Pilgrimage Overview:

  • Pilgrimage Chaplain:

    Fr. Jerry Orbos, SVD

  • Departure Date:

    May 8, 2023

  • Countries:

    Spain, France, and Portugal

Inclusions

  • Roundtrip economy airfare
  • Roundtrip arrival and departure transfers
  • First class hotel accommodation on twin sharing
  • Meals as specified in the itinerary  (B – Breakfast; D – Dinner)
  • Tours as specified in the itinerary with services of local guide
  • Transportation by deluxe air-conditioned motor coach
  • Daily Masses
  • Services of a Pilgrimage Chaplain and Filipino Tour Escort all throughout the tour
  • Porterage of one (1) piece of luggage at hotel

About Your Pilgrimage

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Ezekiel Moreno was born in Alfaro, Spain, on April 9, 1848. He joined the Recollect Congregation of the Order of Saint Augustine in Monteagudo (Navarra) in 1864 and professed vows in 1865. He was sent to the Philippines, where he was ordained in 1871 and served as a missionary for 15 years.

Later on, Fr. Ezekiel would be reassigned to Columbia in South America, where he was appointed as bishop of Pasto. There, he would spend the next 18 years until he was forced to return to Spain for cancer treatment. Recognizing that the end was drawing near, he asked to spend his final days in Monteagudo, Spain, in the monastery where he had entered the Augustinian Order and beside the image of the Virgen del Camino, Our Lady of the Way. There, he passed away in 1906. In 1915 and in 1975 his mortal remains were exhumed and found to be incorrupt. St. Ezekiel Moreno was beatified by Pope Paul VI in 1975 and canonized by Pope John Paul II in 1992.

Miracles leading to his beatification and canonization were cases of immediate and total cures of cancer, for which he is invoked by the OAR and by the Catholic Church as a special advocate for or patron of cancer patients. Today, innumerable cures, especially of cancer, are attributed to his powerful intercession.

Follow in St. Ezekiel Moreno’s footsteps. Join Fr. Jerry Orbos, SVD, in a 14-day Marian pilgrimage to Spain, France, and Portugal including a visit to places associated with St. Ezekiel Moreno, patron saint of cancer patients, on May 8-21, 2023.

Your pilgrimage begins with a mass at the Basilica of Our Lady of Mercy in Barcelona, Spain. According to legend, in 1637, the Virgin of Mercy freed the people of Barcelona from a terrible plague of locusts, and in return, years later, she was named the patroness of the city. Onwards to Montserrat to visit the Santa Maria de Montserrat, an abbey of the Order of Saint Benedict, notable for enshrining the miraculous image of the Virgin of Montserrat or La Moreneta, one of Spain’s most revered icons. Head back to Barcelona to see the city’s gorgeous scenery, breathtaking architecture and superb cultural attractions. Not to be missed is a visit to the famous Basilica de la Sagrada Familia (Holy Family), a towering neo-Gothic church built by Antoni Gaudi. The unfinished, amazing monument is designated as a UNESCO World Heritage site.

Travel onwards to Lourdes, France for your 3-night stay in the Sanctuary of Our Lady of Lourdes, an apparition site of the Blessed Virgin Mary in 1858.  Here, 18 apparitions were reported. Pray the rosary and spend time in quiet reflection at the Grotto of Massabielle, the Blessed Mother’s apparition site. Not to be missed is the evening rosary procession, where “Ave Maria” is sung in unison and the rosary is recited in different languages.

Revisit Spain and head for Alfaro, the birthplace of St. Ezekiel MorenoSee the San Miguel Collegiate Church, the parish to which St. Ezekiel belonged during his infancy. In one of its chapels, the baptismal font where he was baptized is preserved. Then, head for Zaragoza, where you will stay for three nights.

In Tarazona, visit the new Cathedral of Santa Maria de la Huerta. This is the cathedral of the diocese to which St. Ezekiel belonged from birth to death and in which, without doubt, he prayed many times. A relic of St. Ezekiel is encased in the new altar of the cathedral.

Continue your pilgrimage to the town of Monteagudo. Visit the Convent of Our Lady of the Way, where St. Ezekiel Moreno’s uncorrupt body is kept. Stop by the museum built in his honor on the occasion of the 100th anniversary of the death of St. Ezekiel Moreno.

