Warm Welcome– Parishioners and Church Workers of Shrine and Parish of Nuestra Señora de Aranzazu shows their unending devotion to their patron, Nuestra Señora de Aranzazu as they wave their white handkerchiefs during the procession of the image at Antipolo Cathedral, June 12.
Pilgrimage is one of the main traditions in the Catholic community. Also known as the sacred journey, pilgrimage is the search of spiritual significance through travelling and praying from one shrine to another. And as a parishioner, we have different opinions or views about this. For some, it’s like a medicine, which can help us cure our broken souls, while the others take it as place to one’s ‘spiritual awakening wherein they receive their calling or purpose as an individual.
Joyful Servant– Sister Felicidad San Pascual, a 90-year old pilgrim shows her happiness in joining this year’s Ahon sa Antipolo.
On the recent “Ahon sa Antipolo,” the annual pilgrimage of the parishioners from different churches in the Diocese of Antipolo to the Shrine of Our Lady of Peace and Good Voyage, every pilgrim has their own unique story to tell.
Sister Felicidad San Pascual, a member of Apostolada ng Panalangin in the Diocesan Shrine and Parish of Nuestra Señora de Aranzazu, shares her beautiful story as a pilgrim for a long time.
When she was asked on how she feels whenever she participates on this church gathering, she says, “Para bang gumagaan ang pakiramdam ko.” Upon looking at her, you will saw through her eyes how sincere she was.
#FeelingBlessed- Ysac Rocco Songco expresses how blessed he is to be part of this year’s pilgrimage.
On the other hand, Ysac Rocco Songco, who had his first time as a pilgrim also shared his experience on this year’s Ahon.
“Nagagalak ako na napasama at nabigyan ng opportunity para kumanta kay NSDA. Bilang isang nagliligkod ay feel[ing] ko parang inulanan ako ng grasya, ganon parang napakablessed ko, yun yung feeling para sakin,” Songco said during the interview.
Songco is currently a member of Avant Garde Singers, a choir for 12 noon mass in the same parish like Sister Feli.
Upon reading these statements, we could say that this sacred journey strengthen one’s faith. Thus, maybe it’s the right time for us Catholics to also engage ourselves and participate in this kind of event. With this, we could find our own path to develop a better relationship with our creator.
Flint Osric Gorospe
Senior Writer, Website Team - Media Ministry
Flint is an 18 year-old journalism student from the Polytechnic University of the Philippines. He is also a developing writer, actor, singer, photographer and a church servant. Started as a young member of Tanghalang Aranzazu, Flint had developed his craft throughout the years and expanded his networks as he joined in different church organizations. Currently, he is the Secretary of Avant Garde Singers and also a member of Ministry of Altar Servers, Tanghalang Aranzazu and Media and Public Information Ministry.
