This 2010 is the Tercenary (300th year) Celebration of devotion to Our Lady of Penafrancia in Naga City, Camarines Sur. For some years now, my family travels to Naga City each year to join the thousands of devotees of “INA” that flood Naga City to celebrate her feast day which is traditionally celebrated every third Saturday of September. We try not to miss the fluvial parade which is the highlight of the celebration. Of course, this is also like fiesta time for the whole of Naga City, however, such festivity is not only confined to Naga City or Camarines Sur Province but the fervour is shared and felt by the whole of Bicolandia. Our Lady of Penafrancia is the mother of Bicolandia and is endearingly called “INA”, Bicol word for mother, by her devotees. The increasing number of her devotees in Bicol and the rest of the world is evidence of the answered prayers through her intercession.
Last September 18, 2010, Saturday, we were there for INA’s fluvial procession. Soooooo many people... the mere sight of them would move you. Hours of waiting alongside the river for INA and yet no whining can be heard. The heat from the sun, from the crowd, from the pavement was so intense but it cannot dampen the anticipation to be there and wave at INA when she passes by along the river in her “balsa”. When INA finally arrives, the fervour, the passion, the deep devotion is heard when all feverishly chants in unison “VIVA LA VIRGEN DE PENAFRANCIA!”, “VIVA!, VIVA!” simultaneously waving, waving...
Different people, one devotion. Different lives, one in prayer. OUR LADY OF PENAFRANCIA, PRAY FOR US.
Be touched, be there next year and the years next... VIVA INA!
[Presidential Proclamation No. 33 issued on September 10, 2010 declared the City of Naga and the province of Camarines Sur as pilgrimage capitals of the Bicol region and recognized them as top tourist destinations in the country. P.P. No. 33 was issued by President Benigno Aquino III. Pres. Aquino, in the said presidential proclamation said Bicol’s Feast of Our Lady of Peñafrancia “is the only regional feast in the country [and] for the past three centuries has become an epic historical event that has become part of our cultural heritage.” He noted the contribution of the Peñafrancia celebrations to the local economy, and the sense of unity and religious fervor that bond all devotees who come from all over the world. He said the festivities also “provide an environment conducive to tourism, a venue for appreciation of Bicol arts and culture, its indigenous and culinary arts, natural wonders and archaeological treasures.” (read more at www.cbcpnews.com)]
Last September 18, 2010, Saturday, we were there for INA’s fluvial procession. Soooooo many people... the mere sight of them would move you. Hours of waiting alongside the river for INA and yet no whining can be heard. The heat from the sun, from the crowd, from the pavement was so intense but it cannot dampen the anticipation to be there and wave at INA when she passes by along the river in her “balsa”. When INA finally arrives, the fervour, the passion, the deep devotion is heard when all feverishly chants in unison “VIVA LA VIRGEN DE PENAFRANCIA!”, “VIVA!, VIVA!” simultaneously waving, waving...
Different people, one devotion. Different lives, one in prayer. OUR LADY OF PENAFRANCIA, PRAY FOR US.
Be touched, be there next year and the years next... VIVA INA!
[Presidential Proclamation No. 33 issued on September 10, 2010 declared the City of Naga and the province of Camarines Sur as pilgrimage capitals of the Bicol region and recognized them as top tourist destinations in the country. P.P. No. 33 was issued by President Benigno Aquino III. Pres. Aquino, in the said presidential proclamation said Bicol’s Feast of Our Lady of Peñafrancia “is the only regional feast in the country [and] for the past three centuries has become an epic historical event that has become part of our cultural heritage.” He noted the contribution of the Peñafrancia celebrations to the local economy, and the sense of unity and religious fervor that bond all devotees who come from all over the world. He said the festivities also “provide an environment conducive to tourism, a venue for appreciation of Bicol arts and culture, its indigenous and culinary arts, natural wonders and archaeological treasures.” (read more at www.cbcpnews.com)]
No comments:
Post a Comment