Biography

Our Lady of Peñafrancia is the patroness of the Bicol Region in the Philippines, especially venerated in Naga City and Camarines Sur. The devotion originated from Spain, where in 1434 a nobleman named Simón Vela discovered an image of the Blessed Virgin Mary holding the Child Jesus in the Peña de Francia mountains of Salamanca. This image was associated with miraculous healings and soon became an object of widespread devotion. The devotion was brought to the Philippines in the 17th century by Miguel Robles de Covarrubias, a Spanish official’s son who was healed through the intercession of Our Lady of Peñafrancia. He later became a priest in Naga City and established a shrine in her honor. Today, millions of pilgrims flock to the Basilica of Our Lady of Peñafrancia in Naga for the annual feast and celebrations. The image is traditionally depicted with the Virgin Mary wearing an embroidered gold cape, symbolizing her queenship and purity, holding the Child Jesus who raises his hand in blessing. The devotion is deeply associated with healing, spiritual growth, and vocation discernment among the faithful.

Feast Day

Third Saturday of September

Patronages

• Patroness of the Bicol Region
• Patroness of Naga City and Camarines Sur
• Invoked for healing and spiritual guidance
• Protector of those discerning their vocation and undergoing personal conversion