The Pilgrims' Center

11/09/2024

Fr. Allan Morris Abuan and our pilgrimage group began their Pilgrimage to the Marian Shrines of Portugal, Spain, France, and Italy with a Mass at St. Anthony’s Church in Lisbon, Portugal. They also went to several of Lisbon's attractions.

11/09/2024

Enjoy awe-inspiring views of God’s creation on your visit to Batanes. Reconnect with God.

Join a Praycation to Batanes with a Pilgrimage Chaplain on January 25-28, 2025.

Please visit this link for more details:

https://pilgrimage.ph/batanes-pilgrimage

You may also contact us at [email protected]
Or call us at +63285238581 ; Cerie +639155835133 ; Lenie: +639176311902

10/09/2024

JUBILEE YEAR 2025

Pope Francis has announced that 2025 will be a year of Jubilee.

Celebrated by the Church every 25 years, the Jubilee Year will begin in Advent 2024 and will run until the Feast of the Epiphany in 2026. The theme for the upcoming Jubilee is “Pilgrims of Hope.”

What is a Jubilee?

A Jubilee Year, rooted in the Old Testament, is a special year of grace called by the Holy Father. It is a special year of forgiveness and reconciliation. The Catholic Church offers the faithful the possibility of asking for a plenary indulgence – a remission of sins for themselves or deceased loved ones – to receive blessing and universal pardon.

The Opening of the Holy Door

The Jubilee Year “Pilgrims of Hope” will officially begin on December 24, 2024, when Pope Francis opens the Holy Door of St. Peter’s Basilica. These beautifully sculpted doors are the first to be opened during a holy year, and it is only during a Jubilee Year that these doors are opened.

Next to open will be the Holy Doors of the other three major basilicas in Rome: St. Mary Major, St. Paul Outside the Walls, and St. John Lateran, as well as the holy doors of other basilicas worldwide. The Holy Doors remain open for pilgrims to walk through and receive the Jubilee indulgence until the Jubilee ends on the Epiphany.

Receiving the Plenary Indulgence

A plenary indulgence cleanses the soul as if the person had just been baptized. Plenary indulgences obtained during the Jubilee Year can also be applied to souls in purgatory, with the possibility of obtaining two plenary indulgences for the deceased in one day.

To obtain an indulgence, the usual conditions of detachment from all sin, sacramental confession, Holy Communion, and prayer for the intentions of the pope must be met.

Here are some of the many ways one can obtain indulgences during the 2025 Jubilee Year:

Make a pilgrimage to a Rome

Catholics who make a pilgrimage to Rome during the 2025 Jubilee Year can obtain a plenary indulgence by visiting at least one of the four major papal basilicas: St. Peter’s Basilica, the Archbasilica of St. John Lateran, St. Mary Major, or St. Paul Outside the Walls.
In addition, indulgence can be obtained by spending time in prayer in several other churches in Rome.
Perform works of mercy

The jubilee year is a time when Catholics are especially encouraged to practice the corporal and spiritual works of mercy. Such as visiting prisoners, spending time with lonely elderly people, aiding the sick or disabled, and helping those who are in need as instances to obtain an indulgence. Practicing the works of mercy is “in a sense making a pilgrimage to Christ present in them.”

Fast from social media, defend life, volunteer

Acts of penance can also obtain a plenary indulgence. The Vatican lists several options, including:

Abstaining for at least one day a week from “futile distractions,” such as social media or television; Fasting; Donating “a proportionate sum of money to the poor”; Supporting religious or social works, especially in the defense of life in all phases; Offering support to migrants, the elderly, the poor, young people in difficulty, and abandoned children; Volunteering in service to your community.

Visit your local cathedral

Catholics can also gain plenary indulgence by making a pious pilgrimage to their cathedral or to another church or shrine selected by the local bishop.

“Pilgrimage is, of course, a fundamental element of every Jubilee event. Setting out on a journey is traditionally associated with our human quest for meaning in life. A pilgrimage on foot is a greater aid for rediscovering the value of silence, effort, and simplicity of life.”

