Finding ourselves entangled in the paradoxical nature of familiarity has its challenges. As we become accustomed to existing in a repetitive and monotonous life, the things around us that once held importance and excitement, slowly fade into the background.

When the COVID-19 pandemic began, my seemingly perfect routine came to a halt, and all activities were stopped. The silence that came was unsettling. The world was so still that I began hearing and seeing the things I once overlooked.

I saw how listening to music saved me from having breakdowns when I was struggling. I saw how my family played a significant part in keeping me on my toes. And I saw how my devotion and faith in Our Lady of Penafrancia had offered me unparalleled solace and hope.

Our devotion to Our Lady of Penafrancia has been present for more than three centuries, and Ina has drawn thousands of devotees around the country every year and become a common figure found everywhere, from every household, public place, and establishment. I am one of those devotees who made Ina a part of my daily life. The silence made me realize that most of us live our lives rigorously and often forget to stop and make time to appreciate and interact with Our Lady of Penafrancia. We became too familiar that we forgot how our patroness became a great instrument of unity and lit our paths towards each other and God. I finally grasped how the familiarity of Ina in my daily life resulted in her gradually slipping from my priority and being cast aside. After overcoming the silence, I worked on my relationship with her, establishing her place in my life where I do not cast her in the shadow of my thoughts and always keep her close to me. My family also strengthened our devotion through Pagsungko ni Ina where the image of Ina visited our home and had prayer vigils. We also started praying the Holy Rosary every night along with the Prayer to the Virgin of Penafrancia.

Then finally, the festive activities resumed last year, and I once again saw the profound impact of Ina on us, Bikolanos. Voices roared in celebration, the people sent prayers, and unity bound the devotees to pay homage to our Ina. Viva La Virgen! Hearing the voice of the faithful shout and celebrate made me understand that our devotion to Our Lady of Penafrancia had been playing a great part in uniting individuals and communities for several decades.

This devotion we have for Ina will be kept forever, continuously providing us with support and inspiration, and building families founded on love and faith. This dangerous familiarity may be challenging, but we must try our best to resist the enchanting nature of complacency to keep the important figures of our life. This also reminds us to constantly connect and interact actively within our community to untangle ourselves from familiarity and further shape ourselves to be better.  In this way, we can continue to nurture our relationship with everyone, especially God.