The Pilgrims' Center

17/01/2025

Friend, are you waiting on God? His ‘not yet’ doesn’t mean ‘no.’ Here’s why His delays are part of His perfect plan for your life!


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P.S. Friend, this might be the spiritual “pause” you need.

Imagine stepping away from the busyness of life for a while—wandering through ancient churches, absorbing the serene beauty of Malta, standing where saints walked in Italy, and, yes, joining the Jubilee Year celebrations in Rome.

If your spirit has been whispering for a break, listen.

Come journey with me.

https://www.facebook.com/BrotherBoSanchez/videos/1007426927827749

You may contact us at [email protected] Or call us at: +63285238582 ; Joanne: +639985906951 ; Lenie: +639176311902

Embark on a Pilgrimage to Malta with the Shrines of Italy with a Pilgrimage Chaplain led by Bro. Bo Sanchez on March 11-25, 2025. Visit wonderful places and shrines related to the life and work of the Great Apostle Paul in Malta and avail of the Jubilee indulgence in Rome, a rare opportunity that ha...

16/01/2025

YOU HAVE A CHOICE with Fr Jerry Orbos, SVD

As we journey through life, let us aim to depart this world free from anger, selfishness, and pride. Instead, may our hearts be filled with love, forgiveness, and peace. Surrender your worries to God and express gratitude to your loved ones today. Do not delay! Each day is a chance to make meaningful choices. In the end, we take with us only the love we shared and the faith we held in our God. Amen.

As we journey through life, let us aim to depart this world free from anger, selfishness, and pride. Instead, may our hearts be filled with love, forgiveness...

15/01/2025

Marian shrines are a living reminder of Mary's presence among us.

Stand on the sites where miracles and conversions happened on your visit to the Marian Shrines of Portugal, Spain, France, and Switzerland with Fr. Jojo Buenafe on April 2-15, 2025.

Please visit this link for more details:

https://pilgrimage.ph/marian-shrines-with-switzerland

“Never be afraid of loving the Blessed Virgin too much. You can never love her more than Jesus did.”

- Saint Maximilian Kolbe

You may contact us at [email protected] Or call us at: +63285238582 ; Pauline +639619597017 ; Lenie: +639176311902

14/01/2025

Embrace the spirit of the Jubilee by becoming a Pilgrim of Hope. Walk through the Holy Doors of Rome and receive the abundant graces offered at this favorable time. Join a Pilgrimage to Italy with Eastern Europe with Fr. Allan Abuan on March 27 – April 14, 2025.

Please visit this link for more details:

https://pilgrimage.ph/italy-with-eastern-europe

You may contact us at [email protected] Or call us at: +63285238582 ; Connie: +639162121189 ; Lenie: +639176311902

13/01/2025

The children love to meditate. You just need to show them how and you can meditate with them. And with a little bit of help and nurturing and support, you will find that they will love it and they ask for it. And when they move up the school from one year to the next, they will say to the new teacher, ‘When are we going to do our meditation?’

‘Unless you become like little children… (Mt 18:3).’ So this is a little insight into what Jesus meant and also what Thomas Aquinas meant when he said it is simple. Simple, not easy. Sometimes it is difficult, sometimes it is hard, but it is simple. This is something I think that the Christian contemplative tradition desperately, on behalf of our ailing culture and society, needs to recover and teach.

