James the Lesser Chapel- Lacad Compound, Burgos, Montalban, Rizal The image of Señor De Burgos venerated in Barangay Burgos, Montalban, Rizal, and its long and rich history can be traced back more than two hundred years ago, when devotees decided to enthrone the said image as the patron and namesake of the Barangay, then still a part of San Mateo, Rizal. The visage of the image depicts Christ in h
is last moments on the cross with his mouth half-open; the eyes show agony with blood flowing throughout his whole body. The image also shows traces of "patina" as a result of its old age. It is of small stature, with the corpus measuring not more than 2 feet and around 3 feet including the cross and the base. This image also features metal accoutrements, which include its rays, the metal skirt, which is usually covered by an embroidered skirt or tapis, the Tres Potencias, and the crown of thorns. This particular image of the suffering and crucified Christ dates back to the year 1814 and is still the same image venerated to this day. The image used to be housed in a small and humble visita along the main road (A. The feast of the Señor is devoutly celebrated every first Monday of February with much solemnity. The image is famous due to numerous claims of miraculous cures and guidance. During the Spanish Era, this image was the object of the pious pilgrimage of devotees coming from different parts of the archipelago. Although no miracle was officially recognized by the Church, this did not waiver the people's devotion. In fact, devotion became widespread every day. According to a document from the archives of the Roman Catholic Archdiocese of Manila, Manila Archbishop H.E. Jose Julian de Aranguren, O.A.R. (1801–1861) issued a decree on the 25th of August 1853 granting 80 days of indulgence for devotees every time they pray the Our Father and Hail Mary, or either the Creed, before the aforementioned image, and another 80 days for each time they hear a mass at the altar where the Señor was enthroned. Several activities are being done perpetually in honor of the Señor, namely, Novenas dedicated to his honor every Monday afternoon and Pabasa during Lent and Holy Week. The vestments of the image are also traditionally changed every year during the Novena days prior to his feast day and given to chosen devotees. In 2014, coinciding with the celebration of the 200th anniversary of the image of Señor de Burgos, the image was enthroned in its new home: at St. James the Lesser Chapel, located along Lacad Compound, Barangay Burgos. In 2017, through the initiative of former Sta. Cecilia Parish Priest, Rev. Oresca, and the devotees, the Holy Mass was once again celebrated in the presence of the image after around two decades. Today, the image is still visited by throngs of devotees from various places here and abroad to pay homage and thanksgiving to this image of Christ, whose love and compassion transcend heaven and earth. Mahal na Poong Señor de Burgos, ampunin mo kami't kupkupin.
