Mary Help of Christians Visits Davao in a Call for Peace, Solidarity, and Support for Marawi

The original restored image of Mary Help of Christians, Patroness of the Prelature of Marawi, has arrived in the Archdiocese of Davao as part of the Padayon Prelatura sa Marawi: Caravan for Peace and Solidarity, a Marian visitation that seeks to strengthen solidarity with the faithful of Marawi, raise support for the rebuilding of the Marawi Pro-Cathedral, and promote awareness of Christians experiencing persecution and violence.

The visitation carries a reminder of the suffering endured by the Catholic community during the 2017 Marawi siege, when the Cathedral of Mary Help of Christians was destroyed. The Marian image itself was desecrated during the conflict, including having its head severed, before being restored. Its journey across different archdioceses in the Philippines now serves as an invitation to remember the wounds of war, uphold the dignity of persecuted Christians, and renew the Christian commitment to peace and reconciliation.

It is organized in partnership with Aid to the Church in Need (ACN) Philippines, a Catholic charitable organization dedicated to supporting persecuted and suffering Christians around the world. Through its mission of providing pastoral and humanitarian assistance to communities affected by persecution, conflict, and hardship, ACN works to strengthen the Church and accompany those in need. In the Philippines, the organization supports initiatives that promote solidarity with Christian communities facing adversity, including efforts to rebuild places of worship and restore hope among those affected by violence.

Our Lady of Marawi’s image arrived at the San Pedro Cathedral last September 19, 2026 and on September 20, 2026, the 25th Sunday in Ordinary Time, Most Rev. Romulo G. Valles, D.D., Archbishop of Davao, presided over the 8:00 a.m. Holy Mass, where the Marian image is staying from September 19 to 22. During the celebration, Archbishop Valles urged the faithful to extend help to the Prelature of Marawi, emphasizing the importance of supporting those in need and standing in solidarity with communities affected by conflict. He also mentioned that he and his fellow bishops are planning to join the Most Rev. Edwin Angot de la Peña, MSP, D.D., Bishop-Prelate of Marawi, as it celebrates its Golden Jubilee this coming November 20, 2026 in which the image will also be making its way back home to the prelature.

Upon conversing with Mr. Rico Ivan Bugal, one of the organizers of the said visit, the Marian visitation goes beyond the rebuilding of a church structure. It seeks to awaken a shared responsibility among the faithful to accompany those who continue to experience the consequences of violence, displacement, and persecution. Through prayer and concrete acts of generosity, the faithful are invited to support the rebuilding of the Marawi Pro-Cathedral while remembering the Christian communities whose lives and places of worship have been affected by war.

As the image continues its pilgrimage, the faithful are encouraged to offer prayers for persecuted Christians around the world, particularly those who face violence, discrimination, and insecurity because of their faith. The visitation also calls communities to become instruments of peace by fostering understanding, compassion, and solidarity with people of different backgrounds and religious traditions.

The faithful of the Archdiocese of Davao are invited to visit the image of Mary, Help of Christians, participate in the scheduled celebrations, and extend support to the rebuilding efforts of the Prelature of Marawi. The image is transferred to Our Mother of Perpetual Help Parish in Bajada from September 23 to 27, followed by its scheduled visitation from September 28 to 30 at Ateneo de Davao University.

Through the Padayon Prelatura sa Marawi initiative, the Church invites the faithful to respond to the needs of others not only through financial assistance but also through prayer, awareness, and a commitment to peace. May the intercession of Mary, Help of Christians, inspire a united response of compassion and solidarity, helping bring hope to those who continue to rebuild their lives and communities in the midst of suffering.