The Peñafrancia celebration is a collective ritual of faith. Indeed, as El Oriente describes, it is a public expression of confidence, tenderness and gratitude of a people towards the enchanting Mother of beautiful love. It is likewise a powerful media for the instruction of the succeeding generations. The Peñafrancia celebration is not a static ritual. One can discover the dynamism of faith behind all the trimmings of the celebration. And in the face of changing circumstances as well as the search for a more authentic expression of faith and devotion, rituals undergo change. The evolution of the andas is but one proof to this. Phot credit: Tony Abalayan, II.
“No, the pen cannot describe the poetry which contains the enthusiasm of a Catholic people who manifests publicly its faith, its confidence, its tenderness and gratitude, towards the enchanting Mother of beautiful love . . .”
This was how the public manifestation of faith by the inhabitants of Ciudad de Nueva Caceres and of the surrounding towns and provinces belonging to the bishopric to Nuestra Señora de Peña de Francia during the festivities of 1876 was described in the paper “El Oriente”, a weekly review of the Sciences, Literature, Art Industry, Commerce, News, etc. published in Spain.
Indeed, no amount of vocabulary can ever capture the ‘awe’ that a devotee, a pilgrim, and a stranger experience during the days of the festivities. This is the mark of a heartfelt experience of the annual celebration of the feast of Our Lady of Peñafrancia.
As the days of the festivities draw near, Bikolanos and devotees get a feeling similar yet distinct from that which one feels when Christmastime approaches. It is generally a feeling of religiosity, of excitement, of joy, of a heightened sense of identity as a Pueblo amante de Maria — a people in love with Mary. No wonder, Peñafrancia has become synonymous with the word Bicolano.
The number of devotees and pilgrims has grown with the passage of time. They do not just come from the provinces and towns of the region but also from different parts of the country and of the globe. Remarkably, they keep coming back. Perhaps, the charm of Peñafrancia lies in the silent encounter with INA which results into a indescribable bond between Mother and devotee.
While Filipino fiestas are generally characterized by meal sharing, parades, dances, entertainments, etc, two particular elements of the Peñafrancia Fiesta come to mind: the Traslacion and the Fluvial Procession. While the novenary masses at the Metropolitan Cathedral should not be overlooked, these two form significant parts of the annual ritual of devotion.
Many devotees and pilgrims join the Traslacion and the Fluvial Procession. There are also those who wait for INA to pass by. They stand as silent spectators along the streets, the river banks, or in front of the television as INA traverses the streets of Naga and the River.
Theirs, I believe is not empty silence, but rather one that contains a little prayer in one’s heart, a whisper addressed to a mother. It is a silence characterized by anxiety at the sight of the image of INA being tossed about by the voyadores; and joy at the knowledge that INA has reached her destination.
The highlights of the Peñafrancia festivities are a drama which progresses without requiring much words. There are a number of silent rituals involved. People lit candles while quietly uttering a prayer. There are those who silently join the throng of people ushering INA from the Basilica to the Cathedral. A chosen few accompany her in the pagoda on the way home. There are also those who rush towards the image to touch her, or to grab a piece of ornament on the andas or the pagoda. Others take a dip into the river as she passes by. These are but only a few of the varied manifestations of the people’s devotion to her, forming part of the whole ensemble of the celebration. There aren’t much words involved. Wordiness only robs a ritual of its meaning. Thus, the cry of the people: Viva la Virgen! Viva el Divino Rostro!
As aforementioned, while the Traslacion and the Fluvial Processions are the highlights of the festivities, the nine-day novena at the Cathedral and the Solemn Feast at the Basilica should not be missed. During these days thousands of people silently line up to get near the image. They patiently wait for their turn to be able to touch and kiss the image of INA. The wait may be long but the close encounter may only last for seconds. And as always, such a brief moment with the Lady is worthy of one’s long wait.
The reasons that move the hearts of devotees and pilgrims are certainly varied. There are those who fulfill a panata. Others express their gratitude, but for many – it is to seek a blessing. Those who come for curiosity’s sake are not lacking. Such curiosity, at times, is transformed into a meaningful story. Thus, each acquires his own story. It is not surprising then that the Peñafrancia Fiesta is likewise a phenomenon of interwoven stories of faith, love and devotion. One may recall the story of the finding of the image at the slopes of Peña de Francia, the story of Don Miguel Robles de Covarrubias, the story of the miracle of the dog, and the many stories of healing. Yet not all stories are happy ones. There is the story of the collapse of the Colgante bridge in 1972 as well as the story of the disappearance of the Image in 1981. These and many other stories recount how the Bicolanos and devotees have kept and shared their sense of religiosity and faith.
