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The Archbishop of Caceres, Most Rev. Leonardo Z. Legaspi, OP, DD and the Mayor of Naga City, Hon. Jesse M. Robredo, jointly finalized agreement on the celebration of the Penafrancia Fiesta this coming September and the Tercentenary Celebration on September 2010. The agreement caps the series of meetings between the church and city towards a suitable celebration of the tercentenary of the Penafrancia devotion.
Significant points of agreement include: The Bicolandia Beauty Pageant not being held within the Penafrancia fiesta days that begin with the Traslacion procession (11 September); keeping the Penafrancia Novena days free from undue distractions; a Perdon Procession on Wednesday (16 September); the Voyadores Festival on Thursday (17 September); the Military Parade on Friday (18 September); and, the Thanksgiving and Fluvial Procession on Saturday (19 September). Street parties and beer plazas are no longer features of the Penafrancia Fiesta.
These arrangements are deemed in keeping with the celebration for the tercentenary of Penafrancia devotion. Ina is the model and example to attain human aspirations in the fullness of God. Hence, the traslacion that novena days further deepen toward the duty of sharing one's gifts for others. The Perdon procession with the sick and handicapped for the needs of the nation particularly highlights this responsibility. The next three days toward Ina's feastday on Sunday can be seen as one: They are to celebrate thanksgiving especially with the Voyadores festival's lyre and drum corps, the floats of floral and Tinagba offerings. The military parade is a voluntary demonstration of discipline by those undergoing military training. The fluvial procession and feastday gather all celebratory sentiments to be an offering of gifts and sacrifices to the Lord.
Still, together with these arrangements, the Basilica, Shrine and Cathedral will be established as religious centers only for pedestrian traffic towards an atmosphere conducive for prayers and religious activities in these zones. Religious schools and communities will further be encouraged to lead socio-cultural presentations; and, barangay groups, e.g., tanod and balikat volunteers, to join the cofradia of voyadores being trained presently. Civic organizations, rather than having a parade, will be enjoined to participate in the various processions in honor of Ina.
Ina who cares for everyone calls upon each one to share the best for everyone.
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