8 August 2014 - Filipinos and Filipino-Canadians in Toronto and neighboring townships and  municipalities celebrated the 34th Annual Filipino Pilgrimage on August 2 at the Martyrs’ Shrine in Midland, Ontario.  The event is a project of the Archdiocesan Filipino Catholic Mission (AFCM), with this year’s  hosts the Knights of Columbus, Our Lady of the Assumption Council 12582.   

The day-long festivities with the theme, “Remembrance and Hope”,  manifested the Filipinos’ beloved Christian faith and inherent musicality that resonated through the grounds of Canada’s national shrine of its eight  Jesuit martyrs  who lived, worked and died in the 17th century in the name of Christianity. 

The highlights of the day included the  welcome remarks from Fr. Bernard Carroll, Director of the Shrine who praised  the Filipinos’ service to the people of Canada, recalling Christ’s  service to mankind  with love and unselfishness.

The  Holy Mass was concelebrated by visiting Bishop Honesto Ongchoko, D.D. from the Diocese of Cubao,  assisted by Toronto-based Filipino priests Fr. Ben Ebcas, Fr. Pius Alejo and Fr. Sherwin Holandez.

The estimated crowd of 5,000 people  listened attentively to the words of wisdom  conveyed by Bishop Ongchoko  during the  homily, who spoke with deep sincerity accentuated by natural humor and jest to everyone’s delight.

The Phlippine Consulate General in Toronto led by Consul General Junever M. Mahilum-West attended the event and participated in the Offertory part of the Holy Mass.

The Holy Mass concluded with the blessing of the various holy images revered  by the Filipino faithfuls,  notably the Santo Niño and  the Virgin Mary.

After the Holy Mas, a procession to the shrines of Filipino saints, San Lorenzo Ruiz  and San Pedro Calungsod installed on this historic site  was undertaken, followed by a solemn benediction by Bishop Ongchoko. END