NEW ZEALAND - The Diocese of Christchurch recently celebrated its 10th year of devotion to Our Lady of Peñafrancia. A fluvial procession was held at the Lytellton Harbour on Sept 20, which was attended by Fr. Rex Ramos of the Archdiocese of Caceres, currently on loan to the aforementioned Diocese. A Eucharistic celebration was held 21 September at the Catholic Cathedral at eleven in the morning coinciding with the Peñafrancia celebration in Naga City. The Philippine Chaplaincy of the Diocese of Christchurch in New Zealand extended the invitation to the event in their social media account. Ten years ago, the late Fr. Benito Velasco, a priest of the Archdiocese of Caceres who was on loan to the Diocese of Christchurch, introduced the religious celebration for Filipinos across Christchurch and Canterbury. Actively organizing the annual festivities are the members of the Bicol Express Community of Canterbury. The Peñafrancia Festivities ignited the hearts and spirits of the Filipino community in Christchurch and Canterbury. More devotees gather yearly to honor the Divino Rostro and Our Lady of Peñafrancia . (Photo credit: Bicol Express Community of Canterbury)

By CBCP News Catholic dioceses across Bicol appealed Friday, Sept 26, for help to communities in Masbate devastated by Typhoon Opong, urging parishioners to contribute through second collections and relief drives. The Diocese of Legazpi said its special collection, set for Sept. 28 and including anticipated Masses on Saturday, will be sent through diocesan channels to the Diocese of Masbate “as early as we can.” “By giving generously, you are directly helping our brothers and sisters in Masbate who are struggling with loss, damage, and disruption caused by the storm,” the diocese said in a statement. It urged the faithful to respond “in faith and solidarity,” saying contributions would “bring hope and concrete help where it is most needed.”  Bishop Hernando Abcede of Daet likewise directed all parishes and quasi-parishes in his diocese to hold second collections Sunday.  “The proceeds of this collection will be sent to the Diocese of Masbate to assist them in their recovery and rebuilding efforts,” he said.  The Diocese of Sorsogon also appealed for support, calling on the faithful, religious groups, and parishes to extend assistance.  Caritas Sorsogon listed immediate needs, including food, bottled water, shelter materials, hygiene kits, medical supplies, clothing, and footwear. Donations in cash and in kind are being accepted at parish drop-off points across the province, including the Sorsogon Cathedral and churches in Gubat, Irosin, Bulan and Pilar. Caritas Sorsogon also opened a command center at the OLPS Auditorium. Opong made its first landfall over San Policarpo, Eastern Samar, late Thursday evening as a typhoon before hitting Masbate twice Friday as a severe tropical storm. It later struck Romblon and Oriental Mindoro. \ In Masbate, churches, homes and livelihoods were damaged, forcing thousands to evacuate. Across Bicol, dioceses opened churches to shelter evacuees.  The Diocese of Virac said more than 450 people stayed in at least 11 parish and mission churches in Catanduanes. In Camarines Sur, the Archdiocese of Caceres reported nearly 4,000 evacuees in at least 20 churches. “Let us continue to pray for everyone’s safety and for the swift recovery of our communities,” the archdiocese said.

By Arnel Glenn Regino Each year the feast of Our Lady of Peñafancia is celebrated by Filipinos, not just by Bicolanos, throughout the world. A particular place where it is celebrated in the United States of America is Phoenix, Arizona. This started about 25 years ago, when the image of “Ina” was brought to Phoenix by a local of Naga City. Her image was then first housed at St. Mary’s Catholic Church in Chandler, Arizona. In 2017, a new Church was built in Chandler and her image was transferred to the St. Juan Diego Catholic Church.  Each year, a 9-day novena is observed and masses are celebrated in honor of Our Lady. On her feast day, hundreds of devotees come to celebrate. A rosary procession is held in the Church grounds, after which, a mass is concelebrated by a number of Filipino priests in the Diocese of Phoenix. This year’s feast day mass was celebrated on Sept. 20 by Bishop James Wall of Gallup, New Mexico -born and raised in Arizona.  Of course, the celebration is not complete without a reception   after the mass, where devotees bring and share native Filipino food with all the attendees - lechon, adobo, laing , and  lumpia  among others.  In addition, young Filipinos showcase their talents during the social gathering, by dancing to and singing Filipino songs.  Each year is a celebration worth remembering. It is a time for Filipinos, not just Bicolanos, to celebrate “Ina”, whose intercession many miracles have been attributed to.

