Jubilee Pilgrimage in honor of Our Lady of Antipolo at the National Shrine 2025

+ Maria

JUBILEE PILGRIMAGE IN HONOR OF OUR LADY OF ANTIPOLO

On Saturday, 21 June 2025, the National Shrine of Our Lady of Mount Carmel, in collaboration with the Fil-Am Catholic Community of Hudson Valley and the Diocese of Bridgeport, welcomed hundreds of pilgrims from the tri-state area for a jubilee pilgrimage in honor of Our Lady of Antipolo.

The day started with a shrine tour followed by a scriptural rosary meditating on the Joyful Mysteries of Christ’s life. During the rosary, the Sacrament of Reconciliation was available. Afterwards, the pilgrims had a chance to visit the Shrine grounds and gift store. An hour before the Mass, there was a procession of the image of Our Lady of Antipolo around the Shrine grounds. The six-foot-tall statue is an official replica of the image that is in Antipolo, Philippines. Following the procession was the Mass in honor of Our Lady. His Excellency The Most Rev. Ruperto Santos, D.D., Bishop of Antipolo was the main celebrant and homilist. Rev. Gerard Tang Choon, O.Carm., Rector of the National Shrine and Very Rev. Cyrus Bartolome, V.F. of the Diocese of Bridgeport were the main con-celebrants. Seminarian John Bulatao of the Diocese of Brooklyn served as Master of Ceremonies. There were also Carmelite friars present who con-celebrated. The Fil-American Group of Mahopac provided music for the Mass and procession. Also present were members of the Carmelite Sisters for the Aged and Infirm and Parish Visitors of Mary Immaculate.

In his homily, the bishop began by talking about Our Lady of Mount Carmel, her story and the history of the Carmelite Order. He spoke about the obedience of Elijah and Our Lady and how each one of us are called to the same obedience to God. He spoke of always putting Our Lady in the center of our hearts because she leads us to Jesus. He highlighted that the Blessed Mother always comes to us in time of need and encouraged all the pilgrims to turn to her in time of need, especially during this jubilee year of hope.

Following the homily was the solemn coronation of the pilgrim image of Our Lady of Antipolo. It was an honor and privilege for the Bishop of Antipolo himself to crown the official replica image of Our Lady of Antipolo. The Mass proceeded as usual. Following communion, Fr. Gerard Tang Choon, O.Carm. as Rector officially enrolled those present in the brown scapular.

Following the Mass was a fiesta potluck luncheon highlighting the importance of fellowship with the Filipino community. The luncheon was held at the Vietnamese Martyrs Pavilion on the Shrine grounds. There was plenty of food, dancing, and 50/50 raffle. The Honorable Joseph DeStefano, Mayor of Middletown, New York came and spoke about the importance of the Filipinos in the Middletown area.

The Fil-Am Catholic Community of Hudson Valley would like to thank all of those who participated in this jubilee pilgrimage. A special thanks also to Fr. Gerard Tang Choon, O.Carm., Carol Bezak and Anthony Annunziata for all of their support!

 

 

News and photos credit: Fr. Von Eric Maria Sandoval, O.Carm.