The Archdiocese of Caceres will launch commemorative stamps to mark 300 years of devotion to the Lady of Penafrancia, the patroness of the Philippines’ Bicol region. The Philippine Postal Corporation has given the go-ahead to four different designs. It also approved other philatelic products, such as first-day issue, souvenir sheets, folders and frames.
The launch of the commemorative stamps, scheduled for September 11 at the Holy Rosary Seminary in Naga City, is one of the major activities for the 300th anniversary celebration of the devotion to the Blessed Mother.
“Stamps are miniature works of art. These commemorative stamps will serve as ‘evangelizers’ to promote the devotion all throughout the world,” said Father Wilmer Tria, chairman of the committee on commemorative stamps.
Local historian, professor Danilo Gerona, will lecture on the history of the devotion during the launch.
The devotion began in 1710 when Father Miguel Robles de Covarrubias had an image carved and a chapel built in honor of the miraculous image of the Virgin of Peñafrancia.
Since then the devotion has grown to reach Catholic parishes and communities abroad. Devotees’ accounts of healing and favors received through the Virgin of Penafrancia’s intercession are among reasons cited for the spread of the devotion.
A commercial movie documenting some of these miracles is being filmed for the anniversary.
Every year, tens of thousands of pilgrims, devotees, tourists come to Naga City for the nine-day festivities, which begin with the “traslacion” procession during which the images of the Lady and the Divino Rostro (Holy Face) are brought by barefooted male devotees from the Basilica through the main streets of the city to the Cathedral.
SIC: CTHIND