Bound By Our Love For Ina

Whenever we think about INA, Our Lady of Peñafrancia, the first word that comes to mind is home. For Bicolanos, whether we are living in Bicol or far away, INA is the Mother who makes us feel at home in faith. She gathers us like children under her care, especially during the September festivities when people from all walks of life come together. Seeing the devotion of countless pilgrims—some walking barefoot, others carrying candles, many chanting “Viva La Virgen!”—we cannot help but feel our sense of belonging as a community gathered around our INA.

In the traditional Traslacion on Friday, we will be carrying INA to the Metropolitan Naga Cathedral to begin the 9-day novena, and we will again see thousands from all over the Bicol region and other pilgrims endure heat and fatigue, joining in this act of devotion because such devotion is stronger than their discomfort. What also strikes me is how INA draws the community together. In her presence, the barriers of social status, wealth, or background disappear. Everyone is equal before her.

Years ago, when my wife and I visited our children in the US, we were touched to see fellow Bicolanos come together to hold their own celebrations of the Penafrancia festivities. They had their own novena and, in the true spirit of camaraderie, took turns as groups in preparing food to share during the fellowship that followed. There was even a community in California that organized its own fluvial procession across a lake. The fluvial procession that carries her image down the river is symbolic: INA does not stay only in one place; she journeys with us into our daily lives. INA’s presence in our lives reminds us that we are never alone. She assures us that we can endure our trials because she is praying for us and bringing us close to her Son.

Viva La Virgen!

QUOTATION OF THE WEEK:

“A MOTHER’S LOVE WILL NEVER END IT’S THERE FROM BEGINNING TO END”

-Author Unknown

FOR OUR WORD OF LIFE:

“WOMAN, BEHOLD YOUR SON, SON, BEHOLD YOUR MOTHER”

- John 19:26-27