NAGA│Peñafrancia Basilica: House of Ina

Facade of Peñafrancia Basilica 
Peñafrancia Basilica is one of the oldest church in Naga City, Bicol which houses an image of the virgin Mary that was sculpted in 1710. It was made by Miguel de Cobarrubias who moved to the Philippines from Spain with his family and believed that the virgin Mary had helped him numerous times in his life. The image was housed in a small chapel until the Basilica Minore was built constructed

The Altar

According to our tour guide, this altar is already renovated/changed and just finished  last February 2011. So basically it's not the original altar like before. Upon looking it and INA's image, I noticed that there are hands moving her manteau. I'll tell you later why.



The Ceiling

The Church's facade window (Left) and other window designs

After seeing the beautiful altar of basilica and Our Lady of Peñafrancia image, Can we touch her? In able to touch INA, Our Lady of Peñafrancia, we have to pass through the altar and go to the staircase behind.Then after you'll see a small opening on your left.

You'll see this beautiful figure once you peep into the hole, moreover, you can touch this gold plated stand and her miraculous pure gold mantaeau (from the original image). Our tour guide said that it wasn't the original, it's just a replica because several years ago, some people stole it and luckily found because of its ivory face and hand and gold mantaeu (worn in the replica). Now, the original one is kept in secret place inside the Basilica however it is shown during the feast of Our Lady of Penafrancia.

Outside the Basilica, you will see the dome. Here, the mass is celebrated during Our Lady of Penafrancia feast.

I was amazed by the ceiling design. I think this describes how Our Lady of Peñafrancia influence so many people and how they celebrate it.

Note: This visit was last July 30, 2011. Hope you'll see this great home of INA too.

HAPPY GALA!
---felicitousgalaera :)