The Vulnerable Therapeutic Water Spaces of Virgen de Caysasay

Abstract

The Virgen de Caysasay is one of the oldest manifestations of the Virgin Mary in the Philippines.
According to popular belief, a fisherman netted her statue in the Pansipit River in
1603. Many miraculous healing events, mostly involving water, have been attributed to her.
Despite the devastating effects of the climate crisis, Caysasay water spaces endure as therapeutic,
healing, and ritual places. This essay examines the interlocking dynamics and vulnerabilities
of bodies of water associated with the Virgen de Caysasay, their contextual sacred
spaces where pieties are performed, and their surrounding communities.