~ Papal Bull for the Jubilee Year 2025

Be a Pilgrim of Hope in 2025 and make a pilgrimage to the Shrines of Italy. Have a chance to pass through the Holy Doors of Saint Peter’s Basilica, Saint Mary Major, Saint Paul Outside the Walls, and Saint John Lateran.

Please visit these links for more details:

Pilgrimage to Rome with the Shrines of St. Padre Pio and St. Francis of Assisi with Fr. Marc Bryan Adona, SSS on February 3-14, 2025

https://pilgrimage.ph/rome-with-shrines

Pilgrimage to the Shrines of Italy with Fr. Kali Pietre Llamado and Fr. Regie Malicdem on February 9-21, 2025

https://pilgrimage.ph/shrines-of-italy-jubilee

Pilgrimage to Rome with the Shrines of St. Padre Pio and St. Francis of Assisi with Fr. Tedley Villanueva, SSS on February 17-28, 2025

https://pilgrimage.ph/rome-pilgrimage-italy/

You may contact us at [email protected]

Or call us at: +63285238582 ; Lenie: 09176311902 ; Kirsten Soliman +639568613098 ; Joanne: +639985906951 ; Cerie +639155835133 ; Connie: +639162121189 ; and Grace: +639054380340

09/09/2024

Agápē, is the word most often used in the gospels describing the love of God which is boundless love, overflowing love. Love that doesn't know any barrier. That's what St Peter had discovered: God has no favor; he loves each of us uniquely. Not exclusively. God loves everything. Every dragonfly and every frog and every blade of grass and every human being equally according to their capacity to receive that love. And it's our work to expand our capacity for that love.

~ Fr. Laurence Freeman, OSB

Join a 9-day Contemplative Pilgrimage to Italy “The Vision of Beauty,” led by Laurence Freeman, OSB, from September 26 to October 4, 2024.

Please visit this link for more details:

https://pilgrimage.ph/contemplative-pilgrimage-italy

You may contact us at [email protected] Or call us at: +63285238582 Lenie: 09176311902

08/09/2024

MOMENTS by Fr. Jerry Orbos, SVD

Open our hearts, Lord

Someone said that we, senior citizens, belong to the “Ha?!” generation. Why? Because whenever somebody says something to us, most likely, our immediate response is “Ha?!” And that’s because we are hard of hearing.
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In today’s Gospel (Mark 7:31-37), Jesus healed a deaf man with a speech impediment. His healing was immediate and total. “And immediately the man’s ears were opened, his speech impediment was removed, and he spoke plainly.” The crowd was astonished by the miracle. Let us ask the Lord today to heal us in our hearing and speaking, for we hear but not listen, we speak but our words are empty and have no meaning.
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The beneficiary of the healing was a foreigner, a Gentile, whose kind was looked down upon by the Jews who thought that salvation was exclusive to them. Jesus’ healing was unconditional. What a consolation to know that our God is the God of all and that God’s love is not limited by anything or anyone. We should not, we cannot control God. God is in control of everything and of everyone.
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“Ephphatha! (Be opened!)” There is nothing that God cannot open. There is no knot that God cannot untie. There is no traffic that God cannot unsnarl! Is there anything that has imprisoned you or has locked you in any way? Open your heart and pray. Nothing is impossible with God. He will find a way. He will make a way!
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I have a friend who is a locksmith. He can open any lock, any vault. He even fixed our tabernacle when the key got stuck. I was struck by what he said: “The hardest to open is the heart.” Indeed, for the heart must be opened from within. It involves readiness and willingness. We pray today to the Lord to remove the hardness of our hearts.
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If only we really listen to God! The problem with many of us is that we do not really listen hard enough, or we do not listen to God at all. We listen to ourselves, we listen to what others are saying, but leave no room for God’s say—in our thoughts, words, and deeds. Many of us need to be “hit” before we truly listen to God. This doesn’t have to be so. May we be open to God, speaking to us, in prayer, and in the most ordinary moments of our lives. God is constantly speaking. Are we listening?
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Take note that healing leads to mission. Those who have been healed or blessed must in turn go and proclaim the good news of the Lord and share His blessings. In other words, healing and blessings are not for keeps. They must not stay in our “inbox” or our “archives,” but must be sent. Payback time! What are you going to do for the rest of your life?
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Happy birthday, Mama Mary! Mama Mary was someone who really listened to God, and obeyed His will. She teaches all of us that to be a disciple, we must learn to listen to God, obey His will, and carry out His mission for us. Remember the story about a room in heaven that is full of ears and tongues? When asked why, St. Peter was supposed to have said: “Those ears belonged to people who just heard the word of God, and those tongues belonged to those who spoke the word of God, but did not live it!”
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Sharing with you this beautiful prayer for Our Lady, Untier of Knots: “Holy Mary, Mother of God, and our Most Blessed Mother, you know my problems, both small and large, that like knots are tight and hard to undo. I feel restricted by them, and do not know how to overcome them. I come to you, and offer myself, oh Mary, Mother of Mercy. Untie the knots that I am burdened with. Deliver me from the darkness of sin and guide me on the path of light. Protect me from confusion and doubt, and open my heart to the truth of the Gospel. Free me from the prisons that I have created, that afflict me in my life, and send me the Holy Spirit. Assist me from life’s illnesses of body and soul; deliver me from the anxieties and fears that bind me. Protect my family and loved ones and relieve me from selfishness and pride. Help me to love generously and to have a forgiving heart. Blessed Mary, I ask for your help to unbind these knots (state the problems) so I can live my life serving Christ with serenity and hope. I ask this through Jesus Christ, your Son and our Lord, who lives and reigns forever and ever. Amen.”
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A moment with the Lord.
Lord, help us to truly listen to You, and obey You. Amen.

