ABOUT CAMINO DE PEÑAFRANCIA​

In June 2017, Dennis and Elizabeth Marpuri, along with their grandson Gian, embarked on a profound spiritual pilgrimage along the Camino de Compostela. Beginning in St. Jean Pied de Port, France, they walked the Camino Francés, an 800-kilometer route culminating in Santiago de Compostela, Spain. 

The Cathedral of Santiago de Compostela is the reputed burial site of Saint James the Great (Santiago), one of the twelve Apostles of Jesus, making it a major Christian pilgrimage destination, the end of the Camino de Santiago.
Camino Francés, an 800 km route leading to Santiago de Compostela, Spain.

While Dennis was walking alone across the quiet expanse of Meseta’s vast high plateau, memories of his younger years in Naga City, Camarines Sur resurfaced, his days at Naga Parochial School and Ateneo de Naga, and his annual participation in the September celebration of Our Lady of Peñafrancia, lovingly called the Peñafrancia Fiesta. He reflected on how Bicolanos, no matter where life takes them across the country or the world, always feel called to return home to visit Ina, Nuestra Señora de Peñafrancia.

Inspired by these memories, he envisioned a pilgrimage in Bicol that would mirror the spirit of the Camino de Santiago: a path that unites people from many directions toward a single sacred destination. This reflection inspired him to create the concept of the Camino de Peñafrancia, a pilgrimage honoring Ina. Just as the Camino de Compostela unites pilgrims from many directions toward Santiago, the Camino de Peñafrancia envisions connecting the provinces of the Bicol Region, guiding devotees toward the sacred shrine of Our Lady of Peñafrancia.

Upon his retirement in 2017, he returned to his hometown of Ocampo, Camarines Sur. In 2021, he partnered with the Marhay na GIBO (MNG) community led by the late Atty. Dante Vicente Adan, Ronald “Bong” Rodriguez, Fr. Don Federico, and Allan Saavedra to begin mapping the official route. During this planning period, both Adan and Rodriguez contracted COVID-19. Rodriguez bravely recovered, while Adan sadly passed away. Their dedication, perseverance, and sacrifices now form an enduring part of the Camino’s living legacy.

Dennis, the founder of the Camino de Peñafrancia, together with twelve companions, undertook the first official Camino in September 2022. This inaugural journey, which commenced in Ocampo, marked the formal beginning of the Camino de Peñafrancia.

In 2021, the MNG community sought the blessing of Archbishop Rolando Octavus Joven Tria Tirona, OCD, for the Camino de Peñafrancia. The archbishop appointed Fr. Gerona Pelagio as the spiritual advisor, ensuring that the pilgrimage was firmly rooted in prayer, reflection, and devotion to Ina as preparations progressed.

Blessing of Archbishop Rolando O. J. Tria Tirona, OCD, marking a significant step in the spiritual preparation for the Camino de Peñafrancia.
Blessing of Archbishop Tirona to Archbishop Rex Alarcon

In September 2023, more pilgrims joined the growing devotion for the second year, again starting from Ocampo. The third Camino in 2024 also commenced from the town of Buhi, strengthening the tradition and building momentum. The fourth Camino in 2025 expanded its reach, starting from Daraga, Albay.
In 2026, the pilgrimage will commence in the Province of Sorsogon, progress through the Province of Albay, and subsequently continue onward to the Province of Camarines Sur.

Each September, the goal is to begin the pilgrimage from various provinces across the Bicol Region, symbolically and spiritually uniting all Bicolano communities in a shared journey of faith toward Ina, Nuestra Señora de Peñafrancia.

As you join this year’s pilgrimage, may your journey be filled with reflection, fellowship, and renewed faith. May each step draw you closer to Ina and to the spirit of unity that has shaped the Camino de Peñafrancia.

Viva la Virgen!