Peñafrancia procession gathers devotees after 2 years without festivities

After two years without festivities due to the COVID-19 pandemic, devotees flocked to the streets on Friday for the procession of Nuestra Senora de Peñafrancia in Naga City, Camarines Sur.

According to Jessie Cruzat’s report on “24 Oras," the crowd started to gather as early as 3:00 a.m. to prepare for the traslacion, or the transfer of the image of the Peñafrancia from the Basilica Menore to the Peñafrancia Parish.

This marks the start of the nine-day novena before its feast on September 28, 2022.

After the procession, the pontifical mass for the 140th anniversary of the image of the El Divino Rostro was then celebrated.

Consequently, the mass at the Peñafrancia Shrine was celebrated as the procession ensues.

The procession took a while, due to the volume of devotees.

Meanwhile, the mass at the Quadricentennial Arch at the Naga Metropolitan Cathedral was celebrated by Archbishop Rev. Rolando Octavius J. Tria Tirona.

Authorities kept watch during the entire procession to ensure that safety measures were strictly implemented and the security of the devotees.—Sherylin Untalan/LDF, GMA News