Peñafrancia feast celebrated in Vancouver

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.