The First Filipino Pilgrimage To View St. Padre Pio’s Incorrupt Body

In this day and age of fast travel, fast food, fast living, and fast everything, one barely has the time to really contemplate the more important things in life. Like finding the center amid all the chaos brought about by the fast things in life: the center which happens to be where the soul derives the strength and will to live up to this fast paced world. Let me share with you my center: The Holy Land.

On May 14, 2008, my husband Chito and I spearheaded the 4th Pilgrimage for Sto. Pio. At first we found it difficult to form the core group but through the intercession of Sto. Pio we managed to push through.

With our chaplain priest from Ormoc, Leyte, Fr. Arnold Aurillo, and local guide from Adam’s Travel, Mr. Banatin, off we went to our first destination.

After 3 long connecting flights, we arrived in Tel Aviv, Israel, and met our tour guide in the person of Excie (Romema) a professional licensed Israeli guide. It was at this time we had a taste of our first trial. No sign of one of our bags; it was hard to think it got lost. But it was; practically taken by mistake. But through prayers we got it back.

Our first stop was at the Mount of Beatitudes, where Jesus proclaimed the eight beatitudes. We prayed at St. Peter’s primacy church and proceeded to Tabgha where He fed the multitudes with five loaves and two fish. Then we took an exhilarating ferry boat ride amid singing and praising to the Sea of Galilee. The Sea of Galilee which is shaped like a heart is also called Sea of Tiberias, Lake Kinereth, and Lake Gennesaret. It is 13 miles long and 8 miles wide. It was here that Jesus met Simon Peter, James, and John. Jesus performed many miracles here: stilled the raging storm that was about to swamp their boat; walked on the stormy water to his disciples; preached the Sermon on the Mount; and performed the miracle of the draught of fish.

Later, we drove to Cana where four couples had the privilege of renewing their marriage vows--a moving moment for all of us. We also visited Mount Moriah and saw the Wailing Wall. We observed that acccording to Orthodox practice men and women pray separately at the wall. Petitions written on paper were inserted in the cracks in the stones, so we did the same thing.

We also went to the Mount of Olives’ church built in memory of Jesus’ ascension to heaven. From here you get a glimpse of the Old Jerusalem and Bethlehem, birthplace of Jesus. We remember the glory of the birth of our Saviour at the Church of the Nativity.

From Jerusalem we proceeded to Via Dolorosa (old Jerusalem) where each one of us took turns in carrying the Cross as we sang and felt Christ’s sufferings. It was a very touching experience as we made our way to the most venerated church of the Holy Sepulchre, site of Calvary, where different pilgrims converge to pray and worship. The last drive was through Jordan Valley down to the lowest point on Earth, the Dead Sea. Some of us tested the waters as they say it has healing effects. Of course we also visited the upper room where Jesus with His disciples had the Last Supper and the Holy Spirit descended upon them.

End of Holy Land; we were now heading for Rome to see the Vatican museum at the Sistine chapel and Pietrelcina, hometown of St. Pio the stigmatist who bore the wounds of Christ for 50 years. His body was exhumed last March 2008 and found to be incorrupt. This rites can be seen in a video footage before viewing the body. Our group is considered to be among the first Filipinos to view the incorrupt body of the saint. We had time to meditate and hear mass at the Basilica of our Lady of Grace.

As we proceed with our pilgrimage we also visited Assisi, Florence (good quality leather) and romantic Venice via a private cruise. Some enjoyed the romantic gondola ride while others (like us) were content listening to beautiful music at the square. As we cruised along the Rhine river, we couldn’t help but appreciate the breathtaking scenery as we passed by castles on hillsides, lush greeneries, vineyards, and so on.

Off to Lucerne, we passed snow-covered mountains. En route to board aerial cableway TTTLIS up to the Alps, we were told it was quite windy up there and risky. So our guide opted to bring us instead to Mt. Pilatus. It is really a sight to behold when you’re up there enjoying everything. We had a the time of our lives.

As we ended our pilgrimage we went to Our Lady of the Miraculous Medal and heard a mass for guidance and thanksgiving for this opportunity to see and experience these holy places, meet fellow pilgrims, and share heartwarming moments with them. We were a part of our Lord’s sufferings as we enjoyed all His Creations. This is where I derive my strength – this is my center.