Manila Archbishop Jose F. Cardinal Advincula D.D., called the faithful to embody Mary’s queenship through communion, motherhood and charity during the Episcopal Coronation of Our Lady of the Most Holy Rosary at Santissimo Rosario Parish, UST, Espana, Manila last October 4, 2026.
In his homily, Cardinal Advincula said the coronation of the Marian image recognizes not only the intensity of the parish’s devotion but also Mary’s queenship as the mother of Jesus Christ, the King.
He identified communion as the first virtue of Mary’s queenship, pointing to the disciples who gathered in prayer after the Ascension of Jesus with Mary among them as an image of the early Church united in faith and waiting for the Holy Spirit.
Cardinal Advincula connected this communion with the Holy Rosary, which brings the faithful into communion with Christ, Mary and the Church while strengthening relationships within families and communities. In a world that is “more connected technologically, but isolated personally,” he urged the faithful to let the Rosary teach them to listen to one another, pray for one another and remain with one another.
The Cardinal also called the parish to become an agent of communion by choosing reconciliation and solidarity over division and by welcoming and accompanying those who feel abandoned or alienated.
He then presented motherhood as the second virtue of Mary’s queenship, emphasizing that Mary not only gave birth to Jesus Christ but also becomes a life-bearer for the Church through her presence, prayers and maternal care.
Cardinal Advincula said Mary’s presence offers encouragement to those who are hopeless, grieving, anxious or weary, while the mysteries of the Rosary teach Christians to welcome life, remain faithful amid suffering and trust in the triumph of life over death. “Let us bear Christ to one another, especially those among us who are forlorn and forgotten, discouraged and distressed,” he said, calling the faithful to become signs of hope and bearers of life like Mary.
Charity, which the Cardinal identified as the third virtue of Mary’s queenship, calls the faithful to recognize the dignity of people whom society often overlooks, particularly the poor, vulnerable and marginalized. Reflecting on the prophet Micah’s description of Bethlehem as a small and seemingly insignificant place, Cardinal Advincula emphasized that God looks toward those who are disregarded and discarded with mercy and love. He connected this message with the mysteries of the Rosary, which reveal Christ’s solidarity with the poor, sick, sinners, children, widows and strangers, as well as his identification with human suffering and the ultimate triumph of love and charity. “Whenever we pray the Rosary, we are brought to charity and service,” Cardinal Advincula said, urging the faithful to let their devotion to Our Lady flow into concrete acts of assistance for people who are needy and underprivileged.
As the image of Our Lady was crowned, the Cardinal called the faithful to seek Mary’s maternal help so they may become “agents of unity, bearers of life, and missionaries of assistance for one another.”
Photo by Kyler Bernardo / RCAM Media | Photogallery