~ Fr. Laurence Freeman, OSB

12/01/2025

MOMENTS by Fr. Jerry Orbos, SVD

Christmas goes on

In every wedding mass, just before the final blessing, I usually surprise the couple with the question: “So, who is going to make the coffee tomorrow morning?” to make them realize that after the wedding ceremony is over, the reality of their marriage vows must now begin, so that they grow together.
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Today is the Solemnity of the Baptism of our Lord. Jesus who was born on Christmas, received baptism from John, and finally starts publicly to carry out His mission for the salvation of us all. May we, who were initiated to our Christian life, carry out whatever mission is given to us to help build up the Kingdom of God.
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Today is the last day of the Christmas season. Tomorrow, we go back to “ordinary time.” The Christmas decorations will be dismantled, but Christmas, the spirit of Christmas, should not end. Just as Jesus was initiated in His mission with His baptism, we, too, must go on to carry out our baptismal vows to renounce Satan and sin, and to follow the Lord in spreading hope, peace, joy, and love. As the song says: “May the spirit of Christmas be always in our hearts”!
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Speaking of decorations, let us allow the Lord to ask us today: “My child, am I just a decoration to you?; Am I just someone for display, and someone you conveniently put away when the temptations of power, money, and pleasures come your way?; Am I just an after-thought, a fallback, an incidental replacement? Am I someone you just talk about, but someone you hardly talk with?”
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There are people who do “Christmas things” the whole year through. In other words, Christmas for them is not just a day or a season, but an orientation, an everyday mission. Yes, may we continue to find God, and proclaim Him in the most ordinary, simple, spontaneous moments of our life.
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“Thou shall not steal.” Just to remind us all that this commandment is still valid and should be enforced. The way fake news is increasing in social media, and all kinds of scam and hacking, and how the money of our people are being stolen blatantly by shameless politicians! May we all together proclaim that we are vigilant, and we will stand for what is good, right, and just. Let us not allow the darkness of sin and the night of unbelief to dominate and imprison us!
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“One mightier than I is coming” (Mark 1:7). For those who think they can fool, manipulate, and disrespect everyone, and for those who have become so drunk with worldly treasures and power, beware, be afraid, be very afraid, for one mightier than you knows it all, sees it all, and will eventually settle the score.
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For those who continue to follow the path of righteousness and humility, do not lose heart nor be afraid, let us take comfort in God’s word: “Do not fear for I am with you; do not be dismayed for I am your God; I will strengthen you and help you.” (Isaiah 41:10)
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Forest fires are raging, the cost of living is rising, violence and wars are erupting, the prevalence of negativities is very disturbing. Through it all, let us reflect and be consoled with the “Nada te Turbi” prayer of St. Therese of Avila: “Let nothing disturb you; let nothing frighten you; all things are passing; God never changes; patience obtains everything; he who has God lacks nothing; God alone suffices.”
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“You are my beloved son in whom I am well pleased” (Mark 1:11). Every time I read this passage, I humbly pray: “Lord, have mercy on me, a sinner!” None of us can truly please God. We can give up on ourselves, but God never gives up on us who keep trying, who keep on hoping. Pilgrims of hope!
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Today, as we celebrate the Baptism of our Lord, let us remember with gratitude our parents who gave us the gift of faith with our baptism, and all the people who helped us grow in our faith. We remember, too, our family members, as well as friends who continue to journey with us to God’s heart. Thank you! One with you, fellow pilgrims of hope.
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A moment with the Lord: Lord, remind us that Christmas is not just a day or a season, but a mission that goes on and on. Amen.

~ Fr. Jerry Orbos, SVD

11/01/2025

Embark on a spiritual journey to the Sanctuary of Our Lady of Einsiedeln and immerse yourself in the grace and tranquility of the Blessed Mother's most revered sites. Join a 14-day Pilgrimage to the Marian Shrines of Portugal, Spain, France, and Switzerland with Fr.Jojo Buenafe on April 2-15, 2025.

You may contact us at [email protected] or call us at +6385238582 ; Joanne +639985906951 ; Lenie +639176311902

11/01/2025

Tomorrow, January 12, we celebrate the Feast of the Baptism of the Lord.

In the liturgical calendar, the Feast of the Baptism of the Lord signifies the end of the Christmas season. The Baptism of the Lord is notable because it marks the beginning of Jesus’ ministry and confirms his identity as the Son of God. This event is documented in all the gospels except John.

