Ina Away From Home

"Absence makes the heart grow fonder”. This isn’t a wondrous case of a long distance relationship between lovers or so, but a case of faith for the almighty away from home. For Filipinos working abroad, one source of strength to stay longer in a foreign land is his or her own faith. Faith in the supreme being regardless of one’s religion. In Floyd Bola Francisco’s case (now based in New Zealand), like any another Nagueno, Ina, Our Lady of Penafrancia has a big role in strenthening our faith in God.






Floyd, using his skillful hands, made a backdraft of an altar. Made from cloth, spray painted with a pattern of Ina’s outlined image is now Floyd’s own version of Basilica’s altar. There is nothing more rewarding in expressing one’s faith by using your own gifts and talents. A simple gesture of faith and  yet fulfilling as it is.

Our source of strength will always come from home, and rebuilding a new home away from home is always a challenge. Faith in God thru Ina can be expressed in so many ways not only in Maogmang Lugar but in a person’s happy heart wherever and whenever he may be.

Penafrancia de Mayo is nearly approaching... CLICK HERE for the schedule of activities. 

All images are from Floyd Bola Francisco

Kudos to you Floyd! Kudos to fellow Naguenos, Bicolanos and devotees for keeping the faith! 

Remember our posted image on Facebook of Ina using chips?

Art work by Jessy Florendo

Penafrancia Festival around the world in pictures... read more HERE

Do you have a similar story? Feel free to message us on Facebook , email us at nagacitydeck@yahoo.com or via our Contact Form. 

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Penafrancia Festival 2013 Around the World

Maogmang hilingon na ang mga kapwa ta Nagueno asin Bicolano nagkakasararao sa pagselebrar kang kapistahan ni Ina. Dawa harayo man sinda sa syudad nin Naga, dayupot man giraray ang pagkamoot kang kada sarong Bicolano para ki Ina. Sa paghiling hiling sa Facebook posts kang mga kapwa ta Nagueno asin Bicolano, samuyang nakalap ang mga selebrasyon hali sa San Diego California, Brooklyn New York, Winnipeg, Manitoba - Canada, asin Auckland New Zeland.

While watching the live stream and waiting for Ina, Jessy made this art made out of breadstix, oishi, corona cover and micropore. ~ Jessy @ Auckland, NZ

Truly, Nuestra Senora de Penafrancia is the Patroness of the whole Bicolandia. There's no contest as to who is most or least, there's no rich nor poor but we all have the same faith. A one of a kind Bicolano and undying faith thru Ina for the Lord. Faith will always guide and remind us become a better person for others. Our deep devotion to Ina is immeasurable, it is beyond the candles, the flowers, the barefoot voyadors, the penitential processions, and the prayers. These are just beginnings, the rest is up to us. May we continue and share our faith for Ina forever and for always.

Sa gabos po na Bicolano sa buong mundo, ingat po pirmi asin Dios Mabalos sa pagpapadagos kang pagselebrar kang debosyon ta para ki Ina. Mabuhay po kamo! Viva La Virgen!!!

Pasensya na po bako po akong matibay mag surat in Bikol. :)

Penafrancia 2013 in San Diego California
Related news from Bicol Mail: "“VENI, vidi, vici,” is a famous Latin quote from Julius Caesar written sometime in 47 BC as a comment on his short war with a Persian monarch – “I came, I saw, I conquered.” Such utterance could easily have been made by a Bicolano devotee who braved the punishing heat along with over a thousand other pilgrims at Lake O’Neill, Camp Pendleton, California... Read more CLICK HERE

Brooklyn New York Penafrancia 2013
Facebook Page: https://www.facebook.com/inang.penafrancia.5?fref=ts
More photos at: https://www.facebook.com/inang.penafrancia.5/media_set?set=a.201069833404656.1073741832.100005049210082&type=1

Our Lady of Penafrancia Devotees of New Zealand
Facebook Page: https://www.facebook.com/PenafranciaDevoteesNz
More photos at: https://www.facebook.com/media/set/?set=a.511756782232292.1073741836.373100232764615&type=1
Our Lady Of The Assumption Parish, Onehunga, Auckland

Winnepeg Manitoba Canada
Photos by Cloyd San Juan

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Alay Lakad to Amang Hinulid

Every Maundy Thursday of the Holy Week, thousands of Pilgrims walk together from Naga City to Calabanga where Amang Hinulid lays. Upon arriving near the chapel, one has the option whether to stay and follow the queue just to personally touch the image. The line is long, very long.

CLICK HERE for Guide to The Village at San Bernardino, Calabanga

The distance from Naga City going to Calabanga is about 11 kilometers. Why does this journey differ from a fun walk or fun run? Well it should be different since this is like a "panata" or sort of a promise for people who believe in the miracle of Amang Hinulid. Grieving during the Holy Week or remembering Jesus' suffering is depicted by some who with all their might and strength walk from Naga to Calabanga, some even in barefoot.

The towns you'll be passing by are: Canaman, Magarao, Bombon, then Calabanga. 

