2025 Camino de Peñafrancia (Day 6)
St. Bernard Abbot Parish, Ocampo, CS to Archdiocesan Shrine and Parish of St. Joseph.
Distance: 28 kilometers
Following the instructions, all the pilgrims were ready by 4:00 am. Those who preferred comfortable sleeping accommodations either chose nearby hotels, went home to enjoy the comfort of their own beds one last time, or opted to sleep inside the church. They were preparing to set out on a five-day pilgrimage.
The morning prayer was announced, signaling the final check of all the pilgrims’ belongings before the jeepney transport arrived. As in every year, the new pilgrims were filled with energy, walking as if they were in a competition. Meanwhile, the seniors and adults strolled leisurely, as if they were heading to the market, while the morning rosary prayer was being recited through the PA system of our Our Lady of Peñafrancia tri-mobile.
As the day goes on, the distance between the pilgrims increases, making it difficult to stay together. We are grateful to the ambulance that kept us safe during our passage through the towns of Ocampo and Tigaon, overseen by the MMDRO, headed by Julius Celino, and the MMDRO Tigaon, led by Vince Gumboc, along with their barangay tanods.
By 10:30 AM, several individuals began experiencing health issues, including cramps and blisters. The MMDRO ambulances and security personnel were providing assistance to the pilgrims. Energy levels were starting to dwindle, and there was confusion about whether a lunch meal had been sponsored; it turned out that only snacks had been prepared. Gradually, we continued our journey toward the town of San Jose in search of food and shelter as the heat began to rise.
Upon arriving at our destination, we were given two options for accommodations: the Holy Minor Seminary pastoral room or the St. Joseph pastoral room. This arrangement allowed us to split the pilgrims into different quarters, which helped alleviate congestion in the bathrooms. As we approached the town, we were greeted by heavy rain.
Our dinner was sponsored by Mayor Jarold B. Peña
Lights out at 10:00 am since we have a short distance to walk tomorrow.
BUEN CAMINO!
VIVA LA VIRGEN!
VIVA DIVINO ROSTRO!
About the Author
DENNIS T. MARPURI graduated from Ateneo de Naga High School. He was an independent IT consultant in the US and worked in nine different states doing contracts primarily with Federal government agencies and Fortune 500 companies. He also became a professional photographer covering NCAA college sports. Now retired, he and his wife love to travel to Europe. They divide their time between Northern California with their immediate family and Ocampo, Camarines Sur, his hometown, where he promotes mountain biking for the local youth. He is the founder and principal advocate of Camino de Penafrancia.
