Naga to Hold Int'l Pilgrims Congress for Peñafrancia Devotees

MANILA, August 26, 2010-Hundreds of devotees of the Our Lady of Peñafrancia are expected to attend the International Pilgrims Congress (IPC) in Naga City on September 16 to 17.

The gathering of pilgrims, not just of Filipinos but also those coming from the other countries will highlight and culminate the Archdiocese of Caceres' Tercentenary devotion to Our Lady of Peñafrancia.

Organizers said that over the years, the devotion to what the Bikolanos refer to as "Ina" has taken root in various parts of the Philippines and of the continents.

The IPC, they said, will then be an opportunity for the faithful to reflect more on the significance of their devotion.

With the theme "Thanksgiving, for growing in holiness under the mantle of Ina," the gathering seeks to encourage more people to live in holiness like the Blessed Mother.

The Caceres archdiocese will mark the 300 years of devotion to Our Lady of Peñafrancia with a Pontifical Mass to be presided by Archbishop Leonardo Legaspi at the Naga Metropolitan Cathedral on Sept. 10.

Several bishops and priests will concelebrate and thousands of devotees are expected to attend in the Eucharistic celebration. (CBCPNews)