by Antonette Eduardo The Bicolanos' devotion to Inâ, Our Lady of Peñafrancia, is more than just tradition – it is a shared mission, a call to action. Every September, the skies of Bicol are filled with prayers rising like incense and blessings descending like rain. But the Bicolanos and pilgrims from different places and walks of life who gather together do so to ask for Inâ's motherly intercession and become living missions of love, hope, and compassion. This year's Traslacion Procession, where an estimated 800,000 pilgrims accompanied Inâ from the Old Shrine and Parish of Our Lady of Peñafrancia to the Metropolitan Cathedral, once again marked the beginning of the nine-day Novena in her honor. It was also a moment for us to truly reflect on how we can be like Mary as missionaries. Mary herself lived with a mission. When she said "yes" to God in carrying Jesus in her womb, she accepted her role as the first missionary. She not only became the mother of Jesus; she also brought Him to others, and she became mother to us all. Today, she continues that mission from the sky, from heaven, interceding for her children and pointing us always to her Son, the Divino Rostro (the Divine Face of Jesus). Our deep devotion to Inâ challenges us not only to join processions, attend Novena Masses, or chant "Viva la Virgen!" but more importantly, to renew our mission. To be a devotee of Inâ is to take part in her mission: to listen, to serve, to heal, to love, to give voice to the oppressed, and to lead others to Christ. Just as the sky gives us light, rain, and the air we breathe, so too must our faith and devotion overflow into action. It is a shared mission to heal divisions, strengthen hope, rekindle love, and be pilgrims of hope for all.

By Jonnah Abellano Every September, Naga City comes alive with a river of devotees. Pilgrims fill the streets, their footsteps and prayers weaving a rhythm that honors Our Lady of Peñafrancia and the Divino Rostro. Yet not all devotees can make the journey. Some are miles away, in distant provinces, or even foreign lands, but their prayers for Ina reach her just the same. Even far from the pilgrimage, faith finds its expression. In homes, chapels, and small parish halls across Bicol and beyond, devotees light candles, whisper prayers, and gather in silent rituals. Theirs may not follow the grand processions that wind through the streets of Naga, but they are instilled with the same sincerity and longing to be near the Blessed Mother. Distance is no barrier in their hearts, for faith becomes a bridge. Amid the crowds of pilgrims in Naga, many cannot approach Ina and the Divino Rostro. The throngs around the sacred images can overwhelm even the most devoted. Yet for those who stay at a distance, faith becomes their bridge. They bow in reverent silence in quiet corners, whispering prayers that drift softly through the air. Candles flicker in their hands, small flames that carry hope and longing. Each petition murmured from the heart is a tender offering. Even if unnoticed in the crowd, their devotion flows steadily, reaching the Blessed Mother. In these moments, the distance between worshiper and divine fades, and the soul speaks to Ina in subtle, profound intimacy. Devotion takes many forms, and those who pray from afar reveal its truest essence. Faith is quiet, persistent, unassuming, and sometimes far from the clamor of festivals. A calm radiance grows with each prayer whispered and candle lit, reflecting Ina's steadfast care and watchful love. Distance may separate the faithful from Naga's bustling streets, but it cannot dim the devotion coursing through generations. Being near Ina is less about proximity and more about presence: the sincerity of intention, the persistence of hope, and the embrace of a tradition that transcends geography. From afar, devotees feel the gentle comfort of the Blessed Mother's gaze, reassuring that distance does not diminish devotion. On this annual celebration, the Pilgrim City of Naga may be the heart of the festivities. Still, each devotee's heartbeat pulses from every province, every home, every corner of the world, all united in one prayer: from afar, for Ina.

