From Naga City to New Zealand: Peñafrancia Festival Brings the Filipino Community Together in the Christchurch Diocese
by Janet Zapanta
The Peñafrancia Festival has once again ignited the hearts and spirits of the Filipino community in Christchurch and Canterbury. Over 700 devotees gathered on 22 September, to honour the Divino Rostro and Our Lady of Peñafrancia in a celebration that brought faith, tradition, and community together, in a profound expression of devotion. Organised by the Bicolano community, this cherished festival has grown larger and more meaningful with each passing year.
The nine-day novena began on 12 September, at St Bernadette's Catholic Church in Hornby. Each evening, different families and community groups sponsored the novena and Mass, with various priests celebrating each service. This beautiful series of events brought together not only the Bicolano community, but also other Filipino groups, in a collective expression of faith and unity.
This year, for the first time, we introduced a Moto-Procession on 8 September, where we transported our beloved Ina from Christchurch to the Catholic Church in Rakaia. The Christchurch group was warmly received by Bicolanos and other Filipino communities from the Rakaia and Ashburton areas, led by Fr Lito Quinones. The novena culminated on 22 September, coinciding with the actual Peñafrancia celebration in Naga City.
The day began with a 'Sakay,' or Fluvial Procession, on the Avon River, with many devotees joining in a symbolic and moving act of devotion. Following the Fluvial Procession, there was a campus procession around the grounds of Catholic Cathedral College, where the Mass and social gathering were held. The Eucharistic celebration was officiated by Fr Michael Therese, Fr Zani Pacanza, and Fr Rex Ramos, and attended by over 700 faithful.
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After the Mass, the community gathered in the college hall for a social feast, with Bicolanos sharing their famous dishes. The PIMUZ band provided live music, creating a lively atmosphere as everyone enjoyed the meal, followed by dancing and merriment.
This annual festival, now a highly anticipated religious celebration for Filipinos across Christchurch and Canterbury, has been brought to life
by the Bicol Express Community of Canterbury (BECC) for the past nine years. It was initially started in Christchurch by the late Fr Benito Velasco, whose dedication helped build the foundation for this remarkable event.
A Brief history of This Devotion
According to the Archdiocese of Caceres, the devotion to Our Lady of Peñafrancia dates back to 19 May 1434, when Simón Vela discovered an image of the Blessed Mother on Peña de Francia in Spain.
The statue had been hidden to protect it during the Moorish invasion, and its discovery was followed by miracles that led to the building of a chapel to honour it.
In the 18th century, Miguel Robles de Covarrubias, a seminarian in Manila, experienced miraculous healing
through the intercession of Our Lady of Peñafrancia. After recovering, he became a parish priest in Naga City and commissioned a statue of the Virgin Mary, which he placed in the church he built. Devotion to her continued to grow, with more miracles attributed to her, eventually leading to the creation of the Peñafrancia Festival.
The Peñafrancia Festival, originating in Naga City, is recognised as Asia's largest Marian celebration. Held every September, it honours the Divino Rostro (Divine Face of Jesus) on the second Friday, and Our Lady of Peñafrancia (Ina), the patroness of Bicol, with a deep devotion that crosses oceans and brings communities together in faith.
Viva La Virgen! Vila El Divino Rostro!