I have only walked once going to Calabanga and it was a few years ago. It was an unforgettable experience both for my faith and literally for my physical endurance. My patience was tested and my endurance was surprisingly there even though there were no warm ups or other physical activities that can prepare me a day before. Waking up in the morning after that long walk with body aches all over is part of the experience.

Here are a few reminders for the alay lakad..

1. Bring enough water to keep yourself hydrated. Candies perhaps to keep you alert. It's not a picnic. 
2. Stop whenever you feel like you need to. Amang Hinulid will be there to wait. Wala namang medal ang first 10 finishers. No need to rush. Nandyan lang ang Calabanga pwede ka pa bumalik sa ibang araw kung 'di mo na kaya.
3. If you are not physically fit for an 11-kilometer walk, don't force yourself. Make sure you have the energy to walk. There are other ways of how you can have a meaningful holy week.
4. You are not going to a party, so dress simple.  We are talking about the clothes and accessories here. Ladies..do not wear high heeled shoes or sandals or even sexy outfits, we know you want to express yourselves with the latest fashion, but remember how Jesus and His followers dress up. Dress something light and comfortable enough. Don't wear jewelries baka ma snatchan ka pa. 
5. Don't treat the Alay Lakad as a date with your partner. It's nice that you are with your bf/gf pero nagpaalam ba kayo sa mga magulang niyo lalo na sa mga minor?? Avoid or do not be an example of public display of affection. You have the rest of the year to show it to everyone.
6. Stay close with your friends / companions. Always stay together para walang mawala. It's nice you are with your friends, PERO huwag makipag chismisan. Huwag pag usapan ang mga nakikitang di naayon sa paningin nyo na nasa number 4 at 5.
7. It will be nicer if you are with your family. Remember the saying, "A family that prays together stays together"
8. Bring your cellphone and have enough money for emergency purposes. A sling bag or body bag would be good bringing only what is necessary. Pero wag mag show off. Wag mag check-in ng mag check-in kung nasaan ka na. At higit sa lahat, iwasan ang mag Facebook, Twitter at kung ano ano pang social networks. Hindi kelangan ng madlang pipol na malaman na natipilok ka o dahil nakita mo si crush mo.
9. Remember your purpose of joining the Alay Lakad. Who are you walking for and why are you walking.
10. PRAY. Pangadyi asin penitensya bago ang selfie saka groufie. Pray for yourself and pray for others.

Dakol pa pong pwedeng mairemind sa mga tugang ta na ma alay lakad, magdagdag nalang po kamo. :)

Our expressions of faith may differ, but we have one same goal which is to remember how Jesus sacrificed for our sins and for us to be closer to God.

Have a meaningful Holy Week fellow Naguenos and Bicolanos!

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Advent and Christmas Masses 2012 in Naga City

Advent and Christmas 2012

Our Lady of Penafrancia Basilica Minore
9:00 pm Christmas Angel
10:00 pm Christmas Eve Mass

Below are the following schedule of masses, dates to remember and other Christmas related activities in the Parish of St. John the Evangelist.

Source: Naga Metropolitan Cathedral of Saint John the Evangelist, Pilgrim City of Naga


SCHEDULE OF SPECIAL MASSES

Dec. 15 2012 (Sat) – 7:30 pm – People’s Mall
9:00 pm – Naga Cathedral

Dec. 16 (Sun) – 4:00 am – Naga Cathedral
Presider: Abp. Roland J. Tria Tirona, OCD, DD, Archbishop of Caceres
4:30 am – UNC Chapel
(no 5am Mass in the Cathedral)
7:30 pm – People’s Mall
(no 8pm Mass in the Cathedral)
9:00 pm – Naga Cathedral

Dec. 17 (Mon) – 4:00 am – Naga Cathedral
4:30 am – UNC Chapel
7:30 pm – People’s Mall
9:00 pm – Naga Cathedral

Dec. 18 (Tue) – 4:00 am – Naga Cathedral
4:30 am – UNC Chapel
7:30 pm – People’s Mall
9:00 pm – Naga Cathedral

Dec. 19 (Wed) – 4:00 am – Naga Cathedral
4:30 am – UNC Chapel
7:30 pm – People’s Mall
9:00 pm – Naga Cathedral

Dec. 20 (Thu) – 4:00 am – Naga Cathedral
4:30 am – UNC Chapel
7:30 pm – People’s Mall
9:00 pm – Naga Cathedral

Dec. 21 (Fri) – 4:00 am – Naga Cathedral
Sta. Cruz Chapel
Bagumbayan Sur Chapel
Sitio Paraiso Chapel
4:30 am – UNC Chapel
7:30 am – People’s Mall
9:00 pm – Naga Cathedral

Dec. 22 (Sat) – 4:00 am – Naga Cathedral
4:30 am – UNC Chapel
7:30 pm – People’s Mall
9:00 pm – Naga Cathedral

