By Christina Hermoso
The Laudato Si pilgrim image of Saints Francis of Assisi and Claire of Assisi is in the country as part of its pilgrim tour to 18 countries in Asia and Latin America with the Philippines as its first stop in Asia.
Laudato Si Pilgrim Image (Photo via Radyo Veritas / MANILA BULLETIN)
Rev. Fr. Angel Cortez received the image which seeks to heighten awareness on the need to care for the environment as well as to highlight Pope Francis' encyclical on the environment Laudato Si.
The pilgrim image arrived just in time for the Feast of Saint Francis of Assisi, the patron saint of animals and the environment last October 4. East Asia Conference president and San Pedro Bautista Philippine Provincial Friar Cielito Almazan, OFM, presided over the Holy Mass and the unveiling of the image at the St. Anthony Shrine, Sampaloc, Manila.
The Laudato Si pilgrim image of Saints Francis of Assisi and Claire of Assisi will tour several churches in the country before it is brought to other Asian countries.