The Gospel of Mark describes the event:

It happened in those days that Jesus came from Nazareth of Galilee and was baptized in the Jordan by John. On coming up out of the water he saw the heavens being torn open and the Spirit, like a dove, descending upon him. And a voice came from the heavens, “You are my beloved Son; with you I am well pleased.” (Mark 1:9-11)

Christ’s baptism remarkably shows all three Persons of the Trinity at the same time: the Son being baptized, the Holy Spirit descending, and the Father speaking from the heavens. In this event, the Father and the Holy Spirit confirm the deity of Christ, and Jesus submits to his Father’s will.

Why Is Jesus Baptized?

When Jesus comes to John, John hesitates to baptize him. John’s is a baptism of repentance, and Jesus has nothing for which he needs to repent. Why then does Jesus insist on being baptized? By choosing to be baptized, Jesus fulfills all righteousness – preparing himself to be a perfect sacrifice for us.

The account in Matthew demonstrates this:

Then Jesus came from Galilee to John at the Jordan to be baptized by him. John tried to prevent him, saying, “I need to be baptized by you, and yet you are coming to me?” Jesus said to him in reply, “Allow it now, for thus it is fitting for us to fulfill all righteousness.” Then he allowed him. (Matthew 3:13-15)

What Does Baptism Mean for Us?

As we reflect on Christ’s baptism, we are reminded of our own baptism. Pope Benedict XVI said on the Feast of the Baptism of Our Lord:

[Baptism] is communion with the One who conquered death and holds in his hand the keys of life. Belonging to this circle, to God’s family, means being in communion with Christ, who is life and gives eternal love beyond death.

Thanks be to God, who has redeemed us from our sins and given us eternal life through Jesus Christ.

09/01/2025

Today is the Feast of the Black Nazarene.

The statue of the Black Nazarene dates back to the early 1600s, when it was brought to Manila by Spanish missionaries from Mexico. Carved from mesquite wood, the statue depicts Jesus carrying the cross on his way to crucifixion. Over the centuries, the statue has survived several disasters, including fires and earthquakes, leading many to believe in its miraculous powers. The annual Traslacion commemorates the transfer of the statue from its original location in Intramuros to Quiapo Church in 1787.

Over time, the feast has evolved into one of the largest religious gatherings in the world, with millions of devotees participating each year. Despite the physical challenges posed by the long and crowded procession, the event remains a symbol of faith and resilience for Filipino Catholics.

Prayer to JESUS, the Black Nazarene

Lord Jesus of Nazareth, teach us to pray always. Guard our thoughts and senses, so that all that we do may be pleasing to You. Through Your suffering and death, You brought us everlasting life. Give us the strength of the Holy Spirit so that we may never grow tired of serving You and our neighbors. By Your suffering and prayer at Gethsemane, teach us obedience to God’s will in spite of hardships and trials in life. Help us to honestly and faithfully pray, and not to do good only to be seen by people.

[Pause for Personal Intention]

Lord God, come and strengthen the hope and faith that You have given us, so that we may truly experience Your presence in our lives. Through Christ our Lord. Amen.

09/01/2025

WELCOME THE NEW YEAR 2025

Let’s welcome the new year with the Lord! As we journey together, may we learn to trust Him more and worry less. Each day is a precious gift, and we have Mama Mary by our side, guiding us with her love and gentle wisdom. Believe, trust, and surrender to His plan. Wishing everyone a blessed and joyful journey in 2025!

Let’s welcome the new year with the Lord! As we journey together, may we learn to trust Him more and worry less. Each day is a precious gift, and we have Ma...

