CANLUBANG, CALAMBA CITY, LAGUNA
(Phil): 9 February 2014 -- On
7 February, young people from various Salesian houses in the
Philippines North Province (FIN) came together for a
pilgrimage
accompanying the images and relics of Blessed Laura
Vicuña, Blessed
Albert Marvelli and Blessed Ceferino Namuncura.
At 8:00 am, pilgrims from the different Salesian schools,
training
centers, oratories, seminaries and parishes converged at Don
Bosco
Canlubang for the send-off liturgy. Fr Gerardo Martin, SDB,
Rector of
the Prenovitiate Seminary led the rite. Fr Gaudencio
Carandang, SDB,
Delegate on Youth Ministry gave final instructions on convoy
en route
to Mary Help of Christians Center for Spirituality in Batulao,
Nasugbu,
Batangas (south of Manila).
Pilgrims arrived at Don Bosco Batulao at 10:00 am. Volunteer
facilitators introduced and assisted the pilgrims to the
"Camino
Walk"--first of a series of key events of the pilgrimage. With
the
relics of the three young saints leading the bare-footed
pilgrims to
the Chapel of the Adolescent Jesus (more commonly known as The
Chapel
on the Hill and a famous chapel for weddings in the
Philippines) where
they gathered for the Eucharistic Celebration.
The statues and relics of the blesseds were enthroned on the
pillars of
the chapel. Some students accompanied by a Salesian sister
enthroned
Bl. Laura Vicuña, while the Postnovice brothers and
young professed
placed Namuncura and Marvelli respectively on their pedestals.
Fr Eligio Cruz, SDB, FIN Provincial Superior, celebrated the
Mass and
delivered the homily highlighting the heroism and holiness of
the young
saints, challenging the pilgrims to imitate them.
Divided into smaller groups, the pilgrims, went to separate
venues at
1:30 pm for the Stations of Saints. They were led through a
reflection
of the beatitudes--blessed are the meek and humble of heart,
blessed
are the peacemakers, and blessed are those who mourn.
After which there was the blessing of the Totem Pole / Pillar
of the
Risen Christ as a landmark for the youth pilgrims. The image
on the
pillar is an anime version of the risen Christ sculpted on
wood. Fr Eli
blessed it. A flash mob dance of the popular song "Firework"
concluded
the blessing.
Afterwards, the pilgrims began their walk to the "Mountain of
Salvation
(a garden dedicated to our blessed lady where she appears to a
visionary named Emma)." They carried banners depicting
different images
of Mary accompanied by statements of devotion.
The scholars from DB Batulao staged a pantomime-dance that
dramatically retold the life of Our Blessed Lady.
The pilgrims wrote their prayers and burned incenses for the
blessed
lady, generally asking her to accompany them in their journey
ahead,
towards holiness.
Each pilgrim received a scapular and the send-off blessing was
bestowed. By groups, they continued the journey back to their
settings
filled with joy and optimism.
This happened on the First Friday of February, and Memorial of
Bl. Pius
IX. It is the conclusion of the three-month-long pilgrimage of
the
images and relics of the 3 young saints to the Salesian
communities of
FIN and part of the province's preparation for the bicentenary
of the
birth of Saint John Bosco.