~ Fr. Jerry Orbos, SVD

06/09/2024

Are you one of the viewers of Manila Cathedral's online Masses during pandemic? Remember those days when our ONLY HOPE was God's Word and how it was powerfully shared through the Mass and the homilies?
Join us as we launch Fr. Regie and Fr. Kali's first book, Lord Is There Hope For Me: Reflections To Help You Trust In God Again, in different Chapels and Feasts soon! They would love to meet all of you and sign books!

Sept. 7 | 5:30 PM Mass | Mary Mother of Hope - Landmark Chapel
Sept. 8 | 11:00 AM | Feast Alabang Bellevue AM session
Sept. 14 | 4:00 PM | Manila International Book Fair in SMX
Sept. 15 | 10:00 AM | Feast PICC

Mark your calendars now, and see you there!

06/09/2024

Join a 16-day Pilgrimage to Eastern Europe (Germany, Poland, Czech Republic, Austria, and Hungary) with Fr. Franklin Beltran, O.P. on October 22 – November 6, 2024.

Get a chance to see the holy shrines of Eastern Europe, such as the Shrine of the Divine Mercy in Krakow, Poland; the Shrine of Our Lady of Czestochowa in Czestochowa, Poland; The Church of Our Lady Victorious in Prague, which enshrines the original image of the Infant Jesus of Prague; and many more. Grow your faith and deepen your relationship with God.

Please visit this link for more details:

https://pilgrimage.ph/eastern-europe-pilgrimage-fr-beltran

You may contact us at [email protected]
Or call us at: +63285238581 ; Kirsten Soliman +639568613098 ; Lenie: +639176311902

05/09/2024

𝓢𝓪𝓲𝓷𝓽 𝓣𝓮𝓻𝓮𝓼𝓪 𝓸𝓯 𝓒𝓪𝓵𝓬𝓾𝓽𝓽𝓪

What a privilege to have lived in the lifetime of Mother Teresa who was canonized saint last September 5, 2016. She was a joyful "living saint," and she inspires us to be full of joy:

"Joy is prayer. Joy is strength. Joy is love. Joy is a net of love by which you can catch souls."

"Let no one ever come to you without leaving better and happier. Be the living expression of God's kindness: kindness in your face, kindness in your eyes, kindness in your smile."