By Natalie Hazel Quimlat A sea of men in color-coded shirts with bands on their heads that read “Viva la Virgen”, carrying Ina, Our Lady of Peñafrancia, is a common sight to behold during the Traslacion and Fluvial processions. Every September, these men walk barefoot to keep Ina safe as she makes her way through the crowd. But, little do we know how they spiritually prepare for one of the most widespread Catholic devotions in the country.   Each year, on the Saturday before the Traslacion, the men collectively known as the Cofradia de San Jose gather at the Basilica Minore de Peñafrancia for a night of “Pakikipagtipan ki Ina”. Pioneered by Msgr. Rodel Cajot, PC in 2013, with Fernan Mendizabal and William Menes, the gathering seeks to promote the spirituality of St. Joseph, whose character every voyador must emulate. It also aims to reinforce and keep the camaraderie among the voyadores.   The evening is spent in prayer as the men go through reflection, and participate in the eucharistic celebration and exposition of the Blessed Sacrament. The annual recollection and vigil is capped by a solemn procession within the Pilgrim City of Naga. As they pass through the Colgante Bridge, the men pray for the victims of the tragedy that occurred in 1972.   Far and wide, young and old, Ina draws her voyadores close every September, filling the streets as her feast day approaches. It is a tradition passed on through generations, and one that begins at home.   According to a voyador, his devotion to Ina was ignited by growing up in a Catholic family and with family members who are also voyadores. This roots his understanding of what it truly means to be a voyador at an early age.   And through years of formation and participation, these men grow in their devotion to Ina and mature in their faith as well.   A sea of men in color-coded shirts with bands on their heads that read “Viva la Virgen!” carry Ina every September -a sight to behold as one hopes to catch a glimpse of her or touch her manto, with prayers offered or tears in one’s eyes.   To witness this as a way of expression of devotion is said to be truly phenomenal.   The word voyadores takes its roots in the Spanish word, boyar, which means to lift. It may also mean boya, which perfectly encapsulates the joy, hope and lightness one feels as he carries Ina through the crowd and in his heart.

By Jonnah Abellano In Bicol, devotion runs deeper than tradition and flows seamlessly through generations. September is a month when the Pilgrim City bursts into a sea of yellow and white as the Feasts of Our Lady of Peñafrancia and El Divino Rostro transform the streets into a living testament of faith, carried forward from one generation to the next. At the heart of these celebrations are the tender glimpses of families walking hand in hand: Lolo steadying his apo on the crowded streets during the Traslación, or Lola teaching her grandchild the prayers of the novena whispered with tears and fervor. To many BIcolanos, the devotion to Ina and the Divino Rostro (the Holy Face of Jesus) is their first catechism, not from books but from the living faith embodied by parents and grandparents, a tradition carried forward through time. The day of Traslación begins with the Dawn Procession, when the Miraculous Image of Our Lady of Peñafrancia is transferred from the Minor Basilica to the Parish of Our Lady of Peñafrancia. The Traslación, which marks the transfer of the sacred images from the Peñafrancia Shrine to the Naga Metropolitan Cathedral, has long been a family ritual. Elders recall waving handkerchiefs as children, fervently chanting "Viva la Virgen!" and "Viva el Divino Rostro!" Now they watch their children do the same, eyes shining with the same awe and reverence. It is this persistence that binds generations, where faith and devotion are not only preserved but deepened. Together, they embody the cycle of faith, ever ancient and ever new. What makes the Peñafrancia celebration remarkable is its power to bridge young and old alike. It is not simply a celebration for today's pilgrims but a legacy entrusted to tomorrow. Through stories, gestures, and whispered prayers, the young learn that devotion is not only about asking for miracles but also about taking on a history of gratitude and love. In the end, the feasts of Ina and the Divino Rostro are more than religious events. They are living bridges across time, where grandparents, parents, and children stand side by side, bound not just by blood but by a faith that endures, through generations, prayers, and the heart of Bicolandia. In every step, every chant, and every gaze toward the andas, pilgrims and devotees ensure that tomorrow will inherit yesterday's devotion.

By Natalie Hazel Quimlat NAGA CITY - Over 80 writing enthusiasts from different schools, parishes,  and seminaries of the Archdiocese of Caceres participated in the recently held on-the-spot essay writing contest at the Holy Rosary Minor Seminary, September 6, Saturday. Themed “Our Mother of Peñafrancia: Mother to All”, the said literary competition aims to promote devotion to Ina, Our Lady of Peñafrancia, by way of writing faith stories and personal reflections. The annual event also seeks to promote writing and literary appreciation. Addressing the participants, Caceres Commission on Communications (CCCom) Director Fr. Francis Tordilla said, “Not all of us can serve as a voyador. But through writing, may your essays carry Ina this Peñafrancia fiesta and inspire devotions in others.” 59 contestants participated in the English category, while 30 contestants joined the Bikol category. Contestants are further divided into divisions by age. Division 1 is for those 16-19 years old, while Division 2 is for those at the 20-25 age bracket. A total of 12 parishes and 21 schools took part in the whole-day literary endeavor. Numbers show a 20% increase in participation from last year’s competition. Caceres News, headed by Mrs. Lorleine Manauis, is the official digital news arm of the Archdiocese, and is one of the latest additions to the CCCom as a platform for digital evangelization. The winners of the contest will be awarded on October 6, 2025, during the Novena Mass in honor of Our Lady of the Rosary.

