by Margaux Salcedo
I had the blessing of attending the Rite of Pagbado (pagbihis or clothing) for Our Lady of Peñafrancia last September 11, 2024.
This is annual rite that is performed prior to the fiesta.
This year, however, was extra special as 2024 marks the 100th anniversary of the Canonical Coronation of the image of Our Lady.
Watch the rites here:
Manto
The Centenary Manto was donated by the Family of Robert and Maricar Odiamar, who especially commissioned renowned designer and fellow Bikolano Avel Bacudio, who was asissted by Jeyjette Bacudio (Avel's sister) and Trixie Odiamar, the Odiamars' only daughter.
In creating the manto, Trixie Odiamar explained:
We have intentionally recreated the 1924 Manto to what is the 2024 Manto of Nuestra Señora de Peñafrancia - a 100 years of devotion, gratitude, and history.
We started our journey in finding the fabric that holds true meaning to our devotion and should last for generations to come. The Manto's fabric is from the birthplace of the Church and Jesus, Jerusalem - to honor our origin of our faith.
The Center of the Manto is the fountain that signifies Life and Renewal. It has 6 and 7 splashes of water that symbolizes the 6 provinces and 7 cities of Bikol Region.
The base of the fountain mimics bamboo stilts. In 1721, The Shrine and Parish of Our Lady Peñafrancia, Ina's original home was originally built with bamboo stilts, honoring our humble beginning with Beloved Ina.
Pearls, ruby, Swarovski crystals, and gold were used for the bead work, which was designed to symbolize historical references:
In the center of the Manto is a lone Ruby stone that represents the first miracle of Our Lady of Peñafrancia, the 'rebirth' of a dog. (According to historical accounts, in the 17th century, Fr. Miguel Robles de Covarrubias contracted a local artisan to make an image of the Virgin of Penafrancia. When the image was made, a dog was killed to stain the icon with its blood to make the color dusky to approximate the complexion of the cimarrones. The dead dog with its four legs tied was thrown into the river. In a few minutes, the dog was witnessed swimming to the shore and running to his master’s house. That was the start of the countless miracles attributed to Our Lady of Peñafrancia.)
Around the fountain is a Rosary made with pearls, which symbolizes being Filipinos with great devotion to our Ina, Virgin Mary.
Above are 138 crystal stones are for the 138 fallen devotees who died during the September 16, 1972 Colgante Bridge tragedy.
The 6 Sunflowers represent faithfulness and gratitude to the source of Life of the Odiamar family.
At the edge of the Manto, the tassel of crystals symbolizes all the peoples' great love, and intense devotion to Our Blessed Ina.
Lastly, there are 100 pearls to celebrate the 100 years of the Canonical Coronation of Our Lady of Peñafrancia.
The Manto is hand-embroidered using abaca and piña from Lumban, Laguna to represent our roots as Filipinos and Bikolanos.
It took 5 artisans, 150 hours and 16,000 yards to create the embossed layer of the Manto, skillfully made by 3 young Bikolanos who dedicated 360 hours to incorporate our history of devotion to the Manto.
Devotion
The Manto is not just an article of clothing or a piece of fabric. It represents the faith of the Bikolanos and devotees of Our Lady of Peñafrancia.
The imposition of the Manto is especially solemn and healing.
I lined up with my sister to receive this grace. When it was our turn, we kneeled and the manto was placed over our heads as those holding the manto prayed over us. After the prayer, we stood up and those next in line did the same.
As stated by Fr. Efren Rivera, O.P., “The imposition of the Manto is a form of prayer in action done to heal a person. This is a long tradition not only for Peñafrancia but also to the several images of Our Lady."
The following day, the rite was once again performed at the installation of Fr. Aristotle Dy as the new President of Ateneo de Naga. Trixie Odiamar explained, "The manto is not not just a cloak for the image but an armor of Our Lady and in a way also an armor for us. When we do public or community obligations, this rite of the Imposition of the Manto gives us courage."
The 100th anniversary of the Canonical Coronation of Our Lady of Peñefrancia will take place on September 20, 2024, with the reenactment of the coronation to be led by Archbishop Charles John Brown, Apostolic Nuncio to the Philippines, with Caceres Archbishop Rex Andrew Alarcon.
Photo: Vince Puno
Video: Margaux Salcedo
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