MSGR. Ildebrando Jesus Aliño Leyson announced on Thursday, June 26, 2025, a new way of observing the Camino de Santiago pilgrimage, officially titled Via Sancti Iacobi Apostoli Compostellani Cebuanensis.
Organized by the Archdiocesan Shrine and Parish of Santiago Apostol de Compostela, this spiritual journey forms part of a three-month youth formation program that began in May and will conclude in July.
The Camino de Santiago experience is considered a major highlight of the program.
Msgr. Leyson said the Via Sancti Iacobi Apostoli Compostellani Cebuanensis is designed not only as a physical journey but also as a deep spiritual experience that reflects the traditional elements of the European Camino de Santiago, adapted for Cebuano pilgrims.
Assistant Parish Priest Rev. Fr. Abel Bancog said participants will undergo a digital detox throughout the pilgrimage to preserve its sacred atmosphere.
“Ang mga participants dili allowed mo gunit og gadgets during these days kay maka-distract. Nindot kaayo ang view kay ga picture-picture na unya mawala na sila sa ilang goal,” said Fr. Bancog.
(Participants are not allowed to use gadgets during the walk. While the scenery is beautiful, distractions like taking pictures can take them away from the true goal of the pilgrimage.)
The four-day, three-night penitential walk will begin in Barangay Sunog, Balamban, specifically at MagsPeak, where the first station will center on the Examination of Conscience, an activity meant to highlight the importance of confession.
“Kini kabahin sa dakong catechesis, nya didto mahitungod sa importante sa pagpangumpisal og ipahigayon dayon ang pagpangunpisal og naay opportunity mag saulog dayon sa santos na misa,” said Msgr. Leyson.
(This is part of our catechesis, emphasizing the significance of confession. There will be opportunities to confess and, when possible, to celebrate the Holy Mass.)
The second station will be held at Mt. Manunggal, where chapels will serve as venues for spiritual activities. From there, pilgrims will walk toward Sitio Magabo, Barangay Lusaran, and spend the night descending to Barangay Dapdap, Compostela.
On the final day, the group will return to the parish for the distribution of certificates of completion.
A total of 15 youth participants, selected by their parish youth organizations, will take part in this inaugural pilgrimage. They represent the pioneering batch of the first-ever Via Sancti Iacobi Apostoli Compostellani Cebuanensis in the Philippines.
Organizers hope to expand participation in the coming years.
Msgr. Leyson said the initiative is part of the long-term pastoral programs of the Archdiocese of Cebu and is envisioned to continue under future church leadership.
Throughout the pilgrimage, participants will have opportunities for prayer, spiritual reflection, and visits to chapels, providing a meaningful retreat from everyday distractions. (Zenn Dee Tejero, CNU intern)