The 32nd Montfortian Pilgrimage: Commemorating 40 Years of Montfort Missionaries' Impact in the Philippines
[FR]
QUEZON CITY, Philippines - On April 27th, the day before the Feast of St. Louis-Marie Grignion de Montfort, the Association of Mary Queen of All Hearts (AMQAH) held the 32nd Montfortian Pilgrimage, in gratitude to the 40th year of the Montfort Missionaries' spiritual and community work in the Philippines. This year's pilgrimage, which began at 7 AM, saw a gathering of devout followers at 47 Sct. Madriñan, who were transported by two chartered provincial buses to embark on a spiritual journey visiting seven notable Marian churches within the Archdiocese of Manila.
Under the diligent guidance of the Evangelization Team, meticulous preparations unfolded, including the distribution of booklets, fans, and rosaries before the journey. Embarking on their pilgrimage, both buses became vessels of shared devotion, igniting a collective sense of purpose and unity. Shortly thereafter, the inaugural prayer was spoken, succeeded by the recitation of the Little Crown as a tribute to the Blessed Virgin.
The pilgrimage commenced at the National Shrine of Our Lady of the Abandoned in Sta. Ana, where pilgrims, united in faith, processed to the church amidst soul-stirring renditions of the Magnificat. Rev. Fr. Federick YUMANG, SMM, National Director of AMQAH, presided over a solemn Eucharistic celebration, joined by esteemed Montfortian priests, including Fr. Richard MAGARARU, SMM (Missionary in UK), Fr. Norwyn BAYDO, SMM (Superior, SMM Philippine Delegation), Fr. Roy MILLANO, SMM (Missionary in PNG), Fr. Sam GONZALES, SMM (Delegation Bursar), and Fr. Francis TACIO, SMM (Missionary in Bulacan Montfort’s House of Prayer).
Fr. Lester BONETE, SMM served as the Homilist. The homily touched on the profound joy felt by the community due to the presence and influence of the Montfort missionaries in the Philippines, particularly their dedication to God and service to the poor. Fr. Bonete emphasized the parallels between the challenges faced by Montfort and Mary, highlighting Mary's role as the instrument of salvation and the easiest, fastest, surest way to Jesus.
As the pilgrims traveled from one church to the next, they recited the Holy Rosary and maintained a reflective atmosphere, fostering a deep communal spirit. Among the visited sites are Our Lady of Remedies Parish, the Archdiocesan Shrine of Our Lady of the Miraculous Medal, where they took their lunch and had the chance to visit an air-conditioned museum showcasing a plethora of Marian artifacts with 563 Miraculous Medals of different sizes and shapes. Our Lady of the Pillar Church, the Archdiocesan Shrine of Our Lady of Mount Carmel, Abbey of Our Lady of Montserrat, and, finally, the Archdiocesan Shrine and Parish of Nuestra Senora del Perpetuo Socorro.
The pilgrimage culminated with expressions of gratitude led by Fr. Federick YUMANG, SMM, who invited Ate Marivic to acknowledge the hard work of the Evangelization Team, composed of Maricar, Becky, and Jackie, and the contributions of all the pilgrims and members of AMQAH. The day concluded with a blessing for safe travels and the singing of the Hymn of St. Louis-Marie de Montfort, reinforcing the spiritual bond among the participants.
This event not only marked a milestone for the Montfort Missionaries but also reinforced their ongoing commitment to nurturing faith and serving the community through the teachings of Mary and St. Louis-Marie de Montfort. As they look forward to future endeavors, the Montfortian community remains a beacon of hope and devotion in the Philippines.
Abraham “Ham” DELA TORRE, AMM
0
reviews