A journey full of hope

In celebration of the Church’s Jubilee Year of Hope, the confraternity of Saint Joseph of the Archdiocese of Davao made a Pilgrimage to the following churches: Sto. Rosario Parish, Toril, The Most Sacred Heart of Jesus, Calinan, and Immaculate Conception Parish, Penaplata, IGACOS last November 22, November 29, and December 6, 2025, respectively.

Before departing, an orientation and prayer rite was held at St. Joseph Parish after the 6:00 a.m. Mass for the participating devotees of St. Joseph to the pilgrimage.

The Pilgrimage at Sto. Rosario Parish, Toril, and in The Most Sacred Heart of Jesus Parish, Calinan, was led by Rev. Fr. Roy Mejias, and upon arrival at the site, he led the prayer before the pilgrims entered the Holy Door. Celebration of the Holy Mass was presided over by Fr. Roy Mejias with 171 participants in Sto. Rosario Parish, and 157 in The Most Sacred Heart of Jesus Parish.

The pilgrimage to the Immaculate Heart of Mary Parish, Penaplata, ICAGOS, on December 6, 2025, was led by Rev. Fr. Matt Quiao, where the tradition of praying before the pilgrims entered the Holy door was observed. Fr. Matt presided the Holy Mass with 261 participants.

On the last day of the pilgrimage, Fr. Matt announced that Fr. Roy wanted everyone involved to understand the purpose of the Pilgrimage. He explained what indulgence would be obtained on this journey (entering the Holy Doors which are open during Jubilee Year).

He said a Plenary Indulgence cleanses a person of all temporal punishment due to sins whose guilt has already been forgiven through the Sacrament of Reconciliation. For sins committed, there is indeed a punishment, that’s why we need indulgence.

Further, Fr. Matt said that through our prayers, works of mercy, and visitation to Holy Places such as this Pilgrimage, the Church allows us to receive special graces, so in return, we must bring the peace and joy that we experience and receive because of the Plenary Indulgence we have received. Still, it is not a license to sin. We cannot buy an indulgence; therefore, the connection with the indulgence we receive is to change our hearts, not to sin, and always be mindful of the words and deeds we do, because all the sins we have committed are connected not only to our souls but also to the dignity of the people around us.

May the grace we have received inspire us to give deeper weight to love more generously and to walk each day with renewed hope. (Emy D. Gamorot)