08/01/2025

08/01/2025

The Pilgrims' Center invites you to an Online Prayer for Peace

Topic: Pilgrims' Prayer for Peace
Time: January 8, 2025 (Wednesday) 12:00 Noon
Host: Monty Mendigoria

Join Zoom Meeting
https://us02web.zoom.us/j/85213049726?pwd=MVlSNS91NldrT0F0R1A1RUJkQWZmUT09

Meeting ID: 852 1304 9726
Passcode: ppp

08/01/2025

With a profound affection for Our Lady, we would like to invite you on an adventure to grow in devotion to the Blessed Mother. Join a 17-day Marian Pilgrimage to the Shrines of Portugal, Spain, France, and Italy with Fr. Alexander Thomas on May 5-21, 2025.

You may contact us at [email protected]

Or call us at +6385238582 ; Kirsten : +639568613098. ; Lenie +639176311902

07/01/2025

We'll be walking through 4 Holy Doors in Rome, visit the gorgeous island of Malta, many beautiful shrines of Italy, Including where God performed miracles through St. Padre Pio!

Join us! Be spiritually nourished and richly blessed!

~ Bro. Bo Sanchez

Join a 15-day Pilgrimage to Malta with the Shrines of Italy with Fr. Mark Demanuelle, MSSP led by Bro. Bo Sanchez on March 14-28, 2025.

Please visit this link for more details:

https://pilgrimage.ph/malta-with-shrines-of-italy

You may contact us at [email protected] Or call us at: +63285238582 ; Joanne: +639985906951 ; Lenie: +639176311902

06/01/2025

Loving God could be said to mean being wholeheartedly committed to the journey itself, not complaining unnecessarily about it or discontented because you're not getting what you want, but embracing everything that life offers you. Learning to meditate is learning how to live.

John Main says that when we meditate, we accept the gift of our own being as a whole, as a package. It's not about cherry-picking the nice happy moments that we put on Facebook to convince everybody that we are totally happy, popular and contented people. But it's accepting the whole of ourselves, the whole of the mystery of life, which is ultimately unpredictable. These dark times can contain great seeds of light. So the criterion for a good journey, for making the journey of life in a fully human way, is not that it's always easy, not that we're always happy, but how we handle the difficult times and how we handle them above all with faith.

~ Fr. Laurence Freeman, 0SB

05/01/2025

MOMENTS by Fr. Jerry Orbos, SVD

Searching for the Messiah

To start the New Year on a light note, let me share with you something I read somewhere:
Question: Why is Jesus rich?
Answer: Because Jesus saves.
Question: Why is Jesus sad?
Answer: Because Jesus Christ (cries)!
Question: Why is Jesus happy?
Answer: Because “Messiah” siya (masaya)!
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In today’s Gospel (Matthew 2:1-12), we hear about Herod searching for the Messiah. We also hear about the Magi from the east searching for the newborn King Jesus. How about you and me? Are we searching for Him? Is God on our agenda for 2025? Do we include Him as a priority in our plans, appointments, events, and activities in the year ahead of us?
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It is interesting to note that Herod’s agenda in looking for the Messiah was to search and destroy Him. The Magi on the other hand were looking for the Messiah to search and adore Him. What is your agenda? Why are you looking for the “Messiah,” if ever, at all?
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At the door of our Mission House, we have an image of Mama Mary carrying Jesus on a donkey being pulled by Joseph, with an inscription that says: “Follow your star, and bring Jesus wherever you go.” This is a very fitting reminder for all our SVD missionaries going to foreign missions. A very good reminder for all of us as well, to bring Jesus wherever we go, whatever we do in this new year.
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Epiphany goes on. Like the Magi, we continue to diligently search for the Lord, know Him, love Him, and serve Him. Having found Him, may we continue to share His message and love to all people, especially to the poor (“mga walang wala”), to the lost, (“mga nawawala”), and to the disturbed and the troubled (“mga nagwawala”). Let us be pilgrims of hope, far and wide.
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We are still searching for the “Messiah” in our country. Many have come and gone, presenting themselves to lead our people, with their ideas and plans, but things have not become better in our land. Only they, their families, and their friends have become richer, but our people have become poorer. Money and politics have destroyed and continue to destroy our core values that define us as a people and as a nation. We cannot find our “Messiah” in greedy and selfish leaders, these modern-day “Herods” have systematically changed public service into self-service. We need leaders who empower, not who impoverish and encumber us.
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As we journey on, let us travel light. Let us journey with grateful, not regretful, hearts. Let us leave behind our hurts, resentments, and pride. Let us take with us a hopeful and joyful attitude as we move on. Yes, let us keep focusing on the Lord, not on the load, and be mindful of people who need our help as we journey on. Let us follow our star, our Lord, our Superstar.
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Speaking of journey, let us remember the driver’s prayer: “Grant me, Oh Lord, a steady hand and a watchful eye so that no one shall be hurt as I pass by.”
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Pope Francis reminds us in this Jubilee year that we are pilgrims of hope. Let us radiate light wherever we go. May we give a positive, uplifting presence with our joy, kindness, encouragement, affirmations, and good deeds. Remember, those who radiate light end up with so much peace and light in themselves as well.
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One more thought for our journey: Our journey is not so much about going far and fast, as about going to the heart—to God’s heart, to other people’s hearts, to our very own hearts.
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Let us journey with Mama Mary. She knows the way. She will show us the way to her Son, who is the Way, the Truth, and the Life. Let us not forget Mama Mary, our Mother. Let us not leave her behind. Let us not belittle, disrespect, or despise her, this gentle, lowly, loving woman whose only wish is that we all follow and come closer to her Son.
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What will happen this year? We don’t know. God knows. So, let us stay close to Him. Let us listen to His instructions. Let us obey His directions. Let us trust in His provisions.
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Think about this: With every new year, we grow older and our death comes closer. Sana, with every new year, we, too, come closer to God.
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A moment with the Lord:
Lord, help us to radiate your love, wherever we go, whatever we do. Amen.

