More than 1,000 people from all over the Valley attended the big fiesta celebration to honor Our Lady of Penafrancia on Saturday, September 21, at St. Mary's Catholic Church in Chandler.

The celebration began at 5 p.m. with a rosary procession around the parish campus.  Parishioners walked around the church and school grounds with lighted candles. 

A mass followed celebrated by  Rev. Dan McBride, Pastor of St. Mary's, joined by Filipino priest Rev. Jesus Ty, and Rev. Braulio Valencia, also of St. Mary's, as well as Rev. Regidor Carreon of St. Elizabeth Seton Catholic Church in Sun Lakes.  During his homily, Rev. McBride said Our Lady of Penefrancia is just one of St. Mary's many titles, but in all cases, she is the Mother of Peace, Mother of Jesus and intercedes between God and men.

A potluck feast, attended by Couples for Christ, featured many tables of delicious Filipino fare, including lechon, adobo, lumpia and pancit.  Fr. Ty began the feast with a blessing, followed by the singing of the American and Filipino national anthems.

Entertainment coordinated by Francis Cruz of Couples for Christ included traditional Filipino dance, Hawaiian hula and public dancing featuring a live band, Dayuhan from Laveen.

The Fiesta was a great way to worship the Lady of Penafrancia, connect with people and enjoy good food and entertainment.

The novena masses for our Lady of Penafrancia will restart a few weeks prior to Christmas day.  For more information on the Penafrancia worship schedule, please contact Francis Cruz at (480) 213-6652 or Rose Cavagnaro at (480) 688-5988.