Dec. 23 (Sun) – 4:00 am – Naga Cathedral
4:30 am – UNC Chapel
No 5am Mass in the Cathedral
7:30 pm – People’s Mall
No 8pm Mass in the Cathedral
9:00 pm – Naga Cathedral

Dec. 24 (Mon) – 4:00 am – Naga Cathedral
4:30 am – UNC Chapel
8:00 pm – UNC Chapel

Midnight Mass (Christmas Eve)
Dec. 24 (Mon) – 10:00 pm Naga Cathedral
(Presider: Abp. Roland J. Tria Tirona, OCD, DD, Archbishop of Caceres)

Christmas Day
Dec. 25 (Tue) (Sunday Mass Schedule will be followed;
7:00 am Mass Presider: Presider: Abp. Roland J. Tria Tirona, OCD, DD, Archbishop of Caceres)

Midnight Mass (New Year’s Eve)
Dec. 31 (Mon) 10:00 pm Naga Cathedral
(Presider: Abp. Roland J. Tria Tirona, OCD, DD, Archbishop of Caceres)

Solemnity of Mary, Mother of God
Jan. 01 (Tue) (Sunday Mass Schedule will be followed;
7:00 am Mass Presider: Abp. Roland J. Tria Tirona, OCD, DD, Archbishop of Caceres)

CHRISTMAS FESTIVAL OF MUSIC, SONGS & DANCES 2012
(every 7:00 pm, Naga Cathedral)

Dec. 15 (Sat) – Ateneo de Naga University
Dec. 16 (Sun) – Mariners Polytechnic Colleges Foundation
(7:45 pm, after the Mass)
Dec. 17 (Mon) – Camarines Sur National High School
Dec. 18 (Tue) – Carmines Sur Polytechnic Colleges
Dec. 19 (Wed) – Central Bicol State University of Agriculture
Dec. 20 (Thu) – Sir Jaymee String Ensemble & Caritas Chorale
Dec. 21 (Fri) – Universidad de Sta. Isabel
Dec. 22 (Sat) – University of Nueva Caceres
Dec. 23 (Sun) – Nabua National High School (7:45 pm after the Mass)
Dec. 24 (Mon) – Caceres Chorale

SCHEDULE OF BAPTISM
Dec. 25, 2012 and Jan 01, 2013 at NPS Covered Court

1st Batch: 9:00 am
2nd Batch: 10:00 am
3rd Batch: 11:00 am
Please bring a photocopy of your child’s Birth Certificate

DATES TO REMEMBER

Advent Season
Dec. 01  - 5:00 pm Anticipated Mass: Blessing of Advent Wreath
Dec. 02 – Ist Sunday of Advent
Dec. 08 – Immaculate Conception (Holy day of Obligation)
Dec. 09 – 2nd Sunday of Advent
8:00 am: First Day of the Our Lady of Guadalupe Triduum Mass
(Presider: Abp. Roland J. Tria Tirona, OCD, DD, Archbishop of Caceres at People’s Mall)
Dec. 12 – Fiesta: Our Lady of Guadalupe
11:00 am Baptism at People’s Mall
4:30 pm – Mass with Confirmation at People’s Mall
Dec. 15, 2:30 to 5:00 pm Parish Advent Recollection
6:00 pm: Celebration of Light and Blessing of Belen
Dec. 16 – 3rd Sunday of Advent
Start of Christmas Novena Masses
Dec. 18 – 26 every 6:15 am: Novena to St. John the Evangelist
Dec. 21 – NPS Christmas Party
Dec. 22 – Christmas Cheers for Children
Sponsor: Jollibee Foods
Dec. 23 – 4th Sunday of Advent

Christmas Season
Dec. 25 – Solemnity of the Nativity of our Lord
Dec. 25 – 31 – Octave of Christmas
Dec. 26 – Feast of St. Stephen, First Martyr
9:00 am – Pagkumpil
Dec. 27 – Feast of St. John the Evangelist, Patron of Naga Metropolitan Cathedral
8:30 am: Pontifical Mass (Presider:  Abp. Roland J. Tria Tirona, OCD, DD)
Clergy Assembly and Christmas Party
6:00 pm: Procession with the Patron Saint
Dec. 29 – Episcopal Ordination Anniversary of Abp. Roland J. Tria Tirona, OCD, DD, Archbishop of Caceres
Dec. 30 – Feast of the Holy Family
Jan. 01 – Solemnity of Mary, Mother of God
Jan. 06  - Solemnity of the Epiphany of our Lord
Jan. 13 – Baptism of the Lord

Ordinary Time 
Feb. 02 – Presentation of the Lord
5:00 pm: Eucharistic Celebration & Installation of Hermano & Hermana Mayores (Celebrant: Most Rev. Roland J. Tria Tirona, OCD, DD, Archbishop of Caceres)

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Images of Faith Photo Exhibit

Images of Faith 
Photo Exhibit
October 12-14, 2012
SM City Naga 

Sponsored by:
EPSON
Hypertech Computers
Penafrancia Young Professionals (PYP)
Penafrancia Camera Club
ROTARY Club of Naga

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