UCA News
Contribute

Millions come for Marian procession

Commemorates end of 300th anniversary of pilgrimage of Our Lady of Peñafrancia
Millions come for Marian procession
The river procession of Our Lady of Penafrancia in 2010 (Photo by Roy Lagarde)
Published: September 16, 2011 09:55 AM GMT
Updated: December 22, 2011 06:15 AM GMT

Naga City is bracing for the arrival of an estimated three million people as the northern city prepares to conclude its year-long commemoration of the 300th anniversary of the pilgrimage of Our Lady of Peñafrancia. Father Luisito Occiano, director of social communications for the diocese, said at least half a million people have already arrived for the novena ahead of the main celebration. “Tomorrow we expect at least 1.5 million devotees to join the fluvial [river] procession” to be held at 4pm. Tourism officials in the city said total attendance could reach three million with the addition of tourists. The weeklong celebration is highlighted by the river procession, whereby the image of Mary is transported from her shrine to the centuries-old Naga Metropolitan Cathedral. President Benigno Aquino said in a proclamation that the feast of Our Lady of Peñafrancia “for the past 300 years has become an epic historical event that has become part of our cultural heritage.” The Marian image is to be returned to her shrine before a closing Mass at the cathedral on the eve of the feast day on September 17. The Marian statue in Naga is a replica of a statue reportedly found by Simom Vela in Salamanca, Spain, at the foot of Peña de Francia hill on May 19, 1434, and later brought to the Philippines in the 1700s.

Help UCA News to be independent
Dear reader,
Lent is the season during which catechumens make their final preparations to be welcomed into the Church.
Each year during Lent, UCA News presents the stories of people who will join the Church in proclaiming that Jesus Christ is their Lord. The stories of how women and men who will be baptized came to believe in Christ are inspirations for all of us as we prepare to celebrate the Church's chief feast.
Help us with your donations to bring such stories of faith that make a difference in the Church and society.
A small contribution of US$5 will support us continue our mission…
William J. Grimm
Publisher
UCA News
Asian Bishops
Latest News
UCA News Catholic Dioceses in Asia
UCA News Catholic Dioceses in Asia
UCA News Catholic Dioceses in Asia