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October 11-14, 2024 – The Bikol Society Austria (BSA) and friends embarked on a meaningful four-day pilgrimage to Spain from October 11 to 14, 2024. This journey, spearheaded by Lolita Vendivil Kaszuba, combined spiritual devotion, cultural immersion, and a celebration of Filipino identity, offering participants unforgettable experiences at historic and religious landmarks across the country.
Day 1: Segovia – A Day of Faith and History
The pilgrimage began in Segovia, a city known for its remarkable Roman Aqueduct and rich history. Participants marveled at the Aqueduct’s ancient grandeur and then explored the city, trying delicious Spanish cuisine such as the Cochinillo Asado (Roast Suckling Pig)—a renowned specialty of Segovia. The roast piglet is slow-cooked until the skin is crispy and the meat is tender.
A highlight of the day was Fr. Eric Velandria’s celebration of a Holy Mass in the grand Segovia Cathedral. This deeply spiritual moment united the group in reflection and set the contemplative tone for the pilgrimage.
Day 2: Zaragoza – A Celebration of Our Lady of the Pillar
On October 12, the group traveled to Zaragoza to participate in the festivities honoring Our Lady of the Pillar, Spain’s patroness. The day was filled with vibrant celebrations, and the BSA members and friends were honored to participate in the procession through the streets of Zaragoza, showcasing their devotion alongside thousands of locals.
The Pilgrims also sampled beloved Spanish snacks such as Churos, which are deep-fried dough pastries made from a simple dough of flour, water, and a pinch of salt, piped into long, ridged strips using a star-shaped nozzle, then fried to golden perfection. They are crispy on the outside and soft on the inside, making them irresistibly delicious. It is specially paired with a thick, rich chocolate sauce (chocolate a la taza) for dipping. They also tried empanadas and empanaditas (smaller versions of empanadas), delicious pastries filled with various savory ingredients encased in a thin, flaky dough baked or fried. The empanadas in Zaragoza often reflect the flavors of the Aragón region, offering unique combinations of ingredients. Common varieties include Empanadas de Carne (Meat Empanadas), Empanadas de Pollo (Chicken Empanadas), Empanadas de Atún (Tuna Empanadas), Empanaditas de Espinacas (Spinach Empanaditas) and Empanadas de Jamón y Queso (Ham and Cheese Empanadas).
The highlight of the day was a special Mass celebrated by Fr. Velandria in the Cathedral of Zaragoza, a moment of grace and unity with the Spanish faithful, as the group paid homage to Our Lady of the Pillar in honor of her feast day, which is simultaneously celebrated in Zamboanga City, Philippines.
Day 3: The Heart of the Pilgrimage – Our Lady of Peñafrancia
October 13 marked the most significant spiritual experience of the pilgrimage, with a visit to the origin of the 314-day devotion to Our Lady of Peñafrancia. This moment held special importance for the Bicolanos and devotees, as Our Lady of Peñafrancia is deeply revered in the Bicol region of the Philippines.
The group celebrated Mass with Fr. Velandria and engaged in personal reflections, sharing their hopes, wishes, and spiritual takeaways from the pilgrimage. The visit reaffirmed the group’s faith and dedication, strengthening their connection to their cultural and spiritual heritage.
Day 4: Madrid – Honoring Filipino Heritage
The final day of the pilgrimage, October 14, was spent sightseeing in Madrid, where the group explored the Plaza de Toros de Las Ventas, one of Spain’s most famous bullrings.
A particularly poignant moment came with a visit to the statue of Dr. José Rizal in Avenida Filipinas. Here, the pilgrims proudly sang the Philippine National Anthem and “Ang Bayan Kong Pilipinas,” a heartfelt expression of love for their homeland.
This pilgrimage not only deepened the spiritual lives of its participants but also fostered a greater sense of pride in their Filipino heritage, creating lasting memories of faith, unity, and cultural pride.
Photos by: Lolita Vendivil Kaszuba
About the Author
Maria Zelda “Marizel” Rojas is the President of Bikol Society Austria (BSA) since 2016. She is a dynamic leader and influential figure in Filipino and international communities. As the Chairperson of the European Network of Filipino Diaspora-Austria (ENFiD-Austria) and a Board Member of ENFiD, she champions the causes of Filipino expatriates in Europe. Her passion extends to community building, as shown by her work as one of the Founding Members and former President of the Philippine Austrian Cultural and Educational Society (PACES), adviser and former president of the Vienna International Centre Club Filipino (VIC CF), and auditor for the Vienna International Centre Gastronomy Club (VIC GC). She is also a Board Member of the United Nations Correspondents Association Vienna (UNCAV), Liaison and Councillor for the Philippines in the European Police Association (EPA), and a member of the Filipina Women’s Network (FWN), which honored her with the prestigious “Most Influential Filipina Women in the World” (Global FWN100™) award in 2019.
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