# Camino de Peñafrancia Pilgrims join the Traslacion

- Link: https://caminodepenafrancia.org/camino-de-penafrancia-pilgrims-join-traslacion/
- Published: 2025-09-12T08:17:41+08:00
- Author: Dennis Marpuri

![Group of pilgrims standing outside the Peñafrancia Shrine.](https://caminodepenafrancia.
org/wp-content/uploads/2025/09/join-traslacion.webp)

_After a brief visit to the Peñafrancia Shrine, the pilgrims took time to have their

picture taken outside the shrine.

The second Friday of September marks the feast day of the Divino Rostro, following
the novena at the shrine. During the Traslacion procession, the images of Our Lady
of Peñafrancia and the Divino Rostro are carried by barefoot male pilgrims from 
the basilica through the main streets of the city to the cathedral. This procession,
which usually lasts four hours, welcomes thousands of devotees from all over Bicol
and other parts of the country. The devotion began in 1710 when Miguel Robles de
Covarrubias had an image carved, a chapel built, and processions held in honor of
the miraculous image of Our Lady of Peñafrancia to acknowledge the many favors he
is said to have received through the Virgin’s help, especially regarding his health.

---

The image of Our Lady of Peñafrancia is transferred at dawn from Peñafrancia Basilica
to her old home for the Traslación in the afternoon. After the procession, a community
and thanksgiving Mass celebrate the feast of the Divino Rostro. Bishops and delegates
from other dioceses in the country then attend a Pontifical Mass, concelebrated 
by the Archbishop of Cáceres outside the shrine.

![Aires, Errol, and Jay-ar posing for a photo in front of the Metropolitan Cathedral
after the Traslacion procession.](https://caminodepenafrancia.org/wp-content/uploads/
2025/09/1200x1800-blog-6-1.webp)

_Aires, Errol, and Jay-ar took time to have their picture taken after the Traslacion
procession in front of the Metropolitan Cathedral._

The Traslación begins after the noon Mass with the procession of students, delegates
from other regions, teachers, government officials, and other professionals while
the images are being prepared. At around three o’clock in the afternoon, the Divino
Rostro icon leaves the shrine and heads to [_Naga Cathedral_](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Naga_Cathedral)_.
After a recital of the _[_Rosary_](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Rosary), the image
of Our Lady of Peñafrancia follows, more slowly than the Divino Rostro. After two
or three hours, the Divino Rostro icon arrives at the cathedral, and after an hour,
the image of Our Lady enters via the Porta Mariae (Gate of Mary). A Solemn Pontifical
Mass on the first day of the novena is celebrated after the procession at the Quadricentennial
Arch at the cathedral grounds. In the conclusion of the Mass, the two images are
transferred inside the cathedral to begin the novena for Our Lady as the people 
sing the hymn, Resuene Vibrante.

![](https://caminodepenafrancia.org/wp-content/uploads/2025/09/1200x1800-blog-5-
1.webp)

_After 10 days of walking a distance of 205.7 kms, some of the pilgrims drop to 
their knees to celebrate the end of their pilgrimage._

The highlight of our Camino pilgrimage has been nothing short of transformative.
Over the course of 10 inspiring days, we traversed two provinces in the beautiful
Bicol region, undertaking the spiritual journey of visiting 39 parishes along the
way. This culminated in our participation in the Traslacion, a deeply rooted tradition
that has been celebrated annually for more than 300 years. As a Catholic student,
I have fond memories of my formative years at NPS for elementary school and Ateneo
for high school. Now, as an adult, I am eager to embrace this significant milestone
in my life, marking the dawn of a new chapter that enhances my faith and deepens
my appreciation for this cherished pilgrimage tradition.

**BUEN CAMINO! 
VIVA LA VIRGEN! VIVA DIVINO ROSTRO!

![Pilgrims arriving in Bagumbayan, Naga City.](https://caminodepenafrancia.org/wp-
content/uploads/2025/09/1200x1800-blog-7-1.webp)

_Pilgrims’ arrival in Bagumbayan, Naga City at 10:00 am_

![Pilgrims preparing for the Traslacion procession.](https://caminodepenafrancia.
org/wp-content/uploads/2025/09/1200x1800-blog-9.webp)

_Pilgrims getting ready for the Traslacion procession._

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**About the Author**

![](https://caminodepenafrancia.org/wp-content/uploads/2026/01/att.j-2hMrG5leNz-
lEdeGVeliDH_K04MJNmBugO_9XECvM-scaled.jpeg)

**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.