The Pilgrims' Center

03/11/2024

MOMENTS by Fr. Jerry Orbos, SVD

Help fill the world with love

The story is told about a dying husband who said to his wife: “When I die, I want you to marry Juan.” Surprised, the wife said: “I thought Juan was your enemy.” Whereupon, the husband said: “Yes, he is my enemy, and I want him to suffer, too.”
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In today’s Gospel (Mark 12, 28-34), Jesus tells us clearly that the greatest commandment is to love God and to love our neighbor. We ask ourselves today these questions: Am I loving God to the max? Am I loving others as myself? Am I living a grateful life to God? Am I hurting people as I journey through life?
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Loving God to the max means loving Him with all our hearts, with all our souls, with all our minds, and with all our strength. We know this, but the sad reality is that we often love God not as much as we love ourselves. Mea culpa, mea culpa. Lord, forgive us for we often forget You, and take for granted Your love and presence in our lives. We do not listen to You enough and we even disobey and sin against You.
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Loving one’s neighbor means not hurting them, not making life more difficult for them. Life is difficult enough, so let us not add more to our neighbor’s struggles and problems. Forgive us Lord for the times we hurt other people, and we do not share enough of our time, talents, and treasures, especially to the poor and the suffering, because of our selfishness and pride.
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“Whatever, you did for one of the least of these brothers of mine, you did for me,” (Matthew 25:40). The bottom line in the final accounting before God is the goodness we have done, and the love we have shared while we were still alive. Sad to say, the bottom line for some is just money. For those who die with money, nothing follows; for those who die with love, eternity follows.
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We just celebrated All Saints’ Day to remind us that we have a heart. Saints were those people who chose to love and sacrifice and give from the heart. They chose love over worldly wealth, power, and fame. They chose to be “fools” in the eyes of the world, but “blessed” in the eyes of God.
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All Souls’ Day reminds us that we have a soul. Life ends in death but our soul lives on. Our life on earth is temporary and fleeting. Our final destination is heaven. Eternity is waiting. Let us make the choice to do good, and to love while we are still alive.
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In the end, may we have little or no regrets that we loved God and people too little, too late because we loved ourselves too much. Let us all help fill the world with love, in any way we can, while we still can!
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Are you lucky in life? Are you blessed in life? The “lucky” person (“suwerte”) is one who credits his/her achievements to himself/herself, his/her hard work, wisdom, good breaks, or good connections. On the other hand, the “blessed” person is one who acknowledges God’s presence and love as the main factor of his/her success and blessings. The lucky person does not feel the need to be grateful to someone greater than himself/herself, nor does he/she feel the need to share his/her worldly blessings with others.
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You “lucky” persons out there, remember, you become a blessed person when you know how to be humble and grateful to God, and when you become a blessing to others, too. When God raises your standard of living, raise also your standard of giving.
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Think about this: What would be that one word, one adjective, that you would choose to be written on your tombstone? And what would people write about you in your tombstone to describe you? But most of all, what word will God use to describe you? He has the final word.
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Sharing with you my prayer in my sunset years: Lord, may I spend the rest of my life, the best of my life; may my exit from this world be kind; may my entry to eternity be light and bright. Amen.
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“People who love each other fully and truly are the happiest people in the world. They may have little, they may have nothing, but they are happy people. Everything depends on how we love one another,” (Mother Teresa).
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A moment with the Lord:
Lord, while I am still alive, let me help fill the world with love, in any simple way I can. Amen.

~ Fr. Jerry Orbos, SVD

02/11/2024

Today is the feast of the Commemoration of All the Faithful Departed

As Christians await their death and their final judgment of God, the Gospel tells them what they must do to be welcomed into heaven: love others because God is love. In life we are in the waiting room of the world, hoping to hear Jesus say, come you who are blessed by my Father.

The Gospel teaches people how to live while awaiting death and God’s judgment – loving because he is love. God waits for us among the poor and wounded of the world. And he is waiting to be caressed not with words but with deeds.

~ Pope Francis.

