One Saturday morning on September 19, 2026, Teresian Association (TA) and Moviemiento IT (MIT) members in Luzon with Saint Pedro Poveda College community, scholars of Elisa Giambelluca and Pedro Poveda Foundation (two hundred twenty-five pilgrims in total), went on a pilgrimage to the National Shrine of Our Lady of the Miraculous Medal which is located on the mid-hill of Sucat, Parañaque overlooking Laguna de Bay.
This pilgrimage is our gesture of solidarity with the members of the entire Association in fulfilling the annual promise of thanksgiving to Our Lady of Covadonga.
On our way to the shrine, we recited the Holy Rosary and maintained an atmosphere of silence and prayer in our respective vehicle, as an immediate preparation for this year’s pilgrimage. The Parish Priest, Fr. Marcelo Manimtim of the Congregation of the Mission (Vincentians), welcomed us with a brief history of Our Lady’s appearance to St. Catherine of Laboure and how the images around the church were designed.
Charisse Raagas with Christine Joy Latuga began the ritual with the rationale of the celebration. This was followed by the song Bajo tu amparo. Ms. Arlene Gallano, Atty. Carla Cocueco, a teacher, parent and an alumna from Saint Pedro Poveda College, gave their testimonies of their devotion to Our Lady and her influence in their life of faith. The last testimony was shared by Mayette Bugaoan.
After every other sharing, there was a floral offering accompanied by a prayer of gratitude and an intercessory prayer for the intentions of the youth, vocations, families, the Teresian Association and its missionary endeavors.
At the end, medals of our Lady were pinned on the participants as a symbol of holding the graces promised to those who wear the medal.
In the Eucharistic celebration that followed, and based on the Gospel of the sower and the seed, the Priest Presider invited everyone to focus on the kind of soil we are and nurture it in order to be more receptive to the Word like our Blessed Mother.
Everyone relished the solemnity and tenderness of the experience as we headed back home.
Texts: Elna L. Lauresta. Quezon City, Philippines
Photos: Sprirituality Center, POVEDA College.
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