Today our world is faced with wars. Many
countries in the Middle East have been fighting, destroying billions-worth of
properties, and killing innocent people. Much worst, Christians are brutally
killed because of their faith in Jesus. Closer to home, some parts of Mindanao
have been victims of armed conflicts. Foreigners avoid
the said areas because of fear for their lives. Even for us Filipinos, sometimes, we feel that we are not that secured and protected in our own country.
The Church celebrates tomorrow the Feast of Archangels Michael, Gabriel and Raphael. Recognized not
only by Christians but also by the Jews and Muslims, these Archangels are
God-sent to protect us from the dangers of evil and believed to be messengers of
God.
Each of the Archangels had a special mission that God
designed for them. Michael (who is like God) was the warrior of God against
Lucifer. Gabriel, also known as God’s Strength, was the messenger of Good News
to Mary. Raphael, meaning God’s remedy, helped the virtuous man Tobit get
medicine to cure the blindness of his father. These archangels actually reflect
aspect of God’s power.
In the Bible, we are given various accounts of the more popular
Archangel Michael. In the book of Revelation (12: 7-12) Michael throws Satan out of heaven. He is also depicted as the champion
of God’s people, defending them from all the assaults and attacks of Satan. In
statues and stained glasses we find everywhere, and other art works, Archangel Michael is often shown as a mighty
warrior treading the devil underfoot.”
We also face the same battle with Satan today---a spiritual warfare. Whenever we are tempted to be unfaithful to our spouse or vows, to cheat, to lie, to be insensitive to the needs of others, to be complacent amidst social problems---we face a spiritual battle. Something that prevents one in doing God's will is a battle. We
need the help of the archangels to strengthen us, to remedy us, to empower us
to be more faithful to God and to know His will for us.
What
is your spiritual battle nowadays? This feast of the Archangels should give us a renewed and braver heart. We are not alone – we have the angels fighting for us as well. And,
above all, we know that through their help and prayers, good will triumph, evil
will be defeated, and God will reign. Facing the battle? Try calling on the angels. Call 911.
Archangels Michael, Gabriel, Raphael. Pray for us.
Flying sans the wings with my companions in the journey in the Island of Cebu, Philippines!
Our Gospel for
today (Luke 5:1-11) is one of the favorite biblical passages vocation promoters
or animators love to use---the call of Peter.
Peter’s personal encounter with Jesus transformed him from being a fisherman
into becoming a fisher of men. Peter left everything and followed Jesus.
We can also find
this call of Peter in the other three Gospels. Matthew and Mark’s version, much
like the Lucan account, takes place by the Lake of Galilee or Gennesaret and
around the time Jesus heals Peter’s mother-in-law.In the Gospel of John, although, it was not
mention specifically, Peter’s first encounter with Jesus also happens near a
body of water, when Andrew, John the baptist’s disciple, pointed to his brother
that he found the Messiah. We remember that the cousin of Jesus, John baptizes
at the Jordan River that runs to the Sea of Galilee.
Indeed, to be
mentioned in the four Gospels means that Peter’s call and encounter with Jesus
by the sea, truly plays a significant role in his life as a disciple and as the
future leader of Jesus’ companions.
What’s in the sea?
The sea is a place
where you can find, one of the most faith-filled and bravest people---the
fishermen. Working in a fishing community at Holy Cross Parish, Calumpang, Gen.
Santos City for almost 8 years, I met countless fishermen whose lives depend on
their faith in God. Anything can happen
drastically and dramatically while they are out in the seas for months, and for
some, even years. They might have a good catch one day, and nothing on other
days. Still another day could be a scorching sunny day and then a destructive
storm or catastrophic wind would follow. One day, you see your co-worker
healthy and happy and then you see him died of heart attack the nest day. Some
would even fear of getting imprisoned in other countries even they have
necessary legal papers for fishing in the international waters. Faith element
is so important to fishermen.
This boat-shaped facade of Holy Cross Parish Church, in Gen. Santos City symbolizes the main livelihood of the community---fishing.
Putting out into
the deep waters requires a deep faith. This “Duc it altum” could mean a total
trust to God who is sending us to a place untested, unknown, unfamiliar, maybe
of great risk, and beyond our comfort zones. We are not accustomed to deep
waters. Normally, we would stay in the shallow waters where we are safe and
secured. We sometimes escape challenges. We avoid risks. We are afraid to make
a stand that is unpopular.
