Our Pilgrimage Story: A Journey of Faith and Fellowship

There were 19 members of our Pangulo sa Liturhiya (PSL) group from GKK, Zone 6, Our Mother of Perpetual Help Parish, Davao City, who planned to embark on this pilgrimage, but only 16 of us were able to go. Still, with grateful hearts and a spirit of excitement, we set out on our journey from Davao City to Iligan City and El Salvador, Misamis Oriental. It became a two-day experience of prayer, fellowship—one that truly strengthened our faith and unity as a servant and a group.

October 18, 2025 – Our Journey to Iligan

We began our travel early in the morning, at 4:00 a.m., riding in a van and a pickup. Our route passed through Davao del Sur, North Cotabato, Maguindanao del Norte and Sur, Malabang-Lanao del Sur, and Marawi, Lanao del Norte. We passed by the Majestic Lake Lanao and took some pictures. The scenic ten-hour trip was filled with laughter, songs, prayers, and stories that made the journey lighter and more meaningful. By 2:00 p.m., we finally arrived in Iligan City and checked in at our hotel.

Around 3:00 p.m., we were warmly welcomed by Rev. Fr. Senin Javier, CSsR, the parish priest of the Redemptorist Church of Iligan, together with his friendly staff. They offered us coffee and snacks, and we shared joyful conversations and introductions.

We attended the 5:30 PM Mass, and afterward we made our Pilgrim Prayer in solemnity, led by the church workers and their choir and witnessed by Fr. Senin. It was such a touching and prayerful experience. After the ceremony, we shared a delightful dinner with the parish youth at a nearby restobar, where we enjoyed food, laughter, and fellowship.

Later that evening, we returned to the church chapel for our prayer, reflection, and sharing that centered on the theme “Pilgrims of Hope.” It was a meaningful moment where we opened our hearts and shared our personal insights about being true pilgrims of faith. We returned to our inn around 10:00 p.m., tired but deeply fulfilled. The whole day felt like a beautiful blend of travel, prayer, and connection with God—it was indeed a day to remember.

October 19, 2025 – From Iligan to El Salvador and Back Home

The next morning, Sunday at 8:00 a.m., we gathered again at the church chapel for our ‘Holy Hour’ before the exposed Blessed Sacrament. The quiet time of adoration and prayer gave us peace and strength—it became our spiritual “baon” for the next part of our journey.

Afterward, we traveled to the Divine Mercy Shrine in El Salvador, which we took the Laguindingan road for less than an hour. Upon arriving, some of us went for Confession, while others joined solely the 12:00 noon Mass. After the Mass, we had lunch together at the shrine, feeling truly blessed to be in such a sacred place.

When it was time to go home, we took the alternate route to Malaybalay, Valencia, San Fernando, Talaingod, Kapalong, and Panabo road since the Quezon, Bukidnon road was affected by a landslide. The trip back to Davao took around nine hours, and by 10:00 p.m., we safely arrived home, tired but full of joy and gratitude.

A Journey to Remember

This pilgrimage was more than just a trip—it was a spiritual journey that strengthened our faith and deepened our bond as PSL. We experienced God’s presence in every moment—through the beauty of nature, the warmth of people we met, and the prayers we shared.

This was yet the farthest we’ve gone together as PSL of Redemptorist Davao, and it truly felt like a once-in-a-lifetime experience. It reminded us that being Pilgrims of Hope means walking together in faith, serving with love, and trusting that God is always with us wherever we go.

May this experience continue to inspire us to serve our parish and GKK community with renewed faith, joy, and dedication. To God be all the glory! (Nicandro M. Martinez | Zone 6 PSL Coordinator-OMPH)