Hundreds of thousands surge the Pilgrim City of Naga
Lilette P. Manauis and Roj Falcon
NAGA CITY, Philippines, September 11, 2026 – A thick layer of devotees, shoulder to shoulder in the Naga Metropolitan Cathedral grounds and overflowing to the outer streets of Elias Angeles and Jorge Barlin, gather to attend the Traslacion Mass presided by His Grace, Most Rev. Rex Andrew C. Alarcon, archbishop of Caceres.
Joined by all the bishops in the Bicol Region, Caceres clergy, and some visiting priests from other dioceses, Archbishop Alarcon acknowledges all the devotees “from near and far.” He was thankful to the pilgrims and the people from government agencies who offered their presence, and participation in making the Traslacion Procession meaningful.
In his homily, Alarcon describes participation of a growing Church as subsidiarity. “It means allowing others to participate, to do their part, to trust others, and to recognize that others, even the small ones, have something to contribute. Let us always remember that participation means belonging to a bigger community. Responding responsibly means allowing others to take part. It is trusting others and entrusting everything to God. For we can be sure that Ina continues to nurture us as a growing Church.”
He also emphasized devotion to Ina and Divino Rostro as a heightened sense of community. "Real devotion is not self-seeking. Devotion is not self-referential. It is not selfish. It is not directed to the self alone. True devotion is directed to the beloved—whether it is devotion to a beloved spouse, brother or sister, parent, patron saint, the community, and, most of all, to God,”says the Archbishop.
Earlier during the day a swarm of devotees amid thousands of barefoot voyadores pack the streets of Naga City for the Traslacion of the images of Our Lady of Peñafrancia and Divino Rostro.
Led by the Grand Ceriales composed of altar servers from the different parishes of the archdiocese, including schools, religious organizations, other institutions, and devotees from the entire Bicol region, the procession from the Parish and Shrine of Our Lady of Penafrancia moved towards the Naga Metropolitan Cathedral.
Most Rev. Herman G. Abcede, RCJ,D.D., Bishop of the Diocese of Daet , presided the Holy Mass before the start of Traslacion. And in his homily, he noted the realities of modern life and said, “We are always connected but we are not always in communion.”
“Marami tayong followers pero kakaunti ang kasama. Marami tayong reactions pero kulang sa malasakit. Marami tayong group chat pero may mga pusong left out. Mabilis tayong mag share ng post pero mabagal tayong makibahagi at makiramay lalo na sa mga nangangailangan,” (We have lots of followers but very few companions. We get a lot of reactions but lack genuine compassion. We belong to a lot of group chats but there are hearts that are left out. We’re fast at sharing posts but slow at sharing and sympathizing especially to those in need,) Abcede expressed to the devotees.
Photos courtesy of Caceres Media
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