LAST month I was fortunate enough to belong to a group of about 10 members of Our Lady of Peñafrancia Association in an orientation seminar at the Basilica Minore in Naga City. Three priests lectured us on our roles in forming other parish units in Camarines Sur or wherever our work lead to attached to the association. They were Fathers. Romulo Vergara, William Parde, Jr. and Luisito Occiano.

        What I noticed most natural among them was their intense desire to propagate devotion to the Virgin Mary, Mother of God, Ina to us even before her installation as Patron of the City of Nueva Caceres (Naga) on June 10, 1895 on the rescript of Pope Leo XII followed by her crowning as Queen of Bicolandia on September 20, 1924 through the edicts of Popes Pio XI and Benedict XV in 1920.

        I wonder less of our church’s leaders aura when I relate the recognition by the faithful of the care of Mary, irrespective of racial boundaries. In Salamanca, where her image which later reached our shores was first found by Simon Vela (his real name was Rolan, Mary gave him Vela) she was only crowned Queen of Castilla (Spain) on June 4, 1952 with the presence of Federico Cardinal Tedeschini.

        It is now said that wherever you find Bicolano/s abroad you get a sampling of devotion to Ina. Every September, over a hundred small to medium size celebrations take place throughout the world through them and other Filipinos and foreigners

        This blossoming of faith is acknowledged by Basilica Rector Vergara for he said that for the most recent Peñafrancia Fiesta in Naga attendance of non-Bicolanos had exceeded 50 percent. Lately, he has even made representations in the U.S. with countrymen in Seattle, Jacksonville, and Florida to synchronize activities every September. During our orientation, Miami, residents, Myrna Macatangay and Ana Abad of Calabanga, attended as well in order for them to establish their Peñafrancia group in that tourist coast.

        Archbishop Leonardo Legaspi sees this eventuality to be an ordinary result in the interaction of devotees and Ina. Moreover, I observed from him that the entry of young people to the association must be encouraged to strengthen its structure, he mused on it in the last acceptance rites of members at the Basilica. Methink, the love Ina gets on fiesta filters into the association, a reason you and I fully understand. Very much like the approach of Pope John Paul II in his days in Vatican. Himself, a devotee of Ina.

        If one will listen to his heart, there is no way of not meeting then communing with the peace of the Holy Virgin. Even atheists see her, though in different name, as a symbol as feminine worship in pagan (rural) ceremonies and more so magnified by Muslims in the great Koran, there is no option otherwise. A glint of purity may not be sufficient to keep in touch with Ina: it’s a life of mutual relationship, dedication she needs, it’s hyperdulia, above the saints, so the scholarly Father Parde finds.

        One act too many is a ludicrous presumption of fools. In my youth, I had been a child of Ina only to be foolishly remiss of my obligation when I got married and thought my place of work in an island province could justify the blur of relation I entertained. No sir. I floated atop a capsized wooden boat at Rungus point between Catanduanes and Camarines Sur, fearing for my life, I called Ina who gave me the lesson and I retrieved my sanity. The humble, purer Vela had to be talked to by Ina for about five times with one apparition for some six years for the first to find fulfillment for his longing spirit. The soul has to endure.

        Many who turned to Ina particularly in moment of want had been impatient in their anxiousness for an immediate response. What they believed as the answer or non-answer to their own questions. Since it takes two to tango, they danced by themselves. Just imagine the dissatisfaction one can get out of that. Absurd nonsense.

        In good measure, Ina seeks the enthusiasm of her children not only during the September Peñafrancia Celebration but in each hour of their lives because this is the scenario wanted by the incarnation of Child Jesus. You think this is not so. Her image has been visiting the intire of Bicol beginning 1949 from the picture of Father Miguel de Robles Covarrubias” childhood awarded book. “and the Word was made flesh” does it all with His bleesings.

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        I appreciate your comments Rudy Largoza for my previous column. The answer to your question is in the Article itself. Thank you so much again.