Where is our own tilma?

(Excerpt from the Homily of Most Rev. Romulo G. Valles, D.D., Archbishop of Davao during the Opening Mass of the Pilgrimage Visit of Our Lady of Guadalupe last July 27, 2026 at San Pedro Cathedral.)

Today is a truly historical day for our local Church in Davao as we welcome the special pilgrim image of Our Lady of Guadalupe at our Cathedral. This image is not just ours; it comes directly from the shrine in Mexico, prepared for a worldwide mission. Out of eighteen images, one was sent to the Philippines, received with joy by lay faithful and clergy, led by Bishop Bagaforo. The schedule of visits was set across the country, and today, unexpectedly, we are blessed to host her presence here. I thank the clergy, especially Monsignor Paul, rector of the Cathedral, and Fr. Marbendear Morallas with the groups devoted to Mary who became the backbone of this preparation. Our Blessed Mother has many titles Fatima, Lourdes, Guadalupe and each reminds us of her closeness to us. Personally, I keep small images of Guadalupe and Lourdes, signs of my devotion. Guadalupe has always touched me deeply, and today I share three reflections.

Number one, the sense of history. God leads us through history. In 1521, Magellan brought Christianity to the Philippines. Forty years later, Miguel López de Legazpi followed with a larger expedition. In December 1531, ten years after Magellan’s arrival, the Blessed Mother appeared to Juan Diego, an Aztec convert, in Mexico. At that time, the Philippines was under the authority of the bishop of Mexico, so devotion to Our Lady of Guadalupe was among the first Marian devotions brought here. This shows how God writes straight with crooked lines. Our faith is flavored and enriched by Marian devotion. Filipinos are rightly called El Pueblo Amante de Maria the people who love Mary. Without Marian faith, our Christian life would lack warmth, beauty, and inspiration. Please do not believe those who dismiss devotion to Mary. Like Juan Diego and countless others, our Marian devotion has led us deeper into faith in Jesus and into stronger community as sons and daughters of the Church. Number two, the predilection of God for the poor. Scripture reveals God’s predilection for the poor, the weak, and the marginalized.

The apparition of Our Lady of Guadalupe confirms this. She appeared not to a bishop or nobleman, but to Juan Diego, a poor indigenous convert. At first, even the bishop doubted him, but God’s plan was clear: He chooses the small and humble to reveal His love. We may think we are strong, but in truth we are fragile in the face of suffering. God’s eyes and heart are drawn to our struggles. Through Mary, He reminds us that He does not forget us. Guadalupe is a sign that God’s love reaches the poor, the needy, and the rejected, assuring us of His presence. Number three, I chose these readings of the Gospel Annunciation because that reminds us of the beginning of the first contact when God asked and requested and told to the angel to Mary you will be the mother of the savior so the first moment of this young lady and now, we call mother Mary became a very important single person in salvation history.

The tilma of Juan Diego, a simple cloth, became the canvas of the miraculous image of Our Lady of Guadalupe. Where is our own tilma? It is found in our sufferings, challenges, and daily struggles. Just as the Blessed Mother’s image was imprinted on Juan Diego’s tilma, so too her love and protection can be imprinted on our hearts.