Manila archdiocese issues ‘passports’ for pilgrims

MANILA, Philippines – The Archdiocese of Manila will issue “passports” to pilgrims during the observance of the Jubilee Year of Mercy.

Five pilgrim churches have been chosen by the Manila archdiocese for the faithful’s spiritual journey during the year-long observance, which begins on Dec. 8 on the Solemnity of the Immaculate Conception.

The churches include the Manila Cathedral in Intramuros, Manila; National Shrine of the Sacred Heart in Makati City; Archdiocesan Shrine of the Divine Mercy in Mandaluyong City; Santuario de Santo Cristo in San Juan City, and Our Lady of Sorrows Parish in Pasay City.

Fr. Reginald Malicdem, chancellor of the archdiocese and rector of the Manila Cathedral, said the five churches were chosen for the pilgrimage “because of their connection to mercy.”

When the Catholic Church celebrates the Jubilee Year of Mercy from Dec. 8 to Nov. 20, 2016, two pilgrim seasons —Ash Wednesday until Pentecost and September-November 2016 — have been set for the faithful for their spiritual journey through the five churches.

Manila Archbishop Luis Antonio Cardinal Tagle will lead the celebration of the Holy Year at the Manila Cathedral at 3 p.m. on Dec. 9.

Malicdem said the passport contains a brief history of the churches that the pilgrim has to visit and the churches’ schedule of parish services and activities.

“Rectors and parish priests have been coordinating on how to make pilgrimages meaningful to pilgrims,” he said.

Catholics may start their pilgrimage in any of the five churches where they could get a passport and a certificate of pilgrimage.