NAGA CITY, June 28 (PIA) – Mindful of the present state of the national public health emergency due to the deadly COVID-19 pandemic requiring physical or social distancing and other measures to avoid infection and contamination, all activities for the annual Peñafrancia festivities have been cancelled this year.
This in one of the decisions made and declared by this city government and the Archdiocese of Caceres in a joint press conference held Saturday, June 27 at the Basilica Minore here, as they enjoin devotees and pilgrims to just stay at home instead of coming to Naga.
A joint declaration was signed by Most Rev. Rolando Octavus J. Tria-Tirona, OCD, DD, Archbishop of Caceres and Hon. Nelson S. Legacion, City Mayor formally cancelling this year’s 138th Divino Rostro and 310th Our Lady of Peñafrancia festivities.
Includes in the cancelled activities are this year’s holding of processions such as Traslacion, Fluvial, dawn, Perdon, Harubay and related events.
Likewise, all civic and commercial activities such as the Voyadores Festival, Civic and Military Parades, trade fairs, exhibits, competitions, concerts, and all other mass gatherings are also cancelled.
The kissing and touching of Ina’s miraculous images enshrined at the Peñafrancia Basilica and other churches, including the imposition of her Manto for healing and consolation is also suspended.
Legacion stressed the importance of the health and well-being of all devotees, pilgrims, and the people at large.
“Ang importante dito ligtas tayo, hindi yung masaya at magsaya. Yun yung mahalaga sa ganitong panahon, kaya malungkot man sa iba, pero kailangan gawin po ito. At kung ang pinag-uusapan po natin ay pananampalataya, may mga paraan naman upang ipakita po natin na hindi kinakailangan na pumunta dito at gawin ang taon-taon na ginagawa,” Legacion said.
(What is important is for us to be safe and not happiness or be happy. That’s what important in this time. Though it may be sad for others, we need to do this. And if we are talking about faith, there are other ways that we can show it that need not have to come here and do the things that is done yearly.)
Arch. Tirona concurred with the statement of Legacion on discouraging the pilgrims to come to Naga.
“There are other ways that they can show and express their faith and devotion. They don’t need to come here straight to the Basilica. They don’t need to touch the hand of Blessed Mother. The devotion is there,” Tirona added.
“Whether there is a celebration or not, what is important is for you to be good Christians, good citizens. That is what should be emphasized,” Tirona concluded. (JRM-PIAV/Camarines Sur)
Source: Philippines Information Agency (pia.gov.ph)
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