by Santosh Digal

The Virgin, patroness of Bicol, is known across the country as “Ina”, Mother. In preparation for the three hundredth anniversary of the festivity, the archdiocese has ordered three years of prayer and reflection.

Naga (AsiaNews) – Over a million pilgrims, devotees and tourists participated in nine days of festivities in honour of Our Lady of Penafrancia, patroness of Bicol, known as “Ina”, or Mother. These festivities were initiated in 1710 by Fr. Miguel Robles de Covarrubias, who built a chapel in honour of the Virgin in Bicol in thanks for graces received.

 

In the lead up to 2010, the three hundredth anniversary of the festivity, the Archdiocese of Caceres (which encompasses Bicol) has ordered three years of preparation.  The first year will reflect on the gift of devotion to Ina; the second on how to renew the faith through the Virgin and the third will be dedicated to sharing hope in the future.

 

These years, the Archbishop recalled, “must however be united by one great theme: growing together in holiness under the cloak of Ina, our Mother and protector”.

 

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