The centuries of love and devotion to “Ina” by Her countless devotees has produced a vibrant and living deep-seated faith in the Bicol people. The Our Lady of Peñafrancia Association (OLPA) has its unlimited share of work in the sublime endeavor of the tremendous and triumphant widespread of the devotion to “Ina.” This fruit of the labor and love of the past and present OLPA must be nurtured, kept alive and allowed to grow further and bear more fruits. The OLPA pioneers paved the way for the new generation. Their hard work and sacrifices has paid off and served as ideal inspiration to the succeeding members. The early “Asociacion” has left a rich religious, devotional, cultural, educational and social heritage which is unique, valuable and very special to the Bicolanos.

        The early OLPAs had their great and valuable achievements in the fulfillment of their care for “Ina” and Her Shrine, Her needs and various colorful activities. Always in joint effort with the “Capellans,” the Church and the clergy, the “Asociacion” celebrated the Peñafrancia Fiesta, the Divino Rostro, Flores de Mayo, Santacruzan, the Canonical Coronation of “Ina,” the Traslacion, and the fluvial processions. They celebrated the Silver, Golden and Diamond Jubilees of the Canonical Coronation of Our Lady of Peñafrancia. The penitential procession was added and other activities like the Mayflower Festival, visits to the Naga City Supermarket, offices, schools, barangays, Manila and suburbs were embarked.

        The contemporary OLPA, likewise, did their best to improve and enrich the Association. Efforts were made to increase the members and embellish their spirituality thru formation seminars and recollections. Outreach programs were done, medical and dental missions held, and other varied activities were conducted to uplift the physical, mental, emotional, educational, and most especially the spiritual aspect of the members, their families and the communities.

        Working together with church officials, the ardous and gargantuan dream of building a home for “Ina,” now the Peñafrancia Basilica Minore and National Shrine, was fulfilled. After the Basilica project came the Steel Pagoda, then the Peñafrancia Dry Dock and Museum.

        Work was also done for the repair and repainting of the church and improvement of its surroundings. The Dry Dock and Museum was likewise improved and exhibits were enhanced. Donations were made by either members or heirs of members of the Association for most Diorama items.

        Today, as the Association marks its centennial anniversary, we see more active and dedicated members. Parish units have been organized and fitting activities were planned to commemorate the occasion under the theme, “Renewing Our Faith thru Our Devotion to INA.” Among the activities planned are:

         September 1, 2008 Media Dissemination of the Centennial Celebration

        September 1-14 Selling of Tokens

        September 3 Poster and Slogan-Making Contests

         September 6 Thanksgiving Mass Motorcade Catechesis Feeding Program

        September 7 Medical and Dental Mission Naga City District Jail

        September 12 Imposition of Medal to New Members Traslacion

        September 14 Awarding Program and Centennial Banquet

        Properly motivated, guided and strongly supported by the hierarchy, the OLPA has reached heights. Our sincerest gratitude to the Most Rev. Leonardo Z. Legaspi, O.P., D.D. and Rev. Msgr. Romulo A. Vergara, H.P. for their unwavering guidance and support to the Association.

        100 Years! To a man, this is already sunset; to a community of men, this is just sunrise - the beginning, the dawn.