Most Rev. Leonardo Z. Legaspi, O.P., D.D., Archbishop of Caceres, Friday, September 7, formally launched the start of a three year preparation for the celebration of the 300th anniversary of devotion by Bicolanos to Our Lady of Peñafrancia during a concelebrated Mass at the Naga Cathedral patio held after the Traslacion.
Most key Bicol government officials and community leaders attended the mass including Naga City Mayor Jesse Robredo who read the consecration prayer in walking shorts.
The tricentennial celebration will be held here in Naga City in 2010 yet, but each year of preparation will be guided by separate themes.
According to Rev. Msgr. Romulo A. Vergara, Rector of the Basilica of Our Lady of Peñafrancia, this year’s theme is “Remembering the Gift of Devotion to Ina” which is intended to retrace the beginning of the unparalleled devotion of Bicolanos to Our Lady of Peñafrancia such commonly called “Ina”.
In 2008 the theme will be “Renewing Our Faith Through Ina” which is aimed at strengthening the Catholic faith. Activities will involve social and economic aspects including protection of the environment.
For the third year of preparation from 2009 to 2010 the theme will be “Sharing the Future in Hope”. It is targeted to intensify devotion to “Ina” among the next generations.
Msgr. Vergara said that highlights of the celebrations include International Pilgrimages and Marian Conferences, the silver jubilee of the Peñafrancia Basilica and launching of a film and a book on Our Lady of Peñafrancia.
