Fr. Lawrence Llona
November 26, 2019
Philippines
A pilgrimage epitomizes the journey each of us makes in this life. It is an important aspect in our walk with God. Set aside time to be with Him and His creation. You are invited to join a 4-day Pilgrimage to Ilocos with a Pilgrimage Chaplain leaving on November 26, 2019. May you experience the presence of God throughout your journey, giving you love, joy and hope.
Ilocos is one of the rare places in the country that has strongly preserved its heritage. Your pilgrimage begins in Laoag, the capital of Ilocos Norte. Laoag is known as the Sunshine City and is a delightful blend of traditional and modern lifestyle. Upon arrival, you will enjoy an afternoon tour of the city which includes a mass at St. Williams Cathedral Church (Laoag Cathedral). Visit the cathedral earthquake baroque bell tower called the Sinking Bell Tower because it has been sinking under its own weight due to seismic activity through the centuries.
Proceed to Sarrat to celebrate Mass at the Santo Monica Parish Chruch, also known as the Sarrat Church. Built in 1779, the Santa Monica Parish Church is acclaimed as the largest church in the whole Ilocos Norte province and an “Important Cultural Property” by the National Museum of the Philippines.
Next stop is Bacarra, to visit the historical Bacarra Church founded by the Augustinians who dedicated it to St. Andrew. The Bacarra Church is famed for its centuries-old, domeless or “beheaded” belfry. Head for the renowned Burgos Wind Farm, the largest wind farm in the Philippines, for a photo stop. Continue your travel to Pagudpud’s Saud White Ivory Beach for lunch and relaxation.
En route to Vigan, stop by Burgos, the most northwestern town of the island of Luzon. Marvel at the beautiful rock formations sculpted by weather forces such as strong winds and sedimentation at the Kapurpurawan Rock Formation. Have a photo stop at Cape Bojeador Lighthouse, also known as the Burgos Lighthouse.
Vigan, the capital of Ilocos Sur, is one of the few remaining 16th century towns in the Philippines and is a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Enjoy a lovely tour of this delightful city which includes a visit to the various historic churches and mansions of yesteryears that boast of unique architecture that fuses European, Oriental, and Philippine building designs. Celebrate Mass at St. Paul’s Cathedral also known as Metropolitan Cathedral. Right beside the Cathedral’s Bell Tower is Plaza Burgos, built to give honour to one of Vigan’s illustrious sons, Fr. Jose P. Burgos. Not to be missed is a pleasurable walk along Calle Crisologo or Mena Crisologo Street, a mestizo district filled with Spanish-style houses that evoke a bygone era.
Head for Sinait and celebrate Mass at Sinait Church, also known as St. Nicolas de Tolentino Parish Church. The church houses the miraculous statue of the Black Nazarene (El Santo Cristo Milagroso), fondly called by its residents as “Apo Lakay.”
Wind down your pilgrimage in Paoay, where you will celebrate Mass at the awe-inspiring Paoay Church, also known as the St. Augustine Church. Paoay Church is included in the list of UNESCO World Heritage sites as one of the four Baroque Churches in the Philippines.
Join a 4-day Pilgrimage to Ilocos with a Pilgrimage Chaplain on November 26, 2019. May this time of rest and reflection attune you to listen to the Shepherd’s voice with the hope that everyone will return to their homes changed and renewed.
with Fr. Laurence Freeman, OSB
READ MORE +1) 50% deposit is required upon reservation together with
the Pilgrim’s Booking Form.
2) Deadline for full payment should be at least one (1)
month before departure date.
3) Cancellation Charges:
> 50 % of the tour cost will be charged if cancellation
is made one (1) month before departure.
> Full tour cost shall be forfeited if cancellation is done
fifteen (15) days prior to departure date.
BASIC TOUR COST DOES NOT INCLUDE: Airport terminal
fee, hospitalization and other medical expenses, tours and
transportation during free periods, porterage of extra pieces of
luggage in excess of the maximum allocation (10kgs.), drinks
and beverages taken during meals, items of personal nature such
as laundry, telephone, fax, room service, tips for drivers, guides,
tour escorts, and other expenses not mentioned in the itinerary
terms and conditions.
EXECUTIVE RESOURCES, INC. has arranged for the various
tour services to be performed under the responsibility of various
contractors. Executive Resources, Inc., its employees or its
subagent’s therefore only act as agents for the contractors
providing the various services described in the tour and accept
no responsibility or liability in connection with losses or accidental
expenses due to delays of schedule, overbooking, defaults or
“force majeure.” All tours and arrangements are subject to the
general conditions specified by each contractor. Tour itineraries
and prices are subject to change without prior notice. When
making a tour booking, the passenger acknowledges and accepts
the foregoing conditions.