"Every time you smile at someone, it is an action of love, a gift to that person, a beautiful thing."
"It is not how much we do but how much love we put in the doing; It is not how much we give, but how much love we put in the giving."

A MOMENT WITH THE LORD
Lord, help us to love and serve You, joyfully! Amen.

A MOMENT WITH THE WORD
"If we love each other, God lives in us, and His love has been brought to full expression through us." 1 John 4:12

***
Today is the Feast Day of Saint Teresa of Calcutta, who in her lifetime, served the poorest of the poor. She was canonized six years after her death.

"In 1946, while riding a train to Darjeeling to make a retreat, Sister Teresa heard what she later explained as “a call within a call. The message was clear. I was to leave the convent and help the poor while living among them.”"

Saint Teresa, pray for us.



~ Fr. Jerry Orbos, SVD

05/09/2024

It was a call within my vocation. It was a second calling. It was a vocation to give up even Loreto where I was very happy, and to go out into the streets to serve the poorest of the poor. It was in that train, I heard the call to give up all and to follow Him into the slums—to serve Him in the poorest of the poor… I knew it was His will and that I had to follow Him. There was no doubt that it was going to be His work.

~Saint Mother Teresa

Today is the Feast of St. Teresa of Calcutta, an icon of God’s tender and caring love.

Prayer:

Saint Mother Teresa of Calcutta, the Thirst of Christ, so permeated your soul that you experienced His longing within the depths of your being. This Thirst drove you to charity, endlessly searching for every way possible to bring satiation to our Lord in the distressing disguise of the poor and suffering. Please pray for me, that I will be freed of every selfish motivation in life so that I can give myself to others freely and wholeheartedly as an instrument of the Most Merciful Heart of Jesus. Saint Mother Teresa of Calcutta, pray for me.

04/09/2024

Last Call!

Enjoy the wondrous sights of Florence, Venice, Assisi, and more in Italy. Meditate and pray with Fr Laurence Freeman. Join him on a 9-day Contemplative Pilgrimage to Italy “The Vision of Beauty” on September 26 to October 4, 2024.

Please visit this link for more details:

https://pilgrimage.ph/contemplative-pilgrimage-italy

You may contact us at [email protected] Or call us at: +63285238582 Lenie: 09176311902

03/09/2024

The Pilgrims' Center invites you to a scheduled Zoom meeting.

Topic: Pilgrims' Prayer for Peace
Time: September 4, 2024 (Wednesday) 12:00 Noon
Led by Pilgrims

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

Meeting ID: 852 1304 9726
Passcode: ppp

03/09/2024

Join a 4-day Praycation to the Divine Mercy Shrine and Malaybalay with Fr. Franz Joseph Aquino on November 14-17, 2024.

Visit the Archdiocesan Shrine of the Divine Mercy in El Salvador, Misamis Oriental, a beacon of hope and spiritual renewal for thousands of pilgrims.

Please visit this link for more details:

https://pilgrimage.ph/divine-mercy-and-malaybalay-pilgrimage/

You may contact us at [email protected]. Or call us at: +63285238581 ; Joanne: +639985906951 ; Lenie: +639176311902

02/09/2024

"You are my friends if you do what I command you." Well, that sounds a bit conditional, doesn't it? You're only my friend if you do what I say. But listen to what Jesus says! He says there's only one commandment which is love each other. Turn from yourself. Recognise your own distraction, your own being, caught up in ourselves. And then you will know what I'm talking about. He's not saying you have to go to church. He's not saying you have to fast. He's not saying you have to obey this or that sexual morality. Or he's not giving a whole list of rules and regulations—which of course have constructed since he gave us this teaching. He's simply saying bring it all down to this one simple thing: pay attention. And in that act of attention discover God. God is present in that act of attention.

~ Fr. Laurence Freeman, OSB

Join a 9-day Contemplative Pilgrimage to Italy “The Vision of Beauty,” led by Laurence Freeman, OSB, from September 26 to October 4, 2024.

