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Penrith's Filipino Catholics mark 20 years of Our Lady of Peñafrancia devotion with Nepean River procession
Community · Australia

Penrith's Filipino Catholics mark 20 years of Our Lady of Peñafrancia devotion with Nepean River procession

By Kislap Editorial ·

Filipino Catholics at St Nicholas of Myra Church in Penrith marked 20 years since a replica of Our Lady of Peñafrancia arrived in Australia, with a feast Mass and a fluvial procession on the Nepean River on 19 September, The Philippine Times reported.

Filipino Catholics gathered at St Nicholas of Myra Church in Penrith, New South Wales, on 19 and 20 September 2026 to mark the 20th anniversary of the arrival in Australia of a replica of Our Lady of Peñafrancia and a banner of El Divino Rostro from the Basilica of Peñafrancia in Naga City, The Philippine Times reported. The celebrations also marked the 180th anniversary of the Marian apparition at La Salette and the 23rd anniversary of the Third Sunday Filipino Mass organised by the Filipino Chaplaincy of the Diocese of Parramatta.

The feast Mass on Saturday 19 September was led by parish priest Fr Joe Manjaly, with Fr Jonathan Germinanda MSP giving the homily. Guests included Philippine Consul General Greg Maria Marino, Penrith Mayor Todd Carney and Deputy Mayor Hollie McLean. Devotees then joined the traditional fluvial procession along the Nepean River aboard the Nepean Belle, followed by a community lunch, cultural program and entertainment at Tench Reserve.

The devotion, which Bicolanos know affectionately as Ina (Mother), was formally established in Australia in 2006 following an initiative by Maria Bonot Relunia. The replica was welcomed to its permanent home at St Nicholas of Myra on 7 September 2006, and the annual Nepean River procession began in September 2007. The Australian Devotees of Our Lady of Peñafrancia (ADOLP) was incorporated in June 2006.

ADOLP, under the guidance of the Archdiocese of Caceres and the Diocese of Parramatta, holds a novena and Mass on the first Saturday of each month at St Nicholas of Myra, and celebrates the feast on the third Saturday of September with the fluvial procession, according to its community listing on PAMAI.

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Key facts

  • The 19–20 September 2026 celebrations in Penrith marked 20 years since a replica of Our Lady of Peñafrancia arrived in Australia.
  • Devotees held a fluvial procession on the Nepean River aboard the Nepean Belle.
  • The Australian Devotees of Our Lady of Peñafrancia was incorporated in June 2006.

Official sources

Kislap reports this story for general information only. Nothing here is immigration, legal, financial, tax, medical, employment, or other professional advice; check official sources and speak with a qualified professional before acting.