By Cherilyn Sta. Ana, Blue and Gold Staff;
Photos by John Mar Sare, Adrian Olivan, Mr. Meljohn Tatel, and Mr. Carlo Aspe(HS ’07)

Like the Roman Legion of the ancient times, Ateneans wowed onlookers and devotees and gained admiration as they joined the 2011 Traslacion Procession marking the 301^st year of Bicolano devotion to the Lady of Penafrancia.

With squared units and Roman-like standards of the Litany of the Blessed Mother, the Ateneans traced the traditional route of the grand annual Marian procession dating back to 1885. In the Traslacion, the image of the Patroness of Bicolandia is transferred from Her Shrine to the Cathedral of the Archdiocese which accommodates a bigger crowd.

This year’s procession started from the Penafrancia Shrine, home of the Blessed Virgin since 1710. The precession proceeded to Penafrancia Avenue, made a turn towards Elias Angeles St. and finally ending at Naga Cathedral.

In the solemnity of the occasion, Ateneans prayed the Rosary while traversing the route, contemplating on the mysteries in the life of the Lord and Blessed Mother.

Ateneans trouped to the Traslacion route in their respective Pistaym groups, accompanied by their teacher-coordinators. Days before the Traslacion, groups practiced marching by simulating the procession along the streets of downtown Naga.