More than 2,000 devotees gathered to witness the Pontifical Coronation of the Our Lady of Charity, or Apo Caridad, at the Basilica of the Our Lady of Charity in Agoo, La Union on Friday, December 6, 2024.

The church was packed with people eager to take part in the special event.

Some, like 59-year-old Lydia Manga, could not enter the church but still considered it a blessing to be there.

"Sa kanya lang talaga kami humuhugot ng lakas, inspirasyon namin siya," Manga said.

"We are blessed that Our Lady of Charity, who has given us compassion, love, and strengthened our faith, will be crowned," Agoo Mayor Frank Sibuma said.

The coronation ceremony began at 9:30 a.m., led by Apostolic Nuncio to the Philippines, Most Rev. Charles John Brown, who also delivered the homily.

In his message, the Papal Nuncio highlighted God’s love for humanity and how God chose the Blessed Virgin Mary for a special mission.

"The eyes of God chooses Mary out of all human beings, God chooses her, God's way of choosing is very different from our way of choosing," Brown said.

Following the homily, the coronation of Apo Caridad took place, which was met with cheers and applause from the faithful.

"Itong Pontifical Coronation ay acknowledgement to honor our Blessed Mary," Fr. Albert Feliciano, Assistant Parish Priest, said.