~ Fr. Jerry Orbos, SVD

04/01/2025

The Solemnity of the Epiphany of the Lord, also known as Three Kings Day, falls on Sunday, January 5, 2025.

In the Catholic tradition, Epiphany was always celebrated on January 6. Beginning with the 1970 liturgical year, the feast was moved to the first Sunday following January 1.

This holy day marks the arrival of the Magi to worship the Baby Jesus and the manifestation of Christ to the Gentiles as the Savior of the world. However, long- standing tradition connects the Epiphany with two additional events: the baptism of the Lord and the miraculous transformation of water into wine at the wedding feast in Cana of Galilee.

Although little is known about the Three Wise Men, tradition provides us with their names: Caspar, Melchior, and Balthasar. The Epiphany celebrates the moment Christ, the ultimate gift, was made known to the Three Wise Men and thus the Gentiles. Their journey is central to the Feast of the Three Kings 2025, highlighting the global acknowledgment of Jesus as the Messiah.

Tradition venerates the Three Wise Men as saints, including because they not only recognized Christ but also revealed him to the world. Their visit symbolizes the Gentiles finding Jesus (Isa. 11:10; Matt. 28:18-20) and expressing, through their gifts of gold, frankincense, and myrrh, who he is: King, God, and Savior (Isa. 60:6; Matt. 2:11). In doing so, they show that Christ himself is the greatest gift to all humanity.

03/01/2025

A pilgrimage offers us the chance to pause and, like Mary, say “yes” to God.

Embark on a 12-day Pilgrimage to the Marian Shrines of Portugal, France, and Spain with Fr. Viel Bautista on March 18-29, 2025.

Please visit this link for more details:

https://pilgrimage.ph/marian-shrines-portugal-france-and-spain-pilgrimage

With Mary in our hearts, we embark on our pilgrimages with hope and confidence, trusting in the immeasurable graces our Lord has prepared for us. No matter how distant we may feel from God, Our Lady, who loves us deeply, will be our guiding companion, leading us safely toward salvation.

You may contact us at [email protected] Or call us at: +63285238582 ; Grace +639054380340 ; Lenie: +639176311902