Minor Basilica and National Shrine of Our Lady of Peñafrancia, Modern Catholic church building in Naga, Philippines
The shrine is a modern basilica on the outskirts of Naga City with contemporary architecture designed to accommodate both seated and standing visitors in large numbers. The building is administered by the Archdiocese of Caceres and provides regular worship services as well as an Audio-Visual Room for pilgrims.
Construction of the shrine began in 1976 on the initiative of Archbishop Pedro Paulo Santos y Songco and was completed in 1981. It received recognition as a minor basilica in 1985.
This shrine serves as the focal point of the annual Peñafrancia Festival in September, when thousands of pilgrims participate in the Traslacion procession traveling from here to the city cathedral. The event shapes how local people express their faith and brings the community together each year.
The grounds are easily accessible and offer various facilities for visitors including space for worshippers. The best time to visit is outside the major festival weeks in September, when crowds are smaller.
The building underwent major repairs in 1991 to address initial construction defects, including reinforcement of doors and installation of stained glass windows. These improvements show how the shrine has been refined over time to better serve its visitors.
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