For the past 32 years, the Philippine Bicol Association of British Columbia (PBABC) and Saint Patrick’s Parish has been blessed to host the devotion to Our Lady of Peñafrancia.  It all began in 1992 when then Bishop Jose Sorra of Virac, Catanduanes visited Vancouver and celebrated a mass at St Andrew's Church. He encouraged the community to keep their faith alive by celebrating the feast of Our Lady of Peñafrancia. The following year, in 1993, the first official celebration was held at St Patrick's Parish, after a 9-day novena. More than 150 Bicolanos and friends gathered at Fantasy Gardens in Richmond for a solemn procession through its beautiful grounds, followed by a sumptuous reception.  The first image of “Ina” was donated by a group of Isabelinas, led by Elizabeth Valenciano Cruz. They also initiated the Home Visitation program which continues year-round until today. “Ina” visits families throughout the year for a 9-day novena with each family. In 2002, a new image was donated by Jose Arellano and family. 2 years later, in 2004, the crown was donated by Mario Garchitorena and family. The installation and consecration were officiated by Bishop Prospero Arellano of Libmanan, who was assisted by Fr. Juan Sabas also from Libmanan. In attendance too were Fr. Domingo Cedo, Fr. Amador Abundo and Fr. Vicente Borre. Today, the new image “Ina” is enshrined in the chapel of St. Patrick’s Church, offering devotees the opportunity to visit and pray to her throughout the year.  A group of resolute PBABC devotees and voyadores, now serving as members of the Association’s Religious Committee, faithfully oversees the preparation of the caro and annual festivities.  Each year, other members of the Association also contribute through gifts such as a new manto, fresh floral arrangements, novena pamphlets, and candles -all of which enrich and uphold the solemnity of the devotion. Bicolano priests (Fr. Abundo, Fr. Nuñez and Fr. Reyes) celebrate the mass with the Parish Priest of St. Patrick Church. The eucharistic celebration is graced by the hymns of the Bicol Choir. Our festivities carried on with unwavering spirit, even at the height of the COVID-19 pandemic in 2020. Through novena prayers on Zoom and a mass attended by 50 devoted participants, we remained united in faith while honoring social distancing guidelines.  Indeed, nothing could dim the light of our devotion and togetherness. To this day, the 9-day novena here in Vancouver commences a day prior to the actual Friday Traslacion in Naga City, Bicol, in order to align with the official celebrations. Members of the PBABC and devotees of “Ina” joyfully continue the tradition with every annual feast celebrated with a procession and a mass. A community potluck gathers everyone for a feast of faith, family and friendship among Bicolanos and their loved ones in British Columbia. Come November 7, the PBABC will celebrate its 35th anniversary. One the Association’s milestone is its share in propagating the devotion to Our Lady of Peñafrancia.

“As we celebrate the feast of Our Lady of Peñafrancia today, we stand with those going out to the streets to protest against corruption.” These were the words of Bishop Jose Alan Dialogo of Sorsogon as he addressed devotees at the Basilica Minore de Peñafrancia last Sunday, Sept 21, Solemnity of Our Lady of Peñafrancia.  Coinciding with the Trillion Peso March, Dialogo said that the Philippine Church does not remain silent as the country continues to battle its many social ills. “Its Bishops and priests are one in heeding the call of the nation today.” He also enumerated concrete pastoral steps that the Church does as it guides the faithful in truth and moral integrity; which includes conscience formation. In addition, Dialogo underscored the role of the Catholic Church in social transformation. “The Church calls everyone to conversion and must open doors for repentance,“ he said. “Mercy does not mean silence; rather, being merciful means teaching what is right and true.”  Themed “Our Lady of Peñafrancia: Mother to all”, the Sorsogon Bishop also contemplated on the motherhood of Mary, who, he says, is a Mother of Hope in the midst of social injustices that seem to reflect the fall of man in the story found in the book of Genesis.  Despite sin, Dialogo said, God’s promise of redemption unfolds through Mary, whose example calls us to renewal, justice and mercy.  “Like the disciple who took Mary into his home, we are invited to let Mary dwell in our hearts, in our families and in our homes.” The Bishop also said that the Peñafrancia devotion is not merely tradition. “It is faith in action, a collective pilgrimage as children of Mary, [a way] to rekindle the fire of their devotion to the Mother of God.” In closing, Dialogo called on everyone to follow Christ just as Mary did. “May every Viva la Virgen be a promise to live as true children of Mary,” he exhorted.

