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A MOTHER’S VISIT TO HER SON: QUIAPO AND ANTIPOLO UNITED IN A YEARLY PILGRIMAGE OF FAITH AND PEACE

May. 01, 2026 04:35 PM

Manila / Antipolo, Philippines — Each year, two of the country’s most beloved devotions meet once more in a tradition deeply cherished by Filipino Catholics. Known as “Pagdalaw ng Ina sa Anak”—the Visit of the Mother to the Son—this sacred encounter continues to unite the Minor Basilica and National Shrine of Jesus Nazareno and the Antipolo Cathedral in a shared pilgrimage of faith, hope, and peace.

This year’s celebration drew thousands of devotees, carrying a collective intention that reached beyond local communities: prayers for peace in the Middle East and in all places burdened by conflict.

A Sacred Arrival in Quiapo

With deep devotion, the Our Lady of Good Voyage—lovingly known as the Birhen ng Antipolo—was warmly welcomed in Quiapo.

Her journey began at dawn with a solemn motorcade from Antipolo. Yet for many, it was more than a physical transfer; it became a spiritual pilgrimage. Along the route, daily life paused. Families stepped outside their homes, vendors halted their work, and drivers made the sign of the cross. Prayer filled the air as the Blessed Mother made her way to Manila, symbolically bridging Marian devotion and the deep love for the Jesus Nazareno.

At around 10:00 in the morning on April 28, the image arrived safely at Quiapo Church. Parish organizations, ministries, volunteers, and the Hijos del Nazareno gathered in anticipation. She was welcomed through a vibrant Karakol dance—music’s beating, feet moving, and hands raised in a joyful expression of Filipino faith. It was, in many ways, a heartfelt greeting: “Welcome again, Mama Mary.” (Maligayang pagdating muli, Mama Mary).

One of the most moving moments of the day came when the image of the Blessed Mother was brought face to face with the revered image of Jesus Nazareno. It was a simple yet powerful encounter—Mother and Son meeting once again, representing two devotions that have guided generations of the faithful.

At 12:15 PM, the community gathered for the Welcome Mass presided over by Fr. Keith Buenaventura. During the celebration, the faithful entrusted their personal journeys to the maternal care of Our Lady of Good Voyage.

In his homily, Fr. Keith reflected on the Gospel of the Good Shepherd:
“My sheep hear my voice; I know them, and they follow me.” (Nakikinig ang aking mga tupa sa aking tinig; nakikilala ko sila, at sila ay sumusunod sa akin).

He spoke about the challenge of recognizing God’s voice amid the noise of modern life—noise from social media, politics, and even within our own hearts. “There is so much noise around us,” (Napakaraming ingay sa ating paligid) he shared, “that sometimes we fail to recognize the voice of the Shepherd. But those who truly belong to Him are those who listen.” (Minsan, hindi natin nakikilala ang tinig ng Pastol. Ngunit ang tunay na kabilang sa Kanya ay ang mga nakikinig).

From Quiapo to Antipolo: A Walk for Peace

Days after the visit, the devotion continued—not through a motorcade, but through a journey on foot.

On the night of April 30, a solemn farewell Mass was celebrated at Quiapo Church, presided over by Bishop Ruperto Cruz Santos. His message to the faithful was both simple and profound:

“Offer each step—for peace, for healing, and for someone who cannot walk this road with you.”
(Ialay ang bawat hakbang—para sa kapayapaan, para sa kagalingan, at para sa mga hindi kayang maglakad sa landas na ito kasama mo.)

This year’s Alay Lakad para sa Kapayapaan (Penitential Walk for Peace) carried a deeply urgent intention: prayers for an end to war in the Middle East and for peace in every home and nation where conflict persists.

Following the Mass, a solemn Dungaw—the ceremonial appearance—of Our Lady of Loreto was held, offering a final blessing to the pilgrims. Soon after, the streets transformed into a moving sanctuary.

Hundreds of devotees walked through the night—parish groups, ministries, families, and first-time pilgrims. Some prayed the rosary softly, others sang hymns, while many walked in silence, carrying personal intentions in their hearts. Sacred images of the Blessed Mother, the Jesus Nazareno, and Saint Joseph accompanied the journey, mounted on carrozas, andas, and even simple vehicles—turning the pilgrimage into a living procession of faith.

A Journey Fulfilled

After hours of walking, sacrifice, and prayer, the image of the Virgin of Antipolo arrived at her Cathedral at exactly 4:22 AM. Devotees who had waited through the night welcomed the pilgrims with applause and tears. It was a moment of fulfillment—tired feet, yet hearts overflowing.

To conclude the journey, a Thanksgiving Mass was celebrated by Fr. Jade Licuanan, formally opening the pilgrimage season in Antipolo and sealing the experience with gratitude and renewed faith.

In his reflection, Fr. Jade shared an image that deeply resonated with many. He spoke of the gamo-gamo—a moth—seemingly small, quiet, and harmless. Yet over time, it can become like termites, silently eating away at structures from within. He likened this to hidden forces that weaken a person’s life: unhealthy habits, harmful systems, and destructive patterns in society.

In contrast, he reminded the faithful that prayer works in a similar yet life-giving way. Like the moth, it may seem silent and unnoticed, but it carries immense power.
“Do you believe that?” (Naniniwala ka ba diyan?) he asked.
“Prayer may appear simple, but it can be the most powerful weapon in the world.” (Ang panalangin ay maaaring tila simple lamang, ngunit ito ang maaaring maging pinakamakapangyarihang sandata sa buong mundo).

He emphasized that this is the very weapon of the Blessed Virgin Mary—her strength rooted not in noise, but in constant and faithful prayer.

Why We Continue to Walk

“Pagdalaw ng Ina sa Anak” and the Walk for Peace are more than annual traditions. They are living expressions of faith—reminders that devotion is not meant to remain still. It moves. It journeys. It endures.

In a world often divided by distance, conflict, and noise, the unity between Quiapo and Antipolo offers a powerful witness: that faith can bring people together, that prayer can cross boundaries, and that hope can be carried forward step by step.

We walk for peace in the Middle East.
We walk for peace in our homes.
We walk because we believe that every step offered in love reaches God.

And year after year, we will continue to walk.

Viva La Virgen de Antipolo!
Viva Poong Jesus Nazareno!

 

 

 

 

 

Marion Allen B. Albaladejo ‎Worship Chair – HDN Central