The much anticipated day has come for the toughest pilgrimage ever seen in the Philippines: 2000 kilometers on highways and byways, over hills and valleys, across seas separating Mindanao, Visayas and Luzon... to walk Our Lady on her visit throughout the Philippines to beg for grace, guidance and protection.
As darkness slowly descended over Koronadal City, an ancient Latin hymn sounded in Rizal Park "Enixa est puerpera", then some 220 pilgrims knelt on the concrete pavement and four men vested in blue ceremonially opened a tent and revealed the Pilgrim Virgin. A priest incensed the statue and offered a solemn prayer beseeching the Blessed Virgin Mary to visit the homes, chapels, barangays and cities of the Philippines to touch hearts and lead the Filipino people to God. The Pilgrim Virgin was carried to the Altar and placed on a shrine of white flowers. Behind the Altar was a big canvas on which were painted the Immaculate Heart of Mary and Sacred Heart of Jesus with the words "Oratio, Reparatio, Sacrificio".
A sung Mass in honor of the Immaculate Heart of Mary followed. The sermon explained the urgency of preparing for the 100th anniversary of the Fatima apparition. A good number of the people were attending the Latin Mass for the first time.
After the Holy Mass, the priests and pilgrims processed around the city. The Pilgrim Virgin on a carrozza went first to prepare the way for Christ, then followed the walkers, and finally, the priests carrying the Blessed Sacrament. During the procession, a drizzle turned to a real downpour. As rain poured over the face of the thuriferer, the wet censer splattered black soot on his white surplice and on his hands. There was no way for him to wipe his dripping face. Two priests alternated in holding the umbrellino over the monstrance held unwaveringly by the celebrant. The pilgrims were drenched but their torches continued to burn. People in restaurants and offices came out to see what was going on. Some stared in open curiosity, some made the Sign of the Cross, a security guard removed his hat, a disco owner turned off his blaring music, an appliance store manager turned off his demo speakers.
As the pilgrims absorbed the rain water, there were a number of umbrellas that were left unused in their bags. The yearning to offer some little sacrifices was very strong. A sick, elderly Sister, who had only recently been discharged from the hospital slowly ambled along, fervently praying for conversions. Some patients of the Rosa Mystica Health mission came all the way from South Cotabato and Sarangani to pray for the conversion of their families and to express their gratitude and confidence in the tender care of the Blessed Mother of God. Petitions were carried by pilgrims as they prayed and walked with the Pilgrim Virgin.
The procession found its way to the gymnasium in Zone 1 where a Benediction was offered. Pilgrims who had made the 33 day preparation knelt before the Altar and made their Consecration to the Immaculate Heart of Mary according to St Louis Marie de Montfort and St Maximilian Kolbe. "...O admirable Mother, present us to thy dear Son as His slave, now and for always, so that He Who redeemed us through thee, will now receive us through thee..."
Thus commenced our ambitious 2000 kilometer mission tour. Nos cum prole pia benedicat Virgo Maria!
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