A Pilgrimage of Hope and Healing with San Ezekiel Moreno

Antipolo City, Philippines — In continuation of the Pilgrimage of Hope and Healing with San Ezekiel Moreno, the Saint Ezekiel Moreno Novitiate-Recoletos organized a pilgrimage on October 13, 2024, to the Diocesan Shrine of St. Pio of Pietrelcina in Antipolo City. United in honoring Saint Ezekiel Moreno, the patron saint of cancer patients, the pilgrimage brought together novices, pre-novices, members of the Secular Augustinian Recollect Fraternity (SARF), the Recollect Augustinian Youth (RAY), and the Confraternity of Augustinian Altar Servers (CARAS).

The event featured a solemn enthronement of St. Ezekiel Moreno’s relic, presided over by Rev. Fr. Alexander Enhaynes, the rector and parish priest of the Diocesan Shrine of St. Pio of Pietrelcina. This was followed by a Eucharistic Celebration led by Rev. Fr. Rommel Rubia, OAR, the Novice Master, with other priests from the religious community concelebrating.

In his homily, Fr. Rommel Rubia, OAR, reflected on the importance of the first-class bone relic of St. Ezekiel Moreno, a gift from Rome, now enshrined at the novitiate. He explained that the relic is “not only a gift to the seminary but also a gift to the local church,” representing St. Ezekiel Moreno’s enduring legacy and his role as a source of hope and strength for those who face life’s trials. He acknowledged the personal struggles everyone bears, reminding the faithful, “Sometimes we feel that we cannot carry them alone, but with the strength, comfort, and power of Jesus, everything becomes bearable.” He encouraged all present to follow St. Ezekiel Moreno’s example by nurturing a personal relationship with God and relying on His love, mercy, and compassion.

Cardona, Rizal—On November 3, 2024, the pilgrimage continued at the Diocesan Shrine of Our Lady of the Most Holy Rosary in Cardona, Rizal. Rev. Fr. Reynante Tolentino, the shrine’s parish priest, warmly received the community and led the enthronement of St. Ezekiel Moreno’s relic.

The Eucharistic Celebration, presided over by Rev. Fr. Joseph Cyprian Panaligan, OAR, was joined by other priests from the Recollect community. Fr. Panaligan shared insights into the life and mission of St. Ezekiel Moreno, emphasizing his deep love for the Filipino people. His stories of St. Ezekiel’s compassion and strength inspired the faithful to live with love, resilience, and a spirit of service, especially in times of hardship.

After the Mass, numerous parishioners gathered, seeking St. Ezekiel Moreno’s intercession for hope and healing. Moved by his legacy as a symbol of resilience, they prayed for guidance and support, particularly for those facing physical, emotional, and spiritual challenges. A special anointing of the sick ceremony added to the atmosphere of hope, with the presence of the relics offering comfort and inspiring faith among the community. This powerful moment underscored the deep devotion of those present, unified in prayer and strengthened by the promise of healing through faith.

This pilgrimage was a significant chapter in the community’s spiritual journey, honoring St. Ezekiel Moreno’s legacy and drawing strength from his intercession. With each visit, the faithful continued to build their relationship with God, embracing St. Ezekiel’s example of love and enduring faith.

St. Ezekiel Moreno, pray for us.