On the Road to Grace

In a solemn practice of faith and unity, the Diocesan and Religious Clergy of the Archdiocese of Davao embarked on a Pilgrimage Walk at dawn on March 11, 2025, marking a significant spiritual journey in observance of the Jubilee Year of Hope.

The clergy gathered at 4:00 AM at two starting points—Sta. Ana Shrine Parish in Sta. Ana Avenue and San Pablo Parish in Juna Subdivision, Matina. By 4:30 AM, the pilgrimage walk commenced, with a brief prayer and with priests walking prayerfully through the streets of Davao City, reciting the Holy Rosary and carrying lighted candles as symbols of faith and hope.

The pilgrimage was a manifestation of simplicity, humility and obedience, reflecting the clergy’s response to the Holy See’s call for the faithful to embrace the Jubilee Year of Hope. It was also in line with Pope Francis’ invitation for all to embark on a spiritual journey towards God.

Pilgrimages hold a special place in Jubilee celebrations, as Pope Francis writes in Spes Non Confundit:

“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 great aid for rediscovering the value of silence, effort, and simplicity of life.” (Spes Non Confundit, 5)

By 5:30 AM, both groups converged at San Pedro Cathedral for the final rites, reflection and prayer. A Holy Mass was presided by Most Rev. Romulo G. Valles, D.D., Archbishop of Davao at 6:00 AM.

In his homily, Archbishop Valles emphasized that the pilgrimage walk is a symbol of life’s greater journey—one that ultimately leads to God’s eternal banquet in heaven. “The ancient custom of doing a pilgrimage is simply telling us and telling ourselves that life is a pilgrimage. Our final pilgrimage is to go to the great banquet in heaven,” he said.

He also reflected on the simplicity of pilgrimage, comparing it to the reality of life’s journey. “Ang mga pari nagdala daan sa ilang sotana, ilang bag, gamay lang. Kay ang kinabuhi, panaw sa Dios… Dili madala ang atong sala set, dili madala ang atong aircon, dili madala ang atong kusina. Simple nga lakaw.”

Archbishop Valles reminded the faithful that prayer, the Eucharist, and trust in God’s providence sustain us in our journey. He also highlighted the role of prayer in every pilgrimage, especially during Lent. “Another assurance that we will reach our destination is the constant presence of the Word. A component of pilgrimage is prayer. We always intensely pray, especially in the season of Lent.”

The sight of priests walking together in prayer was an inspiring reminder of hope and perseverance in faith. The pilgrimage underscored the message that in the face of life’s struggles, the faithful are called to walk with God, who is the ultimate source of strength, faith, and blessings.

As Msgr. Julius Rodulfa shared, the Pilgrimage Walk was just the beginning of many more pilgrimages that will take place throughout the Jubilee Year. “Kini usa ka paagi sa pagdasig sa mga tawo sa paghimo sa ilang kaugalingong pilgrimage atol niining Jubilee Year of Hope.”

With the Davao Clergy leading by example, the pilgrimage served as a powerful call for the faithful to seek God’s presence, walk in His guidance, and embrace the true meaning of hope in this sacred year. (Theresa A. Lelis)