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Pinoy pilgrims flock to Assisi, Italy for display of Saint Francis' relics
ASSISI, Italy — A rare and deeply moving event drew thousands of faithful from across the globe to the hill town of Assisi. From February 22 to March 22, the Basilica of Saint Francis of Assisi opened its doors for an extraordinary public display of the mortal remains of Saint Francis of Assisi, marking the 800th anniversary of his death.
Among the many pilgrims who made the journey were Filipinos from Italy and other countries, whose devotion transformed the event into a vibrant expression of global Catholic faith.
From the very first day to the final hours of the exposition, the Filipino community did not miss the rare opportunity to witness and pray before the relics of Saint Francis, the patron saint of ecology and animals. Many described the event as historic and once in a lifetime.
Over the course of a month, more than 370,000 pilgrims visited the lower basilica, including hundreds of Filipinos living in Italy and traveling from different parts of the world.
"A truly extraordinary and unprecedented moment that brought together men and women, young and old, children and adults, families and individuals, in a great gathering of the people of Francis," said Marco Moroni, Custos of the Sacred Convent, in an official statement released by the Franciscan community in Assisi.
Filipino faith in action
From the opening day, Filipino pilgrims were already present in large numbers. At 7 a.m. on February 22, as the relics were opened to the public, one Filipino group—traveling together by bus—was among the first to enter.
"We were 58 people in one coach, and we arrived very early in the morning to prepare for this solemn moment," shared Sheila Soriano, an overseas Filipino worker (OFW) based in Italy.
Soriano described the experience as deeply emotional: "It's impossible to explain in words what I felt as I approached the bones of the saint. I felt lucky and blessed because our group was among the very first to witness this historic event. I had goosebumps, and tears filled my eyes."
Even while waiting in line, volunteers distributed paper for prayer intentions. Soriano said she prayed for world peace and offered special intentions for those in need of physical, financial, and emotional healing.
Journey of prayer, reflection
Another Filipino pilgrim, Yolie Abu, also made the journey to Assisi during the second week of the exposition. Together with fellow Filipino pilgrims, she spent the trip reflecting on the life and holiness of Saint Francis—turning the journey itself into a form of spiritual preparation.
By the time they reached the basilica, the long hours of travel and waiting seemed insignificant.
"It was a day full of blessings," she said. "All the fatigue disappeared despite the long walk and waiting in line—even if we only saw bones," Abu said.
As she approached the relics, her emotions overwhelmed her.
"I was already praying while in line. Honestly, tears were streaming down my face, and I had goosebumps when I touched the glass case."
Aside from praying for peace and healing, she offered prayers for priests—that they may serve faithfully—and asked forgiveness for her own shortcomings. Leaving the basilica, she felt a renewed desire to deepen and strengthen her faith.
In spite of challenges
On the final day of the exposition, several more groups of Filipino pilgrims arrived in Assisi. Despite the cold temperatures inside the basilica and the logistical challenges, the spiritual experience remained powerful.
"The excitement was different," one pilgrim shared. "It was cold inside the basilica, but I felt the warmth of my encounter with my favorite saint. It was unexplainable."
Attending the exposition was not easy. Reservations were difficult to secure, and pilgrims often endured long walks and extended waiting times. Yet these challenges did not deter the faithful. Many also took the opportunity to receive the sacrament of confession in preparation for the upcoming Holy Week.
Lasting impact
The scale of the event reflected its global significance. On the first day alone, the basilica welcomed an average of 1,500 people per hour, with daily attendance ranging from 15,000 to 18,000 pilgrims. More than 150,000 reservations were recorded, reflecting the immense interest in the exposition.
In total, around 370,000 people participated in the veneration. Additionally, over 100,000 faithful attended more than 170 liturgical celebrations held in the upper basilica, supported by hundreds of volunteers and collaborators.
The event concluded on March 22 with a private and solemn moment: the repositioning of the saint's remains back into the crypt of the basilica, carried out by the Franciscan friars after the last pilgrims had passed. This marked the official end of a deeply spiritual and historic occasion.
Faith that travels the world
The presence of Filipinos at this event highlighted not only their deep devotion, but also their vital role in the global Catholic community. Whether traveling from nearby Italian cities or from across continents, Filipino pilgrims brought with them a vibrant faith rooted in prayer, sacrifice, and hope.
For many, the journey to Assisi was more than a pilgrimage—it was a personal encounter with holiness, a moment of grace, and a powerful reminder that faith knows no borders. — VDV, GMA Integrated News
