Our Lady of piat now formally known as Nuestra Señora de Piat is a 16th century Roman Catholic icon of the Blessed Virgin Mary. In the province of Cagayan, Philippines the central figure at the altar of her shrine can be found in the municipality of Piat. It is locally known as the patroness of the town. The Mother of Cagayan is what she is referred to and is one of the most adored Marian images of Mary in the Republic of the Philippines. One of the most honored and loved image among Catholics is the image of Our Lady of Piat. A line of devotees are flocking everyday to the shrine just to touch the image’s feet seeking for her interventions. Among Her devotees includes the rich and powerful in offering the Blessed Virgin’s shrine with donations and gifts.
She was originally termed by the Dominican friars as Nuestra Señora del Santissimo Rosario or the Our Lady of the Rosary. Several miracles including an end to a drought that threatened famine in the Itawes region has been has been attributed to the lady. With thousands of devotees and tourists who come here to pay tribute and respect, Piat is now entitled as the “Pilgrimage Center of Cagayan Valley”. For many Catholics in the region, the lady continues to be the source of inspiration and object of devotion.
Its color being brown or “muy morena”, the lady is also specified as the “Black Virgin Mary” and was referred to as the appealing characteristics of the Blessed Virgin.
One of the oldest marian images in the Philippines is the Our Lady of Piat. She was designated as the “Queen of Heaven and Earth” on June 20, 1954 in a ceremony led by papal delegate Egidio Vagnozzi. “Yena Tam Ngamin” (Mother of Us All) is how Ibanags call her and she is acknowledged as “Apo Baket” (Grand Matriarch) to the natives of Piat.
On June 22, 1999, the sanctuary was lifted us Basilica Minore (Minor Basilica) and was recognized from Rome. It was the first basilica minore in the region and the fourth in the Philippines. The rites was officiated by the Vatican's representative, Antonio Maria Cardinal Javierre Ortas. A santacruzan was also sponsored by Department of Tourism in celebration of the Basilica. A weeklong special prayers and services was also held in 29 parishes in the province, a Marian choral contest at the St. Paul University in Tuguegarao, medical mission, grand procession of all the images of patron saints and the Our Lady and a cultural show on the documented miracles of the Virgin of Piat.
The Basilica of Our Lady of Piat is located in the town of Piat, 30 minutes away by land from Tuguegarao City or 41 kilometers northwest of Tuguegarao City. This pilgrimage site attracts a large number of devotees especially on July 1 and 2 when the feast of Nuestra Señora de Piat or the Sambali Festival is celebrated.
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