Our Lady of Guadalupe pilgrimage begins in the Philippines, visiting 50 churches to inspire faith and unity ahead of 500th anniversary celebrations.
Newsroom (12/06/2026 Gaudium Press ) An image of Our Lady of Guadalupe from Mexico arrived in the Philippines on June 11, inaugurating a six-month nationwide pilgrimage that Church leaders say is intended to renew faith, deepen Marian devotion, and foster unity among Filipino Catholics.
The pilgrimage formally began with a reception and blessing at Malacañang Palace in Manila. Bishop Jose Colin Bagaforo of Kidapawan, who serves as the spiritual director of the Our Lady of Guadalupe Philippine Pilgrimage, led the ceremony. The event drew a notable gathering of religious and state leaders, including President Ferdinand Marcos Jr., First Lady Liza Araneta-Marcos, papal nuncio Archbishop Charles Brown, Manila Mayor Francisco Domagoso, and representatives of the clergy and laity.
Hosted by the president and first lady, the ceremony also marked the official launch of the Philippine Pilgrimage 2026, a spiritual initiative that reflects the country’s enduring devotion to the Virgin Mary.
Part of a Global Spiritual Movement
The pilgrimage is part of the Novena Intercontinental Guadalupana, a global spiritual preparation for the 500th anniversary in 2031 of the apparitions of Our Lady of Guadalupe to St. Juan Diego in 1531. According to tradition, Mary appeared to Juan Diego four times between December 9 and 12, with three apparitions occurring at Tepeyac hill and a fourth before Bishop Juan de Zumárraga, the first bishop of Mexico.
The image traveling across the Philippines is a replica of the original icon venerated at the Basilica of Our Lady of Guadalupe in Mexico City. Accompanied by an image of St. Juan Diego—a Nahua peasant and visionary—the pilgrimage carries deep symbolic and spiritual significance for millions of Catholics worldwide.
Organizers say the initiative aligns with broader global efforts to promote prayer, evangelization, and solidarity among Catholics across nations.
Nationwide Journey Across More Than 50 Churches
Following its formal opening Mass at the Manila Cathedral on June 13, presided over by Cardinal Jose Advincula, the image—named “Madre Peregrina de Guadalupe” or “Pilgrim Mother of Guadalupe”—will travel to more than 50 cathedrals, shrines, and parish churches throughout the country.
The pilgrimage is set to include significant events, such as its presence at the 132nd plenary assembly of the Catholic Bishops’ Conference of the Philippines (CBCP) in Ozamiz City from July 3 to 10. The journey will conclude in December with the image’s permanent installation at the Manila Cathedral.
Bishop Bagaforo described the pilgrimage as a “moment of grace,” inviting the faithful to participate actively through prayer and reflection, particularly in a time marked by global and personal challenges.
Call for Spiritual Renewal
In a pastoral letter dated June 3, the CBCP urged Catholics nationwide to join the pilgrimage and embrace it as an opportunity for spiritual renewal. The bishops emphasized Mary’s role in leading believers closer to Christ.
Archbishop Gilbert Garcera of Lipa, CBCP president, announced that churches hosting the image will incorporate the Act of Consecration and Entrustment to Our Lady of Guadalupe into all Masses during its visit.
“During this pilgrimage, the Act of Consecration and Entrustment to Our Lady of Guadalupe shall be recited in all Masses in the churches to be visited,” Garcera said.
He added that the pilgrimage aims to deepen both Christ-centered faith and devotion to the Blessed Virgin Mary among Filipinos.
Deep Roots of Marian Devotion in the Philippines
The Philippines, home to more than 93 million Catholics, is the third-largest Catholic nation in the world after Brazil and Mexico, and the largest in Asia. Marian devotion has long been central to Filipino spirituality, a tradition reinforced by historical milestones.
In 1935, Pope Pius XI declared Our Lady of Guadalupe the “Celestial Patroness of the Philippines.” Decades later, the CBCP took further steps to strengthen her role in Filipino devotion—declaring December 12 an obligatory memorial in 2001 and naming her the “Pro-Life Patroness of the Philippines” in 2002, reflecting a global movement entrusting the lives of the unborn to her intercession.
The current pilgrimage builds on this legacy, offering a renewed focus on Mary’s maternal presence and guidance in contemporary times.
Voices of the Faithful
For many lay Catholics, the pilgrimage represents a deeply personal spiritual opportunity. Janice Castro, an elementary school teacher from the Diocese of Cubao, expressed optimism about its impact.
“I am glad to know that the image of Our Lady of Guadalupe is on a pilgrimage in the Philippines. It will strengthen people’s prayer, Marian devotion, and spiritual renewal,” she said.
Looking Toward 2031
Beyond its immediate spiritual aims, the pilgrimage serves as preparation for the quincentennial celebration of the Marian apparitions in 2031. Church leaders hope the journey will rekindle a sense of faith and mission among Filipino Catholics, encouraging them to live out their beliefs with renewed commitment.
As the Madre Peregrina de Guadalupe travels across the archipelago over the coming months, it carries with it not only centuries of tradition but also a message of hope, unity, and enduring faith for one of the world’s largest Catholic populations.
- Raju Hasmukh with files from CNA
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