An Argentinian
priest Father Luciano Felloni, the parish priest of Our Lady of Lourdes Parish,
in Camarin, Caloocan City, made a strong stand against the extra-judicial
killing nowadays. With a heart for the poor, Fr. Luciano used to minister in
the slum and poor communities of Payatas dumping site. Now, Fr. Luciano, with
his public campaign for healing instead of killing drug addicts, pushers, and
the like, still takes a stand, no matter how unpopular it is, for life and
mercy.
One comforting lesson
we can learn from today’s Gospel is that Jesus accompanies Peter as the latter
sails to the deep waters. Jesus’s presence was there. Paul, in our first
readings, even describes this presence more intimately: “You are Christ’s and
Christ is God’s” (I Cor. 3:18-23). Jesus, making us his own, will make us
braver. His presence will make us stronger.
Are you willing to
allow Jesus to stay in your boat? What invitation did you receive from Jesus lately?
Let us pray. Jesus, you have called each of us by name. Help
us to be brave in facing difficulties in our lives. Increase our faith in you
when the sail is unknown, unfamiliar, and unclear. When waves are overwhelming,
calm my heart. When the catch is few, still help me to believe that you have a
greater plan for me. I anchor my life in you. Be with me in my sail. This we
ask in Jesus’ name. Amen.
Horrible traffic. Political issues. Natural calamities. Heavy work load. Relationship issues. With all the negative vibes around, let us not forget the
positive things that happen in our lives.
Cherish life. Be grateful. Embrace
the bright moments. Here's a short poem I wrote in Sta. Ana, Cagayan Valley, one of the stops in my vocation promotion posting.
Bright Moments
The moment when you see the light---
The moment when you witness the truth---
The moment when you behold the beautiful---
The moment when you embrace your woundedness---
The moment when you let go of pain---
The moment when you become whole again---
The moment when you find inner peace---
The moment when you find authentic joy---
The moment when you become free---
Bright moments.
Palaui Island, Sta. Ana, Cagayan Valley
What are your bright moments?
Share them at the comment section below and let others be inspired.
Thank God for your blessings.
St. Anthony of Padua Parish, Centro, Sta. Ana, Cagayan
St. Philomena Church, Alcala, Cagayan Valley
Our Lady of the Most Holy Rosary Parish, Amulung, Cagayan
Sts. Peter and Paul Cathedral Parish, Tuguegarao City
San Roque Parish, Gonzaga, Cagayan
Our Lady of the Angels Parish, Sta. Teresita, Cagayan
San Isidro Labrador Parish, Dugo, Camalaniugan, Cagayan
St. Anne Parish, Buguey, Cagayan
St. Peter Thelmo Parish Church, Aparri, Cagayan
San Jacinto De Polonia Parish, Camalaniugan, Cagayan
Sto. Domingo de Guzman Parish Church, Lal-lo, Cagayan
St. Catherine of Alexandria Church, Gattaran, Cagayan
I am back! A month after my last blog, now I have returned, alive and kicking and with more stories to
share! This time, let me share with you my experience last month in the northernmost
island of the Philippine archipelago--- Batanes!
GOING TO BATANES
Cathedral Parish of Sto. Domingo de Guzman, Basco, Batanes
Going
to Batanes really is a challenge both in the pocket and in the heart.
Philippine Airlines, Skyjet, Sea Air and Wakay fly almost everyday from Manila
to Basco, Batanes’ Capital which sometimes would cost you around 15,000 pesos for
a return ticket or sometimes even higher, depending on the season. If you are lucky,
just like some whom I met in the journey, they chanced a promo return ticket
for a surprising 2,000 pesos! So it pays to be online sometimes and wait for
promo announcements because tickets really sell like hotcakes! In my case, I
waited for a travel expo in SM MOA in Pasay City and patiently waited in line
to hopefully get a promo ticket! Not so lucky for me, I did not make it through
the lowest promo fare!
Faluwa going to Sabtang
Going around Batanes
is also a test of faith. The weather is unpredictable! Enormous waves await an
adventurous soul in going from one island to another. One memorable experience
I had was going back from Itbayat to Basco via a three-hour faluwa (boat) ride!
Just getting into the boat was epic! Since seas are fierce (normal scenario), docked boats at the
port, goes up to as high as 3 meters while passengers patiently await for the boat to come down, and jump into the boat safely. Sounds a little scary, right? But, with the help of the boatmen ably assisting you, there is no room for
fear! What would you expect for two great seas to collide---West Philippine Sea
and Pacific Ocean---gigantic waves and strong winds?
Mt. Carmel Chapel
With this erratic
weather condition around the islands, be open for flight and boat ride cancellations.
While going to Batanes remains truly a challenge to the
budget and to the soul, it‘s all worth the effort seeing the towering cliffs,
picturesque lighthouses and breathtaking landscapes and seascapes! On top of
that, the resilient and gentle Ivatans (the locals) will make your stay fun, safe
and secured in this zero-crime rate island-province.
