A Pilgrimage Ends, A Mother’s Presence Remains

“The Pilgrim Image of Our Lady of Guadalupe may come to Davao only once in a lifetime, but the loving presence of Mama Mary remains with her children for a lifetime.” – Rev. Fr. Johnny Autida, Parish Priest of Immaculate Conception Parish Peñaplata

This enduring truth came alive as thousands of faithful filled San Pedro Cathedral from July 27 to 29, 2026, transforming the mother church of the Archdiocese of Davao into a place of prayer, hope, and encounter with Christ through the maternal intercession of the Blessed Virgin Mary. Though the pilgrim image continued its journey after three days, the faith it rekindled and the assurance of Mary’s constant companionship remain in the hearts of those who took part in this historic pilgrimage.

The three-day pilgrimage that was mainly organized by the Archdiocesan Council of the Lay Apostolate and Integrated Movements (ACLAIM) opened on July 27 with a solemn procession of the International Pilgrim Image of Our Lady of Guadalupe and the replica of St. Juan Diego’s Tilma. Beginning at 7:30 a.m., the image was carried from San Pedro Cathedral through C.M. Recto Street, Bonifacio Street, Bolton Street, and San Pedro Street before returning to the Cathedral.

Presiding over the Welcome Mass, Most Rev. Romulo G. Valles, D.D., Archbishop of Davao, reminded the faithful that Mary’s visit is ultimately an invitation to experience God’s enduring love and care for His people. Abp. Muloy shared: “God never forgets His little ones. Through Our Lady of Guadalupe, He reminds us: ‘Am I not here, I who am your mother?’”

The Welcome Mass was followed by Eucharistic celebrations spearheaded mainly by the eight vicariates of the archdiocese and were presided over by Rev. Fr. Johnny Autida (Immaculate Conception Vicariate), Rev. Fr. Ramon Jamora Jr. (San Pablo Vicariate), Rev. Fr. Henry Campeon (Sta. Ana Vicariate), Rev. Fr. Jesus Samaniego (Sto. Rosario Vicariate), Rev. Fr. Calexto Peligrino Jr. (Sacred Heart Vicariate), Rev. Fr. Zenon Ampong (La Purisima Vicariate), Rev. Fr. Roy Mejias (St. James Vicariate), Rev. Fr. Justin Montañez, SSS (San Pedro Vicariate), the regular 6:00 am Mass of DXGN before the farewell mass with Fr. Evan Esmade, and the Farewell Mass by Rev. Msgr. Paul Cuison, Rector of the San Pedro Cathedral.

After every Holy Mass, the laying of the tilma and anointing were administered by the Cavanis deacons namely Rev. Romar Solis Rodriguez, Rev. Gino Sanchez, and Rev. Vinnize Rey Pilapil. Thousands of faithful participated while San Pedro Cathedral remained filled throughout the pilgrimage.

Diocesan clergy, religious congregations, seminarians, students, parish organizations, families, and devotees from all walks of life united in prayer. Filipino Catholics honor Our Lady of Guadalupe as the Celestial Patroness of the Philippines, continually turning to her maternal intercession that always leads to Christ.

While the history of Our Lady of Guadalupe traces back to her apparition to St. Juan Diego in Mexico in 1531, the devotion continues to flourish in the Philippines through her special title as the Celestial Patroness of the Philippines. Entrusted to her maternal protection, Filipino Catholics have long looked to Our Lady of Guadalupe as a source of hope, healing, and unity. Her nationwide pilgrimage has become a powerful reminder that Mary continually accompanies the Filipino faithful, leading them ever closer to Christ and inviting them to entrust both personal intentions and the future of the nation to God’s loving providence.

As the pilgrimage concluded, the pilgrim image departed for the Diocese of Tagum. Though the image left Davao, Mama Mary’s loving presence remains with her children for a lifetime.