Bicol Bishops join devotees amidst Covid-19

With the Covid19 pandemic, the Archdiocese of Caceres has cancelled all the major religious activities of the upcoming Peñafrancia Celebrations this year. Several other activities like the Union Bicol Clergy and the usual diocesan masses during the feast of INA are also cancelled. Such decision, though difficult, is the most practical to reduce our chances of being infected or spreading the virus.

The Caceres Commission on Communications (CCCOM) together with the Bicol Diocesan Social Communications Directors came up with a daily online program dubbed as “Sa Lindong kan Manto ni INA” a Peñafrancia Special from September 11 – 19, 2020 every 4:00pm at the Archdiocese of Caceres FB Page. The said 30min program features the Bicol Bishops’ reflection on the teachings and examples of Our INA with a purpose of leading the devotees to prayer on our present situation.

The program hopes to draw all devotees around the world to pray to Our Lord, the Divino Rostro, through the intercessions of Our Lady of Peñafrancia during this time of pandemic. With the absence of the traditional religious activities, it is also an alternative way of celebrating our devotion and lead to common discernment and reflection. And to express our oneness as a region as we pray together and hope to overcome the Pandemic through our love to INA and the Divino Rostro.

Hosted by Fr. Wilfred Almoneda and Ms Tess Banares- Delfin, this preliminary program during the novenario also includes lay faithful and priests who share their personal testimonies. Likewise, selected choirs also render marian songs (MTV Style) with pictures or videos of their Peñafrancia celebrations in the diocese.

On Sept 19, 2020, the supposed fluvial procession of INA, His Eminence, Luis Cardinal Tagle will share his message and reflections before the Pontifical Mass. Several Peñafrancia Associations abroad will also be featured during the final episode of the program.

Indeed, during this time of pandemic, the social media is a great way for devotees to express their devotion to INA and unity as one children longing for healing and miracle in this trying times of Covid19. - CCCom News