Minor Basilica of Our Lady of Piat

Minor Basilica of Our Lady of Piat is a Roman Catholic church that is located in the town of Piat, Cagayan Province, in the Cagayan Valley region of the Philippines. It is one of the most famous pilgrimage sites in the country, as it houses the image of Our Lady of Piat, also known as the Black Virgin Mary.

The church was built in 1954 and was elevated to the status of a minor basilica in 1999 by Pope John Paul II. The church has a neo-Romanesque style, with a red brick facade, a rose window, and two bell towers. The church has a spacious interior, with a high ceiling, stained glass windows, and marble columns. The church also has a museum that displays the history and miracles of Our Lady of Piat.

The image of Our Lady of Piat is a wooden statue that depicts the Virgin Mary holding the Child Jesus. The statue is about three feet tall and has a dark complexion, which is attributed to the smoke from candles and incense over the years. The statue is dressed in an elaborate gown and crown, and is adorned with jewels and flowers. The statue is placed on a silver pedestal behind the main altar of the church.

The image of Our Lady of Piat was brought to the Philippines from Macau by Augustinian missionaries in 1604. It was originally enshrined in Nueva Segovia (now Lal-lo), but was transferred to Piat in 1623 due to frequent flooding. The image was venerated by the natives, especially the Itawes, who believed that it brought them protection and blessings. The image was also credited with many miracles, such as healing the sick, granting petitions, and averting calamities.

The image of Our Lady of Piat is also known as the Mother of Cagayan and the Queen of Heaven and Earth. It is celebrated every July 2 with a grand procession and fiesta. Thousands of devotees from all over the country and abroad flock to Piat to pay homage and express their gratitude to Our Lady of Piat. The image is also brought to different towns and cities in Cagayan Valley for pastoral visits throughout the year.

Minor Basilica of Our Lady of Piat is not only a place to pray and worship, but also a place to appreciate the history and culture of Cagayan Province. It showcases the rich heritage and faith of the people who live in this region, such as the Ibanags, Ilocanos, Itawes, Gaddangs, Malaues, Agtas, Atas, Yogads, Isnegs, Kalingas and Ibatans. You can also learn more about the religious and artistic significance of the image and its basilica.