Miracles in Lipa

It is said that the early Lipeños were Buddhist in religion and Indian in civilization while influences coming from other races also became inevitable due to the not so infrequent contacts with traders and merchants coming from China. With the Spanish conquest of the region, the Lipeños were also forced to embrace the Hispanic Christian culture of the West. This is the reason why they say that in Lipa, “the East also meets the West.” And that is how Lipeños become Roman Catholic in religion taking almost 95% of Lipa City's population.

Lipa City is also known as Little Rome of the Philippines because of so many churches located in Lipa. One of these is the famous Our Lady of Mt. Carmel Church.

Unlike the many century-old churches in Lipa and neighboring towns, the church looks relatively modern. No intricate embellishments and excessive decorations are noticeable. Unlike many of the old Catholic churches, it is not dim inside the church. The plain cream facade and the clean, white painted interiors reflect more light that enters its windows.

Our Lady of Mt. Carmel Church – this church became famous due to the miraculous shower of rose petals during 1948. This is also known for the apparition of the Blessed Virgin Mary as Mary Mediatrix of All Grace to a Carmelite Novice, Teresita Castillo.

On September 12, 1948, at five in the afternoon, nun Teresita Castillo was at the garden when she saw a vine shake and heard a female voice speak to her: “Fear not my child. Kiss the ground. Whatever I tell you to do, you must do. For fifteen consecutive days, come to visit me here in this spot. Eat some grass, my child.”

The Garden where the Lady Mediatrix of All Grace appeared to Teresita Castillo

Castillo followed what she was told. The next day,  again at 5pm, she returned to the site. As she was saying the Hail Mary — right when she was at the phrase “full of grace” — the vine shook again and a lady in pure white with a cloth belt and a white veil that reached her feet, stepping on what looked like clouds, appeared before her. A golden rosary was said to be hanging from the lady’s right hand. The lady told her to have that spot in the garden blessed. Castillo shared the lady’s wishes with the Mother Priores Ma. Cecilia de Jesus, who then asked Lipa’s auxiliary bishop, Most Reverend Alfredo Obviar to heed the request. It was the start of the many miracles that took place at the Carmel Monastery including the very first shower of rose petals on September 14.

Of course, not everyone is convinced. Controversies surrounded the events in 1948.

Regardless, many devotees — especially those who claim to have experienced the shower of petals — believe that the happenings in 1948 were miraculous and heavenly.

We suggest for you to visit the church in Lipa City and experience the simple and religious life of Lipeños.

If you want to live and be a Lipeño, why not choose Lumina Lipa. You may visit our fb account
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Or call
lumina lipa: 09175125697/ 09989607126