NOVENA TO OUR LADY OF THE PILLAR
This Novena Prayer consists of nine days of prayer addressed to Mary, Our Lady of the Pillar, reciting the Hail Marys and seeking her intercession for specific intentions. This devotion is particularly strong in Zamboanga City, Imus, Cavite, and Zaragoza in Spain—where this Marian devotion originated.
In the Philippines, this devotion is also widespread, with Our Lady of the Pillar venerated as the patroness of several parishes and municipalities. In fact, seven towns are named “Pilar” in her honor, located in the provinces of Abra, Bataan, Bohol, Capiz, Cebu, Surigao del Norte, and Sorsogon. As in Spain, her feast day is celebrated on October 12.
According to tradition, the Blessed Virgin Mary appeared to the Apostle St. James the Greater while he was preaching in Spain, sometime before her bodily Assumption into heaven.
This Novena includes scriptural references to the Blessed Virgin Mary, a reflection on her role in salvation history, the Hymn to Our Lady, and a prayer composed by Saint John Paul II to Mary, Most Holy Virgin of the Pillar.
