ABOUT CAMINO DE PEÑAFRANCIA​

In June 2017, Dennis and Elizabeth Marpuri, along with their grandson, Gian, embarked on a pilgrimage known as the “Camino de Compostela.” They began their journey at St. Jean Pied de Port, France, and walked the Camino Francés, an 800 km route leading to Santiago de Compostela, Spain.

While walking alone on the Meseta section of the Camino, Dennis suddenly recalled his school days in Naga City, where he attended Naga Parochial School and Ateneo de Naga. Every year, he participated in the celebration of Our Lady of Peñafrancia. He reflected on how Bicolanos, no matter where they are, always return home to visit our INA (Mother), Nuestra Señora de Peñafrancia.

This experience inspired him to develop the concept of “Camino de Peñafrancia” in honor of Our Blessed Virgin Mary. Similar to the Camino de Compostela, where all routes lead to Santiago de Compostela, the Camino de Peñafrancia connects all provinces to the Our Lady of Peñafrancia Shrine

Upon retirement in 2021, Dennis returned to his hometown in Ocampo and collaborated with the Marhay na GIBO (MNG) community led by Atty. Dante Vicente Adan, Ronald Bong A. Rodriguez, Fr. Don Federico, and Allan Saavedra in charting the route of the Camino de Peñafrancia. Rodriguez, Adan, and Saavedra contracted the COVID-19 virus. Rodriguez and Adan fought for their lives inside the ICU of the Bicol Medical Center. Rodriguez survived, but Adan did not.

In September 2022, Dennis Marpuri and friends undertook their first Camino. This year, the “CONFRATERNITY OF CAMINO DE PEÑAFRANCIA” prepares for another journey in September, commencing in Ocampo, Camarines Sur.

In 2023, the MNG community sought the blessing of Archbishop Rolando Octavus Joven Tria Tirona, OCD, for the Camino de Peñafrancia. The Archbishop assigned Fr. Gerome Pelagio as the Spiritual Adviser, who will guide the group as they prepare for the journey.