The Washington herald., 1910-07-31
VIRGIN OF THE FORTRESS.
The Shrine of st. Pillar in the
Philippines.


Philippines.
From the Wide World Magazine.
Built into the massive, time-stained
walls OF Fort Pillar. at Zamboanga, In the
Island Of Mindanao. Philippines. is 10
be seen one OF the most remarkable ex-
COMPLICATIONS Of Peace and War to
be found in the world. The Shrine OF
st. Pillar and fits story, so familiar
throughout the Philippine Archipelago,
is hardly known outside OF these far
away possessions. except 10 the Roman
Catholic Church. in the records Of which
is to be found the story OF The Virgin
OK the Fortress" In whose honor the
shrine was erected many years ago.
When Mindanao became a part OF the
United States possessions. Fort Pillar
was chosen as a militay station. It's
buildings date back into the early sew
enteenth century. when the Spanish built
il as a means Of defense against the
savage Moros. One day, the legend runs.
Spanish sentinel was walking his post
at the entrance 10 the fort just as the
day was breaking. Suddenly there APP
peared in front or him figure clothed IN
white, and with It's face covered by a white
veil The sentinel came 10 the charge and
shouted Haiti Sentinel" replied the
figure. why Is your post cut of from
the light OF day? II you know Mary.
why do you call 'Halt'?" The excited
sentinel replied: Forgive me, Lady
Mother. I am but poor soldier who is
doing his duty" The Virgin then told
him that the Moros were about 10 at
tack the fort, and vanished. A moment
later the officer OF the day in making his
rounds found the sentinel lying on the
ground in partial faint He recovered
sufficiently 20 tell the officer what he
had seen and heard, and then crying Y
have seen the Blessed Virgin and am
now ready TO die" he expired. In his
hand was found a small piece OF white
ven So runs the story OF The Virgin
Of the Fortress" The legend goes
further. and says that on more than one
subsequent occasion the Virgin appeared
TO the commaudant Of the fort and
warned him OF approaching danger from
the MOros. After these manifestations
Ok the watchfu care the Virgin had
over those in the fort, permission was OBJ
tained 20 erect a shrine IN her honor
! The sallyport was w-i.et I'D. and I'm the
face Of It was built the shrine, which Is
held sacred 20 this day. The shrine is
small altar about three feet wide by
about five high. really a niche IN the wall.
and It is the exception when there are not
20 be found at least a half a dozen can
dies burning, while knee ing IN prayer
before the shrine are several dexout
natives Offering up prayers for departed
beloved ones; and not enc cut OF a hun
| dred natives passes tho we without a
bow OF the head or ng of the
hat. December s is L dav OF the
/ Virgin OF Del Pillar" ord sptenber IS
| Is the feast day of tie town Of
Zamboanga. so the two festivals are
made one. and on the latter day honor
is paid 20 both the Virgin Of the Fort
/ ress" and the town. Vast crowds as
semble, and the shrine is surrounded by
/ d devout mass Of people. while priests
| hold impressive services. During these
services a large figure Of the Virgin Is
placed above the shrine on the wall OF
the fort, while below a temporary struc-
ture is erected. under which the cere-
monies are held