by Clyde Ericson Nolasco
On September 1, 2023, the Diocesan Shrine and Parish of San Vicente Ferrer Cabuyao, Laguna happily welcomed the first class relic of their patron saint St. Vicent Ferrer. The celebration started with a motorcade in the area of Cabuyao then continued with the welcoming rite and enshrinement
Dominican Friar
Born in Valencia, Spain, St. Vincent is known as a missionary of the Order of Preachers or of the Dominicans.
He evangelized to nearly all the provinces of Spain. He also preached in France, Italy, Germany, Flanders, England, Scotland, and Ireland. His great works were accompanied by miracles brought about by God through him. He witnessed and lived through the great schisms that later ended.
The holy man was born in 1419 and was canonized by Pope Calixtus in 1455. His feast day is every April 5.
St. Vincent Shrine Founded in 1946, the Parish of St. Vincent Ferrer is under the Diocese of San Pablo.
Later on, it was declared a Diocesan Shrine on March 26, 2010 during its consecration and dedication.
According to their local tradition, the image of St. Vincent Ferrer was found beneath the branches of a huge Balete tree. The image was a property of Mr. and Mrs. Jose Bella. The people returned the statue to the owners many times but to no avail. They would still find the image of the saint by the tree. Hence, they built a chapel in the area which is now the site of the present-day church.
Each year, the image draws thousands of devotees and pilgrims as many miracles of healing are associated with it.
May the first class relic (ex ossibus) from the bone of St. Vincent Ferrer strengthen the faith of the devotees and pilgrims.