Mary Mother of the Church: Reflection # 3 on my Personal Pilgrimage

One of the distinguishing mark of the ancient church is its devotion to the Virgin Mary. This is the reason why Roman Catholics and the Orthodox Churches has an enduring devotion to the Virgin Mary. In the Ecumenical Council of Ephesus in 431, the Church declared Mary as the "Bearer of God" or in Greek Theotokus. Because Christ whom she bore is one person with two natures. And Christ is Divine. This assertion affirms the Divinity of Christ which in ancient timew were disputed by heretics who taught that Christ was not totally God or only part a man and part God. The council affirmed that in Christ there is only one person. Furthermore it also affirmed the Creed of Nicea. The term Theotokus was formulated by the Council to contradict Nestorius who called Mary the Christotokus. Our devotion to Mary must always be seen in the context of our Christology. Mary's significance is always connected to her Son as foretold by Genesis 3:15. There is only one Mediator and Savior - Jesus Christ. Mary by her obedience and submission to God's will cooperated in the plan of Salvation.

Let me take you again to one interesting place in Naga City - the Cathedral, the seat of the Archbishop of Caceres: [Photos belong to Dr. Herbert R.]

The Statue of St. John the Evangelist in the Courtyard of the Cathedral. St. John the Evangelist is the Titular of the Cathedral Parish of the Archdiocese of Caceres.

Another View of the Massive, Fortress-like Cathedral

Another view of the Cathedral

Steel Gate of the Cathedral with Commemorative Seal of the Jubilee Year 2000

The Door of the Church with the Inscription indicating the Founding of the Diocese of Caceres in 1595. The Image of St. Peter Baptist carved on the Woode Door. St. Peter Baptist is the Principal Patron of the Archdiocese

Courtyard of the Cathedral, seen is the Minor Seminary of the Holy Rosary, Declared by the Philippine Historical Commission as a National Landmark.

Universidad De Santa Isabel. A University founded by the Vincentians, Asia's first Normal School. Orginally established as an all girls school. Dedicated to honor St. Elizabeth of Hungary.

Across the Street from the Catheral is the Archbishop's Palace. Seen Flying from the balcony are the Flags and Embelms of the Holy See, the Philippines and the Archdiocese of Caceres.

Statue of St. Peter Baptist, principal patron of the Archdiocese of Caceres.

St. John the Evangelist

Pavillion at the middle of the Courtyard

The Cathedral

The Easter Pagoda on the Background is the Holy Rosary Minor Seminary