St Helen’s hosts record pilgrimage with 500 attendees

For the past 14 years, every third Sunday of September, St Helen’s Church in Hoveton has become a pilgrimage site for the Feast of Our Lady of Peñafrancia. Arlaine Amoyo-Brion reports.

Originally a devotion from Bicol, Philippines, this celebration has taken root in the Diocese of East Anglia, drawing devotees from across the UK. Participants travel from Norwich, Lincoln, Louth, Boston, Bury St Edmunds, King’s Lynn, Cambridge, Colchester, and even as far as London, Hexham, and Newport in South Wales. This event has evolved into an inclusive gathering, uniting people from diverse backgrounds in their deep devotion to Mother Mary, affectionately known as “Ina.”

This year’s grand celebration marked the largest attendance yet, with around 500 pilgrims, making it especially significant as it coincided with the 100th anniversary of the Canonical Coronation of Our Lady of Peñafrancia in Bicol. The theme “Se Siempre La Reina” (Always Be a Queen)—”Pamanang Banal” (Divine Inheritance), “Padanayon” (Nurture), “Palakupon” (Preserve), and “Atamanon” (Share)—emphasised the enduring devotion to Our Lady.

Echoing the traditions of Bicol, the festivities began with a nine-week novena held by various communities and culminated in a vibrant day of celebration featuring a fluvial procession to Wroxham Broad, accompanied by the recitation of the rosary. This was followed by a land procession and a Holy Eucharist celebration officiated by Fr Jaylord Magpuyo from Sacred Heart Parish, Dereham, and Fr Peter Raj, the parish priest at St Helen’s Church, assisted by Deacon Bong Nidea from Hexham in Northumberland.

A highlight of this historic event was the unveiling and enshrinement of Our Lady of Peñafrancia and the establishment of St Michael’s Chapel within St Helen’s Church. The beloved image, brought from Bicol specifically for this occasion, was paraded inside the church before being placed in the shrine. Father Jaylord, alongside Deacon Bong, blessed the satellite shrine prior to its unveiling, while flowers were presented by representatives from the nine communities that participated in the novena. Devotees gathered to witness this momentous occasion, making it truly unforgettable.

A century ago, the Bicolanos in the Philippines were blessed with the canonical coronation of Our Lady of Peñafrancia. This year, the Diocese of East Anglia was blessed with a new satellite shrine dedicated to our loving Mother. This significant event not only honours Our Lady but also strengthens our spiritual connection through the Holy Spirit, deepening our relationship with Mother Mary and her Son, Jesus Christ, and creating a lasting legacy of faith.

This legacy is a divine inheritance (pamanang banal)—one that will continually be nurtured (padanayon), preserved (palakupon), and shared (atamanon) with all our brothers and sisters in Christ. It is a treasure to be cherished by every pilgrim who visits Our Lady of Peñafrancia at St Helen’s Church, both now and for generations to come.

Mary, our Mother, our Ina, forever our Queen. Se Siempre La Reina!

Viva la Virgen!
Viva El Divino Rostro!

Pictures by Tribu Bicolandia.

Comments