Peñafrancia image to go on world tour

MANILA, Philippines - After being venerated in several areas in Bicol last year, the image of Our Lady of Peñafrancia will go on a world tour to reach out to Bicolano and Filipino communities abroad. The Catholic Bishops Conference of the Philippines website said the tour will include the United States of America, Europe, Asia and even Australia. "There are many Bicolano and Peñafrancia associations around the world and wherever they are they also celebrate the feast of Our Lady of Peñafrancia in their localities," said Msgr. Romulo Vergara, rector of Basilica Minore of Our Lady of Penafrancia. Vergara said these activities are in preparation for the Tri-Centennial Celebration of the Devotion to Our Lady popularly known as "Ina" in 2010. He noted Bicol residents began their devotion to Our Lady of Penafancia as early as 1710. The reception has always been tremendous, he said. "After visiting the dioceses, we brought the revered icon to the Bicol region's parishes where we normally stayed for four days," said Vergara. - GMANews.TV