300 Pinoys in Turkey join pilgrimage to Meryemana

Some 300 Filipinos in Turkey joined a pilgrimage in honor of the Blessed Virgin Mary in Meryemana, Selcuk in Izmir from September 10 and 11, the Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA) said. Meryemana is one of the religious cultural sites in Turkey where Mary, the mother of Jesus Christ, is believed to have spent her last days. The religious pilgrimage to Meryemana in Izmir is an annual event observed by the Embassy and the Filipino community members of Ankara and Istanbul to commemorate the Blessed Virgin Mary's birthday which falls on September 8. After the pilgrimage in Meryemana, Ankara Filipino community members proceeded to the historical ruins of Ephesus and then to the Pamukkale thermal center. The Philippine Embassy in Turkey and Filipino community members in Ankara and Istanbul, helped organize the pilgrimage, the DFA said. "Thıs Filipino community get-together provided Ambassador-designate (Marilyn) Alarilla the opportunity to discuss future joint activities of the Embassy and of the Filipino community in Ankara and Istanbul and other consular matters," the DFA added. Alarilla headed the pilgrimage with Consul Leilani Feliciano, Cultural Officer Vivian Bajarin-Laurel, and officers of the Istanbul Filipino Community organization, headed by Elma Trinidad. "Filipinos from Ankara and Istanbul expressed appreciation for the chance to form and renew friendships and be able to be with kababayans for the day while appreciating the history and culture of Izmir," the DFA said. The Filipino community in Istanbul assisted in the celebration of the Holy Mass. The choir — composed of members of the Legion of Mary organization in Harbiye, Istanbul — sang religious songs such as "Diyos ay Pag-ibig" (God is Love). - VVP, GMA News