WHERE TO STAY IN BATANES
Vayang Rolling Hills
Marlboro Hills, Mahatao, Batanes
There
are many hotels and lodging houses in Batanes, depending on your preference and
budget. Most popular, though, are home stays, which are just few minutes walk
from the airport. While Marfel’s Lodge and its other homestay partners (09088931475 /09209764966)
remain to be the more popular ones, I would also recommend that you try out
other homestays. Asas’ Homestay (09202237361), just a five minute-walk from the
airport, owned by Auntie Carmen Asas, is a simple and affordable accommodation.
The owner would really make you feel at home and welcome! I remember when I
woke up one morning; I was surprised for the hot coffee and my favorite pandesal
prepared for me---for free! How sweet! Some newly
found priest friends also made me feel at home while I stayed in their
convents!
THE CATHOLIC
CHURCH IN BATANES
During the early
period of the Spanish regime, Batanes was free from colonial rule and was
completely ignored not until 1685 when the Dominican missionaries spearheaded
the evangelization to the Ivatans. The early missionaries established Christian
communities and eventually put up six churches (parishes), almost alike in
design, around the islands. Catholic faith is vibrant in Batanes.
with my new friends enjoying Chamantad-Tinyan Viewpoint
Boulder Beach in Chanpan Valugan
Batanes,
the smallest province of the Philippines in terms of population and area, has
11 islands, but only three are inhabited: Batan, Sabtang and Itbayat. Batan has
four parishes namely Sto. Domingo de Guzman Cathedral in Basco (1784) which celebrates it's fiesta today, San
Carlos Borromeo Parish in Mahatao (1784), St. Joseph Parish in Ivana (1784),
and Our Lady of Miraculous Medal Parish in Uyugan. Sabtang Island, a 45-minute
faluwa ride Basco, has San Vicente Parish while Itbayat, a
3- hour boat ride from Basco, is under the patronage of Our Lady of the Rosary
(1853). Bishop Camilo Gregorio takes good care of the flock in this prelature
where Roman Catholic remains to be the major faith.
Mahatao Spanish Lighthouse
WHAT TO DO IN BATANES
Stone House in Chavaya
There
are plenty of things to do in Batanes. Since my main objective is for vocation
promotion, I made it sure to visit the six Catholic churches, some chapels, and
the only Catholic college in the island, Saint Dominic College. I enjoyed meeting some diocesan priests, being
toured around their century-old churches and convents. Bishop Gregorio is an exceptionally
accommodating bishop!
Faluwa from Itbayat going to Batan
Declared as
protected landscapes and seascape in 2003 by the Philippine Congress, Batanes
boasts of its natural wonders.According to batanes.gov.ph, “Batanes was classified as a protected area due to its continuous
spectrum of habitat types from the mountains to the sea, the presence of
useful, endemic, rare and endangered flora and fauna, its role as a flyway of
migratory birds and its rich cultural and social heritage. It is the only
province in the Philippines that was declared in its entirety as a protected
area.”
If you expect high-rise buildings and energetic night life, Batanes is not for you. But if you are on for the great adventure
of your life, you have come to the perfect spot. A more adventurous type of traveller
finds DIY (Do-It-Yourself) trip around Batanes easy. One may hire a bike for 25
pesos per hour and be ready for an exciting ride of your life! Ride up to Naidi
Hillswhere a stunning lighthouse awaits
you. A good book is a great company in this scenic view. End your day with the
spectacular sunset view in this part of the island.
video courtesy of Kevin Chavez
Tricycle is another option but make sure to call or text ahead the office (09297038404) for
a pick up.You cannot just ride a
tricycle anywhere like that in Manila or any places in the country. Call it Grabtric, Batanes version! Woot. But if
you prefer an organized one, then a package tour is fit for you. I would
recommend BISUMI Tours and Services and contact Sir Ryan (09192795963 /09158034582)
and haggle for an affordable package tour! The good thing about this option is that
you will have the chance to meet new friends who will make your journey more
exciting and enjoyable! Ask for Khen to be your tour guide! He is so much fun
to be with and will truly make the guests well-informed, comfortable, happy and
safe!
Batanes is a place
for brave souls. Ivatans have been living resiliently for centuries in this part of
the archipelago, often visited by destructive typhoons. But this is exactly
what makes them strong---facing the unpredictable and overwhelming elements of nature! In our
life, we are sometimes stormed by a series of unfortunate events in our
studies, jobs, families or relationships. But no matter what, with faith in
God, these things will make our heart braver!