Venerable Archbishop Fulton J. Sheen encouraged us, “as we enter heaven, we will see them, so many of them, coming toward us and thanking us. We will ask who they are, and they will say ‘a poor soul you prayed for in purgatory.'”

Prayer

Eternal rest grant unto our dearly departed, O Lord, and let perpetual light shine upon them. May they rest in peace. May the souls of all the faithful departed through the mercy of God rest in peace. Amen.

01/11/2024

Fr. Franklin Beltran, O.P. and our pilgrims went to Wadowice to visit the hometown of St. John Paul II while on a current Pilgrimage to Eastern Europe.

Mass was celebrated at the Chapel of St. Pio at the Basilica of the Presentation of the Blessed Virgin Mary, where St. John Paul II received his first sacraments and where he also served as an altar boy.

01/11/2024

Today is the Solemnity of All Saints Day.

"On this solemn Feast of All Saints, the Church invites us to reflect on the great hope that is based on Christ’s Resurrection: Christ is risen, and we will also be with him. The Saints and Blesseds are the most authoritative witnesses of Christian hope because they lived it fully in their lives, amidst joys and sufferings, putting into practice the Beatitudes … that Jesus preached are the path to holiness"

~ Pope Francis, Angelus Message, Nov. 1, 2020

We turn to the saints, those known and unknown by the Church, as guides and models of holiness on this day.

All Saints’ Day Prayer

Dear holy saints of God,
we join our prayers of praise to yours this day.
With you, we sing of God’s goodness,
rejoice in God’s mercy,
and celebrate God’s incredible love.
Teach us to live as you lived –
always thinking of others,
always recognizing your weaknesses,
always rejoicing in God’s gifts,
always following Jesus.

Blessed are you, happy are you,
all holy saints of God.
Pray for us that we, too,
may someday be among God’s holy ones.
Amen.

31/10/2024

Today is the beginning of the Hallowtide Triduum.

As the liturgical year winds down and with Advent just weeks away, the Church celebrates the colorful season of “Hallowtide” – a three-day observance dedicated to remembering the dead, including saints, martyrs,and all the faithful departed.

Hallowtide refers to the three-day period starting on October 31 and ending on November 2, encompassing All Hallows' Eve (Halloween), All Saints' Day, and All Souls' Day.

The feasts of Hallowtide date back to the 6th century. It is a festive, solemn, and holy time the Church gives us to reflect on Christ’s triumph over sin and death, to meditate on our own mortality and relationship with God, and to honor the saints in heaven and pray for our deceased loved ones.

October 31 - All Hallows' Eve (Halloween): This day is traditionally a time for vigil and preparation for the feast of All Saints. While it has become a secular celebration, its roots are in the Christian tradition of honoring saints.

November 1 - All Saints' Day: This solemn feast honors all saints, known and unknown, and celebrates their lives and intercession. Many attend Mass, and it's a day to reflect on the virtues and sacrifices of these holy figures.

November 2 - All Souls' Day: This day is dedicated to remembering and praying for all the faithful departed. Many Catholics visit cemeteries, pray for the souls in purgatory, and attend Mass to honor loved ones who have passed away.

Together, these days form a significant time of remembrance and reflection within the Catholic tradition.

31/10/2024

Fr. Franklin Beltran, O.P. and our pilgrims visited the Shrine of the Divine Mercy in Lagiewniki, Poland, while on a current Pilgrimage to Eastern Europe.

Mass was celebrated at the Divine Mercy Chapel, where Our Lord appeared to Sr. Faustina. The Divine Mercy chapel contains the holy picture of the Merciful Jesus, renowned for the miracles it has wrought, and the tomb of St. Faustina. Fr. Franklin and our pilgrims also had a chance to visit the room of Sr. Faustina.

30/10/2024

The 15-day Pilgrimage to the Shrines of Italy with Fr. Marc Leo Celada on September 30 - October 14, 2024 organized by THE PILGRIMS’ CENTER was a faith-enriching experience, well organized, and jam-packed with so many shrines to visit.

I would highly recommend it.

