Deep sense of peace and spiritual renewal

When I first encountered the Steps for Hope Lopinot Lenten Pilgrimage digital advertisement on Facebook, I felt an immediate calling to participate in the 2026 pilgrimage.

My journey began in the small town of Siparia, home to the patron saint La Divina Pastora, and continued to Lopinot, where The Catholic News team welcomed me with genuine warmth and hospitality.

The day started with heartfelt prayer, followed by an engaging icebreaker that encouraged fellow pilgrims to connect and bond. We were then invited to enjoy refreshments at Mariposa Gardens, a well-known local café in the Lopinot community. The welcoming atmosphere there set a positive tone for the rest of the pilgrimage.

At La Veronica RC Church, Mass was celebrated by Fr Robert Christo. In his homily, he emphasised the three pillars of Lent: fasting, prayer, and almsgiving. A particularly profound message centred on the act of giving “more” and the power of forgiveness deeply resonated with me.

We are called to go beyond ourselves in service to others, opening ourselves to God’s abundant favour and grace for our own intentions. The opportunity for the Sacrament of Reconciliation brought me a deep sense of peace and spiritual renewal, reminding me of God’s boundless mercy and the transformative gift of forgiveness.

Later, at Viva Aqua, we participated in a fishing activity inspired by the miraculous story from Luke 5:1–11, where Jesus instructed Peter to cast his nets into the deep waters of the Sea of Galilee. This experience became a powerful reminder of the uncommon faith required to persevere through life’s greatest challenges.

The day concluded with a meditation session nestled deep within the lush mountain range at La Pastora RC Church. Through scriptural discussions, I came to greatly appreciate the profound significance of the Lenten season—a time to renew our spiritual lives and strive to be more Christ-like. It reminded me not to confine my faith to the pews, but to live it out boldly as a disciple, practising evangelism in everyday life.

— Sherene Charles

Deaf pilgrims enjoy the pilgrimage

I was going through the motions, serving out of obligation, but there was no connection. I hadn’t lost faith; I was spiritually exhausted.

Then the Lenten pilgrimage to Lopinot showed up like an invitation for me to replenish. With me were Yvonne Brumant, and two deaf ladies whom I interpreted for: Eve Frederick and Marcia Phillips-Hutton.

Fr Christo asked the pilgrims what it means to us to be “made for more”.

I think that I was too ‘tired’ to contemplate its meaning. During the course of the day I was focused on interpreting for Marcia and Eve, but in my mind I kept coming back to ‘made for more’.

This was about me—my purpose, my calling. Maybe it doesn’t mean me doing more, but maybe becoming more—becoming my best self in relationship with God, embracing a life of grace and purpose.

Acknowledging the privilege it is to be exhausted in service to others. This was the start of my inward pilgrimage this Lenten season.

— Carlene Medera

I liked the pilgrimage. We prayed the rosary. I liked the bake and cheese with cocoa tea. It tasted good. I enjoyed catching a fish throwing it back. Thank you, Jesus. Amen.

— Eve Frederick

From the month before Carlene invited Eve and I to go Lopinot Pilgrimage.

It was the first time I went there, and the drive was long. In the maxi, we prayed the rosary and sang. It’s a beautiful place. We learned about the church history and the story of a man named Lopinot.

I liked the roast bake with cheese, and lunch with fish. Carlene interpreted for Eve and I and Fr Christo preached fast.

I prayed and reflected quietly. Jesus is in my life, I received Communion, and I went Confession. Lopinot is a beautiful place, lots of sunshine. I enjoyed it very much.

— Marcia Phillips-Hutton