Last October 11, 2025, I had the
privilege of presiding over the fiesta vigil Mass of Our Lady of the Pillar in
Zamboanga upon the invitation of Abp. Julius Tonel. The following day, we joined the
solemn afternoon procession from the cathedral to the shrine and concelebrated
the fiesta Mass, witnessing firsthand the extraordinary fervor and devotion of
the faithful. Even after the principal Mass, thousands continued lining up to
enter the shrine for succeeding liturgies. The streets were so filled with
pilgrims that vehicles could no longer pass; we had to walk some distance
before finding motorcycles to bring us back to our residence near the port.
The devotion centers on the Archdiocesan
Shrine of Nuestra Señora del Pilar, located within the historic Fort Pilar,
built in 1635. Our Lady of the Pillar, canonically crowned in 1960, is
venerated as the “Mother of Zamboanga,” her feast on October 12 marking the
highlight of the Zamboanga Hermosa Festival. The archbishop invited me
precisely to witness this vibrant faith as he prepares to petition for the
shrine’s elevation as a national shrine.
Amid the celebrations, we also
took time to visit some of the city’s landmarks, including the boulevard and
local parks—an opportunity to appreciate the city's spiritual and cultural richness.
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