Birheng ng Balintawak ( La Hermosa Virgen Balintawak)

The Birhen sa Balintawak
symbolizes a story born of her pain and sorrow, which reveal the pain of an entire nation and it's people and the Church. The Birhen sa Balintawak seen as the Mother country, appeared in a dream wearing a Filipina dress and a little boy by her side, armed with a bolo and a flag with an inscription, "Sumilang nawa ang ating pagsasarili," this is a symbol of the cry of the poor, women and children and those who struggle for justice, Independence and liberation. The tears and sweat of the women, workers and farmers who longed and hoped for true justice and liberation from the hands of the oppressors, thus verbalizes a story of someone's oppression and yearning for true freedom and equality. For the image of the Birhen sa Balintawak described in the dream is to be seen as not selfish or small, or vindictive or destructive, and not even angry or enraged. "She grieves like a mother grieving for her child in pain and sorrow, but as she feels that gnawing pain deep inside her, a burning desire grows like a big ball of fire and kindling that slumbering yearning for freedom." But at the same time brought new hope and a new life for the Filipino people and the IFI to continue to yearn to be truly free from oppressive and unjust situations and the courage to withstand the challenges that our forebears fought and died for. We have to be vigilant, brave and carry on the IFI nationalist heritage. Persevere in the struggle for a true and independent church for we will still encounter more challenges, for the oppressors still abounds and we know that we will be triumphant! May we continue to be inspired and renewed of the Birhen sa Balintawak's image that emerged from the deep concern for and solidarity with the struggling Filipino people and the continued fight and struggle of all the Laborers, workers, women, children and the LGBTQIA+++.
Mabuhay Ang Birhen sa Balintawak,
sulong kababaihan!
Sulong manggagawang Filipino!
Mabuhay and simbahang Malaya,
ang Iglesia Filipina Independiente!!
La Hermosa Virgen Balintawak
Ora no Pro Nobis🙏