Divine Mercy Pilgrimage Novena Held At SMPRP

“Let the weak, sinful soul have no fear to approach Me, for even if it had more sins than there are grains of sand in the world, all would be drowned in the immeasurable depths of My mercy” (Diary, 1059) of Saint Faustina Kowalska. This profound message of mercy set the tone for the 8th day of the Pilgrimage Novena in honor of the Divine Mercy, celebrated within the Archdiocese of Davao.

It was held on April 10, 2026, at St. Mary of the Perpetual Rosary Parish. The gathering brought together numerous devotees and members of the Divine Mercy Apostolate. The event served not only as a devotional practice but also as a moment of spiritual renewal centered on the boundless compassion of God.

The celebration began at 2:30 in the afternoon with the recitation of the Novena to the Divine Mercy, followed by the solemn chanting of the Chaplet of the Divine Mercy. The atmosphere of prayer prepared the faithful for the Holy Eucharist, which became the summit of the celebration.

The Eucharistic Celebration was presided over by Rev. Fr. Orlando “Orly” A. Angelia, who, in his homily, reflected deeply on the infinite love of God revealed in Jesus Christ. He emphasized that Christ, through His crucifixion, fully embraced the human condition, including its sinfulness, to redeem humanity. By opening His arms on the Cross, Christ invites all people to share in His redemptive suffering and to receive the gift of reconciliation with the Father, whom we are now able to call “Abba.”

Fr. Orlando Angelia further highlighted that God’s mercy is greater than any sin. He reminded the faithful that God rejoices in the conversion of sinners and continually calls His people back to Himself. This divine mercy is made especially present in the Sacraments of Reconciliation and the Eucharist, where God reveals Himself not as a distant judge, but as a loving and merciful Father.

The celebration concluded with a renewed sense of faith among the participants, who were encouraged to trust more deeply in God’s mercy and to become witnesses of that mercy in their daily lives. The Pilgrimage Novena thus served as a powerful reminder that no sin is greater than God’s love, and that every soul is invited to return to Him and be transformed by His grace. (Ian Murillo | Photos by Hermie Mapute)