The cross signifies the light of Christ that transcends religions and denominations. Christ himself, who is present within us, is the source of unity, and is the focal point of attaining Ecumenism through constant dialogue and cooperation.

 

The people, represented by an Indian Sikh, a plain-clothed Christian, a Roman Catholic Priest, an Indigenous Person, and a Muslim woman, expresses the mission of the Year of Ecumenism, Inter-religious Dialogue, and Indigenous Peoples: to attain harmony. The Priest is seen standing in the middle, as a symbol that we, as Catholics, must be the initiators of dialogue with others in the pursuit of harmony.

 

The image of Our Lady of Peñafrancia symbolizes the maternal protection and guidance of the Blessed Mother in our pursuit of attaining unity through dialogue. Like her instructions to the servants at Cana to do whatever Jesus tells them, (cf. Jn 2:5) we as well follow His command for us to love one another as He did, through expressing the same openness and willingness to engage in fruitful dialogue with those of other beliefs, as Jesus did. As our Ina or mother, she serves as our inspiration and source of strength as she keeps us, and the people in the logo, under her manto of love, protection, unity, and harmony.

 

Mt. Isarog serves as the backdrop of all other symbols present in the logo. It gives emphasis to the origins of the devotion to the Virgin of Peñafrancia, wherein the first capilla and image in her honor was built for the benefit of the cimmarrones who were living in the aforementioned mountain. The same indigenous peoples were later converted into Christianity, thus marking one of the first miracles of Ina in Nueva Caceres (Naga). This emphasizes Ina as the source of unity and harmony among people of different religions and beliefs from then until now, and will continue to be as such for generations to come.

 

Finally, embracing and binding the above-mentioned symbols together is the logo for the 2020 Year of Ecumenism, Interreligious Dialogue, and Indigenous Peoples. The logo signifies dialogue, as the two objects of the logo face each other forming a heart, which signifies human fraternity and respect for each other. (cf. CBCP) The embracing gesture of the logo towards the other symbols that are placed within the it express the theme of the Peñafrancia Festivities: Fostering Dialogue and Harmony in the Spirit of Mary's Gentleness and Humility.

 

 

Download the Peñafrancia 2020 Official Logo here.