User:Mmoreen

Filipino Catholic Superstitions

Roman Catholicism in the Philippines

The Spaniards’ biggest impact was the spread of Roman Catholicism during its reign of the Philippine islands from the 15th to 18th century. The pre-Hispanic belief system was composed of gods, spirits, and creatures that were based on aspects of nature such as trees, mountains, and seas. This was also an essential factor in determining the social hierarchy in their respective communities. However, this belief system did not cover the rest of the country as Mindanao had already established themselves as devout Muslims. With the arrival of the Spaniards, countless wars had been waged as  Spain’s primary goal was to convert the Filipinos into Christianity. Thus, they were mostly in conflict with the southern islands as they were firm believers of Islam. Nevertheless, Spain has succeeded in converting the other two islands, namely Luzon and Visayas, into Christianity over its 333 year reign. Now, the Philippines is the only Christian nation in Asia and 86 percent of its population is Roman Catholic while 4 percent are Muslims that are mostly in the southern islands. Filipino beliefs started from dieties found in nature to the patron saints acknowledged by the Catholic Church. It is well known how deeply religious Filinos are and that is why their faith is clearly reflected on their everyday lives. This is evident in different aspects of Filipino culture such as festivals, traditions, and superstitious beliefs which are heavily influenced by Christianity.

Pencil Offering to St. Jude

National Shrine of Saint Jude Thaddeus or Saint Jude Parish (originally known as Espíritu Santo Chinese Parish)

St. Jude Thaddeus

St. Jude Thaddeus was one of the 12 apostles, and is known as the patron saint of desperate causes, desperate situations, and lost causes. The shrine of Saint Jude can be found near the university belt and Malacañang Palace, at Mendiola, Manila.

It is very common among the residents of Manila, and students of the many universities nearby, that St. Jude Thaddeus is the one to turn to before examinations. Given that he is the patron saint and hope of desperate cases, it became a common practice among students to flock the shrine every Thursday to attend mass, pray the novena, and have their writing materials blessed. Thursdays have been designated for the celebration of St. Jude, and even the school of St. Jude (located behind the shrine) treats Thursdays as a weekend (no school day) in place of Saturdays.

The Obando Fertility Rites

The Parish of San Pascual Baylon and Diocesan Shrine of Nuestra Señora Inmaculada Concepcion de Salambao (also known as the Obando Church)

It is a dance ritual done by couples that wish to conceive a child. This ritual is held every May 17-19 each year by San Pascual Baylon Church. Although the origins of the fertility dance is uncertain, it is believed that the ritual is a Christianized version of a pre-Christian fertility celebration called kasilonawan. This dance serves as a form of prayer to honor the three saints of Obando, namely, Saint Paschal, Saint Clare, and Our Lady of Salambáo.

Saint Clare of Assisi

Saint Clare of Assisi is the oldest declared patron saint of Obando (formerly, Catanghalan) and is known as the patroness of good weather. As the Spanish Franciscans came to the Philippines, they replaced the pre-colonial Tagalog god of conception, Diyan Masalanta, and transformed the Kasilonawan dancing ritual into the offering of fandango to Saint Claire to prevent or cure sterility in women. Eventually, St. Clare also became the patroness of individuals seeking a mate and to have children, particularly daughters.

Saint Paschal

Saint Paschal is also a patron saint of fertility, wealth and abundance. His patronage of childless couples who wish to have a child—particularly sons—began when a childless couple from the town of Hagonoy met a young man selling crabs who advised them to participate in the Rites of Obando. Upon entering the Obando Church and seeing Saint Paschal’s image, they were amazed because it looked exactly like the crab vendor.

Our Lady of Salambáo

Our Lady of Salambáo In contrast to the other two saints, Our Lady of Salambáo is known as the patroness of fishing and of good harvest. Legend has it that three fishermen (namely, Juan, julián, and Diego dela Cruz) caught the image of Virgin Mary in their salambaw. When they decided to bring the image to the town of Navotas, their boat suddenly grew heavy and immobile. As they turned to go back to Obando, the boat lightened which was assumed to be a sign that the relic wanted to be enshrined in Obando church.

Faith Testimonies can be found here.

Wattah Wattah Festival

The Wattah Wattah Festival (also known as the Basaan Festival) in San Juan, Metro Manila

Wattah Wattah Festival, otherwise known as the Basaan Festival, is celebrated yearly on June 24 in San Juan City to honor St. John the Baptist. In this celebration, the community, mostly consisting of those with Catholic faith, generously douses one another with water to commemorate one's own baptism as well as that of Jesus at the River Jordan, which was performed by St. John. Several activities including parades, dance competitions, concerts, and games are prepared to complete this festive celebration.

St. John the Baptist

St. John the Baptist is an evangelist and known to have baptized Jesus Christ -- who St. John was also distinguished to be the forerunner to. With this, he played a significant role in the preparation of the people for the coming of the Messiah through preachings of repentance and baptism. Devotees of St. John the Baptist gather and partake in this yearly Wattah Wattah festival not only as a recollective of the sacrament of baptism, but also with the belief that dousing water on one another is a way of sharing the blessings received.

Other than baptism, St. John is also known to be the patron saint of conversion, builders, tailors, and those in need of healing from seizures.

St. Padre Pio, Miracle worker

National Shrine of Padre Pio in Sto. Tomas, Batangas

St. Padre Pio

St. Padre Pio was a Capuchin friar that was known for having stigmata, which are wounds on his hands and feet similar to the ones that Jesus Christ had. He was canonized by Pope John Paul II in 2002. Even before his canonization, he was already considered a miracle-worker and is often venerated as one.

The National Shrine of St. Padre Pio is located in Santo Tomas, Batangas. The shrine initially began as the chapel of Barangay San Pedro on June 28, 2003 and was later on transferred to a 16-hectare land that was donated by Mr. Ernesto and Mrs. Adelaida Gonzaga. On July 11, 2015, the shrine was declared as the National Shrine of St. Padre Pio. Because of St. Padre Pio’s reputation as a miracle worker, devotees flock in the shrine in order to pray for healing, miracles, and peace of mind especially during his feast day every 23rd of September.

Saint Anthony of Padua

Saint Anthony

The Church of Pila, also known as the San Antonio de Padua Parish Church

Saint Anthony is known by many titles. He is a patron of the poor and a Doctor of the Church. However, he is particularly known for aiding those that seek his help in finding lost items.

This belief stems from the incident when a novice took a psalter St. Anthony was using. The novice, due to St. Anthony’s deep prayers, saw an apparition of St. Anthony and returned the psalter.

Although St. Anthony’s feast day is June 13th, his aid can be called upon whenever it is needed. The prayer practiced when one calls for the aid of St. Anthony is as follows: “St. Anthony, please look around; something is lost and must be found.” By practicing this prayer in time of need, the lost item is believed to be found through the help of this patron saint of lost things.