PEÑAFRANCIA MESSAGE 2026

Greetings to you all, dear Brothers and Sisters!

We shall soon celebrate the Solemnity of the Divino Rostro, the Holy Face of Jesus and of Our Lady of Peñafrancia –and the 75th Anniversary of the elevation of Caceres to an Archdiocese. In 1951, Caceres, like a mother, gave birth to the dioceses of Legazpi and Sorsogon.

Our 2026 Fiesta theme then is: “Ina: Nurturing a Growing Church.” We turn our attention to two mothers: Ina, Nuestra Señora de Peñafrancia and Caceres as a Mother to dioceses in Bicol.

We focus on ‘Participation’: “Gabos Kaayon, Gabos may Gibuhon.” Ina and our Lord –Divino Rostro calls us to greater participation in the life of our communities and in our parishes.

Mary our Mother, invites each of us to take part in the life of the Church. At the wedding feast of Cana, she points to Jesus when she said: “Do whatever He tells you.” (John 2:5)

Mary’s motherhood a model of active participation in God’s plan: from her “Yes”, she remained present to Jesus even at the foot of the cross, where -on the same cross, Jesus entrusted her to us as our Mother. Hindi nagmamaliw ang kanyang pagiging Ina sa atin,, habang tayo ay lumalago.

Brothers and sisters, our devotion to INA does not end with our petitions for favors or healing. Rather, devotion calls us to participate in the life of the Church, to take responsibility.

We recognize that proclaiming the Gospel, serving our neighbor and worship of God –the Blessed Trinity, are our common duty and obligation.

We are called to welcome and to listen to all with attentive heart; to walk with one another as brothers and sisters, so that every voice is heard, every person is valued and can contribute.

Nakakalungkot ngayon, baka marami sa atin nagiging mga tagapanood lamang ng mga pangyayari sa paligid natin. Pagod na, nawawalan na nag pag-asa at tiwala.

Kailangan ipaalala natin sa ating mga sarili, na lalago, uunlad at uusad lamang ang ating bayan kung ang bawat isa ay mag-mamalasaktit at aambag ayon sa kanyang kakayahan.

As a growing church, we strive for community transparency and accountability. This is responsible participation.

Thus, a devotee is moved to tears not only by flowers but also by injustice; he or she does not only touch the image of INA, but also touches the poor, the sick, the oppressed, the needy and the abandoned. A voyador does not only safeguard the image of Ina, but also the weak and the vulnerable. All these because of our love for people. For where the people is, especially the little ones, there God is.

Dear Brothers and sisters, in our celebration of the solemnities of Our Lady and the Divino Rostro, I ask our Lord to bless you, devotee, pilgrim, visitor who come from near or far.

May the Father, Son and Holy Spirit bless you, your family and community.

May you find strength, peace and joy in the embrace of Our Lady of Peñafrancia and in the loving gaze of the Holy Face of Jesus, our Lord.

Viva la Virgen! Viva el Divino Rostro!

Most Rev. Rex Andrew Alarcon, D.D.

Archbishop of Caceres