Devotees in Christchurch NZ celebrate 10th year of Peñafrancia feast

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)