San Pablo and San Isidro Labrador parishioners enter the Holy Door
Going to places for prayers of thanksgiving, veneration, or even asking for favors or penance has been an ancient practice in the Catholic Church and this has been done in places where a shrine is located, places hallowed by events like an apparition of the Blessed Virgin Mary, or even catacombs with varying degrees of relics of the saints. Noteworthy to mention also, the joys and bonding that the journey can bring no matter how inconvenient or difficult it may be. These experiences remain with us long after we return from our prayer-filled journey. Indeed, a memorable life giving exercise.
The recently-concluded pilgrimage of the San Pablo and San Isidro parishioners last Saturday to San Pedro Cathedral to enter the “Hold Door of Mercy” is an example.
The Jubilee Year of Mercy will end on the Feast of Christ the King this November; the season of advent follows thereafter. Ergo, there is still time to make a pilgrimage.
If only each Catholic family will do a pilgrimage at least once a year, to any shrine of the Blessed Virgin Mary on her feast days, travelling and praying the Rosary inside the vehicle, scattering “Hail Marys” along the road even in the middle of traffic jams, more families will be blessed, and upon reaching the church or a shrine, greet our Lady and tell her how much you love her.
A wonderful family tradition has begun. (Johnny Sulit | SPP SoCCom)
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