THE FIRST of two pilgrimage seasons in the Holy Year of Mercy in the Archdiocese of Manila began Ash Wednesday and will end on Pentecost Sunday, May 15. Pope Francis encourages everyone to make a pilgrimage during the Church’s Extraordinary Jubilee of Mercy.

Manila Archbishop Cardinal Luis Antonio G. Tagle has decreed the following as Jubilee Churches: Cathedral Basilica of the Immaculate Conception (Manila Cathedral), Santuario de Santo Cristo Parish in San Juan, Archdiocesan Shrine of the Sacred Heart in Mandaluyong, National Shrine of the Sacred Heart in Makati and Our Lady of Sorrows Parish in Pasay.

Retreat

Caleruega, the famous retreat house and church of the Dominicans in Nasugbu, Batangas, where many couples have chosen to exchange their marriage vows, is holding the Holy Week Retreat for Married Couples on March 18-20.

“Join us this Palm Sunday weekend and discover Caleruega as a beautiful place to remember your wedding day, renew your relationship with each other and with the Lord, and reflect on how Holy Week can heal you and inspire the love God has given you,” said Fr. Allen de Guzman, O.P. Retreat will have nine sessions beginning at 6 p.m., Friday, until 3 p.m., Sunday.

Aside from Fr. De Guzman, speakers/facilitators will include: Fr. Filemon dela Cruz Jr., O.P., vice rector for religious affairs of the University of Santo Tomas; Jun and Marion Cruz of the Ligaya ng Panginoon Community; Angelo and Bernadette de la Cruz of the retreat ministry of the Archdiocese of Manila; and Raul Roque of the retreat ministry of the Diocese of Caloocan.

Retreat fee per couple is P7, 000 (early-bird discount is P6,000). Fee covers board, lodging, food and retreat materials. Call 09218304226, 09212709890; e-mail [email protected].