By Babes “Miss B” Newland
VANCOUVER, BC — Faith, devotion and community spirit came together once again as the Filipino Bicol community of British Columbia gathered for the annual Our Lady of Peñafrancia Festivities, a cherished religious tradition that continues to bring generations of Bicolanos and Filipino Catholics together in Vancouver.
Organized by the Philippine Bicol Association of BC (PBABC), this year’s celebration culminated on September 19, 2026, at St. Patrick’s Church on Main Street, following nine days of Novena and liturgical celebrations held from September 10 to 18.
At the heart of this year’s celebration was the Solemn Mass in honour of Our Lady of Peñafrancia, with Rev. Fr. Jun Reyes of St. Andrew’s Parish serving as the Main Celebrant.
He was joined by concelebrants Fr. Gilbert Nuñez of Blessed Sacrament Parish and Fr. Tomasz Staruzyk of St. Patrick’s Parish, with Deacon Wilfred Victoria of St. Monica Parish assisting in the celebration.
The liturgy was followed by the traditional procession, allowing devotees to publicly express their faith and devotion to Ina, as Our Lady of Peñafrancia is affectionately known among Bicolanos.
More than a religious observance, the annual celebration has become a powerful expression of Bicolano heritage, Filipino faith and community solidarity in British Columbia.
A Celebration Built on Community
Behind the solemn ceremonies is a dedicated group of volunteers who work tirelessly to keep this annual tradition alive.
This year’s principal organizers included Lorry Gavieres Russell (President-PBABC;) Joe Arellano, Chair of the PBABC Religious Committee; Mario Garchitorena; Danny Reyes; Robert Azaña; Aleta Bombase; Marilyn Cunanan; Juan Dumalasa, Allen May Robles and Pilar De Guzman (VP-PABC).
Their efforts, together with the participation of numerous members, volunteers and devotees, helped bring together the Novena, Mass, procession and reception in a spirit of service and fellowship.
What makes the celebration particularly meaningful is that much of it is made possible through generous community donations.
The beautiful flowers at the foot of Inas altar were donated by Muriel Boncacas and Aleta Bombase, while the dress of Ina was generously donated by Amy and Danny Reyes.
Even the food and beverages served during the community reception were made possible through donations from officers and members of the Philippine Bicol Association of BC, and devotees and supporters of Ina in the community.
These contributions reflect something deeply rooted in Filipino culture: the willingness to give, serve and share without seeking recognition in return.
The Philippine Bicol Association of British Columbia (PBABC), extend their sincerest gratitude to St Patrick Parish for graciously allowing them to use St. Patrick Church for the Nine- Day Novena to Our Lady of Peñafrancia, for the celebration of the Holy Mass, and for the use of Shamrock Hall for our community potluck.
Keeping the Devotion to “Ina” Alive
For Bicolanos, devotion to Our Lady of Peñafrancia is more than an annual appointment on the calendar. It is a tradition carried from one generation to the next—a connection to faith, family, homeland and identity.
The celebration in Vancouver allows Bicolanos who have made British Columbia their home to continue a tradition that has long been central to Bicolano Catholic life. It also provides an opportunity for younger generations and members of the wider Filipino community to experience and understand the richness of Bicolano religious heritage.
From the nine-day Novena to the culminating Eucharistic celebration and procession, each part of the observance is an expression of gratitude, prayer and devotion.
And perhaps most significantly, the celebration demonstrates the enduring strength of a community when people come together in faith and service.
As the image of Ina was carried in procession and devotees gathered in prayer, the streets and church grounds became more than a place of celebration—they became a visible reminder of a tradition that continues to thrive thousands of kilometers from its homeland.
A Tradition That Continues
Year after year, the Philippine Bicol Association of BC and its community of volunteers continue to preserve this annual celebration, ensuring that the devotion to Our Lady of Peñafrancia remains alive in the Filipino-Bicolano community of British Columbia.
It is a celebration of faith, but also of heritage, generosity, friendship and community.
And as another Peñafrancia celebration ends, one message remains at its heart:
The devotion to Ina continues—not simply because a community remembers its tradition, but because generation after generation chooses to carry it forward.
VIVA LA VIRGEN!
VIVA EL DIVINO ROSTRO!
VIVA PEÑAFRANCIA!
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