Ozamiz is one of those cities that have Spanish relics up until today. One of its main attraction and a religious account is the image of the Blessed Virgin of Cotta that still stands today warding the Port of Ozamiz or the Panguil Bay just beside Fort Santiago. The Blessed Virgin of Cotta of Ozamiz was built in 1755 by Father Jose Ducos in order to serve as the frontier settlement of Spanish rule in Mindanao. Later on, patronage grew which led to the construction of a special chapel inside the walls of the fort. Enclosed in the shrine is the image of the Virgin of the Immaculate Conception wearing pink and blue attire. Outside of the fort facing the bay lays another carved image of the virgin.
The image has been referred to as the “Birhen sa Kotta” or Virgin of the fort but the actual title is “Nuestra Señora de Triunfo” or Our Lady of Triumph. This is the name taken after “Triunfo” which was the flagship of Father Ducos. Before, the feast day of the Virgin of Cotta was set on July 16 and the celebration of the feast was bounded within the walls of the fort. But later on as the number of devotees increased, the feast day became a holy day and a celebration for the entire town.
Virgin of Cotta
The Cross
The carved image of the Virgin of Cotta believed to be miraculous and visited by a lot of devotees especially during the 16th of July and the 8th of December which is the feast of Immaculate Conception. The Virgin of Cotta serves as a guide for mariners and fishermen entering Panguil Bay. A lot of people would light candles which is a tradition for Roman Catholics as they pray to the Virgin of Cotta for peace and prosperity. This is one of statues that are proven to manifest miracles just like Birhen sa Simala and Q Park in Cebu, Lourdes Grotto in Dapitan among many others.
Kids and oldies usually approach the devotees to sell their candles. Candle stands and prayer guides are available at the side of the image. Souvenir items such as rosaries, bracelets and scapulars are for sale nearby at a very affordable price.
The view of the Chapel
Souvenirs
Entrance Gate
Seats at the back for Reflection
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About the author
Mark Anthony Maranga is an Educator-Parent to his 3 Homeschooling Kids. He sells Ice Cream and Balloons in Mandaue City, Cebu. Exploring the Philippines tourist attractions together with his family is his passion; they are learning without borders.
The bas relief in the Fort isn’t the image referred to in history. That’s the modern cement rendering (notice the style). The authentic image of the Virgin Mary brought by the Spaniards in the 1700s being alluded to was stolen in 1975. You may have to double check your information sources. I grew up in Ozamiz so I know. Fyi.
Good day Sir Mark,
I’ve read your biography of our Birhen sa Cotta! 🙂 I would like to ask you the following questions, this is for the benefit our research on “The Etymology of Cotta’s Pilgrimage”
1. Where did you get your information/facts about the cotta shrine?
2. If so, what books/resources did you use? What’s the title of the book/reference.
Thank you 🙂 Hoping for your feedback on this matter 🙂 You may pm me on fb, search: Rainer Lim Pulvera (of La Salle University – Ozamiz City )