The Bikol Society in Austria (BSA) successfully celebrated the 6th Nuestra Senora de Peñafrancia fluvial parade on September 20, 2008 for the group's 15th anniversary.

The fluvial procession on board the MS Tegethoff, a passenger vessel, was attended by more than 600 Filipino and Austrian friends.

During the five-hour boat trip along the Danube River going to Krems, a province in the Lower Austrian region, the organizers and devotees prayed novena to Ina. A colorful cultural presentation was also prepared by the Bicolanos. 

Philippine Ambassador to Austria Linglingay Lancalae joined her countrymen in this year’s feast day of Our lady of Peñafrancia. 

Lacanlale appreciated the initiative of the Bikol Society and the Filipino community for observing such long-honored traditions, which are embedded in the Filipino way of life.

“The fluvial procession affirms the strength of our connectedness to our roots and the ties of faith and community that binds us all, notwithstanding our diversity. It celebrates the values that we share in common,” Lacanlale stated in her message to all the devotees.

“This traditional practice leads us to realize how Mary’s whole life had been always on a journey with Jesus and for Jesus. Such is also the challenge to us – that the intensity of our devotion to the “Mahal na Ina” will continue more and more, as we journey altogether ro become united and loving community,” said Fr. Joes Demoy of the Filipino Catholic Chaplaincy.

Meanwhile, a dozen Filipino priests from the Philippines and from other missions in Europe headed by Most Rev. Pedro Arigo D.D., Vicar Apostolic of Palawan, joined the Filipino community during the celebration.