Pinoys make pilgrimage to Germany's oldest city to see 'holy robe'

Filipinos in Germany recently made a pilgrimage to Trier, the country's oldest city, to see the "Holy Robe," the seamless garment believed worn by Jesus Christ shortly before he was crucified.   The Holy Robe went on display for the first time in 25 years from April 13 until May 13 at the Trier Dom, a United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO) world heritage site.   "This year marks the 500th year anniversary when the Holy Robe was first shown to the public in Trier," the Department of Foreign Affairs said in a news release.  Among those who met with Bishop of Trier Jörg Michael Peters and other officials of the diocese were Philippine Ambassador to Germany Maria Cleofe Natividad and Generosa Balocating, attaché of the Philippine Embassy in Berlin.    Natividad told Peters the visit to the Trier and the pilgrimage to view the Holy Robe have a special meaning to Filipinos because of their deep Catholic faith.   On the other hand, Peters congratulated the Filipinos in Germany for their deep religiosity and faithfulness to the Catholic Church.   Natividad also told Peters about the unique connection between Trier and the Philippines, through the "Flores de Mayo" held in honor of the Virgin Mary.   "The festival is highlighted by the Santacruzan, held in honour of Empress Helena (known as Reyna Elena) and King Constantine finding the True Cross in Jerusalem," the DFA said.   "Empress Elena hails from Trier and was also the one who brought the Holy Robe from Jerusalem to Trier," the DFA added. - VVP, GMA News