Manila – This year, the pilgrimage for the special children of Guanella Center included a stop at three different religious locations: The National Shrine of Padre Pio, the Convent of Saint Claire, and The National Shrine of the Rosary.
Over 100 people attended the pilgrimage from both Guanella Home and Guanella Center; caretakers, volunteers, family, and religious. Fr. Charleton Viray, SdC, was the tour guide and he shared some very interesting, inspirational, and grace-filled information about the holy places, and the saints they are dedicated to. For instance, he explained how Padre Pio was given the grace of the stigmata (which is a supernatural gift of suffering and visibly bearing the wounds of Christ) and of bi-location (which is a supernatural gift of being able to be in more than one place at the same time.) Likewise, he shared how Saint Claire (the foundress of the Poor Claires) was a close friend and disciple of Saint Francis of Assisi.
Besides gaining new knowledge, the pilgrims also joined together in prayer (praying a decade or two of the Holy Rosary at each of the three stops), and we also shared a wonderful lunch.
After the religious experience, the pilgrimage ended at Quezon City Circle Memorial to enjoy the playground rides and share a delicious merienda (afternoon tea). All in all, it was a very blessed and grace-filled day, enjoyed by each person who participated.
Servants of Charity 