Please visit this link for more details:

https://pilgrimage.ph/contemplative-pilgrimage-italy

You may contact us at [email protected] Or call us at: +63285238582 Lenie: 09176311902

01/09/2024

MOMENTS by Fr. Jerry Orbos, SVD

Hard work and heart work

The story is told about a woman who slipped on a ship and fell into the sea. Amidst the commotion, a man dived and went on to save the woman from drowning. When the “hero” was brought on board with all the people clapping, he was asked to make a speech, and the first thing he said was: “All I want to know is who pushed me?!”
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In today’s Gospel (Mark 7:1-8, 14-15, 21-23), Jesus tells the people about the importance of the heart. All our words and actions must be the result of what is really in our hearts. We are guilty of hypocrisy if there is no integrity in what we think, do, or say. God sees the heart. We must not disregard or belittle matters of the heart, for the heart matters.
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Nowadays, many people are not heart-driven, so to speak. People who are money-driven, purpose-driven, fame-driven are aplenty. What people want to see is results, no matter what and no matter how, easily setting aside morality and righteousness. Today, Jesus teaches us to go back to our hearts, and there find goodness, and find Him.
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I remember Mama telling us why she chose Papa from among her many suitors. Papa was not rich or handsome, but he had a good character. He was diligent, humble, and simple. He was dark-skinned. It was our maternal grandmother who told Mama: “Si Emoy agya amputi, balet amputi’y ugali. (Emoy is not fair-skinned, but his character is white).” It was the heart that won the day then. It is still the heart that will, even today.
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“Your lips may be sweet, but where is your heart?” This line from a song of long ago sums up the emptiness of words without the heart. True prayer is “mula sa puso, hindi mula sa nguso (from the heart, not from the lips).” Someone beautifully put it: “It is better to have a heart without words, than words without a heart.”
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“Please be careful with your heart.” I borrow this line from a song composed by Jose Mari Chan to remind us that we have hearts, and that other people have hearts, too. Let us allow our hearts to have peace and have them nourished with silence, prayer, and quiet.
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As we journey to God’s heart, let us not conform to the values of this world that put a lot of emphasis on looks, productivity, performance, public opinion, and approval. Life is not a show. More rightly, for us, life is all about gaining God’s approval, in and out of season, with or without human applause. Thus, our song is not “I did it my way,” or “I did it as the world wanted me to,” but a firm but gentle “I did it His way.”
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For us who preach the Word of God, let us make sure that we preach Him, and not ourselves, and that we do not become clanging cymbals and noisy gongs. Neither should we become so focused on our titles and functions, and put so much focus on self-importance, popularity, ratings, and money. Oh, we still have so much to learn about true, humble, sincere service to the Lord and His people.
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Sharing with you the 10 commandments for seniors: “1. Thou shalt not complain; 2. Thou shalt not discuss your ailments even if asked; 3. Thou shalt not be argumentative, domineering, and sanctimonious; 4. Thou shalt not feel sorry for thyself; 5. Thou shalt not despairingly compare today with the ‘good old days’; 6. Thou shalt not find too much fault with younger people; 7. Thou shalt not let thyself grow sloppy in body, dress, or mind; 8. Thou shalt not expect constant attention from thy family; 9. Thou shalt not try to change people; 10. Thou shalt not insist being right at all times.”
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It is heartwarming to be known, remembered, or recognized by people for whatever reasons, but what touches me most is when they tell me that they were inspired and felt the presence of God through me, in spite of me. God encounter moments … Humbling heart moments.
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Looking back, I consider it a privilege to have been given the chance to do some “leg work” for the Lord all these years. But more than the hard work, it is the heart work that made it all worthwhile, and makes me look back with a smile. It is the heart that gives true peace, meaning, and joy in our lives.
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A moment with the Lord.Lord, help us remember the importance of hard work and heart work. Amen.

~ Fr. Jerry Orbos, SVD

30/08/2024

Journey to places touched by God. From some of the world’s most magnificent basilicas and cathedrals to serene convents and homes of saints and popes, this unique pilgrimage will leave every pilgrim nourished in mind, body, and spirit.

