Bishop Jesse Mercado of Parañaque on Wednesday declared the Blessed Virgin Mary, under the title of Nuestra Señora del Buen Suceso, as the “principal patroness” of the entire diocese.

In his declaration, the bishop noted the faithful’s long-standing devotion to Our Lady of the Good Event over the last 400 years.

“With her maternal protection, the clergy, religious, and laity of the diocese have grown in faith and trust in God’s presence, and are increased daily by the Church’s sacraments…” Mercado wrote in a decree signed Nov. 29.

The decree was announced during yesterday’s Mass at St. Andrew’s Cathedral in Parañaque City, where the revered image of the patroness is enthroned.

Mercado also said that the profound love for Our Lady led to the canonical coronation of her image in 2000.

The wooden image of Nuestra Señora del Buen Suceso was brought to the Philippines by Spanish Augustinian missionaries and enthroned at the Parañaque Cathedral in 1625.

The statue soon became a beacon of hope and faith for many, as stories of miracles attributed to the Blessed Mother’s intercession began to spread.

Devotion to Our Lady of Buen Suceso is actively being promoted by the diocese.