Pilgrimage Information
Welcome, Pilgrims of Hope!
As we journey through the Jubilee Year 2025, we welcome you to the National Shrine and Parish of Our Lady of Mercy of Novaliches—your sacred destination, a place of grace, mercy, and renewal. Designated as one of the Jubilee Churches of the Diocese of Novaliches, this shrine invites you to walk in faith, reflect, and encounter the compassionate love of Ina ng Awa, Our Lady of Mercy.
What is a Jubilee Year?
A Jubilee Year is a special time of celebration and renewal in the Catholic Church. Rooted in the Book of Leviticus (25:10), it is a season of restoration—where debts are forgiven, hearts are healed, and hope is rekindled.
The Jubilee reminds us of the mission of Jesus, who came to proclaim freedom to captives and good news to the poor (Luke 4:18). It’s a time to return to God, receive His mercy, and grow in faith.
Since the first Holy Year was declared in 1300, Jubilees have been moments of deep spiritual renewal. The Jubilee of Hope 2025, declared by Pope Francis, continues this beautiful tradition, calling all of us to become “Pilgrims of Hope.”
Why “Pilgrims of Hope”?
In today’s world, marked by uncertainty, division, and trials, the Holy Father reminds us that hope is our light. Inspired by Romans 5:5—“Hope does not disappoint”—the theme encourages every Catholic to take a spiritual journey rooted in faith, trust, and love.
As pilgrims, we are called to walk forward with courage, bearing witness to Christ’s love and becoming signs of hope for those who feel lost, burdened, or forgotten.
What is a Jubilee Church?
A Jubilee Church is a place chosen for pilgrims to receive special spiritual graces during the Holy Year. These churches, designated by the local bishop, are doors of mercy—places of prayer, rest, and encounter.
By visiting a Jubilee Church and fulfilling the spiritual requirements, pilgrims may receive a plenary indulgence, which is a full remission of the temporal punishment due to sin.
The requirements include:
- Sincere detachment from all sin
- Sacramental Confession
- Receiving Holy Communion
- Praying for the intentions of the Holy Father
- Passing through the Jubilee Door
At the National Shrine and Parish of Our Lady of Mercy of Novaliches, our Jubilee Door is open to welcome all who seek healing, renewal, and peace.
Our Jubilee Door in Novaliches
On April 9, 2021, as part of the 500 Years of Christianity celebration in the Philippines, the Jubilee Door of Mercy at our Shrine was solemnly opened by Bishop Roberto Gaa, D.D. This door remains a powerful sign of God’s open heart—inviting everyone to enter, pray, and receive His mercy through the loving intercession of Ina ng Awa.
What is a Pilgrimage?
A pilgrimage is a journey made with faith and purpose. Since ancient times, believers have traveled to sacred places to pray, give thanks, and ask for God’s help.
The word comes from Latin—“per ager” (across the fields)—symbolizing a journey beyond the familiar, a crossing into something holy.
In Scripture, Abraham’s journey to the Promised Land and Jesus’ path to Jerusalem are examples of faith in motion. Pilgrimage is more than physical travel—it is an inner walk with God.
Pilgrimage Passport Guidelines
To guide your spiritual journey, each pilgrim is encouraged to bring a Jubilee Passport, available at any designated Jubilee Church.
Inside you’ll find:
- Jubilee Catechesis – Understand the meaning of the Jubilee
- Church Profiles & QR Codes – Connect with each church’s social media for Mass schedules and information
- Prayers – Specific prayers for use during your visit
- Checklist for Indulgence – To ensure you meet the requirements for plenary indulgence
Visit as many Jubilee Churches as you can—and open your heart to the graces God is offering you in this holy season.
Jubilee Churches in the Diocese of Novaliches
The Diocese of Novaliches is blessed to have 8 designated Jubilee Churches:
- Cathedral Shrine and Parish of the Good Shepherd (Novaliches Cathedral)
- National Shrine and Parish of Our Lady of Mercy of Novaliches
- Diocesan Shrine and Parish of Our Lady of Fatima – Urduja
- Our Lady of the Annunciation Parish and Shrine of the Incarnation
- Santuario de San Vicente de Paul: Shrine of the Poor
- Santuario Di San Paolo: Shrine of New Evangelization
- St. Peter Parish: Shrine of Leaders
- San Bartolome De Novaliches Parish
A Sacred Invitation
Pilgrimage is not just about where you walk—it’s about where your heart is going.
Come to the Shrine. Pass through the Jubilee Door. Spend time in prayer. Let Ina ng Awa wrap you in her mantle and lead you closer to her Son, Jesus.