Changes, Stories and Hopes of Peñafrancia 2009

(Homily delivered by Monsignor Gilbert A. Garcera, Bishop of Daet, during the Mass after the fluvial procession, on the theme "Pagbabahagi ng Kinabukasan ng may Pag-asa." (Sharing the Future in Hope) held at the Peñafrancia Basilica Pavilion, Naga City, September 19, 2009 at 6:00 in the evening)

INTRODUCTION

What makes this year's Peñafrancia Fiesta different from all other fiestas that we have?

For the past two years, we have been preparing for the Tercentenary celebration of our devotion to Ina, Our Lady of Peñafrancia. The Archdiocese of Caceres, through the initiative of our Metropolitan Archbishop, Archbishop Legaspi  has set the spiritual and pastoral foundation towards a meaningful and fruitful 300 years celebration come  next year, 2010. You will recall two years ago, 2007, we were led to remember with gratitude to God, for the gift of this devotion to our Ina. Last year, we were challenged to renew our faith and devotion through Our Lady of Peñafrancia.  As we recall the many blessings we have inherited from what Fray Miguel Robles de Covarrubias had implanted in Bicol almost 300 years ago, that is, the devotion to Ina, we repeat the ancient words of thanksgiving: "Give thanks to the Lord for he is good, for his love endures for ever" (Ps 118:1).  Our grateful hearts encourage us more to live the present with enthusiasm and to look forward to the future with confidence.[1]

But again we reiterate the question: what makes this year's Peñafrancia Fiesta different from all other fiestas that we have?

You will all agree with me that "change, innovations, newness and renewal" have been the distinctive marks of this year's Peñafrancia fiesta. Ang tatak ng ating kapistahan ay ang napakaraming mga pagbabago.

Last week I was in Taipei to attend a retreat on "Deus Caritas Est," sponsored by the Pontifical Council Cor Unum. At the airport of Manila, on my way back to Bikol,  I happened to meet an old friend. So I asked him - what is new in Naga? (Ano ba ang bago sa Naga?) Alam ninyo iisa lamang ang sagot niya. Sabi niya: 'Bishop, sa Naga for the first time mayroon na palang Shoe Mart (SM).'

Tama nga naman.

PEÑAFRANCIA CHANGES

But SM is not the significant mark of this year's Peñafrancia fiesta.