By Natalie Hazel Quimlat In his homily for the closing mass of the Union of Bicol Clergy (UBC) last Sept 18 at the Naga Metropolitan Cathedral, Bishop Luisito Occiano of Virac highlighted the importance of renewing “one’s identity as [part of the] Bicol clergy” and what it truly means to be a son of ‘Ina’.  Occiano likened the annual gathering of priests to coming home to a mother who “welcomes with much love and affection” and how this renews the “fire of the mission”. Camaraderie, he said, also “brings joy to the gift of vocation”. But, the Virac prelate also warned the Clergy that “the real test of devotion happens after the fiesta”, when each has gone back to his own parish. Three challenges were presented by Occiano as “one brings Christ to every searching heart”: fraternity, innovation and authentic witnessing.  According to the prelate, envy and comparison fuel rivalry and weakens the brotherhood. “This affects the people we serve.” Because there is no perfect presbyterium, Occiano told the Clergy to be supportive of each other, to accept each other’s shortcomings and failures, and to forgive one another. He also urged the Clergy to “embrace innovation with the heart of the Gospel”. He said that innovation is not limited to having digital presence alone, but also a change of mindset -“to try new pastoral approaches, collaborate with the laity and welcome inclusivity”, especially now that the Church calls for synodality. Ultimately, Occiano called on the Clergy “to be the face of Christ -in the way we live, in the way we relate and in the way we serve”. Authentic witnessing provides inspiration to others to do the same.  “A priest who lives authentically can draw people closer to Christ more than any eloquent homily,” he said. The prelate also asked the faithful to pray for the Clergy, to be understanding as well as forgiving.  Earlier in the week, the UBC opened with the Bicol Regional Pastoral Conference, wherein the Clergy gathered to talk on Synodality. Some of the highlights of the discussion were continued lay formation, early formation for seminarians and a “special focus on the family and youth”. Establishing Basic Ecclesial Communities (BECs) was also identified as a significant tool for evangelization and in encouraging meaningful, inclusive participation in the Church.  The Diocese of Virac won as the over-all Champion of the annual UBC games and as the winner of the Cabalquinto AVP Awards, with its presentation “Tintirohan: An Banaag nin Paglaom sa Islang Maogma”.

By Natalie Hazel Quimlat “Catholic schools are meant to fill the environment with Christ at the center,” exhorted Archbishop Emeritus Rolando Tria Tirona, OCD of Caceres as he delivered his homily to Catholic teachers at the recently held annual gathering of Bicol Association of Catholic Schools (BACS) at the Archbishop Legaspi Hall, Basilica Minore de Peñafrancia. Tria Tirona also spoke about the importance of faith integration and witnessing in his homily, telling participants to be witnesses, instead of reporters, who he said are many nowadays. Witnesses, on the other hand, are transformed by the event, Tria Tirona explained. Thus, Catholic schools are also called to be avenues for witnessing, places where “hearts are redirected”.  Fr. Karel San Juan, SJ, President of the Catholic Educational Association of the Philippines (CEAP) reinforced this ecclesial mission of education as he told participants that “Christ is the origin and end of our mission”. Hence, we must “discern together [as] we make our mission, Catholic education in the Philippines, stronger”.  A Community in Christ, moving forward In his national report, CEAP Executive Director Narcy Dionisio presented the 3-year program of the Association. Five key domains were identified for “transformative Catholic education”. These are educational leadership, organizational development, advocacy and formation, capacity building, and community engagement. “These priorities reflect a coherent and forward roadmap for our Association’s continued relevance in Philippine education,” Dionisio said.   “CEAP holds on to the promise of hope: that the visions we cherish, the ideals we live by, and the quiet beauty that stirs our hearts are never in vain, for every step taken in faith will not betray.” Cotabato Archbishop-elect Charlie Inzon, OMI delivered the keynote address on synodality, while Caceres Archbishop Rex Andrew Alarcon discussed artificial intelligence.  Held last September 11, the annual regional assembly gathered 245 participants in the Pilgrim City of Naga. Currently, BACS is headed by Fr. Wilmer Joseph Tria, Vice-President of CEAP.

