Manila: President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. on Saturday lifted the nation's burdens and aspirations to Our Lady of Guadalupe during a Mass at the Manila Cathedral in Intramuros to mark the start of the pilgrimage. Marcos led the Act of Consecration and Entrustment of Our Lady of Guadalupe during the historic opening Mass presided by Manila Archbishop Jose Cardinal Advincula.

According to Philippines News Agency, in the prayer, Marcos joined the faithful in seeking the protection and intercession of Our Lady of Guadalupe, the Celestial Patroness of the Philippines, as the nation faces various challenges. 'We have recourse to your protection, O Holy Mother of God, Our Lady of Guadalupe, Celestial Patroness of the Philippines,' Marcos said, expressing the Filipinos' trust in Mary's maternal care and guidance.

Marcos sought deliverance from hatred, violence, conflicts, injustice, and actions that diminish human dignity, while calling for the renewal of hearts through God's mercy and love. He prayed for protection, acknowledging that hatred, violence, and conflicts divide and destroy the people. 'Embrace with the love of the mother and handmaid of the Lord, our people and our land, which we now entrust and consecrate to you, for we are truly concerned for the earthly and eternal destiny of every individual among us and for all our people,' he said.

He prayed for the transformation of the nation's consciousness and the triumph of merciful love over sin and evil. 'Accept, O Immaculate Mother of Christ, this cry, laden with the hopes and burdens, the sufferings of each one of us and of all our people. Let these be revealed once more, in our own history as a people, the infinite power of the redemption, the power of merciful love. May it destroy the power of sin and evil among us,' he said.

First Lady Liza Araneta-Marcos also attended the Mass, which was held as part of the country's continuing devotion to Our Lady of Guadalupe. The replica image of Our Lady of Guadalupe will remain at the Manila Cathedral until June 18, as part of the six-month Philippine pilgrimage until Dec. 12. The pilgrim image will journey to more than 40 cathedrals, shrines, and dioceses across Luzon, Visayas, and Mindanao, including major urban centers and historic sites of Guadalupan devotion.

The nationwide pilgrimage will culminate in the image's permanent installation at the Manila Cathedral, serving as a lasting symbol of prayer, spiritual renewal, and hope for the Filipino faithful.