Our Lady of Peñafrancia is the patroness of the Bicol Region in the Philippines. She is venerated as the Virgin Mary, specifically under the title of Nuestra Señora de Peñafrancia. The devotion to Our Lady of Peñafrancia is deeply rooted in Filipino Catholicism and has been celebrated for centuries.
The image of Our Lady of Peñafrancia is enshrined in the Basilica Minore of Our Lady of Peñafrancia in Naga City, Camarines Sur. Every September, devotees from all over the country flock to Naga City to participate in the Peñafrancia Festival, a grand celebration in honor of Our Lady of Peñafrancia.
The festival features various religious and cultural events, including the Traslación and Fluvial Procession. During the Traslación, the image of Our Lady is transferred from her basilica to the Metropolitan Cathedral in Naga City. The Fluvial Procession, on the other hand, involves the transfer of the image back to her basilica via the Bicol River, accompanied by a flotilla of boats.
Devotees believe that Our Lady of Peñafrancia is a powerful intercessor, especially for those seeking healing, protection, and blessings. Many miracles and answered prayers have been attributed to her intercession.
The devotion to Our Lady of Peñafrancia is not limited to the Philippines alone. Filipino communities around the world also honor her, and there are replicas of her image found in various Filipino Catholic churches worldwide.
The devotion to Our Lady of Peñafrancia is a testament to the strong faith and devotion of the Filipino people. It is a celebration that brings people together in prayer, thanksgiving, and unity, as they seek the intercession of Our Lady of Peñafrancia in their lives.
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