Our spiritual journey was indeed a blessed opportunity to know more about Jesus, our Virgin Mary, and the Saints whose shrines we visited. This strengthened our faith and in going back home, we know we were spiritually nourished, creating a deeper relationship with our Lord and Mama Mary and a better knowledge of the Saints. We now have a mission to create an impact to those around us, especially our families, by sharing our faith in words and in deed.

I would like to thank our Pilgrimage Chaplain, Fr. Marc Leo Celada for his guidance and very insightful spiritual messages during our solemn daily Holy Mass and even during our bus rides. Our gratitude goes to Sis. Lea Ungson, who as our Pilgrimage Coordinator well organized and guided our group, diligently made sure that we were on schedule and all arrangements had been made.

To The Pilgrims’ Center, our thanks for the well-planned 15-day pilgrimage. It is without doubt that you deserve our gratitude and commendation. And most of all, to God we praise and glorify forever for these wonderful blessings.

~ Sis. Bess

30/10/2024

Fr. Franklin Beltran, O.P. and our pilgrims visited the Shrine of Our Lady of Czestochowa. Mass was celebrated at the Chapel of St. John Paul II while on a current Pilgrimage to Eastern Europe.

29/10/2024

Fr. Franklin Beltran, O.P. and our pilgrims visited The Shrine of Our May Immaculate and St. Maximilian Kolbe in Niepokalanow while on a current Pilgrimage to Eastern Europe.

Niepokalanow, the city of Our Mary Immaculate was founded in 1927 by St. Maximilian Maria Kolbe.

Prior to the Second World War, Niepokalanów was the largest monastery in the world, housing as many as 760 men. It contained a printing house producing many publications. One of these publications was called, ‘The Knight of the Immaculate’ and had a press run of 750,000 copies a month.

During the Second World War, Maximillian Kolbe was sent to Auschwitz-Birkenau for the crime of hiding Jews from the N***s. He died in the camp, giving his life for the life of another prisoner and it was this act of heroism, which fuelled the cult of St. Maximillian to become widespread at the end of the war.

Today pilgrimages not only come to the Basilica of the Blessed Virgin Mary but also to see the monastic cell of St. Maximilian. About half a million pilgrims come here each year.

28/10/2024

From Berlin, Fr. Franklin Beltran, O.P. and our pilgrims headed for Poznan and Warsaw in Poland while on a current Pilgrimage to Eastern Europe. Masses were celebrated at the Church of Our Lady of Perpetual Help in Poznan and the Church of St. John in Warsaw. They visited the St. Peter and Paul Church in Poznan and other major sites in Warsaw, such as Lazienski’s Park, the Palace of Culture and Science, and the Monument of Chopin.

27/10/2024

MOMENTS by Fr. Jerry Orbos, SVD

Help us, Lord!