Celebrate mass at the grand basilica-cathedral of Our Lady of the Pilar in Zaragoza. In the year 40 AD, when St. James the Apostle was sitting here on the banks of the Ebro River, the Virgin Mary appeared to him and reassured him that his efforts to bring Christianity to the region would not be in vain.  She also asked him to consecrate a church in her name and left behind a pillar of jasper to mark the spot where she made her appearance. As Mary promised, St. James was indeed successful, and the place of their encounter became a holy place. Holy men and women such as St. John of the Cross, St. Teresa of Avila, and St. Ignatius of Loyola have all made the journey here to show their devotion to Our Lady of Pilar, the patroness of Spain.

Next stop is a visit to the city of Siguenza, home to an outstanding architectural heritage that was declared a historic-artistic site in 1965. Then it’s on to Guadalajara, followed by two nights in Madrid.

Madrid, the capital of Spain, is its largest city. While Madrid possesses modern infrastructure, it has preserved the look and feel of many of its historic neighborhoods and streets. On your city tour, you will have the chance to visit the city’s important landmarks such as the Royal Palacethe Madrid of the Bourbons, Puerta del Sol, Plaza Mayor, and other sights. Not to be missed is a celebration of the holy mass at the Almudena Cathedral.

Cap off your pilgrimage with a two-night stay at the Sanctuary of Our Lady of Fatima in Fatima, Portugal.

Fr. Jerry Orbos, SVD, was diagnosed with lung cancer in February 2018, after which he journeyed silently toward his recovery. It was during his healing journey that he came to know about St. Ezekiel Moreno, patron saint of cancer patients. Fr. Jerry said, “I personally believe he (St. Ezekiel) was manifesting his presence, his healing, and his intercession.”

Travel with Fr. Jerry Orbos, SVD, on a spiritual journey to the places where the Blessed Mother has appeared, which includes a visit to the sites associated with St. Ezekiel Moreno in Spain. Join a 14-day Marian pilgrimage to Spain, France and Portugal (including a visit to the birthplace and tomb of St. Ezekiel Moreno, the patron saint of cancer patients) on May 8–21, 2023. May this experience grant all pilgrims the faith to place their lives in the loving mercy of God.

Things We Love

  • The Basilica of Our Lady of the Pillar enshrines the miraculous image of Our Lady of the Pilar (officially in Spanish, Nuestra Señora del Pilar de Zaragoza). It is recognized as the first Marian apparition in the history of Christianity and is the only one that happened while the Virgin Mary was still alive.
  • Stunning examples of Antoni Gaudi’s work can be found around the city of Barcelona, all of which were declared a World Heritage site by UNESCO.
  • St. Ezekiel Moreno started his ministry in the Philippines, where he served for 15 years. His success in his evangelization is attributed to his mastery of the Tagalog language.
  • Evening Rosary and Candlelight procession in Lourdes and Fatima, and where the “Ave Maria” is sung in unison in different languages.
  • Light a candle at every pilgrimage site for prayer requests from friends and families back home.

Things To Do

  • SPA

    Sample the therapeutic powers of the waters of Ax-Les-Thermes, recognized as a spa town since as far back as the Middle Ages.

  • BATHS

    Find time to immerse yourself in the BATHS in Lourdes, where water from a spring flows at the Grotto of Massabielle.

  • MIRACLES.

    Pray for a miracle for your loved ones who have cancer while on pilgrimage and ask for the intercession of St. Ezekiel Moreno.

  • SERENE.

    Delight in the profoundly serene ambience of the Monastery of Montserrat.

  • ART.

    On your free time in Madrid, you may opt to visit the Prado Museum to view a collection of masterpieces by Spain’s 16th and 17th century monarchs.

Why are our Pilgrimages different?

Spiritually-focused journeys
Insightful pilgrimage chaplains
Quality accommodations
Expertly-crafted itineraries
Friendly and bonded groups
Senior citizen friendly

Testimonials

The whole pilgrimage is a new and fulfilling moment in my life. It’s a nice feeling being with the Lord in His important day. And also, gaining new friends and becoming my new extended family is something I will treasure. I hope that this is just the beginning and we’ll continue to get in touch with one another despite the distance.

Brenda

Hello Co-Pilgrims,

It was indeed a wonderful Pilgrimage: very rich in history, a thanksgiving of blessings, a spiritual renewal and nourishment, and finally ending in a test of Faith.

