(ANS – Canlubang) – On 7 February, young people from various Salesian houses in the Philippines North Province (FIN) came together for a pilgrimage accompanying the images and relics of Blessed Laura Vicuña, Blessed Albert Marvelli and Blessed Ceferino Namuncura.

At 8:00 am, pilgrims from the different Salesian schools, training centers, oratories, seminaries and parishes converged at Don Bosco Canlubang for the send-off liturgy. Fr Gerardo Martin, SDB, Rector of the Prenovitiate Seminary led the rite. Fr Gaudencio Carandang, SDB, Delegate on Youth Ministry gave final instructions about the convoy en route to Mary Help of Christians Center for Spirituality in Batulao, Nasugbu, Batangas (south of Manila).

Pilgrims arrived at Don Bosco Batulao at 10:00 am. Volunteer facilitators introduced and assisted the pilgrims to the "Camino Walk"--first of a series of key events of the pilgrimage. With the relics of the three young saints leading the bare-footed pilgrims to the Chapel of the Adolescent Jesus (more commonly known as The Chapel on the Hill and a famous chapel for weddings in the Philippines) where they gathered for the Eucharistic Celebration.

The statues and relics of the blesseds were enthroned on the pillars of the chapel. Some students accompanied by a Salesian sister enthroned Bl. Laura Vicuña, while the Postnovice brothers and young professed placed Namuncura and Marvelli respectively on their pedestals.

Fr Eligio Cruz, SDB, FIN Provincial Superior, celebrated the Mass and delivered the homily highlighting the heroism and holiness of the young saints, challenging the pilgrims to imitate them.

Divided into smaller groups, the pilgrims, went to separate venues at 1:30 pm for the Stations of Saints. They were led through a reflection of the beatitudes--blessed are the meek and humble of heart, blessed are the peacemakers, and blessed are those who mourn.

After which there was the blessing of the Totem Pole / Pillar of the Risen Christ as a landmark for the youth pilgrims. The image on the pillar is an anime version of the risen Christ sculpted on wood. Fr Eli blessed it. A flash mob dance of the popular song "Firework" concluded the blessing.

Afterwards, the pilgrims began their walk to the "Mountain of Salvation" (a garden dedicated to our blessed lady where she appears to a visionary named Emma). They carried banners depicting different images of Mary accompanied by statements of devotion.

The scholars from DB Batulao staged a pantomime-dance that dramatically retold the life of Our Blessed Lady.

The pilgrims wrote their prayers and burned incenses for the Blessed Lady, generally asking her to accompany them in their journey ahead, towards holiness.

Each pilgrim received a scapular and the send-off blessing was bestowed. By groups, they continued the journey back to their settings filled with joy and optimism.

This happened on the First Friday of February, and the Memorial of Bl. Pius IX. It is the conclusion of the three-month-long pilgrimage of the images and relics of the 3 young saints to the Salesian communities of FIN and part of the province's preparation for the bicentenary of the birth of Saint John Bosco.

Published on 11/02/2014