The regular monthly meeting of the Basilica priests this month focused on activities for summer, dubbed Peñafrancia de Mayo, to avoid previous use of the word “festival” that has become closely associated with non-religious events. The planning starts this early because in May 2012, Ina’s basilica will celebrate the 30th anniversary of its solemn blessing and dedication that took place May 22, 1982 and officiated by the late Jaime Cardinal Sin.

Five major activities are slated: (1) Archdiocesan Pilgrimage and Flores de Mayo on the four Saturdays of May to be assigned to the four districts of the Archdiocese of Caceres; (2) INA’s Visit to the Naga City People’s Mall; (3) Reyna Elena and Santacruzan 2012; (4) 30th Anniversary Dedication Mass and Ground Breaking of the site of the new Museo de Peñafrancia and Center for Marian Studies; and (5) Medical and Dental Mission for the Children of Barangay Balatas.

The Our Lady of Peñafrancia Association (OLPA) spearheads the search for Reyna Elena 2012, a fund-raising activity to generate funds for the construction of the new Museo de Peñafrancia and Center for Marian Studies, which will be erected within the Basilica compound. It will house artifacts, paintings, photos and documents related to Ina’s more than 300 year-old devotion, and a modest library for studies and research on the Blessed Virgin Mary. Let us help put up the Museo de Peñafrancia and Center for Marian Studies! (Msgr. Rodel Cajot)