Walking with Mary, Leading the Way to Synodality
In a spiritual pilgrimage that spanned several parishes across the province of Pampanga, members of the Salesian community, along with Lay Mission Partners (LaMPs), embarked on a journey of faith and reflection. The Marian Pilgrimage took place on October 27, 2023, incidentally, the day set by Pope Francis as a day of Prayer, Fasting, and Penance for Peace. The theme for this year’s Marian Pilgrimage is “Mary Leads the Way of Synodality”. It aimed to draw inspiration from the life and journey of the Blessed Mother, Mary, in the context of synodality.
The event had its roots in the belief that numerous challenges and adversities marked Mary's life, yet she unwaverly chose to follow the path of God. In the words of John 2:5, "Do whatever he tells you," Mary's call to respond to God's will served as the guiding light for the participants. They were encouraged to connect with people, build relationships with God and their neighbors, and do so with passion, haste, and love.
Throughout the pilgrimage, the LaMPs and selected students were expected to achieve several key objectives:
Comprehend Mary's journey with God as the first woman who experienced synod. By retracing her steps, participants gained a deeper understanding of her role as a pivotal figure in the story of faith.
Cultivate one's faith and spirituality as an individual and as a community following Mary's steps to synodality. The pilgrimage served as a spiritual exercise, enabling individuals and the community to reflect on their own faith and its alignment with the principles of synodality.
Create an opportunity to know and understand the context of different departments leading to a harmonious and united community (image of Church). By visiting various parishes, participants had the chance to explore the rich tapestry of the Church and its diverse components.
The day's activities were meticulously planned, with each church hosting a specific program segment lasting about 35 minutes. The activities included:
A special prayer to the Marian devotion present in the Church
Talk of the Parish Priest on the Short Historical Background. Participants received insights into the historical and spiritual significance of each parish they visited.
Gratitude message from a Salesian, and giving of the token. Gratitude was expressed for the warm welcome and spiritual nourishment provided by the host parishes.
The day's schedule was rigorous but soul-inspiring, commencing at 4:15 AM with a departure from Don Bosco Mandaluyong. The pilgrimage included stops at various parishes, including San Guillermo Parish, Archdiocesan Shrine of Our Lady of Lourdes, St. James the Apostle Parish, and San Agustin Parish in the morning. After lunch, the sojourn continued to Mabalacat—Our Lady of Sorrows Parish and Our Lady pf Grace Parish. The pilgrimage concluded at Don Bosco Academy–Mabalacat with a Eucharistic Celebration and Dinner.
The event not only served as a spiritual journey but also as a means of fostering unity, community, and faith. As the Salesians and LaMPs followed in the footsteps of the Blessed Mother, they hoped to draw inspiration and strength for their own journeys of faith and synodality.
(10/27/2023) Pastoral Team. The team behind the Marian Pilgrimage this year.