DIOS MABALOS! On behalf of Devotees of Our Lady of Penafrancia Ireland and all of the organising committee of the 2014 Penafrancia Feast Day Celebration, I would like to express my heartfelt gratitude to all those who attended yesterdays fluvial procession, mass, and salo-salo. The theme of our celebration set forth at the Naga Basilica is Laity Sent Forth with INA to Witness Christs Gospel and Strengthen Communities of Faith. Yesterdays celebration is another affirmation of the Devotees of INA to witness Christs gospel and strengthen communities of faith. Professing our faith right at the very heart of Dublin City Centre has never been easy. I remembered the very first fluvial procession we had when I requested the Garda Traffic to allow us to cross the street in procession going to the Blessed Sacrament. The officer commented that street is the busiest part of the city, its like asking me to stop the traffic in New York. But we did it because INA wanted us to do it. Last years procession was the longest from the Liffey River to the St. Marys of the Angels Church. Again, the Garda was hesitant because we will hold the city traffic for a very long time and will create a huge traffic. Because, INA wanted us to do it, Garda was kind enough to send a motor cycle unit to assist us on the road and even stopped the Luas train so we can pass through. This time, we had to contend with a marathon in Phoenix Park and a large protest at OConnell. Many were late for the fluvial because of the traffic. Even INAs andas was late. The very road we will take was also blocked by the Garda. I was sorry that I was not able to do the fluvial for the first time but INA had sent me to speak to the Garda for her to be able to pass through the road block. The ten Garda officers I have spoken bluntly told me No, we are not letting you through because theres an on-going protest and traffic is so messed up. I even protested I have my permit from Sgt. Brian Cullen of the Traffic Division and all the while was praying to INA to intercede if she wants us to do the procession. One of the Garda officers told me to look for Sgt. Brian whos in the middle of the protest. As INA would have it, I located Sgt. Brian and assisted me in convincing the Traffic officers blocking the road to let the procession through. What we did during the procession was to bear witness to Christs gospel and strengthen communities of faith. Many of the Irish and tourists at the city centre were looking at the image of INA and observing the devotees. You may not realise it but we are evangelising them while professing our faith. I have also noted the participation of other religious groups (Sto. Niño, El Shaddai, and the Couples for Christ) and representatives of other associations here in Ireland. Indeed, the yearly celebration of the feast day of INA strengthen not just the devotees faith but the faith of all the Filipino communities here in Ireland. In the coming years we will continue to celebrate Penafrancia here in Ireland and every year we will face new hindrances and test of faith. But through your unselfish support and full cooperation as well as understanding that we are laity sent forth with INA to witness Christs gospel and strengthen communities of faith, we can be assured of a successful Penafrancia celebration every year! SAINDO PO GABOS DIOS MABALOS! VIVA NUESTRA SEÑORA DE PENAFRANCIA! VIVA LA VIRGEN! Sent from my iPad
Posted on: Sun, 21 Sep 2014 14:57:02 +0000
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