By Natalie Hazel Quimlat “Are we forming consciences that resist evil or tolerating corruption under the guise of peace?” This was the question raised by Bishop Jose Rojas, Jr. of Libmanan, who called for moral renewal as he slammed corruption, citing it “a moral crisis”, a way of life that lacks compassion, justice and accountability.  “Corruption weakens the moral fabric of institutions and destroys the future of the entire nation,” he said as he addressed thousands of devotees in his homily at the mass before the Traslacion last Friday, Sept 12, at the Parish and Shrine of Our Lady of Peñafrancia, Naga City. The pressing role of Discernment Rojas also criticized keeping a blind eye and brushing aside injustices that occur amid the vibrant and joyous atmosphere of the feast of Our Lady of Peñafrancia, lovingly called ‘Ina’ by her devotees. “It is not enough for the Church to remain silent or neutral,” he exhorted. “The Church must be a moral compass.” The Libmanan prelate maintained the vision of the Church as “a light in darkness”, unafraid to advocate for the truth and champion the poor, the oppressed and the voiceless. He spoke of discernment as a necessary action in the journey towards social transformation, stating that it is a “prophetic responsibility in a corrupt society” today, where conscience examination is most called for.  Discernment entails “listening deeply to God’s voice in the midst of noise, power and politics”. It requires courage in seeking to do what is right, “to guide the faithful in truth”.  Mary, the model of true discernment  “To discern is to act with moral clarity and compassion just as Mary did,” Rojas continued, as he illustrated Mary as the perfect example of someone who “discerns God’s will even in difficult and corrupt environments”. From the Annunciation where “she listened and responded with courage” to moments in her life where she immediately sought action as fruits of spiritual discernment, such as visiting Elizabeth and during the wedding feast in Cana, Mary’s life is marked by “faithful obedience to God’s justice and mercy”.  Ultimately, her faithfulness is shown at the foot of the Cross, where she remained even in pain. As the feast of ‘Ina’ draws near, Rojas challenges devotees to go “beyond tradition and ritual”, prompting them to ask themselves, “Are we living the values that ‘Ina’ represents?”  True devotion leads to conversion Deep within this grandiose celebration is a call to discern and look into our lives, he said. “As we cry out Viva la Virgen, may we not only honor ‘Ina’ with flowers and songs but by lives marked by moral courage and integrity.” Rojas further exhorted that true devotion is seen “in the choices we make everyday”. He also advocated for the future of the youth, many of whom actively participate in the annual festivities and are the “most affected by the long-term consequences of corruption”. He lobbied for their empowerment as “leaders of integrity”, in nurturing their faith and encouraging them to actively express this faith as they take part in “shaping a society that [truly] reflects the values of ‘Ina’”.  “Faith can transform society,” Rojas said as he closed his homily. “Let this celebration be a turning point.” He also expressed hope for the growth of the Catholic Church in Bicol and in the country at large -“in wisdom, in boldness and in discernment through ‘Ina’s’ intercession”, for our nation, the glory of God and social transformation.

