apparent weakening of the devotion to our patroness. Now more than ever, the church is faced with the duty to bring new meaning that will help revitalized the century-old devotion and deepen the faith of the people especially in building up a true Christian community where justice, truth ,love, peace and unity reigns.
With the legend and the brief historical sketch of the establishment and development of our town and parish may our celebration of their 150th year anniversary renew and enrich our religious and cultural heritage. May our devotion to Mary be expressed today in our loving service and concern for your neighbor especially the less fortunate ones. Let our fiesta and foundation day be a chance for renewal and a challenge to make Christ as the true King of our hearts and Mary the real Queen of our lives.
SOURCES:
1. “Rosario” taken from the Travelogue, a guide to the Province of Cavite
2. Maximo Encarnacio “Nuestra Seῆora del Rosario ” Salinas Fiesta Souvenir Program,1980
3. Manuel Bravo and Buezta, Diccionario Geografico Estadistico, Historico de las Filipinas, 1882
4. Guia Official de Filipinas,1982
5. Constancio Quijano ”Rosario ” This week, February 12,1961
6. Documents from 14 C9 1866 Manila, Archdiocesa Archives San Carlos Seminar research done by Mr. Regalado Trota
Jose former Curator of Ayala Musuem
7. Isagani R. Medina, Cavite Before the Revolution (1571-1896) CSSP Publication,1994
8. Alfredo Saulo and Esteban de Ocampo, History of Cavite published by the Provincial Government of Cavite, 1985
ABOUT THE AUTHOR
Rev. Fr. Virgilio Saenz Mendoza of Cavite served as assistant parish priest of Rosario from June 1983 to August 1984. He was born in Cavite city on February 7, 1957 to Pedro Mendoza y Javinal of Noveleta, Cavite and Concha Saenz y Gonzales of Corregidor Island. He has two siblings, Rolando and Divinia. He finished his primary education in San Roque Elementary School and his secondary education at Cavite national High School. He entered the Our Lady of the Pillar Seminary in Imus and after a year he transferred to Tahanan ng Mabuting Pastol in Tagaytay City where he finished his priestly formation. He finished his academic studies at the Divine Word Seminary where he got the degree of AB Philosphy in 1977 and 1983 he was granted the diploma Baccalaureate in Sacred Theology by the Pontifical Urban University. He was ordained priest on June 4, 1983 by the late Bishop Felix Paz Perez, D.D. in San Roque, Cavite City. Fr. Mendoza loves history especially Philippine and Cavite history. His love for history inspired him to trace his genealogy. He traces his ancestry from Rosario. His maternal great-great grandfather, Don Teodoro Gonzales was appointed as gobernadorcillo of Rosario in 1858 and 1862. He was married to Doῆa Florentina Solis. One of his children, Don Andres Gonzales was married to the sister of Major Gregorio Jocson of Naic. Don Andres the great-great grandfather of Fr. Mendoza became gobernadorcillo of naic, Cavite. Through Don Teodoro Gonzales, Fr. Mendoza is related to the big families of Abundo, Avanceῆa, Castro and Raqueῆo of Rosario. Maestrong Teban Gonzales was nephew of Don Teodoro.
Fr. Mendoza served as assistant parish priest of Silang Cavite, 1984-85, parish priest of Magallanes Cavite, 1985-87 and parish priest of Sto.Niῆo de Molino, Bacoor, Cavite; St. Francis of Assisi Parish, Gen. Trias (Malabon), Cavite, and is currently in-charge of Immaculate Conception Parish in Naic, Cavite.
Once the Virgin has boarded the boat, she sails along the coastal areas of Rosario towards Barrio Muzon as if to bless the sea along Rosario. Over a hundred “basnig ”(fishing boats) well decorated and filled with people sail around the Marian boat to honor its August passenger. The Virgin disembarks from the boat in Muzon to commemorate her first arrival in our town. From Muzon the caracol goes back to the parish church. Perhaps this practice is a reminiscence of David’s dance when he welcomed the Arc of the Covenant as it approached the Holy City of Jerusalem. David could not contain his joy that he danced around the arc until it reached the gate of Jerusalem. Thus, the caracol has its Biblical basis-an expression of joy for grace-filled moments.
The famous caracol of Rosario caught the attention of Cofradia de Immaculada Concepcion, the organizers of the grand Marian processions in Intramuros. In December 1982, the Virgin and the people of Rosario were invited to participate in the annual Marian Procession in Intramuros. To diffrentiate our patroness from other images with the title of Virgen del Rosario, Don Conrado Escudero one of the organizers, added to her title the word caracol Hence in Intramuros she would be known Nuestra Seῆora del Santisimo Rosario de Caracol. During the said procession hundreds of Rosarian went with their beloved patroness. At a certain point during the procession the brass band from Rosario started to play the proper tune for the Caracol. The people Rosario started to dance with joy and pious devotion. Bystanders and other onlookers affected by the festive mood clapped their hands as Virgin passed in front of them. Even the late Apostolic Nuncio to the Philippines Most Reverend Bruno Torpigliani D.D was deeply touched by the scene. Thus, he commented that this was the first time he witnessed such a tremendous outpouring joy filial devotion to the Virgin Mary.
