Lady of Peñafrancia novena starts

Lady of Peñafrancia novena starts

The novena for Our Lady of Peñafrancia, the patroness of the Bicol Region started last January 20 the Anunciation of the Blessed Virgin Mary Parish at No. 3 Conbermere Drive (Victoria Park and Ellesmere), Toronto.

The first novena was sponsored by the Bicol Canada, Inc. headed by outgoing president, Bobby Achacon and incoming pesident, Joseph Regalado.

The Our Lady of Peñafrancia novena is being coordinated by Thelma Alvarez-Antazo, a BCI member of the board of directors who released the following dates with the corresponding sponsors:

• February 17 – province of Sorsogon;
• March 17 – province of Masbate;
• April 21 – province of Albay;
• May 26 – Nabua, Camarines Sur;
• June 16 – Naga City, Camarines Sur;
• July 21 – province of Catanduanes;
• August 18, – Iriga City, Camarines Sur;
• September 15 – Bicol Canada, Inc.

Fr. Paul Zimmer was the officiating priest during the mass after the novena of the Our Lady of Penafrancia and will continue to officiate until Sept. 15 after which the fluvial parade honoring Bicolandia’s miraculous patroness.

In the meantime, incoming president Redoblado and outgoing president Achacon announced the forthcoming induction rites of the newly elected officers and members of the board of directors of the Bicol Canada, Inc. which is scheduled on March 18, Saturday, 6:00 p.m. at Humberwood Community Centre, 850 Humberwood Blvd., Etobicoke, Ontario.

Expected to grace the occasion are: Philippine Ambassador to Canada. Jose (Chito) Brilliantes, Consul General Alejandro Mosquera, Consul Julius Torres, and other personnel of the Philippine Embassy and Consul General’s Office.

The incoming officers and members of the board of directors of Bicol Canada, Inc. include Joseph Redoblado, president; Floro A. Dabu, Jr., first vice president; Ed Muyot, second vice president; Leon J. Aureus, Jr., third vice president; Lorna Fe Achacon, secretary; and Jose Gutierrez, treasurer.

Board of Directors; Bobby Achacon; Rafael Nebres, Thelma Alvarez Antazo, May Nepomuceno Amparado, Jess Cabrias, Julio Buiza, Luis Calleja, Josefa Cortez, Vicky Basa Macandog, Nonong Disuanco, Antonio Ragos, Nanette Nardo Virtucio, Raul Tarin, Pablo Filio, Jr., and Jojo Taduran.

(Romeo Zetazate, PRESS RELEASE)