Over 50 different images of the Virgin Mary from various parts of the country were showcased in the Grand Marian Procession in Naga City, Camarines Sur.

Among the images were those of Our Lady of Peñafrancia from Paco, Manila, the Miraculous Virgin of Orani from the Diocese of Balanga in Bataan, Our Lady of the Pillar of Libmanan, and Our Lady of the Pillar of Sorsogon.

The image of Our Lady of Guadalupe from Cebu also joined the procession, marking its first participation.

“So we accepted the invitation in the first in history — that the shrine — that we bring the image of Our Lady of Guadalupe de Cebu outside Cebu City,” Jonah Caballes, Chairman of the Worship Committee Archdiocesan Shrine of Our Lady of Guadalupe, said.

Archbishop Rex Andrew Alarcon of the Archdiocese of Caceres presided over a Solemn Pontifical Mass after the procession.

“You traveled all the way [here]. Ano ang nagdadala sainyo dito sa ganitong circumstances? Devotion, it can only be devotion, it is devotion that has brought you here to participate in this first Grand Marian Procession here in Naga, in Caceres of the year of the centennial of the coronation of Our Lady of Penafrancia,” Alarcon said.

The activity is part of the Peñafrancia de Mayo celebrations and serves as preparation for the centennial coronation of Our Lady of Peñafrancia in September 2024.

According to organizers, an estimated 5,000 individuals participated in the event.

Police said the event was peaceful and well-organized.

“Naging solemn man. Namonitor ko sa [two way] radio ma man incident of clog-up, walang incident of other crimes, naging smooth,” PCOL. Erwin Rebellon, City Director of Naga City Police Office, said.