By Lilette P. Manauis Caceres priests gather yet one more time to fulfill their centuries-old vow of celebrating the feast of Divino Rostro and spiritually prepare for the feast of Ina, Our Lady of Peñafrancia. “Pagbalyo Kay Divino Rostro” is the annual tradition wherein priests carry the image of the Divino Rostro through a solemn procession from the Minor Basilica of Our Lady of Peñafrancia in Balatas Road, Naga City, to the Shrine of Our Lady of Peñafrancia in Barangay Peñafrancia, Naga City. Thereafter, Novenary masses in honor of the said image are celebrated until it gets transferred with the image of Ina to the Naga Metropolitan Cathedral through the Traslacion procession. A highly significant chapter of this tradition is the clergy recollection, which intends to prepare them spiritually to celebrate the fiesta in honor of Ina. This year, the recollection was distinctly crafted to impart two talks and foster a spiritual conversation. Initially, Dr. Eric B. Zerrudo, Executive Director of the National Commission for Culture and the Arts (NCCA) talked about Heritage. “He was invited by the Archdiocese to settle a recurring need of priest[s] to be educated on cultural heritage conservation, since most of [its] pastors manage old churches,” said Fr. Francis A. Tordilla, rector of the Holy Rosary Minor Seminary and member of the Archdiocesan Construction and Heritage Committee. Continually, Fr. Jene Lois Sarmiento, who was the speaker in the afternoon session, talked about Memory. Related to the first talk on Heritage, he emphasized that “Heritage is not simply what is old; it is what the community remembers, cherishes,  and hands on.” He further quoted Paul Connerton in one of his works saying, that “’Societies remember not only through written history but also through embodied practices and spaces-memory that is incorporated in experiences of rituals and inscribed in places and objects.’” More relevantly, Fr. Lois showed pictures of the Holy Rosary Minor Seminary and other old churches in the Archdiocese and encouraged priests to actively share their “memories” of those places. Following the interactional part of the talk was the spiritual conversation among the priests assigned in small groups. They were ushered into their group, guided by these three questions: (1) Places make sense, senses make the place. What is that one place that makes sense to you? (2) In your community, how do people value these places/objects? And (3) What can we do to protect these valuable places/objects? The recollection was ceremonially completed by a mass celebrated by Archbishop Rex Andrew Alarcon, who thanked his brother priests for being present to fulfill their promise to carry the image of the Divino Rostro in a solemn procession. In his homily, he said a prayer for the priests of Caceres and the seminarians who attended the mass. Archbishop Rex encouraged them through his prayer that they may not feel scared; however, recognize that their ministry is towards a higher level of pastoral success. He further compared their role to that of a mother who secretly cries, bearing the difficulties of motherhood, but openly smiles for her children to see. He ended his prayerful homily with the invocation, “ Logod kita magkaigwa nin determinasyon, perseverance  na maski makuri dai kita maghabo,  na maski mayong balos dai kita magsuko,  maski mayong pasalamat dai kita mag give up… na an satuyang balos iyo an lalawgon nin Kagurangan…an lawog ni Hesus na namoot sato asin sa labi labing pagkamoot idinusay an buhay para sato.”

