Photo credit: Hidilyn Diaz

Hidilyn Diaz shared a deeply personal moment from her visit to Paris. She reflected on a journey that started with a historic Olympic win and culminated in a meaningful pilgrimage.

“Hindi ko makakalimutan ang Tokyo Olympics awarding kung saan sinuot ko ang Miraculous Medal kasama ang pinakaunang Olympic Gold ng Pilipinas,” Hidilyn wrote, recalling her Tokyo 2020 Olympic victory where she wore the Miraculous Medal, symbolizing her faith and gratitude.

Fast forward to August 6, 2024, Hidilyn fulfilled a dream by visiting the Chapel of Our Lady of the Miraculous Medal in Rue Du Bac. This sacred place is renowned for the vision of Mama Mary to St. Catherine Laboure, who was tasked with spreading the message of the Miraculous Medal. At the chapel, Hidilyn offered a marble memorial as a token of gratitude for her gold medal triumph.

Accompanied by her husband, Coach Julius Naranjo, and friend David Panlilio, Hidilyn took time to pray and reflect in the chapel’s hallowed spaces. “I would always remind athletes na ang success natin ay galing sa Diyos, and we must never forget to give thanks to Him for all the blessings and graces na natatanggap natin,” she shared, emphasizing the importance of acknowledging divine guidance in their successes.

Hidilyn also expressed her gratitude to the Filipino Sisters of the Daughters of Charity who warmly welcomed them and to the Seminarians of the Society of Foreign Missions of Paris for their assistance and a tour of the seminary.

In closing her post, she shared a prayer dear to her heart, urging everyone to remember the words inscribed on the Miraculous Medal: "O Mary, conceived without sin, pray for us who have recourse to thee." 🙏🏅