MANILA, Philippines - In celebration of the Holy Rosary Month of October, Green Faith Travels brings Marian devotees to Pangasinan for a “Pilgrimage of Faith and Heritage” to three major churches on Saturday, Oct. 27.
These are the Shrine of Our Lady of the Rosary of Manaoag and the Metropolitan Cathedral of Saint John the Evangelist in Dagupan City, where they may obtain papal blessings and plenary indulgence, and the Parish Church of Saints Peter and Paul in Calasiao, one of only 33 colonial churches declared a “National Cultural Treasure” in the country by the National Commission for Culture and the Arts (NCCA).
Pilgrims will also visit the Shrine of Señor Divino Tesoro (Divine Treasure) across the Church of Calasiao. The “most divine image of our Lord Jesus Crucified” is venerated by the faithful who have received or are seeking His divine help and blessings.
The Shrine of Our Lady of the Rosary and the Cathedral of Saint John were granted the “Special Bond of Spiritual Affinity” in April 2011 and Feb. 2012, respectively, by two of only four papal basilicas in the world: Papal Basilica of Saint Mary Major and Papal Basilica of Saint Paul Outside the Walls.
The Catholic faithful who visit and pray in these churches gain the spiritual benefits of the Church as if they actually visited these papal basilicas located in Rome.
The Parish Church of Saints Peter and Paul, on the other hand, is the second oldest but well-preserved church in Pangasinan, with its centuries-old artifacts, painted ceilings, a Baroque retablo and a convent. The National Historical Commission considers its preservation of utmost importance.
The pilgrimage tour cost of P2,500 per person includes round-trip transport via air-conditioned tourist bus, breakfast, lunch, snacks, water, juice packs, a pilgrim’s kit with two blessed candles from the Shrine of Our Lady of the Rosary of Manaoag. Deadline for payment of registration fee is on or before Wednesday, Oct. 17.
For information, call Judit Mangahis at (0917) 667-2942 and Edwin Galvez at (0928) 431-2087, email greenfaithtravels@gmail.com and greenfaithtravels@yahoo.com or visit facebook.com/greenfaithtravels.