The story is told about a wife who approached the priest after the Mass and apologized for her husband who walked out while the priest was preaching. “That was OK,” the priest said, but, as if adding insult to injury, she went on to say: “You see Father, my husband is a somnambulist—he often walks while he is asleep!”
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In today’s Gospel (Mark 10, 46-52), we hear the story of Bartimaeus, a blind man who did not sleep while Jesus was passing by. On the contrary, he was persistent in calling out to Jesus, and full of faith cried out: “Jesus, Son of David, have pity on me!” How persistent are we in our faith? How humble are we in the presence of God? How desperate are we in our relationship to our Lord and Master?
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Don’t be the tough, the rich, the powerful who take God for granted, who belittle and even mock Him now. Praying that someday, soon, we all will realize His tremendous love for us, and our deep need for Him.
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Humility is the key to God’s heart. People “by the roadside” are so open to God’s presence and love. People on the “fast lane,” so wrapped up in their worldly comfort, wealth and fame are the ones who are blind, and cannot see their dependence and need for God. Like Bartimaeus, let our prayer be: “Lord, I want to see.”
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Are there people “by the roadside” in your life, people you take for granted, people whom you just pass by? Like Jesus, may we learn to stop, and take time for the unknown, the “insignificant” and the “unworthy” people, the many “Bartimaeus” we encounter along the way. Never underestimate the value of affirmation and kindness.
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It is interesting to note that Jesus did not directly call Bartimaeus. He instructed His disciples to bring him into His presence. We all have a mission to bring people closer to God. Have you brought people closer to God? Have you shared your faith with others?
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Take note, too, that Jesus asked Bartimaeus the question: “What do you want me to do for you?” That’s a far cry from our politicians who right away broadcast and impose what they think people need or want. Worse are those who know how to use money to capitalize on the needs of the poor, for their own agenda. May our people be given the grace to really see, and not just be blinded by money, empty promises, and manipulations of those who call themselves “public servants.”
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Lord, have pity on us! We don’t need more natural calamities in our country. And please, Lord, no more political calamities in our country. We don’t need more selfish, proud, useless, vain, shallow, and deceitful politicians.
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Bishop Arturo Bastes, SVD, DD, has gone home to his creator at the age of 80. He just slept into eternity last Oct. 20, 2024, Mission Sunday. The former bishop of the Diocese of Romblon and Sorsogon has always been a missionary at heart, ever ready to go, and adapt, improvise, and implement new ways of mission and evangelization. He was a brilliant professor and an eloquent preacher, but more so, a joyful, kind, and humble person, with a heart.
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Just grateful at 44! That’s how I feel as I celebrated 44 years of my priestly ordination last Oct. 25. I was ordained priest at the age of 27. Now at 71, I look back, and pray with more conviction than ever, my ordination prayer: “Lord, You have called me not so much because of me, but in spite of me; not so much to become a somebody, but a someone to You and to Your people; Keep me, Oh, Lord ever in Your heart. Amen. At 71, less hard work now, but “heart” work goes on.
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As we commemorate All Saint’s Day, let us be reminded that we are all sinners, but we all have potential to become saints. Someone put it beautifully: “There is no sinner without a future; there is no saint without a past.”
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We all remember our departed loved ones. Life is short. Death is certain. Nothing lasts except the love we have shared in our lifetime. Let us not postpone our conversion. Let us not postpone our loving and sharing.
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A moment with the Lord:
Lord, please help us! We need you. Amen.

~ Fr. Jerry Orbos, SVD

25/10/2024

Fr. Franklin Beltran, O.P. and our pilgrims began their pilgrimage in Berlin, Germany, while on a current Pilgrimage to Eastern Europe. They had a full day of sightseeing. Masses were celebrated at the Dominikanerkloster St. Paulus church.

Founded in the 13th century, the Dominikanerkloster St. Paulus church is one of the oldest churches in Berlin. The church showcases a beautiful Gothic architectural style, with intricate details and stained glass windows.

25/10/2024

“Am I not here? I, who am your Mother? Is there anything else you need?”

~ Our Lady’s words to Juan Diego in Tepeyac Hill, Mexico

In 1531, Our Blessed Mother presented herself on a hill called Tepeyac to Juan Diego. Our Lady of Guadalupe left him a cloak imprinted with an image of herself – a glowing, brown-skinned goddess robed with the stars.

Visit the Basilica of Our Lady of Guadalupe, which enshrines the original tilma containing the image of Our Lady of Guadalupe.

Join a 9-day Pilgrimage to Mexico with the Shrine of Our Lady of Guadalupe with Fr. Joel Jason on April 21-30, 2025.

Please visit this link for more details:

https://pilgrimage.ph/9-day-mexico-guadalupe-pilgrimage-2025

You may contact us at [email protected]

Or call us at: +63285238582 ; Lenie: +639176311902

24/10/2024

24/10/2024

While on a current pilgrimage, A Communion with Mary and the Saints in Portugal, Spain, France, and Italy, Fr. Godwin Tatlonghari and our pilgrims concluded their journey in San Giovanni Rotondo, where they had the chance to relive the significant moments in St. Padre Pio’s life.