By Lilette P. Manauis Archbishop Rex Andrew C. Alarcon and priests across the archdiocese of Caceres, on the celebration of Creation Sunday 2025, deliver bold and moving homilies aimed at awakening and urging their congregations to act on being responsible stewards of God’s creation. September 7, 2025, marks the start of the Season of Creation which is annually held to consistently encourage consciousness, reflective action, and renewed commitment to caring for God’s creation – our own home. In his homily, the archbishop invited the congregation to recall how it had been since we were little children when we were taught not to steal, to return what we borrow, and to always share equally. He even recalled how we were taught to “think about those who haven’t eaten yet, never to waste food, and always to take care of our things.” Furthermore, he emphasized that these small but greatly valuable teachings are taught to children, but are indeed reminders to all of us [today] these days. Sequentially, Bishop Rex delved into the verity of not being alone rather than having families and neighbors to think of. Explicitly, he pointed out one by one all the abuses of natural resources and even to indigenous people, which leaders and politicians commit for the sake of their own business monopoly and personal interests. And how all these hurt biodiversity and even our own safety. Continually, he emphasized upon environmental justice by reiterating that the earth’s resources gives us “ay para sa gabos.” He was direct in saying that God’s creation is for everyone, and we are accountable for that to God Himself. In a separate homily delivered by Rev. Fr. Albert Orillo in one of his masses at the Holy Cross Parish, Nabua, Camarines Sur quoted Pope Francis who spoke of the earth as “our common home.” Fr. Albert instinctively ushered his parishioners to an imagery of whether they will be happy to wake up in the morning smelling bad air, or to walk on the streets seeing garbage scattered everywhere. He then pointed out examples of very specific acts, such as bringing one's own tumbler or water container to lessen, if not to eliminate the use of disposable plastic containers and planting trees or plants, which could contribute to re-greening the surroundings. Truly, he claimed that these practices are not new, but we are being reminded constantly. Once again invoking Pope Francis in his encyclical “Laudato Si,” Fr. Orillo prompted his parishioners to show much care and act thoughtfully for the environment. He restated the late Pope in his advocacy for not only spiritual conversion but also ecological conversion. He ended with a provoking statement saying, “While there’s time…let us not wait for a bigger catastrophe because for what it will cost us, our health gets affected too.” Celebrating mass in St. Bernard Abbot Parish, Ocampo, Camarines Sur, Rev. Fr. Francis A. Tordilla buoyed for the pilgrims of the Camino de Peñafrancia a reflection on the Season of Creation, identifying with them in “usually forgetting that we are part of and we are one of God’s Creation.” Bluntly, he expressed how we pretend to be “gods” and how power and money make us think we own the world. We put our selfishness before our “kapwa’s” welfare and become “dios-diosan,” claiming everything and not saving anything for other people. Another thing we forget he said is that “Man as a creation and not a creator needs to listen to the environment.” Fr. Francis talked about two kinds of voices God wants us to hear, “mga inagrangay,” he said, using its Bikol sense. First is the voice of the environment and second is the voice of the poor. According to him, in “Fratelli Tutti,” Pope Francis called us into universal fraternity, and part of it is the relationship and oneness with the environment and the compassion to those in need. By this, he pointed out how nature has a way of getting back at us and that the calamities and natural disasters that we experience are pained voices by Mother Earth. Likewise, he expressed how the poor have become “powerless and victims of the pride of the few.” He capped his homily by highlighting the devotion to Our Lady of Peñafrancia as being closely related to love of nature. According to him, it is through roads and the river that we celebrate Ina’s fiesta year after year and taking care of these natural features of the environment is a devotion to both Our Lady and our surroundings. Finally, he urged the pilgrims of the camino to pray to Ina for strength to stand for the powerless and the poor, and the maturity of their cause from a personal to a communal mission so that the Season of Creation and the devotion to Ina be “seamless and synchronized because what we do will reflect that we are sons and daughters of Ina and Mother Nature.” As we are continuously urged to remind ourselves of our responsibility as stewards of God’s creation, these sermons should not just resound as words throughout the archdiocese, but must be demonstrated in particular acts of ecological conservation and compassion.