Through the years, Rosario had undergone tremendous change. Industrialization, especially with the advent of the export processing zone is fast changing the town and its people. Gone are the vast tracts of the farm lands. Fishing has become a major source of livelihood and a very recently factories mostly foreign owned have mushroomed.
People from the different part of the country have migrated to our town while the original inhabitants have left for the United Stated or for some distant lands. Almost every family in our town has one or more members who belonged to the United States Navy. For this reason, it is so easy for their children to migrate to the United States. Inevitably, the migration of the People coming from different regions of the country has its effect on the values, socio-cultural and faith life of our people. The sudden increase in population has changed the face of Rosario economically and socially.
Hence, one of the big challenges facing the Church and the government is how to keep pace with the rapid change and economic progress while preserving the rich socio-cultural and spiritual heritage of the town. Through the years, there has been an apparent weakening of the devotion to our patroness. Now more than ever, the church is faced with the duty to bring new meaning that will help revitalized the century-old devotion and deepen the faith of the people especially in building up a true Christian community where justice, truth ,love, peace and unity reigns.
With the legend and the brief historical sketch of the establishment and development of our town and parish may our celebration of their 150th year anniversary renew and enrich our religious and cultural heritage. May our devotion to Mary be expressed today in our loving service and concern for your neighbor especially the less fortunate ones. Let our fiesta and foundation day be a chance for renewal and a challenge to make Christ as the true King of our hearts and Mary the real Queen of our lives.
SOURCES:
1. “Rosario” taken from the Travelogue, a guide to the Province of Cavite
2. Maximo Encarnacio “Nuestra Seῆora del Rosario ” Salinas Fiesta Souvenir Program,1980
3. Manuel Bravo and Buezta, Diccionario Geografico Estadistico, Historico de las Filipinas, 1882
4. Guia Official de Filipinas,1982
5. Constancio Quijano ”Rosario ” This week, February 12,1961
6. Documents from 14 C9 1866 Manila, Archdiocesa Archives San Carlos Seminar research done by Mr. Regalado Trota
Jose former Curator of Ayala Musuem
7. Isagani R. Medina, Cavite Before the Revolution (1571-1896) CSSP Publication,1994
8. Alfredo Saulo and Esteban de Ocampo, History of Cavite published by the Provincial Government of Cavite, 1985
ABOUT THE AUTHOR
Rev. Fr. Virgilio Saenz Mendoza of Cavite served as assistant parish priest of Rosario from June 1983 to August 1984. He was born in Cavite city on February 7, 1957 to Pedro Mendoza y Javinal of Noveleta, Cavite and Concha Saenz y Gonzales of Corregidor Island. He has two siblings, Rolando and Divinia. He finished his primary education in San Roque Elementary School and his secondary education at Cavite national High School. He entered the Our Lady of the Pillar Seminary in Imus and after a year he transferred to Tahanan ng Mabuting Pastol in Tagaytay City where he finished his priestly formation. He finished his academic studies at the Divine Word Seminary where he got the degree of AB Philosphy in 1977 and 1983 he was granted the diploma Baccalaureate in Sacred Theology by the Pontifical Urban University. He was ordained priest on June 4, 1983 by the late Bishop Felix Paz Perez, D.D. in San Roque, Cavite City. Fr. Mendoza loves history especially Philippine and Cavite history. His love for history inspired him to trace his genealogy. He traces his ancestry from Rosario. His maternal great-great grandfather, Don Teodoro Gonzales was appointed as gobernadorcillo of Rosario in 1858 and 1862. He was married to Doῆa Florentina Solis. One of his children, Don Andres Gonzales was married to the sister of Major Gregorio Jocson of Naic. Don Andres the great-great grandfather of Fr. Mendoza became gobernadorcillo of naic, Cavite. Through Don Teodoro Gonzales, Fr. Mendoza is related to the big families of Abundo, Avanceῆa, Castro and Raqueῆo of Rosario. Maestrong Teban Gonzales was nephew of Don Teodoro.
Fr. Mendoza served as assistant parish priest of Silang Cavite, 1984-85, parish priest of Magallanes Cavite, 1985-87 and parish priest of Sto.Niῆo de Molino, Bacoor, Cavite; St. Francis of Assisi Parish, Gen. Trias (Malabon), Cavite, and is currently in-charge of Immaculate Conception Parish in Naic, Cavite.