Join a 16-day Pilgrimage to Eastern Europe (Germany, Poland, Czech Republic, Austria, and Hungary) with Fr. Franklin Beltran, O.P. on October 22 – November 6, 2024.

Please visit this link for more details:

https://pilgrimage.ph/eastern-europe-pilgrimage-fr-beltran

You may contact us at [email protected]

Or call us at: +63285238581 ; Kirsten Soliman +639568613098 ; Lenie: +639176311902

29/08/2024

Cure to All Wounds with Fr Jerry Orbos, SVD

We all experience pain, and at times, we must make difficult choices. Instead of avoiding or prolonging our pain, we need to cut clean, and cut now. May we find the strength to confront our deepest wounds and darkest fears with the love and light of God, our Loving Father.

We all experience pain, and at times, we must make difficult choices. Instead of avoiding or prolonging our pain, we need to cut clean and to cut now. M...

28/08/2024

LEARN TO MEDITATE: A 4 WEEK COURSE
TAUGHT BY WCCM Spiritual Director, FR. LAURENCE FREEMAN OSB
Course fee: FREE.
Date: Mondays
September 2, 9, 16 and 23, 2024.
Time: 7:00 pm Manila Time.

Are you overwhelmed by life's challenges in various facets of your life? Do you need inner peace & relief from stress, worry, anxiety, grief, hurts, sadness, anger? Do you feel lost & confused? Does life seem meaningless & lacking in purpose? Are you looking for strength & serenity as you wake up daily struggling to live & survive as you juggle many tasks & responsibilities in our complex modern world?
Do you want to thrive & have a healthy work/ life balance?

Learn the ancient practice of meditation, the art of stillness & harness the power to slay your dragons everyday.

Fr. Laurence Freeman OSB is a Benedictine monk, an author & head of WCCM (World Community for Christian Meditation). WCCM is Catholic & yet inter-faith organization based in the UK & Bonneveaux, France w/ chapters all over the globe including the Philippines. We welcome anyone, Catholics, & those from other denominations & faiths who want to learn meditation to invite more peace & tranquility in their lives.

Register on this link:

https://wccm.org/events/learntomeditateasia/

Registration is now open. The Zoom link will be provided later. The course is free but we welcome donations.

To learn more about WCCM, its history, activities & materials, click:

https://wccm.org/

This course is rarely offered so we hope you grab this chance. Please share.

28/08/2024

DAHILAYAN FOREST PARK RESORT
Barangay Dahilayan, Manolo Fortich, Bukidnon

Nestled at the foot of Mount Kitanglad, 4,700 ft above sea level, amidst the serene and picturesque surroundings of Manolo Fortich, the Dahilayan Forest Park Resort offers an unforgettable retreat for nature enthusiasts and adventure seekers alike. With its excellent value for money, guests can enjoy a wide range of facilities and amenities that cater to their every need.

One of the highlights of Dahilayan Forest Park Resort is its stunning location. Situated amidst the breathtaking beauty of the forest, guests are treated to panoramic views of the surrounding mountains and valleys.

The resort's serene atmosphere provides the perfect backdrop for relaxation and rejuvenation. Whether you're strolling through the well-maintained gardens or enjoying a cup of coffee on your private balcony, the natural beauty of the surroundings will leave you in awe.

The resort's commitment to cleanliness is evident. From the moment you step foot in the lobby to the moment you retire to your comfortable room, you'll notice the meticulous attention to detail. The rooms are spotlessly clean and well-maintained, ensuring a comfortable and hygienic stay.

The resort's staff also goes above and beyond to ensure a pleasant experience. Their warm hospitality and helpful nature create a welcoming atmosphere, making guests feel right at home.

Dahilayan Forest Park Resort is more than just a place to stay; it's an experience that will leave you with lasting memories. With its exceptional ratings for value, facilities, cleanliness, location, comfort, and staff performance, this resort is truly a gem in the heart of nature.

Enjoy your three-night stay at the Dahilayan Forest Park Resort. Set out on a remarkable journey of relaxation, fun, and spiritual nourishment. Join a 4-day Praycation to the Divine Mercy Shrine and Malaybalay with Fr. Franz Joseph Aquino on November 14-17, 2024.

