The image of La Naval de Manila inside the Santo Domingo Church in Quezon City, October 13, 2024. Jervis Manahan, ABS-CBN NewsMANILA -- More than a century after its canonical coronation, a first in the Philippines, devotion to La Naval de Manila remains strong.

Thousands of devotees joined the Grand Procession of La Naval de Manila around Santo Domingo Church in Quezon City on Sunday.

The Grand Procession honoring La Naval is traditionally done on the second Sunday of October.

"Iba ang kilabot kapag nakita mo na sya, maluluha ka na lang. [Dasal ko po ay] mabuting kalusugan at makatapos ng pag-aaral," said Drew Justin Garampil, a devotee of La Naval de Manila.

(There is an overwhelming feeling when you see her. I am praying for good health and to finish my studies.)

A high mass was officiated by Bishop Honesto Ongtioco prior to the procession.

Devotees came from neighboring cities and provinces to take part in the procession.

"Si Maria ay isang ina, tayong mga Pilipino ay iba ang pagtingin sa mahal na Birhen, iba ang kilabot kasi alam naman natin yung milagrong nagawa ay talagang tinangkilik tayo sa iba't ibang laban ng ating buhay," said Niño Francisco, a devotee of the Virgin.

(The Virgin Mary is a mother, and we Filipinos hold her dearly to our hearts. It's a different feeling because her miracles carried us in several downfalls of our lives.)

The image of La Naval was a witness to many historic events in the country, including the World War 2 and the People Power Revolution.

It is believed to be done by a craftsman in Manila in the 16th century.

La Naval is the first canonically-crowned image of Virgin Mary in the Philippines in 1907, and she is revered as one of the grandest Marian icons in the Philippines.

Images of more than 20 Dominican saints also joined the procession.