Winners of 3rd Annual Peñafrancia Pilgrims’ on-the-spot essay writing contest announced
By Jonnah C. Abellano
NAGA CITY — The winners of the 3rd Annual Peñafrancia Pilgrims’ On-the-Spot Essay Writing Contest were recognized and awarded on October 6, 2026, during the Feast Day Mass in honor of the Most Holy Rosary at the Holy Rosary Minor Seminary.
The writing competition, held on September 12, 2026, at the same venue, brought together student writers from 15 schools and one parish across Camarines Sur, giving young people a platform to express their faith, insights, and devotion through the written word.
The awarding ceremony formed part of the Feast of the Most Holy Rosary celebrations, with Archbishop Emeritus Most Rev. Rolando J. Tria Tirona presiding over the Holy Eucharist.
In his homily, Archbishop Tirona reflected on the Church’s relationship with Mary, emphasizing that Catholics do not worship her, but rather honor and venerate her because of her unique maternal role in the faith.
He described Mary as the mother of three communities, with the Church—the Body of Christ—being the first, greatest, and holiest.
“She is one mother of three communities. And the first, the most, and the biggest and holiest community is the Church, the Body of Christ.”
The prelate encouraged the faithful to look to Mary as a model of Christian discipleship, noting that those who wish to understand and live out their identity as members of the Church can learn from her life.
“We are members of the Church. If we want to know and appreciate and live our being Church, look at Mary. She exudes what it means to be a member of the Body of her Son, Jesus. Her foremost community, the Church.”
As the faithful commemorated the Feast of the Most Holy Rosary, Archbishop Tirona invited them to deepen their relationship with Mary and recognize her maternal presence.
“As we celebrate her feast, may we learn to call on her, recognize her indeed to be our mother. Let us open our hearts, obey her as what she tells us: ‘Do what my Son tells you.’”
Following the celebration of the Holy Eucharist, the winners of the essay writing contest were recognized for their outstanding entries in both English and Bikol, under Divisions 1 and 2.
In English Division 1, Stacy Ryz Mievyen B. Taduran of La Consolacion College Baao, Inc. won first place with a score of 93.67, followed by Angel Anne G. Almelor of Ateneo de Naga University and Eibar Kean Rain B. Cortezano of Holy Rosary Minor Seminary.
For English Division 2, Lira Dianne Belista Barnobal of Calabanga Community College topped the division, with Chloe Justin S. Paule of St. Clare of Assisi Parish and Maria Gabriela Balmes of Calabanga Community College placing second and third, respectively.
In Bikol Division 1, Holy Rosary Minor Seminary’s Von Carlo Inigo B. Bufete emerged first, followed by Vaness Franchiska A. Paglinawan of Dominican School of Calabanga, Inc. and Princess Denise R. Claron of Bula Parochial School, Inc.
Meanwhile, Bikol Division 2 was won by Julie D. Bueson of Central Bicol State University of Agriculture – Calabanga, with Marielle Kristine C. Saliva of Colegio de San Rafael Arcangel taking second place.
The annual writing contest is a staple of the Peñafrancia devotion, encouraging the youth of Camarines Sur to deeply reflect on their Catholic faith, articulate their understanding of Mary, and actively engage with the enduring Marian traditions of the Bicolano Catholic community.
More than a celebration of literary talent, the contest reflects the theme “INA: Nurturing a Growing Church” through the young writers who continue to discover, express, and deepen their faith through their words.
Through these young writers, the Peñafrancia devotion continues to inspire a new generation, one that not only inherits the faith of the Bicolano Catholic community but also helps carry it forward.
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