The Roman Catholic Archdiocese of Cebu welcomed the pilgrim images of Our Lady of Guadalupe and St. Juan Diego as part of the “Madre Peregrina de México: Our Lady of Guadalupe Philippine Pilgrimage 2026.”

The pilgrimage, which is in line with the Church’s preparation for the 500th anniversary of the Guadalupe apparitions in 2031, proclaims Mary’s message of God’s love and mercy, the dignity of every person, evangelization, and unity among peoples as she journeys with Catholics in prayer.

These pilgrim images, which have come from Mexico, are now enshrined at the Parish and Archdiocesan Shrine of Our Lady of Guadalupe de Cebu starting today, September 4, until Sunday, September 6.

Before arriving at the Shrine, these images were brought in a motorcade from the Archbishop’s Residence with stopovers at the Cebu City Hall and the Cebu Provincial Capitol for short public veneration.

Cebu Archbishop Alberto “Abet” S. Uy presided over the 10:00 AM Welcome Mass. He was joined by the parish team of pastors led by Fr. Joselito Danao (Team Moderator), and visiting priests.

Reflecting on this historic moment in Cebu’s spiritual life, Archbishop Abet said that Our Lady of Guadalupe comes with a mother’s loving gaze, seeing both the beauty and blessings of Cebu as well as the struggles of its people, including poverty, injustice, violence, and environmental challenges. Her visit to Cebu reminds the faithful that God never overlooks those whom society often forgets.

Drawing from Mary’s song of praise in the Magnificat, Archbishop Abet highlighted how Mary made God more visible through her life of humility, obedience, compassion, and faith, becoming a witness to His goodness.

The good Archbishop also encouraged the faithful to follow her example by directing all honor and glory to God. He noted that in today’s social media culture, many people tend to magnify themselves or elevate human idols rather than glorifying the Lord.

“Si Maria nagpahinumdum kanato nga angay ang Diyos lamang maoy atong pakadak-an. Kung ang Diyos atong pasidunggan ug pakadak-an, mahiluna tang tanan. Pero kung ang atong loyalty anaa sa pipila ka tawo, sigurado magubot ang atong kinabuhi ug ang katilingban,” the good Archbishop said.

He also emphasized that Mary teaches the faithful to place God at the center of their lives, recognizing that true humility allows their hearts to grow in love and compassion.

“Kaniya ta magpagunit, because we trust, with Mary holding each one of us, she will do everything to save us and to bring us to her son Jesus,” he urged the faithful.

Following the Post-Communion Prayer, the faithful made an Act of Consecration and Entrustment to Our Lady of Guadalupe, entrusting themselves and the Archdiocese of Cebu to her maternal care.

The faithful may venerate the pilgrim images until Sunday, September 6, with the shrine remaining open 24 hours.

View the General Program of the pilgrimage of these sacred images in Cebu here.