Ina, Our Mother of Hope

It was a rough night around the grounds of Naga Metropolitan Cathedral, with plastic bottles scattered, wet mats, garments, and bags all over. Chaos ensued when the rain started to fall upon the area, and with it, along with the power, a performance was cut short. But soon, I realized that, as if there is a light at the end of the tunnel, I learned one good thing from this seemingly harrowing experience: resiliency.

I was taken aback at what the Bicolanos experienced last year: a devastating typhoon named Kristine drowned towns and folks with its waters, and her winds swept and leveled off familiar surroundings. But despite the tragedy, the people stood up and defied her winds and waves; they stood firm, and eventually, I realized who the source of their hope was. Ina, the Mother, Queen, and Patroness of the Bicol Region, served as the beacon of light and hope for every Bicolano with faith amidst winds and floods. Unshaken, she firmly carries her Son as a symbol of her role, to lead us to the Lord over storms and rains. Yet, she isn’t exclusively owned by the people of Bicol; rather, they extend her mantle towards each and every one who would like to take refuge under it, even reaching as far as Batanes, Davao, and any part of the country, hence even the world.

The Lady of Peñafrancia is the Mother of Hope, and for those who are devastated by the floods, winds, and storms of life, she is ready to embrace them, her children, and bring the Lord of Hope to anyone who needs Him. Her light never shone so bright as during the Opening Ceremony, and so our eyes were in seeing how devoted the people are, and now I know why: in times when hope seems absent, Ina is there to make it present. Viva La Virgen! (Jude Ray Encabo)