Parish gathering • Completed
Parish General Assembly: Preparing Together for the Coming of Our Mother
A Parish Gathering in Preparation for the Guadalupe Philippine Pilgrimage
- Date
- Time
- 1:00 PM
- Gathered
- All parish workers
On July 26, 2026, parish workers from the different ministries and services of the Diocesan Shrine and Parish of Our Lady of Guadalupe gathered for the Parish General Assembly in preparation for the much-anticipated arrival of the Pilgrim Images of Our Lady of Guadalupe in September.
Attended by parish workers from across the community, the gathering officially marked the kickoff of the parish's nine-week spiritual preparation for the pilgrimage.
The assembly was facilitated by our Parochial Vicar, Rev. Fr. Myro Jacer Pineda, who led the parish workers through an important question: Why are we preparing?
More than simply preparing for a series of parish activities, the assembly reminded everyone that the coming pilgrimage is first and foremost a spiritual journey—an opportunity for the parish community to welcome Our Lady of Guadalupe and, through her, draw closer to her Son, Jesus.
Official parish theme
Guadalupe Philippine PilgrimageMadre PeregrinaInang Aming Gabay, Kasama sa Paglalakbay
The theme presents Our Lady as the Pilgrim Mother who does not simply wait for us at the destination—she accompanies us along the way. As Inang Aming Gabay, she lovingly points us toward her Son, Jesus, and teaches us to continue the journey with faith, hope, and trust.
Throughout the Guadalupe Philippine Pilgrimage, the theme also reminds us that no pilgrim travels alone. Our Mother walks with us, and we are called to accompany one another as one parish community—especially in moments of weariness, uncertainty, and prayer.
Who is coming?
Fr. Myro also introduced the parish workers to another question: Who is coming?
The assembly presented the Pilgrim Images that will be visiting our parish, the Madre Peregrina, the Tilma, and the image of Juan Diego, helping everyone understand the significance of their coming and the special grace and responsibility entrusted to the parish as we welcome these sacred images.
Our preparation begins in the heart.
From there, the parish workers were oriented on the nine-week spiritual preparation leading toward the pilgrimage. This preparation is meant to help the entire parish journey together—not simply by preparing the physical spaces and activities, but by preparing our hearts to receive Our Mother.
One parish preparing together
Different ministries. One shared mission.
Preparing every part of the pilgrimage
The assembly also presented the full schedule of the pilgrimage, giving the different ministries and parish workers a clearer picture of the many activities and celebrations that will take place throughout the visit.
With such a significant parish-wide undertaking, the assembly also became an opportunity to clarify the different committees and responsibilities assigned for each task.
From liturgy and formation to logistics, welcoming pilgrims, communications, and the many other details that need to be attended to, every ministry and every parish worker has an important role to play.
Called to work together
But perhaps the most important reminder of the afternoon was that no single person, ministry, or committee can do this alone. The pilgrimage calls the parish to work together.
Different ministries.
Different gifts.
Different responsibilities.
But one parish community, preparing to welcome one Mother.
The General Assembly was therefore more than an orientation. It was a reminder that before we prepare the church, the programs, the schedules, and everything else that needs to be done, we must first prepare ourselves.
Our Mother is coming. And as a parish, we want to welcome her not simply with a beautiful program, but with a prepared and united home—a community ready to receive her, to listen to her, and to be led by her ever closer to Jesus.
The work of preparation has begun.
Nine weeks of spiritual preparation. One pilgrimage.
One parish community. One Mother whom we joyfully await.
May this journey bring our parish closer together and, through Our Lady of Guadalupe, closer to her Son.
The journey has begun
Our Mother is coming.
Let us prepare our home. Let us prepare our hearts.
Our Lady of Guadalupe, pray for us.Return to spiritual preparation