The image of the Kasilak was reported to have been originally enthroned in a church in Butuan, Agusan del Norte on September 8, 1597. When the Magindanao, Balangingi, Iranon or Illanon and Laut (pirates from the southern seas) attacked the coastal villages of Mindanao, concerned Butuanons sailed north towards Bohol bringing with them the wooden statue of Our Lady. Unfortunately, the attackers were also wreaking havoc on some communities on the island. The group was determined to sail towards Cebu but the Marian devotees opted to sail towards the western rim of the island, dropping anchor in Sandingan, a tranquil island near mainland Loon.
Upon knowing that a well-established community existed in Napo, the group led by Rev. Fr. Pedro Lopez, SJ brought the image to the latter where it was warmly received and enthroned. This allegedly happened in 1610 (unconfirmed). For several years, the Birhen sa Kasilak was venerated by the Loonanon faithful in this old poblacion of Loon.
In 1753, Fray Manuel de Elizalde of the Jesuit Mission became the first parish priest of the Parroquia de Nuestra Señora de la Luz (Our Lady of Light). In 1768, the Jesuits ceded administration of the parish to the Recollects. Years later, the image of the Kasilak was permanently enthroned in the present church of Loon which was completed around 1855.
The first miracle attributed to the Kasilak happened in the 18th century when a band of pirates sailed towards Napo to loot its houses of valuables. Our Lady allegedly appeared atop the steps of Inang-angan in her most radiant glory. The blinding lights radiating from her forced the intruders to sail away. Since then, countless untold miracles have been experienced by the Loonanon faithful.
Today, SidlaKasilak, Loon’s Festival of Lights, brings back the memory of those days when Our Lady was brought to Loon almost 400 years ago. A few days before September 8, the feast day of the town’s patroness, we Loonanons stage the festival to commemorate the arrival of the image of Our Lady from Butuan.
The “Birhen sa Kasilak†exhorts all of us to seek the True Light, Jesus Christ, especially in these times when selfishness, corruption, indifference and deceit seem to eclipse the real essence of life and living. She also encourages everyone to pass on this Light to all families and communities so that all will live united in a much better world.
Note: The mother parish of Our Lady of Light (Nuestra Señora de la Luz) gave birth to four other parishes, two of them also dedicated to Mary, namely, Mary Help of Christians (Auxilium Christianorum) and Our Lady of Peace and Good Voyage (Nuestra Señora de la Paz y Buen Viaje).
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