23/10/2024

23/10/2024

Fr. Godwin Tatlonghari and our pilgrims spent two nights in Rome. Masses were celebrated at the Basilica di Santa Prassede and Santa Maria in Traspontina. They had a tour of Rome’s churches and major sights, such as St. Peter’s Basilica and the Basilica of Sta. Maria Maggiore, Basilica of St. Paul Outside the Walls, Basilica of St. John Lateran, Church of Santa Maria Sopra Minerva, Church of S. Alfonso de Liguori (home of the original icon of Our Mother of Perpetual Help), and many more while on a current pilgrimage, A Communion with Mary and the Saints in Portugal, Spain, France, and Italy.

22/10/2024

Fr. Godwin Tatlonghari and our pilgrims went to Paris. They enjoyed a scenic cruise along the River Seine, celebrated mass at the Sacre Coeur (Basilica of the Sacred Heart), visited the Chapel of Our Lady of the Miraculous Medal, and the city’s other major sights while on a current pilgrimage, A Communion with Mary and the Saints in Portugal, Spain, France, and Italy.

22/10/2024

Today is the Feast of St. John Paul II.

Pope St. John Paul II, born Karol Jozef Wojtyla in Wadowice, Poland, is one of the modern world’s favorite Popes. He became the first non-Italian Pope in more than 400 years. He was Pope for 27 years (1978-2005), making him the second longest-serving Pope in modern history after Pope Pius IX.

His 1979 visit to Poland encouraged the growth of the Solidarity movement there and the collapse of communism in Central and Eastern Europe 10 years later. John Paul II began World Youth Day and traveled to several countries for those celebrations.

Many Filipinos are familiar with St. John Paul II, as the Philippines had been privileged to have been visited by the lovable Pope twice, first in 1981 to beatify the first Filipino saint, San Lorenzo Ruiz, and then in 1995 to attend the 10th World Youth Day celebration. The holy mass that he officiated on Jan. 15, 1995, at the Rizal Park in Manila was attended by a record crowd of between 4 and 8 million.

St. John Paul II, pray for us.

Visit the homeland of St. John Paul II in Wadowice, Poland. Join a 16-day Pilgrimage to Eastern Europe (Germany, Poland, Czech Republic, Austria, and Hungary) with Fr. Joey Faller on April 28 – May 13, 2025

Please visit this link for more details:

https://pilgrimage.ph/eastern-europe

You may contact us at [email protected]

Or call us at: +63285238581 ; Grace +639054380340 ; Lenie: +639176311902

21/10/2024

Still in France, Fr. Godwin Tatlonghari and our pilgrims visited the Sanctuary of Saint Therese in Lisieux, while on a current pilgrimage, A Communion with Mary and the Saints in Portugal, Spain, France, and Italy.