The Peñafrancia celebration is a collective ritual of faith. Indeed, as El Oriente describes, it is a public expression of confidence, tenderness and gratitude of a people towards the enchanting Mother of beautiful love. It is likewise a powerful media for the instruction of the succeeding generations.
The Peñafrancia celebration is not a static ritual. One can discover the dynamism of faith behind all the trimmings of the celebration. And in the face of changing circumstances as well as the search for a more authentic expression of faith and devotion, rituals undergo change. The evolution of the andas is but one proof to this.
A question, however, may be raised: Where is Jesus? Seemingly, the esteem for Jesus is not well articulated as the entire drama takes place. The honor given to the Divino Rostro seems to take a secondary place. Yet, like the many silent expressions of devotion, deep in the heart of the devotee is the conviction that Mary’s importance rests in her closeness to Jesus — in her being the INA of JESUS. She is not only a woman of God, she is Mater Dei. It is on this account that a devotee calls her mother. For apart from Jesus, Mary is not worthy of honor. Mary becomes INA to the devotees because of Jesus. The scene at Calvary comes to mind when Jesus turned to the disciple John and his mother, Mary: “Woman, behold thy son. Son, behold thy mother.” Jesus himself entrusted her mother to us. So that in honoring Mary, the devotee honors Jesus. Thus, the prayer that is constantly repeated during the days of the novenario is but appropriate: “O Maria nin Peñafrancia, kami pamibian sa Kagurangnan.” – a collective prayer sung by people paying homage to their INA.
H/T: Peñafrancia festivity: A collective ritual of faith by Fr. Rex Andrew C. Alarcon http://www.cbcpnews.com/cbcpnews/?p=22944
Tell us your thoughts on this article. If logged in with any of your Wordpress.com, Twitter, Facebook, Google+, or registered on this site before, then you can simply write your comment below. Thanks and appreciate your feedback. Cancel reply
>>>>> More Human Events & Stories On
Bicol House Journal,Religion
Sharing here the livestreamed coverage of the Catholic mass celebration in the Parish of Our Lady of La Porteria in Calabanga on September 8, 2020. The event marked ninety nine per cent toned-down 2020 fiesta event swept by the prevailing China virus pandemic. The Pontifical Eucharistic celebration was led by […]
As Bicol opens up and brace for the implementation of the General Community Quarantine Guideline on May 1, 2020, some sectors voice either support or contradiction. For Bishop Joel Baylon of the Diocese of Legazpi restricting live masses in the Catholic churches in the province for the time being is […]
A must watch solo performance of Italian tenor Andrea Bocelli at the hollowed halls of Duomo Cathedral in Milan. He sounds off his effort of raising funds thru the foundation in his name to “help hospitals purchase all the instrumentation and equipment necessary to protect their medical staff.” On Easter […]
Sharing below several livestream coverage of the Catholic celebration of Easter Sunday ‘salubong’ and mass. Happy Easter to all! The much awaited Easter Sunday Mass Celebration of Pope Francis in Vatican with Urbi et Orbi: Much earlier, also livestreamed masses from Naga City, Legazpi City and Quiapo church in Manila. […]
The Catholic and many Christian denominations nears the completion in the commemoration of the Holy Week in the Philippines and around the world. Below sharing vigils from Manila and Vatican, and more. The livestream vigil at Vatican, below (w/ English commentary). Livestream with English commentary. Naga Metropolitan Cathedral and Parish […]
The current threat and presence of the deadly Chinese coronavirus was not a hindrance for most of practicing or devout Catholics (whichever you are on this side of the spectrum?) worldwide in observance of the most holiest days in their calendar year. Masses and rites became centered online offered by […]
This is it! The last officiated mass of the current Archbishop of Manila, Luis Antonio Cardinal Tagle which coincides with the midnight mass for the feast of the Black Nazarene of Quiapo on Thursday (January 9). Bidding farewell was more momentous with a live audience of millions of devotees, other […]
Pope Francis was “caught” off-guard, it seemed, when a devout (Catholic? Asian?) by-stander grabbed his hand. He reacted by slapping the woman’s hand and pulled back his arm. This must be the reason why he suddenly departed from his scripted words during the Wednesday service. He went on to apologize […]
WATCH THIS: Pope Francis celebrates mass at St. Peters Basilica for Vespers of the Feast of Saint Mary, Most Holy Mother of God and Te Deum of Thanksgiving marking the end of year. The coverage has an English voiceover/ translation. Much later, the first New Year mass at the Vatican […]
