‘Cofradia’ to remove drunk members from processions

By Paulo DS. Papa

THE Cofradia de San Jose aims to increase its number to 4,000 devotees before this year’s major religious events in celebration of the 314th feast of Our Lady of Peñafrancia or the 100th year of canonical celebration of the Lady.

In an interview, Engr. William Menes, the president of the religious organization, said that about 3,000 devotees enlisted last year to undergo spiritual formation conducted by the group in various parishes across the region.

He stated that these individuals included male members known as “Guardias de Maria” and female members referred to as “Siervas de Maria.”

Menes elaborated that the guardias, especially due to their youth and physical capabilities, were educated and trained to assist with the images of Ina and El Divino Rostro during the traditional Traslacion and Fluvial foot processions. This ensures that visitors and pilgrims witness the solemnity and smooth execution of these activities.

He added that the siervas are tasked each year with leading the rosary during the procession, helping pilgrims participate in a more solemn manner as desired.

Menes said that by the end of this month, their number will increase by about 1,500 devotees who have completed spiritual formation programs in different parishes this year.

He noted that these individuals, particularly the men, have been educated to be exemplary voyadores and to avoid participating in the yearly activities under the influence of alcohol, which previously led to rowdy and unpleasant processions.

In previous years, some men, not regular members of the group, joined the Traslacion procession to express their devotion, despite being intoxicated, and committed sacrilegious acts such as touching the andas with dirty fingers.

Menes mentioned that these individuals went viral on social media. In shame, they later apologized to him and have since become Cofradia members, joining their ranks this year with spiritual discernment.

Without specifying the exact number of male and female members, Menes stated that about 2,000 members will participate in this year’s Traslacion procession on September 13, the second Friday of the month. He explained that the remaining members will serve as prayer warriors due to their old age.

Menes assured the concerned public that there will be no intoxicated members during the Traslacion procession. He emphasized that these men are obliged to control themselves despite the temptations of alcohol. He noted that these voyadores are ideal devotees, setting an example for others who may seek courage in alcohol before participating in the procession.

He added that during formations, these men are taught to act like St. Joseph, the spouse of Mother Mary, who was known for his self-control and discipline. Menes disclosed that any drunk members on the day of the procession will be required to remove their uniforms and go home.

The image of the Nuestra Sra de Peñafrancia amidst the sea of devotees during the Traslacion procession.