Thank you so much Pilgrim Leader, Ging Igual, for standing beside us up to the last stretch of our 13-day journey - more particularly in the handling of an unexpected situation (cancelled flight in Mexico and re-direction of flights to make sure the 38 Pilgrims reach LA for their respective flight bookings). Ging, you were an angel to us so blessed with energy, passion, love and Milagrosa. We really felt the presence of Our Lady of Guadalupe fielding angels every step of the way.

The Pilgrimage to California Mission Churches and Our Lady of Guadalupe gives me personal inspiration for the work and activities of the next chapter of my lifetime: farming with promotion of agriculture for millennials (inspired by the scenic view of farms in California), tourism (which is a major industry in all places we visited), and support for a favourite major seminary in Tagaytay and a scholarship fund for deserving individuals (thru a non stock non profit institution).

Thank you to my Co-Pilgrims and prayer partners for the prayer support, sharing of life experiences and friendships;  Fr. Tony, thank you for your spiritual reflections and service;  Fr. Jerry Orbos for an overflowing spiritual reflections and enabling us to have the needed personal encounter with Jesus and Mama Mary (it was like a 12-day Holy Retreat); and the Executive Resources for making a very nice pilgrimage package a part of our lifetime.

Ms. Emma

Lord, we cannot find words enough to say how grateful we are to You. Our pilgrimage made us realize that Your love for us is more than what we deserve.

To all our co-pilgrims, thank you for making us feel we belong to this new family. To Fr. Dante, thanks for your prayers and pieces of advice for our spiritual nourishment. To Sis Lea, for taking care of each one of us. To Sis Joy, thanks for the contagious joys and laughters.

To our prayer partners, Sis Maribel, Melvy and Didick and Bro Mon and Sis Jot, thank you for your prayers. We will pray for you, too!

To The Pilgrim’s Center - Executive Resources, thank you for accommodating us in this Eastern Europe Pilgrimage.

God bless us all always!

Albert and Adee

Dear Pilgrims' Center:

My husband Aldo & I would like to praise & commend our Pilgrim Chaplain Fr. Dante Venus & our Tour Leader Bro. Monty for the very successful & memorable pilgrimage to Italy & the Holy Land we were very fortunate to join on March 26-April 8, 2018.

It was very hectic to be sure, but still they managed our time very well that we were able to visit more places than was promised in the itinerary, and we are very appreciative of that. Likewise, the solemnity of the whole pilgrimage experience was still observed despite many of us in the group, myself included, often forgetting that we were pilgrims & not tourists 😉😉, taking photos, selfies, etc. instead of, or before focusing on what the local guide was explaining or on the scripture readings. I cannot fault us pilgrims on this because for many of us seniors, and I speak for my husband & I, that trip might be our first & last time to visit those places, so we made sure they were properly documented. Nonetheless, it was a truly spiritually uplifting & life-changing experience for us. We continue to thank our Lord for making that experience of a lifetime possible. Indeed, nothing is impossible for God! Thank you very much to Fr. Dante, Bro. Monty & to each of us pilgrims in the group for the prayers, love, care & concern shown to each other. Let us continue to pray for and with each other. It is my hope that we meet each other again soon, to strengthen our bonds of friendships.

Most sincerely, Leclec Cabusora

Leclec Cabusora

My husband and I just came back from a wonderful trip to Israel - with Franciscan Fr Reu Galoy. Thank you Pilgrim Center for the arrangements. We are so happy and satisfied with all that you have done for us. Kudos to Yanyan and Monty from Pilgrim Center, and Fr Reu and Ronin for your caring services. It was a spiritual journey and we felt the abiding presence of the Lord all throughout.

Ann Arguelles Cortes

Our pilgrimage was worth all the hardships (I was having leg pains). We had an excellent leader in the person of Adrian, two priests Fathers Val and Ron, who gave us very nice pieces of advice and homilies, and of course the members of the group who were all very nice. Looking forward to join another pilgrimage.

Emily Bautista

It was the most profound experience I had in my whole life....Walking with the Footsteps where Jesus walked made my life more grateful and humble....My faith become stronger as I express it...A growing faith is a sharing faith....TO GOD BE THE GLORY!!! SHALOM!