Watch and join the Most Rev. Rolando J. Tria Tirona, OCD, DD, Archbishop of Caceres presides on the celebration of the traditional Bicolano Simbang Maagahon. The celebration was aptly captioned the live vigil of the nativity of the Lord. The live feed came from the Naga (City) Metropolitan Cathedral, the […]
During the traditional Filipino Simbang Gabi, His Eminence Luis Antonio G. Cardinal Tagle shares his Christmas message urging fellow Christians and Filipinos to save lives, families, and creation. Watch the full celebration below: Below text, part of Cardinal’s message: “The mystery of Christmas is contrary to the drive, the desire […]
Watch this first ever Filipino Catholics’ celebration of the first dawn mass (Simbang Gabi) in Vatican with Pope Francis. Streamed live, Filipino Catholics all over, wherever benefits from the live service presided over the holy mass by Pope Francis direct from the altar of St Peter’s Basilica in the observance […]
Even from the start the Catholic Church in the Philippines has continuously manifested its disapproval, is 100% against divorce, “which will destroy the Filipino family.” We continue our coverage on the discussion of the divorce bill in the Senate of the Philippines with a resource speaker opposing the dismantling of […]
The culmination of the celebration of the Penafrancia festivities unfolds this afternoon with the mass outside, at the Quadricentennial arch, of the Naga Metropolitan Cathedral. Watch the last mass before the foot procession starts winding through the streets of Naga city bringing the images of the Virgin of Penafrancia and […]
In our continuing coverage of the religious celebration (festivities and feastivities) happening now in Naga city, we repost the previous year’s drone coverage of the Saturday foot and fluvial procession and the concelebrated mass closing the event. The inflock of Catholic devotees to the Marian devotion exemplified thru the regional […]
The undying devotion of Bicolanos to the Blessed Virgin Mary is replicated every year with the religious celebration and observance of Peñafrancia feastivities and festivities. This is a quick throwback of the Peñafrancia Traslacion of September 13, 2019. The event ushered the second leg of official observance of the Bicolano […]
It’s almost the Peñafrancia Fiesta and Feastivities again. The devotion to the Our Lady of Peñnafrancia and the Divino Rostro will outpour in the city streets and the Naga river. From the Archdiocese of Caceres, here’s the message of Archbishop Rolando J. Tria Tirona OCD, DD, for this year’s celebration […]
The Easter Sunday celebration in Vatican caps the coverage of the almost week-long Semana Santa or Holy Week. The coverage streams from the grounds of St. Peter’s Basilica in Rome. The celebration will be presided by Pope Francis about 5:00 o’clock PM Manila time. At the end of the celebration, […]
Happy Easter!! As part of our continuing coverage of the Holy Week and partial culmination of the activities, we share below the just concluded mass celebration in Naga Metropolitan Cathedral of St. John the Evangelist. Archbishop of Caceres, the Most Rev. Rolando Octavus Joven Tria Tirona, OCD, D.D. , led […]
The Easter Vigil takes place on Saturday, April 20th, beginning at 8.25pm. in Vatican. The celebration begins with the blessing of the new fire in the atrium of St. Peter’s Basilica. The processional entrance follows next with the Easter candle and the singing of the “Exsultet” (or “Easter Proclamation”). Pope […]
Watch the live feed of Via Crucis from the Vatican in the continuing coverage of the Holy Week Celebration. At 9.15PM (Vatican time), Pope Francis will participate in the Via Crucis, or Way of the Cross, at the Colosseum. That will be 3:15 AM, Manila time, April 20, 2019. Pope […]
Watch here the full coverage of the celebration of the Passion of the Lord by Pope Francis. Livestream direct from St Peter’s Basilica, the Holy Father will preside over the Liturgy of the Word, the Adoration of the Cross, and the Communion Rite, starting at 5pm (Vatican time) of April […]
Today, direct from St. Peter’s Basilica Pope Francis celebrates the Chrism Mass which should start at about 9:30 AM in Rome. We join the Holy Father in the celebration of the Maundy Thursday mass at the Vatican. Expected to be in attendance are Patriarchs, Cardinals, Archbishops, Bishops and priests. During […]
This is the full stream coverage of the Palm Sunday 2019 at St. Peter’s Square in Vatican. Pope Francis celebrates the mass in Rome followed by the recitation of the Angelus prayer. This coverage has an English audio overlay. Author Recent Posts Bicol House JournalNinja for Bicol news coverage. Latest […]
