NAGA CITY---Raising alarm over the creeping commercialism in the celebration of the Feast of Nuestra Señora de Peñfrancia, Archbishop Leonardo Z. Legazpi of the Archdiocese of Caceres reminds the Catholic faithful that the essence of the celebration of the only regional fiesta in the Philippines is the renewal of faith and understanding of the devotion to the Ina that dates back some 300 years ago.

        In an exclusive interview with Legazpi Wednesday, the prelate brushed aside the issue of street parties the city government approved as incidental only to the commercialism that has shadowed the religious celebration for the past years that he said endangers to tarnish the religiosity of the regional fiesta, just like any other activities that are not within the framework of celebrating the religiosity and faith to the Ina.

        He said what is important about the celebration is the understanding and acceptance of its religiosity because he said it will allow parties to examine activities that are to be allowed to happen during the weeklong regional fiesta.

        Legazpi cited a gay beauty pageant which he said he reacted negatively because it used the name “Miss Gay Peñafrancia” which for him was not appropriate because it tends to disrespect the devotion to Nuestra Señora de Peñafrancia.

        “I have nothing against them (gays) but it is not proper to use it in that kind of activity. I am happy they dropped the Peñafrancia tag in that pageant,” he said, and he explained further saying: “My observation is that many of us in Bicol do not understand yet the Feast of Peñafrancia. They only think of celebrating and that’s all.”

        Legazpi said that the Nuestra Señora de Peñafrancia is the second oldest image the pope had crowned Patroness. He said the oldest crowned Patroness is the La Naval enshrined at Sto. Domingo Church in Quezon City.

        In a letter dated September 9 addressed to Mayor Jesse Robredo, Legazpi said “As may be observed, many activities slated September 1 and onwards are held under the banner of the Peñafrancia Fiesta. When a calendar of events bears the image of our Ina, these events proclaim her feast; they signal the joy of a people honoring their Mother. When an activity---public or private---is held celebrating her feast, it is incumbent upon the organizers to examine whether the activity does indeed bring honor to her; and to honor our Ina is to preserve the welfare and dignity of her children.”

        The prelate has acknowledged that the city government has resolved to strictly regulate the holdings of street parties, in deference to the welfare of our constituents and to the religious nature of the Peñafrancia Fiesta.

        But Legazpi said that “despite such intent, the street parties are being justified on the ground that they cater to the poor who could not afford other forms of entertainment. Common good does not distinguish between rich or poor. It is not determined by surveys. It is not subject to the will of major sponsors.”

        He said that the street parties and similar activities only pander to the people’s misguided desires rather than empower them to uphold higher values, most specially their dignity, he added.

        Legazpi declared that the devotion to the Ina antedates the local government and even the Republic of the Philippines, so that, he said it is the duty of the Church to ensure that the devotion is held sacrosanct in the life of community, and that, he further elaborated that the local government must only respect but must adhere to the Church’s call as she performs this sacred duty.

        “The devotion is the thread that binds Bikolano families. It is the same thread that now binds us to families beyond Bikol and the country. As such, this dialogue must open. I began this dialogue as the Spiritual Father of the Archdiocese, and I called upon you as mayor of Naga City.

        Legazpi said that he wants to engage the devotees in a dialogue beyond personal concerns and intentions, even as the journey of faith is personal experience which finds expression in the community.

        “It is my ardent hope that through this letter, the devotees will be engaged in a communal discernment. It is through such discernment that we grow in faith and truly serve our fellowmen,” the prelate concluded.