Please visit this link for more details:

https://pilgrimage.ph/divine-mercy-and-malaybalay-pilgrimage/

You may contact us at [email protected]. Or call us at: +63285238581 ; Joanne: +639985906951 ; Lenie: +639176311902

27/08/2024

THE PAPAL AUDIENCE
Vatican, Italy

Papal Audiences are held on Wednesdays if the Pope is in Rome, giving pilgrims and visitors the chance to "see the Pope" and receive the Papal Blessing or Apostolic Blessing from the successor of the Apostle Peter during their visit.

The Papal Audience is not a Mass but rather a time of catechesis and prayer. Usually, it begins with a short reading of Sacred Scripture. After that, the Holy Father gives a homily based on the reading. When the Holy Father has finished his speech, shorter summaries of what he said are offered in eight major languages.

At the end of the Audience, the Pope will pray, together with those attending the Audience, the Our Father prayer in Latin. This prayer is normally printed on the back of the Papal Audience Ticket. At the end of the Prayer, as Head of the Catholic Church, he will impart his Apostolic Blessing upon the crowd, which also extends to loved ones that are sick and suffering, and bless any religious articles such as rosary beads that people have brought with them for the purpose of the blessing. Following the Audience, some pilgrims might also have the opportunity to greet the Holy Father personally.

The Papal Audience at the Vatican is a moving, memorable, and once-in-a-lifetime experience.

Witness the Papal Audience with Pope Francis at the Vatican. Join a 13-day Pilgrimage to the Shrines of Italy with Fr. Kali Pietre Llamado and Fr. Regie Malicdem on February 9-21, 2025.

Please visit this link for more details:

https://pilgrimage.ph/shrines-of-italy-jubilee

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

26/08/2024

Today is the Feast of Our Lady of Czestochowa.

Our Lady of Czestochowa, or the Black Madonna of Poland, is a very famous painting of the Blessed Virgin holding the Child Jesus. Under this title, Mary is the Patron and Protector of Poland. Since the face of Mary is very dark, she is referred to as the Black Madonna.

According to legend, Saint Luke painted it on a piece of cedar tabletop built by Saint Joseph. Some even claim that it is part of the Last Supper table. When Saint Helen travelled to Jerusalem in search of the true cross, she came across this painting. She gave the painting to her son, Constantine. When the Saracens invaded Constantinople, the people prayed to Mary, and the city was saved. The intense devotion to the Blessed Virgin Mary associated with this painting started at that point.

The history of the painting was more accurately documented in 1382, when Prince Ladislaus was the owner of the painting. During the Tartar invasion of the Prince’s palace that year, an arrow hit the painting, lodging in Mary’s throat. In order to ensure the icon’s safety, Prince Ladislaus decided to take the icon to Opala, the town of his birth. He made a halt along the way and spent the night in Czestochowa. The horses pulling the wagon with the painting of Our Lady refused to move when they started the journey again the next day. Prince Ladislaus took this as a sign that the painting was to remain in Czestochowa. The icon was placed in the care of the Order of Hermits of Saint Paul at their monastery called the Mount of Light, or in Polish, Jasna Gora. The icon of the Black Madonna, Our Lady of Czestochowa, is there to this day.

The Church honors Mary, the Mother of God, in various ways. Mary can intercede for us, as is evidenced by the many healings and miracles that have been attributed to prayers to Our Lady of Czestochowa over the years.

Our Lady of Czestochowa, pray for us.

Pray before the original image of Our Lady of Czestochowa in Poland. Join a 16-day Pilgrimage to Eastern Europe (Germany, Poland, Czech Republic, Austria, and Hungary) with Fr. Franklin Beltran, O.P. on October 22 – November 6, 2024.

Please visit this link for more details:

https://pilgrimage.ph/eastern-europe-pilgrimage-fr-beltran

You may contact us at [email protected]
Or call us at: +63285238581 ; Kirsten Soliman +639568613098 ; Lenie: +639176311902