Ina ng Awa ng Novaliches
Our Beloved Patroness, Our Mother of Mercy
Who Is Ina ng Awa?
Ina ng Awa, or Our Lady of Mercy, is the beloved Marian title under which the faithful of Novaliches have long called upon the Blessed Virgin Mary. She is the patroness, protector, and spiritual mother of the people in this historic community. Referred to with deep affection and devotion as Ina (Mother), she is seen not only as the guardian of the town but also as a merciful intercessor who leads souls to the compassion and love of her Son, Jesus Christ.
A Devotion Rooted in Mercy
The devotion to Our Lady of Mercy traces back to September 24, 1218, when the Blessed Virgin Mary appeared in a vision to St. Peter Nolasco, St. Raymond of Peñafort, and King James I of Aragon. She urged them to establish a religious order whose mission was to ransom Christians enslaved by the Moors—a bold act of mercy. From this vision, the Order of the Blessed Virgin Mary of Mercy (also known as the Mercedarians) was born.
Though the historical context of captivity has changed, the spiritual message of liberation and mercy remains timeless. Today, the devotion speaks to those seeking freedom from sin, healing from life’s burdens, and protection in spiritual battles.
Ina ng Awa Comes to Novaliches
When the Augustinian missionaries established a parish in what was then a young and developing pueblo, they brought with them various devotions to Our Lady. In 1856, the town was placed under the patronage of Nuestra Señora de la Merced (Our Lady of Mercy), and the Parroquia de Nuestra Señora de la Merced de Novaliches was founded.
From that moment on, Ina ng Awa became a central figure in the faith life of the community. Through wars, revolutions, and social upheavals, the devotion to her never waned. Instead, it grew stronger—passed down through generations as families sought her maternal care in times of both joy and suffering.
The Heart of Novaliches
More than just a title, Ina ng Awa embodies the mercy and maternal love that have become the soul of Novaliches. She is invoked during personal trials, family problems, illnesses, and urgent needs. Countless devotees testify to her intercession and consolation, which is why Saturday Devotions, Novenas, and Pagmamanto are so deeply rooted in the shrine’s life today.
In 2020, Bishop Roberto Gaa officially recognized what the people of Novaliches had long believed: Our Lady of Mercy is the “Ina ng Novaliches,” the Mother of this town and its people. She is now the Secondary Patroness of the entire Diocese, second only to the Good Shepherd, the Cathedral’s titular patron.
A National Shrine, A National Devotion
In 2021, the Holy See granted the Canonical Coronation of her image—affirming the centuries-old devotion of the faithful. In 2024, the parish was officially elevated by the CBCP to the National Shrine and Parish of Our Lady of Mercy, a designation that honors not only her miraculous intercession but also the people’s unwavering love for Ina ng Awa.
Why Devote to Ina ng Awa?
To devote yourself to Ina ng Awa is to entrust your life to a Mother who never forgets her children. She brings all prayers and needs to Jesus, interceding with a mercy that transforms pain into peace, doubt into faith, and sorrow into hope. Her mantle has covered Novaliches for more than 150 years—and it is open to all who seek her help today.
“Ina ng Awa, ina ng Novaliches—pray for us.”
Join us in honoring Our Lady every Saturday at 3:00 PM for the Devotion and Novena, led by the Cofradía De Nuestra De Señora Dela Merced De Novaliches