BY JUN RELUNIA –
The Australian Devotees of Our Lady of Penafrancia celebrated its 15th year of the Feast of Our Lady of Penafrancia on Sat 19th Sept in Penrith in a historic way due to COVID 19 restrictions.
There was no fluvial procession on the Nepean River and no fellowship and program and entertainment in Factory Rd Reserve. Instead we have a procession inside St Nicholas of Myra Church, packed lunch with cake distributed to the devotees after the mass; photo taking with Our Lady of Penafrancia and small group gathering. Parish COVID 19 guidelines had been strictly adhered to in the celebration.
The mass was held at St Nicholas of Myra Church with 100 registered devotees and parishioners inside the church. There was a live-streaming of the mass- with devotees from around the world joining in the celebration of not only the Feast of Our Lady of Penafrancia but also the Feast of Our Lady of La Salette ( Feast Day falls on 19th Sept).
The theme for this year’s Feast of Our Lady of Penafrancia is “Fostering Dialogue and Harmony in the Spirit of Mary’s Gentleness and Humility.
Before the Replica of Our Lady of Penafrancia leaves her home at St Nicholas of Myra Penrith Parish, devotees take turn in changing the Manto or dress of Our Lady of Penafrancia. For this year, it was the turn of Evelyn Datoc, ADOLP Secretary to dress up Our Ina. Last year it was couple Ding and Susan Alano who dressed up Our Ina.
The devotees who have dressed-up Our Lady of Penafrancia – Aaron Galvan and family 2006-2007; Ben and Edith Bongat and family 2007-2008; Rolando and Mila Calacala and family 2008-2009; William and Filipinas Gaite and family 2009-2010; Johnny and Nimfa Relunia and family 2010-2011; Fred and Siony Caballero and family 2011-2012; Tom and Norma Evans and family 2012-2013; Ernie and Au Aaron and family 2013-2014; Doc Tito and Neria Soliman and family 2014-2015; Gerry and Josie Musa and family 2015-2016; Gina Norrie and family 2016-2017; Toby and Aida Jamolin and family 2017-2018; Noe and Mely Adan and family 2018-19.