The 'spiritual journey' of the Virgin of Guadalupe in 54 churches across the Philippines
The sacred image is expected to arrive in Manila on 13 June. The goal is to strengthen the faith and give hope to the faithful across the country. This pilgrimage seeks to be "as open as possible" and welcome "people from all over”. A stop is planned at the 132nd Plenary Assembly of the Bishops’ Conference.
Manila, Philippines – Church leaders and Marian devotees started the 2026 Philippine Visit of the Pilgrim Image of Our Lady of Guadalupe, which will take place in 54 churches across the country.
The initiative's vision and pastoral direction were at the centre of a press conference on 25 March at the Ramon Magsaysay Center with the image set to arrive in Manila on 13 June 2026.
The people in charge of the pilgrimage called it an important spiritual journey meant to strengthen faith and give Filipinos hope.
JesCom Productions, a Jesuit-run communication ministry, started with an audio-visual presentation that put the Philippine visit in the context of global preparations for the 500th anniversary of the apparitions of Our Lady of Guadalupe in Tepeyac, Mexico, in 1531.
Ernest L. Escaler, head of the Guadalupe Pilgrimage Committee, talked about how the idea came about and how many people worked to make it happen. He noted how big the pilgrimage is and how it is meant to be as open as possible so that people from all over can take part.
Bishop Jose Colin M. Bagaforo of Kidapawan, who serves as spiritual director of the pilgrimage, talked about how important the Marian visit is at a time when many Filipinos are having trouble with money in an uncertain world, amid social problems.
He repeated the message of Our Lady of Guadalupe, using her words to Saint Juan Diego as an example: "Am I not here, your mother? Are you not safe and sound with me?”
Joel Layog of Gourmet Farms, Inc. spoke about the pilgrimage route, noting that the image of Our Lady will visit 54 churches, cathedrals, and shrines in Luzon, Visayas, and Mindanao from 13 June to December 2026.
The trip will include a stop at the 132nd Plenary Assembly of the Catholic Bishops' Conference of the Philippines in Ozamiz City before reaching the permanent installation at the Manila Cathedral in Intramuros, Manila.
Organisers called the months-long trip a national and devotional event that could bring together dioceses and communities in prayer, reflection, and support.
As the June arrival gets closer, Church leaders said they hope that the visit of the Pilgrim Image of Our Lady of Guadalupe will bring spiritual renewal and unity to Filipinos all over the country, giving them comfort and inspiration.
The Philippines is the largest Catholic country in Asia, with 80 per cent of its population being Catholic.
For a long time, Filipinos have shown their devotion to Our Lady of Guadalupe. In 1935, Pope Pius XI named her the "Heavenly Patroness of the Philippine Islands."
The National Shrine in Makati City, which is part of the Archdiocese of Manila, is a well-known and historically important parish that serves as a devotional centre. The oldest shrine in the country is in Pagsanjan, Laguna.
The Shrine of Our Lady of Guadalupe (Pagsanjan, Laguna) is one of many churches named after Our Lady of Guadalupe. It is known as the oldest church in the Philippines that she supports, and its history goes back to the time of Spanish colonisation.
In the Philippines, people regard her as a protector, and she frequently receives honours in Cebu, central Philippines, and other locations. Her feast day is 12 December, every year.
The devotion to Our Lady of Guadalupe in the Philippines comes from the 1531 apparitions in Mexico, and it has been a part of the local culture for hundreds of years.
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