Leyte names new pilgrim churches

MANILA, Philippines – Churches badly damaged by Super Typhoon Yolanda in Leyte are now pilgrim sites.

Palo, Leyte Archbishop John Du issued a decree declaring the renovated Metropolitan Cathedral of Our Lord’s Transfiguration in Palo, Leyte and the Sto. Niño Church in Tacloban City as two of eight pilgrim churches in the Archdiocese of Palo, the CBCPNews reported yesterday.

The declaration of the eight pilgrim churches is in line with observance of the Jubilee year of mercy.

The six other pilgrim churches are the Redemptorist Parish in Tacloban City; St. Joseph in Dagami, Leyte; St. Francis Xavier in Abuyog; Holy Cross in Carigara; Saints Peter and Paul in Ormoc City; and the St. Francis Xavier in Palompon.

The designation of these pilgrim churches was in accordance with the decree of Pope Francis enjoining each diocese to name its cathedral and other big churches as such for the Jubilee and to open the door of mercy for the pilgrims.

Fr. Wilson Chu, co-parish priest of Sto. Niño Church, said churchgoers, who are in proper disposition and who received the sacrament of reconciliation and holy communion, prayed for the Holy Father’s intentions and entered the door of mercy on the same day, will gain plenary indulgence.

Du, meanwhile, urged the faithful to follow the mandate on this extraordinary Jubilee year of mercy.

These are to ask for the mercy of God, be merciful and create a structure of mercy.