By Raydes Barcia
Legazpi City —Devotees of Nuestra Señora de Peñafrancia may soon celebrate the festivity in September after two years hiatus following the green light of Archbishop Rolando Tria Tirona of Caceres.
In a circular issued by Bishop Tirona the traditional Peñafrancia festivities will resume in the city of Naga this year after a two year gap.
But as the Covid-19 pandemic remains a serious threat, church authorities will impose changes in the conduct of processions “to protect the well-being of devotees, pilgrims and public at large.”
Tirona said that the images of Our Lady of Peñafrancia and Divino Rostro will be mounted on vehicles during the Traslacion.
During the fluvial procession that devotees who will be allowed on the pagoda will also be limited, he said.
“Kissing and touching the images will not be allowed at all time,” Tirona said.
“We look forward to a solemn and meaningful celebration, cognizant of the need to observe basic health protocols,” he said.
This year’s celebration will reflect on the theme “Mary accompanies us in our journey towards a synodal Church.”
“May the coming celebration of the feast of the Divino Rostro and Ina open our hearts and minds to the Holy Spirit so we can imitate Mary in our journey towards the Father,” the archbishop said.
More details in the coming weeks will be released as the archdiocese prepares for the festivities of the Divino Rostro on Aug. 31 to Sept. 9 and Our Lady of Penafrancia on Sept. 8 to 10.