Revision of Peñafrancia Pilgrim Image Visits Malls from May 24, 2010 - 4:45am

MANILA, May 22, 2010-The Bikol Region's patroness, Our Lady of Peñafrancia will visit one of the country's popular malls, SM Mega Mall on Saturday until Sunday as part of its preparatory activities for the 300th anniversary in September this year.

The pilgrim image will be brought by motorcade to the Chapel of the Eucharistic Lord at the Atrium of SM Mega Mall today from St. James Parish in Alabang, Muntinlupa City.

The Bikolano tradition of mantling will be held on Sunday and Monday after the midday Masses. For nearly three centuries, the sick have been cured using the mantle or cape earlier used by the image of Our Lady of Peñafrancia.

It has also been used by Bikolanos whenever they pray for a specific favor at crucial times in their lives.

The pilgrim image celebrated Mother's Day weekend at Glorietta 5 from May 8-9, 2010 where Daet Bishop Emeritus Benjamin J. Almoneda presided over a concelebrated Mass with healing priest Fr. Gerardo Deveza and Rev. Frs. Louie Occiano and Andrew Recepcion from Naga City.

The Mother's Day event coincided with the launching of the Project 3 Million Rosaries of the Archdiocese of Caceres in time for the Tercentenary Celebration on the second and third weeks of September this year.

Three Million Rosaries Project Directress Dr. Agnes Claros said they have already received over a hundred thousand rosaries as of today. With over three months before the festivities, she remains optimistic they will be able to realize the goal.

"We hope to send the three million rosaries to the Bicolano youth for them to devoutly pray the Holy Rosary," Dr. Claros told CBCPNews Friday afternoon. She called on the Catholic faithful to donate their used rosaries or cash to buy new rosaries to the project.

Claros said interested parties may send their messages to rosariesforina@yahoo.com.

Much earlier, Mrs. Carmen "Ming" Villafuerte-Bernas and her committee launched the latest coffee table book titled INA: Little Stories of Faith at the Yuchengco Museum, RCBC Plaza in Makati City. (Melo M. Acuna)