The Pauline Family Jubilee Pilgrimage 2025

The Pauline Family Jubilee Pilgrimage 2025 is an initiative of the Superiors General of the Pauline Family. The theme for this year is: “Reconciliation in the Pauline Family.”

In the Philippines, the pilgrimage was held on September 14, 2025, Feast of the Exaltation of the Cross, at Our Lady of Sorrows Parish in Pasay, Manila - a pilgrim church run by the Society of St. Paul. While there were over 112 registered participants, more joined the event, making the celebration even more meaningful.

Station I was observed by participants in their respective places before proceeding to Our Lady of Sorrows Parish. Station II was held outside the “Porta Sancta” of the parish, where all participants passed through the Holy Door. Station III took place inside the church, marked by the Exposition and Adoration of the Blessed Sacrament. Simultaneously, some SSP priests were available for the Sacrament of Reconciliation. Station IV was the celebration of the Holy Eucharist, concelebrated and presided over by Rev. Fr. Norman Melchor Peña, SSP.

In his homily, Msgr. Gerry Santos invited the congregation to imagine putting on Christ and seeing what He saw from the Cross. He shared how Jesus saw Jerusalem and wept for her, how He saw His enemies, and even the tomb He would be laid in - a tomb He did not own, symbolizing His poverty from birth to death.

From the Cross, Jesus also saw His Mother, and entrusted her to His beloved disciple, John, saying, “This is your son.” Mary, though full of sorrow, was not weeping; rather, her courageous stance at the foot of the Cross reflected her deep sharing in the suffering of her Son.

Msgr. Santos reflected that Jesus must have also seen Fr. James Alberione, our Founder, who carried many crosses: frail health, misunderstandings - even from fellow clergy - financial difficulties, and the loss of his close friend, Timothy Giaccardo. Yet, through it all, Fr. Alberione cooperated with God's grace and persevered, founding five religious congregations, four secular institutes, and the Association of Pauline Cooperators.

Jesus saw, too, our country - the Philippines, and the current challenges: political turmoil, economic instability, and the cries of the poor seeking justice and compassion. In the midst of this suffering, we ask: “Is there still hope for a better world?” Jesus responds to each of us: “I am with you and will never abandon you.”

During this Jubilee of Hope, we are reminded that Jesus is our sure Hope, and He will never disappoint those who trust in Him.

The day concluded with simple take-home snacks. Everyone left with joyful hearts, united in the belief that Blessed James Alberione, our Founder, was smiling from heaven - seeing his sons and daughters together in prayer. Blessed James Alberione, pray for us.

Sr. Lucia C. Olalia, sjbp