The deeply-revered image of La Inmaculada Concepcion (Immaculate Conception) of Malolos is enshrined at the main altar of the Cathedral-Basilica Minore dedicated to her name. It s a pre-war image done by a native carver, Teodoro Ople, who overcame his humble beginnings—he was an orphan—to become a skilled artisan of note. The image was modeled from the well-known Marian painting of Bartolomé Esteban Murillo,” La Inmaculada Concepcion de los Venerables”
In Murillo's painting, Mary is dressed in a white robe with a blue mantle, her hands crossed over her chest, with a crescent moon at her feet, and eyes raised heavenwards. Her pose-- right knee bent and her weight on her left leg—accentuates the undulating rhythm of the composition. A crescent moon encircles her hidden foot, under voluminous layers of white fabric.
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| FEAST OF IMMACULATE CONCEPTION, 1950s |
Ople’s depiction minimizes the bent foot, to create a more frontal stance, enhanced by the rhythm of the folds and drapes of Her robe and mantle.
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| MALOLOS TOWN FIESTA, 1954 |
The beautifully-sculpted wooden figure of the Immaculate Conception was canonically crowned on 10 March 2012, as granted by Pope Benedict XVI. A flight of steps were built leading to the altar so the image could be touched by devotees.
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| Photo: CHURCHES, BASILICAS & CATHEDRALS in the PHILIPPINES (CBCP) |
A vicaria (replica) image of the Virgin is used for processions while the precioys original image remains in the church for safekeeping. Malolos’ Immaculate Conception is one of the most photographed Marian image in the country, a testament to the profound devotion of Filipinos to the Blessed Mother.
SOURCES:
Diocese of Malolos website: https://dioceseofmalolos.ph/patroness/
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