By Tere Esmeralda-Medina NAGA CITY - The Bishop Francisco Gainza Trade Fair (BFGTF) officially opened last September 11 at the Robinsons Place Atrium and Activity Center. Now in its 15th year, BFGTF stands as a living testament to the enduring partnership among its stakeholders, highlighting in its opening the collaborative efforts between the Church, government and the community in promoting inclusive economic growth for local businesses. “Every year, the Gainza Trade Fair reminds us that our devotion to Ina, the Virgin of Peñafrancia, extends beyond prayer -it inspires us to uplift livelihoods, foster solidarity, and strengthen our community,” Fr. Marcel Emmanuel Real, BFGTF and Caritas Caceres Chairman, said as he welcomed participants and attendees of the said event. BFGTF aspires to continue to embody the vision of its pioneer, Bishop Francisco Gainza -a Church in solidarity with the people, working for both faith and social development.  This year’s Trade Fair features over 200 Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises, representing a diverse range of sectors which include Agriculture, Food, Crafts, Fashion, and the Arts. The Creative Industry is the latest addition to the Fair since last year, aimed to showcase Bicolano artistry and innovation. The 12-day Expo also includes skills training, a two-day job fair and a talk on mental health.  Themed “Si Maria, Ina kan gabos, masasarigan sa pag-uswag”, the event was graced by Most Rev. Rex Andrew C. Alarcon, D.D., Archbishop of Caceres; Jay Percival Ablan, Provincial Director of the Department of Trade and Industry in Camarines Sur; and Naga City Mayor Leni Robredo. Representatives from several government and private institutions were also present. Messages delivered did not only promote local livelihood but also spoke of the resiliency and creativity of Bicolanos, rooted in their faith and devotion to Our Lady of Peñafrancia.  “This Fair goes beyond commerce,” Archbishop Alarcon said. “It [has] become [a] community.” During the opening, awards were given to several people (Balaog Award), partners (Katuwang Award) and micro entrepreneurs (Maimbod Award) who played a significant role in the life and journey of BFGTF for the last 15 years.  The annual Trade Fair is organized by the Archdiocese of Caceres through Caritas Caceres, in partnership with the Department of Trade and Industry. A showcase of homegrown products set in the wide and vibrant celebration of the Peñafrancia fiesta, the Fair runs until September 22, Monday.

By Sr. Babi-An Pepito Twenty-six persons with special needs participated in the Paralympics organized by the Gilean Ministry last September 13, Saturday, at the St. Peter Baptist Covered Courts of the Holy Rosary Major Seminary, Naga City. The event began with a mass presided by Fr. Jaime Danilo Viola, Ministry Director. In his homily, Fr. Viola highlighted the importance of sports not only in physical fitness but also in character development, specifically in fostering teamwork and discipline. He also called on the participants to “always listen to Jesus and Mary” and to nurture spiritual teamwork as they practice their faith.  After the mass, participants engaged in three games: Bocce, Badminton and Scrabble. Bocce, a lawn bowling sport, involved three teams of four players each. Players quickly enjoyed mastering the skill of rolling balls close to the target, known as the pallino. Team A emerged as the Bocce champions. The Badminton competition featured three singles matches. While all players were new to the game, their enthusiasm was highly commendable. The final game, Scrabble, had four players competing in a word-building challenge. Despite the difficulty, all players persevered in an hour of friendly competition. All winners and participants received medals, certificates and gifts.  The half-day event, which emphasized inclusion and the joy of participation and community spirit, was organized by the Gilean Ministry of the Immaculate Conception Parish in Naga City, headed by Dr. Ma. Asuncion Quimlat, with special participation of Mr. Gil Alimasa, Gilean Ministry Coordinator of St. Anthony of Padua Parish in Camaligan. The games were facilitated by Mr. Mellard Japson and Mr. Arnel Valle. The Sisters of the Little Mission for the Deaf were also present during the said event.