An Italian cemetery covered crosses as a different approach of pushing for religious tolerance. It was reported that crosses in graves in Pieve di Cento in Italy have been clothed in black. This was the approach resorted to avoid offending people from different religion. While not specifically identifyng the religion, […]
Pope Francis will canonize two new saints today, by far the most controversial personalities of the 20th century in the Roman Catholic Church. St. Peter’s Basilica will host the ascension to sainthood of Pope Paul VI (left photo) and martyred Archbishop Oscar Romero of El Salvador (right photo). Pope Francis […]
Sharing here the coverage and watch the Good Friday procession and tableau in Calabanga, particularly by the Catholic Parish of La Porteria. As all roads lead to the celebration, but more of observance of the most holy week of the year in the Catholic world, many devotees and pious believers […]
The Gospel and Readings during the celebration of the Epiphany of the Lord, including the video feed from Vatican with Pope Francis. Gospel:Mt 2:1-12 When Jesus was born in Bethlehem, in Judea, during the days of king Herod, wise men from the East arrived in Jerusalem. They asked, “Where is […]
We take a few moments of our time on Bible readings and the gospel on the Solemnity of Mary Mother of God on the first day of the new year of 2018. 1at Reading: Num 6:22-27 Then Yahweh spoke to Moses saying “Speak to Aaron and his sons and say […]
Watch this live stream event direct from Vatican. Watch live Pope Francis’ Thanksgiving mass at year end of 2017. From St. Peter’s Basilica, Vespers of the Feast of Saint Mary, Most Holy Mother of God and Te Deum of Thanksgiving at year’s end with Pope Francis presiding. Author Recent Posts […]
This is the full coverage of the Holy Mass of the Christmas Vigil in Vatican City on December 24th 2017. Watch the religious celebration with Pope Francis presiding at the Basilica of St. Peter in Rome. This live coverage has English annotations. Just in case you have more time to […]
Whoa, Bethsaida! Archaeologists May Have Found Peter’s Home Town. That’s exactly what happened recently on the northern shore of the Sea of Galilee. There, archaeologists from Israel and from the United States found a “multi-layered site” that included “an advanced Roman-style bathhouse.” Whoa, Bethsaida! Archaeologists May Have Found Peter’s Home […]
Finally, we have come to the end of our wait, the third day of the Paschal Triduum, of the Holiest Week of the Catholic and the Christian world. As the wait game is over, the celebration of Easter Sunday begins. And here’s the Gospel according to John 20:1-9: Now, on […]
Is it Easter, yet? Not so fast, that is for the religious outside of the Philippines, or specifically in Italy and beyond. It is because the Paschal Triduum is still unfolding. In Vatican, the live video stream of the Easter vigil, or the vigil of the Holy Night of Easter, […]
It is not too late yet. Catch up with the traditional religious festivities in the Catholic celebration and commemoration of the Holy Week. So here, this is the live stream of the 2017 Way of the Cross on Good Friday with Pope Francis. The Catholic and Christian devotees, due to […]
[one_fifth] Easter Vigil in Vatican with Pope Francis. Or, it is the Vigil of the Holy Night of Easter. Still in the continuing coverage of the Holy Week celebration in Vatican, Pope Francis lead the observance of the Easter Vigil at the St. Peter’s Basilica. The live stream event will […]
The longest Christmas Season unfolds only in the Philippines. Long before the traditional midnight mass (simbang gabi / simbang banggi) unfolds, beginning on the 16th of December, christmassy songs are already on the air. Because it is only in the Philippines that the longest Christmas Season is observed up until […]
To her native sons and daughters, Calabanga is a beautiful town even if it seems slow in making progress. Many of its sons and daughters have left her to find their fortunes elsewhere or their particular place in the sun, but it is not a final breakaway.
There must be rich memories spun and created behind the Bicol Teachers College and Bicol High School that alumni of the defunct twin institutions in Calabanga town keep a semi-active reunion dates. This, despite the graduates are now octogenarians and many are in far off places or gone to their […]
On a short visit to Binanuaanan Pequeño, we were able to make a quick stop-over by the newest landmark of the barangay which was a must on our part. Since the barangay is a one-street affair, like majority of those in the municipality of Calabanga, there was no way we […]
Here and now, the Bicol river’s name was for the second time used in disgrace, shame and shambles. The unfinished dam will remain the tangible evidence to this for people to see in the years to come. As always, failures leave behind some ugly memorials.