20/10/2024

MOMENTS by Fr. Jerry Orbos, SVD

Humble service

Someone said that a boy’s voice changes when he becomes a man. Someone also said that a girl’s voice also changes … when she becomes a wife.
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In today’s Gospel (Mk. 10, 35-45), Jesus teaches us to remain humble, and not to become like rulers and tyrants. “The son of Man came to serve and not to be served.” Our voice must not change especially when we become blessed, titled, or positioned!
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So sad, so disgusting, in fact, to hear so-called public servants belittle, manipulate, and outrightly lord over their constituents when they talk to them. So much of our people’s money is siphoned and stolen by the people who promised to serve and protect them. “Kawawa ang taong bayan!” (Pity the citizens of our country!)
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St. Teresa of Calcutta was a woman who didn’t talk of service; she just did it. She had no hang-ups about power and fame. She just served and loved to the max. On the other hand, we have politicians who talk about their desire to serve the people and end up fooling them and stealing from them—to the max.
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The biggest regret in life is when we realize in the end that we missed the chance and the opportunity given to us to serve others because we ended up serving ourselves and our own personal and family interests.
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There can be no real service without sacrifice. We who claim to serve the people, let us ask ourselves today: What have I given up? What have I sacrificed for the Lord and the people?
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Today is World Mission Sunday. We are reminded that two-thirds of the world’s population have not yet heard or accepted Christ as Lord and Savior. All of us are missionaries wherever we are, to bring God’s love. All of us are supposed to share our faith with others and continue to tell the world of His love. Let us all do our part. Let us all do our best to pray, support, and help to spread the Gospel to all creations. “And he said unto them, go ye into all the world, and preach the gospel to every creature” (Mark 16: 15).
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At the moment, we have 122 Filipino SVD missionaries working in about 40 countries all over the world. We pray for them, that they who left home, country, and family remain strong, as they experience all kinds of suffering, deprivations, loneliness, and even persecution in their mission stations. Let us help them, too, with the provisions needed for the mission. For particulars, please contact the Office of the Superior Delegatus through telephone numbers: (+63) 2-70038569; (+63) 906-3792833; or through the email address [email protected].
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Infighting is one of the biggest obstacles in our mission. When pride comes up, and becomes the source of misunderstanding, quarrels, and ill feelings, then our work becomes difficult and labored. Let us continue to focus on the Lord, not compare ourselves with others, and not be jealous of one another. Focus on the Lord, not on the load!
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We all still have so much to learn about true service and humility. May the evil one not destroy our unity and cooperation with each other as we serve Him and His people. “That they may be one” (John 17:21), this is the Lord’s wish and prayer for all of us on the night before He suffered and died. This is His last wish still for us, now.
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October is the month of the holy rosary where we pray “Hail Mary, full of grace, the Lord is with you.” Our Mother and model is full of grace. What about you? What are we full of? Full of ___? Full of money? Full of pride? Full of anger? Full of fear? Full of lies? May we recognize, acknowledge and focus on grace more, and less on worldly wealth and achievements. May we also recognize grace even, and especially, in our pains, illnesses, disappointments, and sufferings!
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Let us focus more on our mission, and less on our titles and positions; focus more on service, and less on the perks and the benefits; focus more on co-workers as partners, not as rivals or competitors; focus more on humility and hiddenness, and less on popularity and human applause. It is the Lord whom we serve, not ourselves.
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A moment with the Lord:
Lord, may our service be kind; may our service be humble. Amen.

~ Fr. Jerry Orbos, SVD

18/10/2024

Fr. Godwin Tatlonghari and our pilgrims spent two nights in the Sanctuary of Our Lady of Lourdes, France, while on a current pilgrimage, A Communion with Mary and the Saints in Portugal, Spain, France, and Italy.

17/10/2024

Set sail on a unique spiritual adventure from the Shrine of Our Lady of All Nations in Amsterdam to the Shrine of Our Lady of Einseldeln in Switzerland from the comfort of a luxurious cruise ship as you enjoy a scenic cruise along the Rhine River. Expect a deeply spiritual experience inspired by the uplifting homilies and daily masses of your Pilgrimage Chaplain. See splendid churches and UNESCO World Heritage sites on your daily shore excursions.

Join a 10-day Slow and Easy Pilgrimage to the Shrines of Our Lady of All Nations (Amsterdam) and Our Lady of Einsiedeln (Switzerland) with a 7N Captivating Rhine River Cruise plus an optional 4D extension to the Shrine of Our Lady of Pillar (Zaragoza) and St. Ezequiel Moreno (Monteagudo) in Spain with a Pilgrimage Chaplain on May 20-29, 2025.

Please visit this link for more details:

https://pilgrimage.ph/10-day-pilgrimage-to-amsterdam-switzerland-with-rhine-river-cruise-and-optional-spain/

You may also contact us at [email protected]

Or call us at: +63285238582 ; Connie +639162121189 ; Joanne +639985906951

16/10/2024

Still in Spain, Fr. Godwin Tatlonghari and our pilgrims stopped by the awe-inspiring Sanctuary of Our Lady of Arantzazu while on a current pilgrimage, A Communion with Mary and the Saints in Portugal, Spain, France, and Italy.

16/10/2024

Fr. Godwin Tatlonghari and our pilgrims set out for Covadonga, Spain, to celebrate mass and offer prayers before Our Lady of Covadonga while on a current pilgrimage, A Communion with Mary and the Saints in Portugal, Spain, France, and Italy.