Dating back to the 17th Century, the image of Our Lady of Charity has been the subject of wonders and miracles to Ilocanos and continues to draw the devout year after year. 

Locally known as Apo Caridad, Our Lady of Charity is referred to as the protrectress of Ilocandia’s crops and harvest from pestilence and natural calamities. The miraculous statue is widely known for precipitating rain in times of drought.

Origin of Our Lady of Charity

An old tale is said to explain the origin of Our Lady of Charity. In 1the 7th century, three men set out to collect sea salt for preserving meat for copper miners. Before they reached the cove of Nipe, a strong storm came which ruined their canoes. While they encamped themselves, they saw a small bundle floating on a piece of wood. They retrieved it and found a small statue of Mother Mary holding the infant Jesus on her left arm and a gold cross on her right. Inscribed on the wooden board were the words "Yo soy la Virgen de la Caridad" or "I am the Virgin of Charity."

In the Philippines, the image of Our Lady of Charity or Apo Caridad de Agoo is enshrined at the Basilica in Agoo, La Union, and the other image also called as Apo Caridad de Bantay is at the Parish Church of Bantay, Ilocos Sur.

The prodigy of Apo Caridad de Agoo and Apo Caridad de Bantay

Apo Caridad de Agoo is also referred to as Our Lady of Cord because there is a cord around its waistline in the Augustinian cincture, with likeness to the cincture of San Agustin Church in Manila. Caridad was the name given to her by the Ilocano devotees in gratitude for favors received from her charitable hand. The faithful believed that their rich land and sea resources are because of the infinite charity and compassion for them by Our Lady of Charity.

Apo Caridad de Bantay is also called as the Guardian of Fields, and is one of the oldest Marian images in Ilocandia. It is also carved from hardwood but had an elongated neck and disproportionately large eyes. It also has cloth vestments tied at the waistline by a cord and an apron. Since Fray Montoya placed the image in the old church, a lot of mysterious granted favors and miracles occurred.

Miracles of Our Lady of Charity
• In 1660, Andres Malong, a Pangasinan chieftain, led an army of 3,000 men consisting of Calansans, Tingguans and Aetas of Zambales that invaded Ilocos and Cagayan. The following year, they sacked the town of Bantay, leaving 800 dead. The Zambals attempted to set fire to the church three times. But fortunately, the fire would not start even if the cogon roof was very dry.
• During World War II, three bombs fell on the roof of the church but not one of them exploded. When other bombs exploded, the walls were destroyed but the statue of the Virgin was unharmed.
• Ms. Nieves narrates that as she was removing the mantle in the process of changing the Virgin's clothes, she found amorseco burs stuck to the lower hem of the dress. She observed further and counted it. They speculated that Apo Caridad went out for a walk.

How to get to La Union?

From Manila there are various bus lines that offer trips to La Union. Air conditioned buses from Dominion Bus Lines, Philippine Rabbit, Partas, Fariñas, Maria de Leon, and Viron depart from terminals in Manila bound for Ilocos. Destinations can either be La Union, Narvacan, Vigan, Laoag or Abra.

San Fernando City, La Union's capital, lies 273 kilometers from Manila. Travel time is about 5 hours by land and 30 minutes by air. Also it is about an hour’s drive from Baguio City.

Getting around La Union! One can take jeepneys and mini-buses with fixed routes. Tricycles are commonly used to access must-see places in-between towns. Rented transportation are also available which will bring you to the city proper.

Nearest Accommodations: There are many inns, pension houses and hotels located in and around San Fernando:
• Oasis Country Resort - Sevilla, San Fernando City, La Union, La Union, Philippines
• Thunderbird Resorts - Poro Point Poro Point Freeport Zone, San Fernando, La Union, La Union, Philippines
• China Sea Beach Resort - China Sea Beach Resort
• Hotel Ariana - Paringao, Bauang, La Union, La Union, Philippines
• Bali Hai Beach Resort - Parungao, Bauang, La Union, La Union, Philippines