JUBILEE OFHOPE 2025: A LENTENPILGRIMAGEOF FAITH AND RENEWAL

THE Jubilee of Hope 2025, proclaimed by Pope Francis, calls the faithful to embark on a spiritual journey of renewal, prayer, and deeper communion with God. As part of this global celebration of faith, the College of Health Sciences of the Naga College Foundation, Inc., inspired by the Holy Spirit, organized a profound and meaningful Lenten pilgrimage on March 31, 2025 (Monday). This pilgrimage, which brought together Clinical Instructors, Level 4, and Level 3 nursing students, sought to deepen their faith through reflection, prayer, and the grace-filled tradition of visiting nine (9) churches in the Archdiocese of Caceres, six (6) of which were designated Pilgrim Churches, along with three (3) other historically and spiritually significant churches. A pilgrimage, especially within the context of a Jubilee Year, is not merely a physical journey but a profound act of spiritual renewal. Rooted in Sacred Tradition, the Church teaches that such sacred journeys allow the faithful to obtain plenary indulgences, provided that they fulfill the necessary conditions: sacramental confession, reception of the Holy Eucharist, prayer for the intentions of the Holy Father, and a sincere detachment from sin. Pilgrimages serve as an opportunity for Catholics to walk in faith, recalling the journey of Christ and the apostles while seeking grace, healing, and deeper conversion.

The 2025 Lenten Pilgrimage commenced with the Holy Sacrifice of the Mass at Our Lady of Peñafrancia Shrine, celebrated by its Parish Priest, Rev. Fr. Felipe Culvera III, at 7:00 AM. The Holy Eucharist, the source and summit of the Christian life (Lumen Gentium, 11), set the tone for the day’s spiritual exercises. With hearts enkindled by the grace of the Mass, the pilgrims proceeded on their journey to visit the following churches :Second church to be visited is the Our Lady of Porteria, Calabanga. The title “Porteria” signifies “gatekeeper,” reminding the faithful of Mary’s role as the Gate of Heaven (Porta Caeli). Pilgrims were blessed with the imposition of the Manto of Ina, symbolizing protection under the maternal mantle of Our Lady of Peñafrancia. Then, St. Peregrine Parish, Sto. Domingo, Calabanga, home to a first-class relic of St. Peregrine, the patron saint of cancer patients, as well as a second-class relic of St. Dominic, emphasizing devotion to the Rosary and missionary work. The parish also enshrines a relic of St. Josephine Bakhita, known for her witness to faith amidst suffering. A significant moment of the pilgrimage was the “Multiplication of Bread” theme of the shared sumptuous lunch at the Galilea Nipa Hut within the St. Peregrine Parish Grounds, where food overflowed and was enjoyed by everyone. This communal meal, reminiscent of Christ’s miracle, was accompanied by Christian hymns playing in the background, maintaining the prayerful and solemn atmosphere of the pilgrimage. Fourth church is the St. Anne Parish, Magarao dedicated to St. Anne, the grandmother of Christ, reminding pilgrims of the importance of family and intergenerational faith.Fifth church to be visited is the Our Lady of the Assumption, Canaman, commemorating Mary’s Assumption into Heaven, emphasizing her role as the model of Christian hope , then, the Metropolitan Cathedral, Naga City, the mother church of the Archdiocese of Caceres, a historical and spiritual landmark for Marian devotees. Seventh, Archdiocesan Shrine and Parish of St. Jude Thaddeus, Concepcion Grande, Naga City, known in honoring the patron saint of hopeless cases, a beacon of hope and intercession. Eight is at the Immaculate Conception Parish, Concepcion, Naga City, church celebrating the sinless conception of Mary, a testimony to God’s divine plan for salvation. Our Lady of Peñafrancia Basilica and National Shrine, Balatas, Naga City, ninth and the final stop of the pilgrimage, where pilgrims offered prayers to the beloved patroness of Bicolandia.

Throughout the pilgrimage, participants engaged in various spiritual disciplines to fully experience the grace of the Jubilee: Eucharistic Celebration, offering the supreme act of worship through the Holy Mass., the Holy Rosary, meditating on the Joyful, Luminous, Sorrowful, and Glorious Mysteries while kneeling in prayer, Adoration of the Blessed Sacrament, spending silent moments in the Real Presence of Christ, Sacrament of Reconciliation , many pilgrims received the Sacrament of Penance prior to the journey, while the rest will do so this Lenten Season, fulfilling the conditions for a plenary indulgence, Stations of the Cross , reflecting on Christ’s Passion and sacrifice, Veneration of Relics, honoring sacred relics as tangible links to the lives of the saints, candle lighting and petitions, offering prayers for personal intentions and for the needs of the Church, Chaplet of Divine Mercy, seeking forgiveness and mercy for oneself and the whole world, Marian Prayers, including the Memorare and prayers to Our Lady of Peñafrancia and the Meditation on the Seven Sorrows of Mary contemplating the sufferings of the Blessed Mother, uniting personal struggles with hers.

Beyond personal reflection, the pilgrimage also became a channel of charity and mercy. Pilgrims generously assisted the less fortunate, offering alms to beggars at the shrine grounds, embodying the call to love and serve one’s neighbor. The pilgrimage concluded with a moment of fraternal fellowship at PIN Café, Kilometer 5, Pacol, Naga City, where pilgrims shared a simple meal, engaged in leisure walks, and took time to appreciate the beauty of creation. This final gathering echoed the essence of Christian community, fostering unity, joy, and renewal.

In alignment with Pope Francis’ vision for the Jubilee Year 2025, themed “Pilgrims of Hope”, this sacred journey reaffirmed the commitment of the faithful to live as true disciples of Christ. The Holy Year calls believers to rekindle their faith, embrace the Gospel, and spread hope in a troubled world. Pilgrims were encouraged to continue their journey of conversion, reconciliation, and spiritual renewal beyond the physical pilgrimage.

The Jubilee Prayer for 2025, recited fervently throughout the journey, captures the essence of this spiritual endeavor: “Father in heaven, may the faith you have given us in your Son, Jesus Christ, our brother, and the flame of charity enkindled in our hearts by the Holy Spirit, reawaken in us the blessed hope for the coming of your Kingdom... May the grace of the Jubilee reawaken in us, Pilgrims of Hope, a yearning for the treasures of heaven... To you, our God, eternally blessed, be glory and praise forever. Amen.”

The Jubilee Prayer for the Holy Year 2025, themed “Pilgrims of Hope,” is as follows:

“Father in heaven, may the faith you have given us in your son, Jesus Christ, our brother, and the flame of charity enkindled in our hearts by the Holy Spirit, reawaken in us the blessed hope for the coming of your Kingdom. May your grace transform us into tireless cultivators of the seeds of the Gospel. May those seeds transform from within both humanity and the whole cosmos in the sure expectation of a new heaven and a new earth, when, with the powers of Evil vanquished, your glory will shine eternally. May the grace of the Jubilee reawaken in us, Pilgrims of Hope, a yearning for the treasures of heaven. May that same grace spread the joy and peace of our Redeemer throughout the earth. To you our God, eternally blessed, be glory and praise for ever. AMEN.”

Through this pilgrimage, participants were not only strengthened in faith but were also transformed into true Pilgrims of Hope, called to bring Christ’s light to the world. As they returned to their daily lives, the spiritual fruits of their journey—faith, hope, and love—continue to bear witness to the joy of the Gospel. This pilgrimage was not merely an event but a sacred encounter with God, a foretaste of heaven on earth, and a testament to the enduring power of grace and redemption in the life of every believer. VIVA CRISTO REY! VIVA LA VIRGEN!