Pope Francis begins his Papal visit of Mexico with his arrival at the Benito Juárez International Airport of Mexico City which include the official welcome ceremony. The live stream coverage begins February 13, 2016, Saturday, approximately 9:30 AM Philippine standard time. We follow the journey of the Holy Father all […]
Can the choicest words and the harshest sounds provide power to a people long oppressed under the yoke of feudal and imperialist tyranny? Shall we not cast aside the broken pen that knows all terms and the paper pure prepared for lines? Shall we not transform angry words into […]
During the recent commemoration of National Heroes Day, the “historians” in Malacanang had been very selective at naming personalities that figured during the Philippine campaign for independence. Generals Vicente Lukban and Vito Belarmino made it to the cut as the palace announced that a special set of 24 printable trading […]
Vatican publishes mashup video of Pope Francis’ 2015 activities. Vatican publishes this mashup video about Pope Francis – A Year with Pope Francis 2015. It is somewhat a year end report. Some of the most important activities of the Holy Father, including his Apostolic visit of Sri Lanka, the Philippines, […]
The continuing live stream coverage of the Holy Father, Pope Francis Apostolic journey to the USA. This episode features the Pope Francis in the USA – Vespers with Clergy. Pope Francis celebrates Vespers with Clergy, Men and Women Religious in New York, on the occasion of his apostolic visit to […]
Pope Francis has three pope mobiles during visit to PH. MANILA, Jan. 11 — During the visit of Pope Francis in the Philippines, the Papal Visit Committee will provide three pope mobiles, two for the Pope’s mobility in Manila and one for his Tacloban-Palo visit. The third pope mobile comes […]
Just mention The Bicol High School and The Bicol Teachers College and it will trigger enough interest and talk, and more of an endless poignant memory recall of its surviving and now aging students.
During the traditional Filipino Simbang Gabi, His Eminence Luis Antonio G. Cardinal Tagle shares his Christmas message urging fellow Christians and Filipinos to save lives, families, and creation. Watch the full celebration below: Below text, part of Cardinal’s message: “The mystery of Christmas is contrary to the drive, the desire […]
Pope Francis in Cuba – Farewell ceremony at the Airport. Watch here the farewell ceremony at the airport in Cuban capital of Santiago to Pope Francis. Scheduled for Sep 22, 2015. After a successful Apostolic Visit to the Caribbean island-nation of Cuba, Pope Francis concludes his journey at the international […]
Watch Pope Francis meets with the Diplomatic Corps. Live stream coverage of the Papal visit, Pope Francis in the Philippines. Day 2. Sharing here the official Vatican live coverage of the first Papal Visit to the Philippines of Pope Francis. The live stream coverage will cover public appearances of the […]
Semana santa is a tradition deeply rooted in the heart of every Calabangueño. The holy event is ever so old and yet always new. The Calabangueño reflects in solitude, in sanctity and in seclusion. Deep in his heart finds joy and anticipation of the filial, friendly and Godly devotion renewed and refreshed by the holy week celebration. Thus, it tugs him to go on a yearly exodus he just wouldn’t want to miss.
Video: Celebration of the Solemnity of the Nativity in Vatican. Pope Francis celebrates Midnight Mass on the Solemnity of the Nativity of the Lord. Watch the live stream direct from where it is happening, at St. Peter’s Basilica. Courtesy of Radio Vaticana / Vatican Television Center. Live Friday, December 25th, […]
Then I heard about the skyway bridges that will span the river, connecting the towns of Libmanan and Canaman. The structure will be built much farther inside and farther from Balongay. The loss of Calabanga and Cabusao became the gain of Libmanan and Canaman. Lucky folks of these towns.
PH Pope mobile impresses Pope Francis, going to Vatican. If unconfirmed report is true, the jeep-inspired pope mobile that was used by Pope Francis on his recent Apostolic Visit to the Philippines from Jan. 15 to 19, 2015 is heading to Rome. Perhaps, the Pinoy-made car specially designed for the […]
LEGAZPI CITY — The city government will pursue its plan to build a monument of Saint John Paul II here. Vice Mayor Vittorio Roces said Tuesday they could not help regretting why they had not done it before. This is not a very original idea, but more of a copy […]
Beloved brothers and sisters, In the name of the Christian faithful in the Archdiocese of Manila, I greet you a Blessed Easter! We rejoice with the whole of humanity and creation in the Risen Lord who is our hope. In an early discourse on Easter, St. Peter declared, “They put […]
Watch here the full coverage of the celebration of the Passion of the Lord by Pope Francis. Livestream direct from St Peter’s Basilica, the Holy Father will preside over the Liturgy of the Word, the Adoration of the Cross, and the Communion Rite, starting at 5pm (Vatican time) of April […]
What is love? / Ano an pagkamoot by Eden A. Avila What is love?… A beautiful stirring of the young heart, a sudden glance, a smile, a gentle touch. The fast beating of the heart, the quickening of one’s gait to see one’s beloved. It’s the silence shared, forgetting the […]
