She Came as a Pilgrim, She Stays as a Gift: “Paglalakbay, Pag-aakay, Pag-aalay.”

Pueblo Amante de Maria. The Archdiocese of Davao is truly blessed for in the past few weeks, we were graced by not only one but two Marian Images: Our Lady of Guadalupe and, recently, Our Lady of Peace and Good Voyage. From August 7 to 10, 2026, the image of Nuestra Señora de la Paz y Buen Viaje, Our Lady of Antipolo, journeyed through the local Church of Davao, bringing with her an invitation to pray, to accompany one another in faith, and to entrust every journey to the loving care of the Blessed Mother. The pilgrimage visit was held in celebration of the 400th anniversary of the arrival of the image in the Philippines from Mexico and the 100th anniversary of its Canonical Coronation. It was spearheaded by the Archdiocesan Council of the Lay Apostolate and Integrated Movements (ACLAIM), in coordination with the organizers and representatives from the Diocese of Antipolo.

The arrival of the Pilgrim Image in Davao carried a particular significance. Davao was among the ports connected to the maritime journeys of the original image of Our Lady of Antipolo, making her visit a meaningful return to a place linked to the history of her devotion. Four centuries ago, the original image was brought to the Philippines from Mexico in 1626. Over the years, devotion to the Blessed Mother under the title of Our Lady of Peace and Good Voyage grew among Filipinos, especially among travelers and those whose lives and livelihoods are connected to the sea. The image became a beloved symbol of Mary accompanying her children through life’s journeys, storms, uncertainties, and destinations.

The four-day visit began on August 7 at San Pedro Cathedral Parish, where the faithful gathered for the Welcome Holy Mass at 9:30 in the morning. Holy Masses followed at 12 noon and 4:00 in the afternoon, culminating in the 5:30 p.m. Pontifical Mass presided over by Most Rev. Romulo G. Valles, D.D., Archbishop of Davao, and another Holy Mass at 8:00 in the evening. The faithful were also given time to venerate the Pilgrim Image until 11:00 p.m.

On August 8, the Mahal na Birhen continued her journey to different communities in the Archdiocese. The day began with a 6:00 a.m. Holy Mass at St. Francis Xavier Regional Major Seminary of Mindanao followed by a 10:00 a.m. Holy Mass at Immaculate Conception Parish in Mintal. The image then proceeded to Sto. Rosario Parish in Toril, where Holy Masses were celebrated at 2:00, 5:00, and 8:00 in the evening.

The third day, August 9, brought the pilgrimage closer to the waters that form part of the story of the devotion. At 6:00 in the morning, the Pilgrim Image was carried in a fluvial procession from Sta. Ana Wharf to Peñaplata Samal Wharf, a fitting expression of the title Our Lady of Peace and Good Voyage. From there, the image proceeded to Immaculate Conception Parish in Peñaplata, IGaCoS, where a welcome rite was held at 7:30 a.m., followed by Holy Mass at 8:00 a.m. The pilgrimage continued to Virgen Dolorosa Parish in Babak for the 3:00 p.m. Holy Mass, and then to St. Joseph the Worker Parish in Sasa, where another Holy Mass was celebrated at 5:30 p.m., followed by a 7:30 p.m. veneration and prayer gathering and an 8:00 p.m. Holy Mass.

On the final day, August 10, the Mahal na Birhen visited St. Mary of the Perpetual Rosary Parish in Buhangin for the 6:00 a.m. Holy Mass, followed by St. Francis of Assisi Parish in Ma-a at 11:00 a.m. and Sta. Ana Shrine Parish at 3:00 p.m. The pilgrimage culminated with the 5:30 p.m. Closing Holy Mass at Sta. Ana Shrine Parish.

Throughout the four days, the theme “Paglalakbay, Pag-aakay, Pag-aalay” became more than a phrase printed on the pilgrimage materials. It became a reflection of what the faithful experienced. The pilgrimage was a paglalakbay, a journey shared by communities who came together in faith. It was a pag-aakay, as Mary continued to lead her children toward her Son, Jesus. And it was a pag-aalay, as families, parishes, communities, and individuals entrusted their lives, hopes, struggles, and journeys to God through the intercession of the Blessed Mother.

Yet, after four days of journeying, the faithful were expecting to say goodbye.

Instead, they received a beautiful surprise. During the Closing Holy Mass, Rev. Fr. Idris Francisco from the Diocese of Antipolo revealed that the image of the Mahal na Birhen would remain in the Archdiocese of Davao.

“Di na po namin isasama pauwi ang Mahal na Birhen. Regalo po ng Obispo, regalo po sa bawat isa, regalo po ng pananampalataya kasi kung panong bumisita kami dito nakita pa namin ang pananampalataya sa inyo at yun po ang aming babaonin.”

The announcement transformed the closing celebration into something far more meaningful than a farewell. The Pilgrim Image that came to Davao for only four days would now remain as a lasting reminder of the pilgrimage and of the faith witnessed throughout her visit.

In his Thanksgiving Message, Rev. Fr. Marbendear Morallas announced that the Pilgrim Image will be temporarily enshrined at Sto. Rosario Parish in Toril until the establishment of a new parish in the Archdiocese of Davao dedicated to Our Lady of Peace and Good Voyage.

And so, what was supposed to be a departure became a homecoming.

The Mahal na Birhen came to Davao as a pilgrim, journeying from one community to another. She was welcomed at the cathedral, received by parishes, carried across the waters, and accompanied by countless faithful who gathered to pray before her. But somewhere along the journey, the pilgrimage became more than a visit. It became an encounter between Mary and her children, between the Diocese of Antipolo and the Archdiocese of Davao, and between two communities united by one faith and one beloved Mother.

Daghang salamat, Mahal na Ina, for coming to Davao, for journeying with us, and for remaining with us. Welcome home our Blessed Mother!