A Blessed Trip by a Filipino Travel Agency You Can Rely On

By: Reliable Travel and Tours – your Filipino travel agent in Toronto

Organized by a Filipino travel agency in Toronto, this 3-day journey to the Divine Mercy Shrine was proof that prayer, planning, and people make the perfect pilgrimage.

Day 1 – April 26, 2025: From Toronto to Stockbridge, MA

We started the trip early in the morning. Our 3 pickup spots were:
5:00 AM – McDonald's at Pape & Cosburn
5:30 AM – No Frills at Bathurst & York Mills
6:00 AM – Square One, Mississauga

We had 51 pilgrims on the bus. Everyone showed up on time, and we left smoothly. We crossed the border at Queenston–Lewiston, and it went really well - even with the recent tensions between the U.S. and Canada due to President Trumps pronouncements - we experience no issues at all. So, if you’re wondering - Canadians can still cross the U.S. border just fine!

Because the drive to Stockbridge was over 7 hours, we had two stops along the I-90 for washroom breaks and lunch. We got to the Divine Mercy Shrine in Stockbridge, Massachusetts around 2 PM.

We found out that our bus was only booked to park on Sunday, but since we arrived Saturday, we were charged for an extra day. It's our first time, so, it was a surprise. But since many of our group already went to explore the shrine, we just paid the fee. Lesson learned.

There were already many people, cars, and buses there when we arrived. So, when it's time to leave, it took almost an hour to get out of the parking lot to head to our hotel in Great Barrington, which was close by.

Day 2 – April 27, 2025: Divine Mercy Sunday

We left the hotel early and got to the shrine before the other buses. We were the first bus to arrive - we even got the front parking spot! That helped a lot later when it was time to leave.

This was the main day of the Divine Mercy Sunday celebration. The place was filled with pilgrims from all over the U.S. and Canada. Everyone got to join the Mass, pray the Divine Mercy Chaplet, and enjoy the peaceful, holy atmosphere at the National Shrine of the Divine Mercy in Stockbridge, Massachusetts.

After the celebration ended around 5 PM, we went back to the hotel to rest and freshen up. Later, we had dinner at a nearby restaurant where many in our group signed up for a pre-arranged meal. It was a good way to end the day.

Day 3 – April 28, 2025: Heading Back to Toronto

After breakfast, we took group photos in front of the hotel. Then we drove to Lee Premium Outlets for shopping. But we forgot to check the opening hours! We got there an hour too early.

We asked our group if they wanted to wait or move on. Most said let’s skip it. Why?

1) Some didn’t want to risk paying Canadian customs fees
2) Others preferred to shop in Canada to support local
3) And we all didn’t want to waste time

So we skipped it and headed to Toronto, but we did a short stop at Duty Free USA in Fort Erie to grab some chocolate deals. No problems at the Canadian border - nobody bought anything big, just a few snacks.

Before going home, we made one last stop at Niagara Outlet Mall for food and quick shopping. Then, finally, we dropped off everyone at their original pickup locations.

Itinerary at a Glance

Day 1 – April 26:
Depart from Toronto → Cross the border → Visit the Divine Mercy Shrine Stockbridge Massachusetts → Check-in at hotel in Great Barrington

Day 2 – April 27:
Join the Divine Mercy Sunday celebration → Attend Mass and all activities → Dinner at local restaurant → Return to hotel

Day 3 – April 28:
Check out → Drive back to Toronto with stops at Duty Free and Niagara Outlet Mall

Final Thoughts from a Filipino Travel Agent in Toronto

This 3-day trip was a beautiful experience. The people in our group were so kind, respectful, and happy to be part of this spiritual journey. Everything went smoothly, and we thank God for the blessings.

If you're looking for a Filipino travel agency in Toronto that understands how to plan and lead group pilgrimages like this - look no further. At Reliable Travel and Tours, we’re here to help you join or plan faith-based trips that are smooth, memorable, and meaningful.