Catholic faithful around metro Manila and other neighboring cities and towns trekked to the International Shrine of Our Lady of Peace and Good Voyage for Holy Thursday until Good Friday morning in remember the sacrifices of Jesus Christ.
According to the Philippine National Police (PNP) in Antipolo, almost 5 million devotees trekked to Antipolo City. The yearly penitential walk was put on hold for three years because of the COVID outbreak. Every Holy Thursday and Good Friday, as part of their penitential vow, individuals from Quiapo Church, other areas of Metro Manila, and adjacent villages in the Rizal Province participate in the “Alay Lakad,” a Lenten practice that involves walking toward the Antipolo Cathedral—some even on bare feet. This year’s penitential is different from the one that starts in Quiapo Church. The Alay Lakad in Quiapo takes place after the event’s farewell Mass, which typically concludes at around 6 o’clock. When the statue of Our Lady of Peace and Good Voyage arrives at the Antipolo Cathedral at around 5 am on May 1, the 33-kilometer penitential walk ends with a joyous liturgy. The penitential walk in Quiapo Church signifies the visitation of mother to his son. The people who participated in Antipolo’s Alay Lakad or penitential walk, trek for personal reason. The traditional walk-in Antipolo is the sacred journey or visitation of holy pilgrimage to ask for forgiveness, blessing, and to express gratitude. For me, the “Alay Lakad” in Antipolo is more interesting and enjoyable, especially for the youth. Most of the penitential walkers at the International Shrine in Antipolo Cathedral are youths. They are participating the “Alay Lakad” because they are invited by their friends, and then it became their tradition. Regardless of the initial motivations they had for joining, the youth can still exercise their belief and participate in the celebration of the sacrifices of Christ. When the young people enter the cathedral, the deacon noted that they continue to make the sign of the cross, reflect, and pray.
During the penitential walk there are vendors selling a variety of snacks and refreshments throughout the Alay Lakad route. There are also families whose yearly vow is to give free snacks and water to the participants of penitential walk. After the Catholic Bishops’ Conference announced that the Antipolo Cathedral is now elevated as an International Shrine in accordance with the decree issued by the Vatican. People have become more interested in visiting the International Shrine of Our Lady of Good Voyage, formerly known as the National Shrine of Our Lady of Good Voyage.
