The Our Lady of Peñafrancia first fluvial procession in Western Australia took place along Elizabeth Quay on the afternoon of 21 September.
Organised by Oragon Western Australia Inc, the boat-based veneration of the Blessed Virgin Mary statue was followed by Holy Mass at St Mary’s Cathedral and then a fellowship gathering at Maddington Community Centre.
The Mass was celebrated by Cathedral Assistant Priests Fr Garner Vergara and Fr Conor Steadman STL, Greenwood Parish Priest Fr Elver Delicano, and Ministry Director of the St Peregrine Ministry Fr Leonard Guiang OSM.
As Filipino Catholics of Perth processed around St Mary’s Cathedral at 4pm on 21 September, they joined the devotees of the Shrine in Naga as they conducted their fluvial procession. The Shrine in Naga is one of the largest Marian pilgrimage sites in the world.
This Marian feast is in honour of Nuestra Señora de Peñafrancia, the principal patroness and Queen of Bicol, who is endearingly addressed by the Bikolanos as “Ina” (mother).