Includes Counseling Ministry for the Youth and Married Couples By Natalie Hazel Quimlat In a press conference held for the closing of their Golden Jubilee as a Diocese, Virac unveiled its 3-year Pastoral Plan moving forward, focusing on the threefold ministry of Christ: prophetic, priestly and Kingly.  Held last Monday, August 25, at the Bishop’s Residence in Fiat Village, Virac, Fr. Stephen Polo, Secretary of the Office for Pastoral Plan, walked the audience through the next 3 years. The remaining months of 2025 will be dedicated for the preparatory phase.  “The Diocese aims to journey together fostering unity, communion and mission,” he said.  In 2026, the Diocese will focus on the prophetic ministry of Christ, holding formation sessions across the Diocese, aiming for the “30% increase in [Church] participation”.  In 2027, the focus will be on the priestly mission of Christ, on communion and the establishment and nurturing of Basic Ecclesial Communities. In 2028, the Diocese will focus on the Kingly ministry of Christ, specifically on mission and stewardship. “The Mission is inspired by John 10:10,” Polo explained. “I have come that they may have life, and have it to the full.”  In addition, Fr. Paul Isorena enumerated the new specialized offices created in the Diocese. For the Youth Apostolate, these include a Counseling Ministry, a Committee on Youth Pastoral Forum and an Office for Youth Media Ministry, to name a few.  For the Cluster for Family and Life, these are Offices for Marriage Counseling and Marriage Encounter.  In addition, the Diocese also established Offices for Grandparents and for the LGBTQIA+ community. In his message, Virac Bishop Luisito Occiano expressed gratitude for the rich faith the Diocese has been blessed with. “We are blessed with 50 fruitful years,” he said, naming “Church luminaries” who hail from the Diocese of Virac and highlighting the origins of the Youth Encounter program that the Diocese is known for.  In closing, he said, “I ask for your prayers as we journey as one Church of God.” Occiano serves as the 3rd Bishop of Virac. He was preceded by Bishop Emeritus Manolo de los Santos, who led the Diocese for almost 3 decades.  It was in August 1974 that the Diocese of Virac was canonically established, separated from the Diocese of Legazpi, with then Bishop Jose Sorra as its first prelate.

By Fidela Malaluan The 17th Himuloan Festival is a program of the Parish of St. Bernard Abbot. It is conducted every 18th day of August. It aims to strengthen and manifest the generosity of Ocampoanons to our least fortunate brothers and sisters by sharing the fruits of the land and part of their labor. They gather their himulo, offerings, and arrange them decoratively and artistically in a cart, padyak or any vehicle to serve as a float. Participants are also highlighted in a parade in their Filipiniana attire. The goods gathered, which are primarily agricultural products and grocery items, are given to Himuloan recipients: charitable institutions, seminaries and poor parishes. The festival was inspired by the celebration of the Corpus Christi. It is previously known as the Tinagba Festival which owes its origin to the pioneering efforts of Rev. Fr. Jaime Danilo Ll. Viola. Subsequently, it has gained positive support from the succeeding parish priests: Rev. Fr. Balbino B. Gumabao, Jr., the late Rev. Fr. Rey Caceres and Rev. Fr. Bernie Anthony V. Ramirez, respectively. Over the years, it has flourished, manifesting  aoverwhelming support not only from the people of Ocampo but also from neighboring communities.  This year, the organization of the Festival was spearheaded by the Parish Pastoral Council in collaboration with the Local Government Unit of Ocampo, 14 BPCs (Barangay Pastoral Councils), ROMMs, 25 BLGUs (Barangay Local Government Units), 20 elementary and 4 secondary schools including private schools of  the Department of Education Ocampo District, civic organizations, fraternities and sororities, alumni associations, stakeholders, and parishioners who love to share and honor our Patron Saint on his feast day through this Festival, as a gesture of thanksgiving. Hopefully, the Himuloan Festival will continue, through God’s grace, to serve as a powerful testament to the transformative power of faith and generosity which enables us to demonstrate our dedication to spreading love and kindness to those in need, embodying the values of empathy and compassion in the service of the community.

