THE PILGRIMAGE IS AN OPPORTUNITY TO ENCOURAGE NEW VOCATIONS AND INSPIRE YOUNG PEOPLE TO REFLECT ON GOD’S CALL TO THE PRIESTHOOD AND RELIGIOUS LIFE.
Newsroom (08/29/2025 11:06, Gaudium Press) The relic of St. Tarcisius began its pilgrimage through the Philippines on Monday, the 25th, with a ceremony presided over by Father Apolonio Arcala, OFM, at the Parish of Tagapagtanggol in Quezon City.
In addition to Holy Mass, which was concelebrated by Father Orly Jimeno, OFM, and Father Christian Ezequiel Bueno, OFM, the opening program of this historic event included a solemn procession of the relics. The event was attended by about 500 altar servers from the Dioceses of Novaliches, Cubao, and the Archdiocese of Manila.
The importance of altar servers in Eucharistic devotion
In his homily, Father Arcala highlighted the importance of altar servers in deepening devotion to the Eucharist, calling their service an invitation to love and protect Christ in the Blessed Sacrament. “Your role is important because you serve Christ and participate in the banquet of heaven,” he said.
The priest invited the altar servers to “safeguard Christ, whom we receive in the Holy Eucharist, as St. Tarcisius did.” According to the Franciscan, this event serves as an opportunity to encourage new vocations and inspire young people to reflect on God’s call to the priesthood and religious life.
Discerning the call to serve God through the priestly vocation
On this occasion, a Holy Hour for Vocations was also held, and a campaign was launched to promote devotion to St. Tarcisius, the patron saint of altar servers and defender of the Blessed Sacrament. For Bryan James Turiaga, president of the committee, the ceremony also promoted a deeper relationship between the community and the Eucharist.
Emphasizing the importance of prayer in helping young people discern their calling, especially those who already serve at the altar, Turiaga expressed his desire that “young people feel touched and are not afraid to serve God, especially in the priestly vocation.” He also asked parents to support their children’s openness to religious vocations.
An example for altar servers around the world
Now in its third year, this relic tour aims to inspire faith and devotion among young altar servers. The relic of St. Tarcisius will visit several nearby parishes, including the Parish of Santo Niño in San Mateo, Rizal, and the Parishes of Jesus of Nazareth and St. Benedict in Quezon City.
St. Tarcisius was a young altar server martyred in Rome in the third century while protecting the Eucharist. His courage and fidelity to Christ made him an example for altar servers around the world. His legacy reminds young Catholics that service at the altar is not merely a task, but a path to deeper communion with Christ and the Church. (EPC)
Compiled by Teresa Joseph
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