Hudson Valley FilAms to launch outdoor shrine project for Our Lady of Antipolo Sept 12th

The Fil-Am Catholic Community of Hudson Valley (FACCHV) recently hosted the second annual pilgrimage in honor of Our Lady of Antipolo at the National Shrine of Our Lady of Mount Carmel in Middletown, New York.

The community welcomed over 400 pilgrims from all over the Tri-state to a day of worship and to take advantage of the scenic 60-acre property where the National Shrine is located. The first pilgrimage was held last year during the Jubilee Year of Hope. 

The National Shrine of Our Lady of Mount Carmel is the motherhouse of the Carmelite Friars, Province of St. Elias. It sits on a 60-acre property in Orange County, New York. 

The Tagalog mass was celebrated by Rev. Von Erick Maria Sandoval, O. Carm., coordinator of the FACCHV. The Master of Ceremonies was Seminarian John Bulatao of the Diocese of Brooklyn-Queens. The concelebrants included Fr. Gerard Tang Choon, O. Carm., rector of the National Shrine; Fr. Rhey Garcia, FILCA chaplain; and various Carmelite friars and diocesan priests. The music and choir were provided by the Filipino American Group of Mahopac. 

Following the Mass, there was a procession with the image of the statue of Our Lady of Antipolo on the shrine grounds. After the procession, there was a potluck luncheon with music, dancing and raffle.

“It was a great opportunity to connect with everyone,” remarked Fr. Von.

Rev. Von Erick Maria Sandoval, O. Carm. is a Carmelite friar from the Province of St. Elias. He currently serves as Parochial Vicar in the Bronx as well as the coordinator of the Fil-Am Catholic Community of Hudson Valley. He is also a part of the Filipino Catholic Apostolate of New York (FILCA).

The annual pilgrimage in honor of Our Lady of Antipolo was celebrated in partnership with the Diocese of Bridgeport, Connecticut, as well as FILCA.

“We are hoping that this event will continue to grow each year,” said Fr. Von.

During the picnic-style luncheon, it was announced that the FACCHV plans to build an outdoor shrine in honor of Our Lady of Antipolo. This will be the first outdoor shrine in honor of Our Lady outside of the Philippines.

Opportunities for collaboration, partnership and support for this project are available. The FACCHV group will host an event at the Philippine Consulate on Saturday, September 12, 2026 at the Philippine Consulate.

Please see the flyer to RSVP. For more information, contact Fr. Von at facchv17@gmail.com.