A Journey of Faith and Friendship: Jubilee of Hope

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Vienna, Austria, 20 May 2025 – A spirit-filled Jubilee Pilgrimage took place from 16–19 May 2025 in Italy, organized by a dynamic trio of friends known simply as Tres—Marizel, Lolit, and Ning. United by deep faith and friendship, they brought together 26 pilgrims from Austria, Sweden, and the United States to participate in the Jubilee of Hope, a global Catholic celebration declared by Pope Francis.

This memorable journey was made possible through the vital support of Fr. Edmer Eronga and Giorgio Marcelli, who ensured both the logistical arrangements and spiritual preparation of the group. Thanks to their efforts, the pilgrimage group was officially registered at the Vatican and was able to walk through three of Rome’s revered Holy Doors—St. Peter’s Basilica, Archbasilica of St. John Lateran, and Basilica di Santa Maria Maggiore—experiencing profound moments of grace and reflection.

Beyond the spiritual highlights, the group paid a courtesy call on Her Excellency Ambassador Myla Grace Macahilig, Philippine Ambassador to the Holy See, and also had the honor of receiving blessings from Bishop Jose Alan Verdejo Dialogo, the beloved Bishop of the Diocese of Sorsogon in the Philippines, who was accompanied by Vicar General of of Sorsogon is Msgr. Roger Joseph B. Erestain, Jr.

Another touching chance encounter was with Ambassador Grace Princess, affectionately known as Nanay Amba, whose presence was a source of joy and inspiration for the pilgrims.

The Jubilee journey extended beyond Rome with meaningful visits to several religious and historical sites:

Manoppello, home of the Holy Veil;
Loreto, where Fr. Edmer celebrated a private Mass in the sacred Krypta of the Holy House;
San Giovanni Rotondo, where the pilgrims joined a Mass at the new cathedral of Padre Pio, with Fr. Edmer concelebrating with other Priests;
And finally, the majestic St. Michael’s Cave, a site steeped in tradition and spiritual power.

Throughout the pilgrimage, Tres served not only as coordinators but as spiritual sisters, leading with generosity, prayer, and love. With the Jubilee of Hope as the backdrop, this journey became a powerful testament to unity, renewal, and the enduring grace found in shared faith.

“Pilgrimage is a sign of the exceptional witness of faith. We walked together as one people, guided by grace, renewed by hope.” – Tres

For further information, please contact via FB:
Marizel Rojas
Lolit Vendivil Kaszuba

N EspeNo Lob

About the Author

Maria Zelda “Marizel” Rojas is a Board Member of the United Nations Correspondents Association Vienna (UNCAV), Chairperson of the European Network of Filipino Diaspora-Austria (ENFiD-Austria), and a current ENFiD Adviser. She is also the 1^st Vice President of the United Nations Women’s Guild (UNWG) and a member of the Women’s Federation for World Peace (WFWP). Founding Member 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), Liaison for the Philippines and Councillor in the European Police Association (EPA), and a member of the Filipina Women’s Network (FWN).

Photos: Lolit Kaszuba, Ning Lobrigo