A group photo at the Iloilo River Esplanade, one of the most beautiful landmarks of the city.

Our pilgrimage began with a Mass at the Sta. Monica Church in Pavia, Iloilo

A group photo at the Parish of St. Anne, or Molo Church. It is also known as “the feminist church” because of the all-women ensemble of saints represented in 16 statues perched on the aisle pillars.

Our pilgrims enjoyed a hearty lunch at Balay Nga Bato where authentic heirloom cuisine was served. A meal at Camiña Balay Nga Bato is like stepping into a time machine at a dinner table

Our pilgrims attended the blessing and inauguration of the Shrine of St. Padre Pio Pietrelcina in Batuan, Pototan, Iloilo, where the relics of Padre Pio were also exposed. Main celebrant was Most Rev. Jose Romeo Lazo, D.D., Archbishop of Jaro.  Concelebrants were Most Rev. Angel Lagdameo, D.D., Archbishop-Emeritus of Jaro, Fr. Gian Maria Digiorgio, OFM and 20 priests.

Fr. Art Ledesma at the blessing of the new Padre Pio Chapel at Pototan, Iloilo.

This was the story behind the Shrine, as shared by Fr. Art Ledesma to the congregation:

It was Fr Jerry Orbos’ vision and inspiration, when he told Fr Arthur, “You will build a shrine for Padre Pio”. Fr Art didn’t believe it as he was on sabbatical leave and had no means to solicit for it. Following Padre Pio’s faith of “Pray, Hope and don’t worry,” everything started to fall into place when generous people began sharing to make the shrine into reality.

At the end of the Veneration of Padre Pio’s relics, Fr. Gian pulled it out of the glass case, invited us to surround him for photos & touch the relics. Feeling so blessed…

A group photo outside the UNESCO World Heritage Site, Miag-ao Church.

Our pilgrims offered petition prayers over a hand (encased in marble) of the Nuestra Senora del Rosario, inside the Church of San Jose Placer. Some of our pilgrims shared that their hands smelled like roses after prayers.