Carmen Nierra

Vir & I would like to express our gratitude for a wonderful pilgrimage we had from Sept 5-18. From checking-in last Sept 5 & all during the tour, we felt the care from a family. No words can ever describe how thankful we are.

I almost cried last Sept 8, (my birthday) when we (2 of us have the same birthday) were given a surprise mini celebration when after our dinner, we were given a cake. I really felt the love of a family then.

All these things made possible because of your capable coordinator Ms. Ging Igual. She's such a wonderful leader. Kudos to her.

Rest assured that i will refer your company to all my friends who are planning to go on pilgrimage .

Good day & may God always guide & protect all of you in the Pilgrims' Center/ Executive Resources, Inc.

Cora and Vir Franca

I am honored to be included in this pilgrimage. The Pilgrims' Center has very good itineraries worth remembering. No hours wasted. They took very good care of us in spite of our big number of 47 people. The daily mass and homilies of Fr. Manny Cruz held in different shrines and churches were very inspirational and transforming. Accommodations were nice most especially the one on top of the Mountain with an awesome view built in 1909. It's like travelling back in time. I definitely would want to do it again with Pilgrim Center.

Peter Joseph Mapua

The Pilgrims' Center always gives you the best. They let you feel like an Executive in terms of personal service & attention especially during pilgrimage. Their choices of pilgrimages and pilgrim chaplains are outstanding. You go back home very fulfilled and immersed...

Marlene Silvestre

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Frequently Asked Questions

Simply press the I'm Interested button in any pilgrimage page and complete the form to receive the complete details including price, itinerary and inclusions in your email. You can also contact us at support@pilgrimage.ph or 5238581.
Yes! We can arrange private and customized pilgrimages for groups of 10 or more. Please contact us on support@pilgrimage.ph or 5238581 so we can begin arranging your private pilgrimage. We can provide free trips to organizers of groups of 20 or more.
Yes! We have many pilgrims joining from outside the Philippines. We can provide you the cost for only the land arrangement portion of the pilgrimage and advise you on which flights to take from your country. Please contact us and advise your place of origin and we will provide you with the rate without airfare.

Visa Requirements

• Passport with six (6) months validity from the date of departure
• One (1) Visa Application Form
• Two (2) pcs. passport-size pictures
• Original Bank Certificate (both Pesos and/or US Dollars) – must include account type, current balance, account opening, and six (6) months average
• Original or certified true copy of Bank Statement for the last (3) months
• Affidavit of Support and Consent (signed and notarized by the sponsor if financially incapable)
• If married, copy of Authenticated Marriage Contract
• Copy of hotel voucher (to be supplied by ERI)
• Photocopy of International Credit Cards (if available)
• Travel Insurance with a minimum coverage of Php2.5 Million (valid for 30 days)

If employed:
• Employment Certificate – must be in company’s letterhead and must include the applicant’s position, date hired, compensation, and company’s address, telephone number, and email address
• Certificate of Compensation 2316

If in business:
• Original and Photocopy of Business Registration, DTI or SEC
• Original and Photocopy of Latest Income Tax Return
• Personal appearance by the applicant
• Processing Time: 15 – 30 days
VISA FEE: Php 9,500.00*
* Subject to change without prior notice!

Booking Conditions

1) A US$ 500.00 deposit (for economy) / US$1,000.00 deposit (for business class) is required upon reservation together with a photocopy of a passport (valid for 6 months from date of departure), Pilgrim’s Profile with a passport-size photo, copy of latest arrival stamp in Manila, visa fee (if applicable), and travel insurance payment.

2) Final payment in USD is due on or before June 1, 2020.

3) The following cancellation charges will apply:
> 45 days before departure date – US$ 500.00
> 30 days before departure date – 50% of the Tour Cost
> 20 days prior to departure date – Full tour cost will be forfeited.
> US$ 300.00 Admin Fee for any visa denial.

Terms and Conditions

BASIC TOUR COST DOES NOT INCLUDE visa fees and documentation expenses, insurance, hospitalization and other medical expenses, tours and transportation during free periods, porterage of extra pieces of luggage in excess of maximum allocation, drinks and beverages taken during meals, items of personal nature such as laundry, telephone, fax, room service, 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 sub-agents 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. When making a tour booking, the passenger acknowledges and accepts the foregoing conditions.

*** RATES AND ITINERARY ARE SUBJECT TO CHANGE WITHOUT PRIOR NOTICE! ***

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