Bicol Bishops arrive at the Diocese of Virac in time for the closing of their Diocesan Golden Jubilee . The eucharistic celebration that capped off this milestone was presided over by Caceres Archbishop Rex Andrew Alarcon yesterday, August 27. The Diocese of Virac was established in 1974 and is now one of the suffragan Dioceses of the Archdiocese of Caceres. (Photo credit: Diocese of Virac)

By Tere Esmeralda Medina "We are incredibly excited to bring the BFGTF back to the forefront this year," said Caceres Archbishop Rex Andrew Alarcon at the press conference of the annual Bishop Francisco Gainza Trade Fair held last Monday, August 18, at the Atrium of Robinsons Place Naga -the venue for this year’s Trade Fair.  “This trade fair is more than just a business event,” the prelate said. “It is a celebration of Bicol's rich culture and the ingenuity of our people. It is an opportunity for our local entrepreneurs to shine and for the public to discover the unique and high-quality products our region has to offer. Most especially, it is a tribute to Ina, Our Lady of Peñafrancia, who serves as our intercessor." This year’s theme is  “Si Maria, Ina niato gabos, masasarigan sa pag-uswag” . The press conference, which was well-attended by the local media, served as the official launch of the upcoming Trade Fair, which aims to promote local micro, small, and medium enterprises (MSMEs); and boost local economy. The annual Fair features a wide range of products, mostly food and handicrafts, from across the Bicol region and other parts of the country, providing a rich platform for entrepreneurs to connect with customers and create new business opportunities. Ms. Kristina G. Daquioag, Manager of Robinsons Place Naga, emphasized the mall’s commitment to community engagement and economic development. “Robinsons Place Naga is thrilled to be the host venue for [this year’s] BFGTF. We are committed to providing a space that supports local talent and contributes to the vitality of the local economy.” Organized yearly by Caritas Caceres, the BFGTF is also supported both by the local government of Camarines Sur and of Naga City. Key partner agencies such as the Department of Agriculture, represented by Lovella P. Guarin, Chief-RAFI, and the Department of Trade and Industry Camarines Sur, represented by Ms. Julie C. Mora, also expressed their full support for the annual Trade Fair. Ms. Mora, current Division Chief, highlighted the event's role in the government's efforts to foster entrepreneurship and sustainable economic growth in the Bicol region. They also underscored the Fair’s importance in supporting local farmers and agripreneurs. Another key partner for this annual event is the Camarines Sur Chamber of Commerce and Industry (CSCCI), represented by its president, Ms. Antonia G. Badong. In her message, Ms. Badong highlighted the role of the BFGTF in promoting local business. "We believe that by providing a robust venue for trade, we can help our MSMEs not only recover but thrive,” she exhorted.

By Grace Ann Pitogo July 5, 2025 – A diverse group of participants, comprising young writers and adult professionals from various parishes, attended the Caceres News Correspondents Workshop held at Coko Café, Ateneo de Naga University. The seminar-workshop aims to equip news correspondents with the necessary journalistic skills to serve in a faith-based media platform. Fr. Francis Tordilla, Director of the Caceres Commission on Communications (CCCom), introduced Caceres News, a new initiative aimed at digitally preserving and sharing stories of faith, life, and mission through digital media platforms to promote accessibility of faith news within the Archdiocese of Caceres. Fr. Tordilla pointed out the need to reach out to the digital generation, noting that modern evangelization requires the presence in online spaces where the  faithful, especially the youth, are increasingly found.  In his opening message, Fr. Francis explained how the shift of news media now requires the use of digital communication. “You are not just volunteers. You are missionaries of media,” he told the participants as he welcomed them into their new roles. The workshop featured a session on the art and craft of news and feature writing led by Ma’am Lilette Manauis. She discussed the essential elements and techniques of writing, underscoring the importance of storytelling in the mission of evangelization. Additionally, Ms. Antonette Eduardo led a session on journalism ethics, underscoring the importance of integrity in their work, particularly in upholding confidentiality, truthfulness, and accuracy. Meanwhile, Ma’am Crisel Dionisio facilitated a session and hands-on workshop on on-the-spot interviews, a skill crucial for asking the right questions to elicit clear and objective responses. With the Archdiocese’s increasing engagement in digital platforms, one participant shared, “Using media as a way of sharing our faith is what we need in these current times.” Through these sessions, young correspondents are empowered to evangelize effectively while remaining grounded in the principles of ethical journalism. The workshop concluded with the recitation of the Oath of Commitment, where each participant pledged to uphold the values of truth, integrity, and service in their role as news correspondents. The CCCom envisions Caceres News  as a response to the Church’s call for modern evangelization, reaching the local faithful beyond the Archdiocese. This seminar-workshop marks the beginning of the writers' journey proclaiming the Good News through media.