Lilette P. Manauis Three hundred eighty-two priests from across the Bicol Region convene at the UMA Hotel & Residences, Abaca Grand Ballroom, for the annual Union of Bicol Clergy (UBC) gathering on September 16–18, 2025, this time highlighting the characteristics of a synodal Church and the value of a spiritual conversations as a method to achieve this, and a reorientation to the Bicol Regional Pastoral Conference (BRPC). Most Rev. Rex Andrew C. Alarcon, as head of the Metropolitan Archdiocese of Caceres, proposed this distinct part of the priests’ gathering to foster a strengthened response to the call for a more synodal Church and to nurture a deeper and more concrete understanding of what synodality is. Thus, what used to be a get-together of priests from the different dioceses in Bicol to celebrate the Peñafrancia fiesta and live out their brotherhood through a sportsfest, this year, the UBC event had a twist in its set of activities, which is the BRPC General Assembly. With the theme “Brothers in Mission, Sons of Ina,” Archbishop Rex discussed the characteristics of a Synodal Church and emphasized that synodality is “the way the Church should walk together, listen, and include everyone.” He first presented a perspective of a synodal Church in the Asian context and narrowed it down to the more specific goals of inclusivity, a pilgrim church concept, and giving importance to the voice of the people. He concluded his talk with an encouragement for “practical steps” that could be undertaken on a diocesan and parish level, and work to define what a synodal Church is. Moreover, he advocated for “21st-century relevance of Synodality,” which “helps the Church stay connected, agile, and responsive in a diverse, fast-changing world.” The archbishop advocated that: “BRPC is a concrete manifestation of our effort to be a synodal Church in the Bicol Region.” Fr. Augusto Angeles, a member of the Bicol Regional Priests Conference Secretariat, provided a review of what the BRPC is. He discussed key points such as the role, authority, and composition of the Executive Secretariat. Likewise, he explained the structure and responsibilities of Regional Desks and how they are clustered into 4 departments patterned after the Catholic Bishops’ Conference of the Philippines (CBCP), and they are: Doctrine and Religious Affairs, Clergy Formational and Welfare, Lay Formation, and Social Services and Communications. He then summarized his discussion with the recommendations by Bicol Bishops that BRPC has no legislative authority and would act only as a consultative and coordinating body under the CBCP framework.

Lilette P. Manauis The Bicol River flows in a mixture of colors while thousands of voyadores aboard boats paddle in kindred constancy, pulling Our Lady’s pagoda as it cruises its way back to the Minor Basilica and National Shrine of Our Lady of Peñafrancia on Saturday, September 20, 2025. Year after year, riverbanks along several barangays in Naga City get clambered by still several thousands of devotees, while rooftops and terraces are cramped by collectively thousands more faithfuls. All hopeful and ardent to have just a glimpse of Our Lady’s image as it sails its way back to Her home. Hours before the fluvial procession, serene warbles echo through the surroundings of the river while devotees of different ages, walks of life, and proximity adorn both sides of the river. They stay and wait, not minding the heat nor the threats of rain. They cling to their patience, eager to see the image of Ina, Our Lady of Peñafrancia, their mother in its journey back to the Basilica. This year, Ina’s image was joined in the Pagoda by the Bicol Bishops headed by Archbishop Rex Andrew C. Alarcon, priests, and youth representatives from different parishes and religious and youth organizations in Caceres. While 172 registered boats, 20 skippers ( “paratukon” in Bikol),  and the Philippine Coast Guard all pooled together not just their devotions but their expertise in ensuring the safety and success of the Fluvial Procession. Neither the darkness nor the windings of the river delayed the pagoda’s sails. Nothing waned the cheering and chanting of the thousands of devotees from the moment Ina’s image traversed the waters of Naga River to the point where it was carried to the grounds of the Basilica. There was a welcome of unfeigned chantings of “Viva La Virgen!”, a louder singing of Our Lady’s hymn, an ocean of waving handkerchiefs, and a display of lights from candles held with hands of piety and faith. All festivities in honor of Our Lady of Peñafrancia culminated with a Mass presided by the Most Rev. Bartolome G. Santos Jr, D.D. Bishop of Iba, Zambales, together with the Bicol Bishops, Bicol Clergy, and other guest priests at the grounds of the Basilica Minore of Our Lady of Peñafrancia.