Fortunate to Welcome the Our Lady of Guadalupe

I am one of those fortunate to have welcomed the Pilgrim Image of Our Lady of Guadalupe from Mexico last July 27, 2026 at the San Pedro Cathedral here in Davao City. The honorable Archbishop Romulo Valles, who presided over the welcome mass shared many inspiring words to the attendees.

In his homily, he reminded everyone that our first contact to Marian devotion is through Our Lady of Guadalupe of which was because of the teachings of our earlier bishops that came from Mexico. It contributed to the richness and colorful devotion of ours to Mary while we are awaiting for Jesus. As God is there in the movement of history, we then become believers. Our faith in the Lord is kept warm and alive because of Mama Mary.

Another point shared by the archbishop is that we should take a look to the poor, our mother appeared to San Juan Diego a poor Aztec, a nobody. Since we are small/poor, the Lord’s eyes and heart is easily attracted to the suffering of his sons and daughters. God does not forget as shown through the apparitions of our Blessed Mother.

Archbishop Valles mentioned also that the young lady who became our Mother Mary is an important single person in our salvation. As her image is imprinted in the tilma of St. Juan Diego, we are asked a question “Where is our tilma?” The archbishop said that we should be reminded of the words of our Lady who said … “Listen and understand my little son, let nothing frighten and afflict you or trouble your heart. Am I not here, I, who am your mother? Are you not under my shadow? Are you not by chance held in my mantle?”

Lastly Archbishop Valles said that we then should be confident and trusting that her love will be imprinted in our hearts.

Moreover, it is hope that we seek the Our Lady of Guadalupe to direct, guide and comfort us. Mama Mary, pray for us.