National Shrine Of Our Lady Of The Visitation Of Guibang

The National Shrine of Our Lady of the Visitation of Guibang is a parish church and pilgrimage site in Gamu, Isabela, Philippines. It is dedicated to the image of the Blessed Virgin Mary of Guibang, which was found floating near the riverbank of Barangay Guibang in 1905. The image of Our Lady of Guibang is a replica of the Our Lady of the Visitation of Piat, and is depicted as a dark-skinned Madonna holding the Child Jesus, who wears a pilgrim's hat and carries a basket and a jug. The image symbolizes the maternal care and providence of Mary for her children.

The image was crowned by the Papal Nuncio to the Philippines on May 26, 1973, and the church was declared as a national shrine by the Catholic Bishops Conference of the Philippines on January 26, 1986. The shrine is considered to be one of the most venerated Marian images in northern Philippines.

The shrine is also rich in history and culture, as it was once a trading post for the Japanese, who were allied with the native Ibanag people in the 16th century. It was also the site of the 1582 Cagayan battles, which were fought between Spanish soldiers and Japanese ronin (masterless samurai). The shrine attracts thousands of pilgrims every year, especially during its feast day on July 2. The shrine also offers various attractions and activities for visitors, such as a museum, a chapel, a fountain, and a zipline.