BY ELSA ARJONA
One of the greatest gifts God has given me is my journey to Bicol, a wish for
a long time which happened
Feb. 20-23, 2014. It was Noemi, one of the volunteer catechists who approached
me when we were in front of the Blessed Sacrament. She read the text of Sir Art, if there are
still others interested to join them
in the Pilgrimage. I asked Sr. Dolores Sangel if she will allow me to go and
she gave the hand gesture “go, go, go” .
As I whispered “walang kokontra”. Again
I faced the Blessed Sacrament and said “Thank
You Lord” if this is your will. The power of God is there wherever we go.
Though not that sure yet, I was
happy deep within my heart. Anyway, I was certain I will have time to
pray and decide about the Pilgrimage. It will
give me time to be with the Lord and the group of volunteer catechists. With the thought that it l entail a big
amount of money, again I asked the Lord,” Your will be done….”
On the much awaited day, February 20, Thursday afternoon, I went to
ICAM – assembly place for the pilgrimage.
I arrived ICAM while Sir Ed was
giving the Orientation, I was touched when he welcomed me with special mentin. When I saw Miss Zeny one
of the CFAM staffs was there I was glad she was joining, too.
The bus left at 7:00 pm.
The travel took a long time passing
through the beautiful towns -- a paradise created by God for all of us. All
through the trip, the drivers were very
careful. As we enjoyed the sightseeing,
I whisper a prayer to Him who designed the world for us. A big surprise to me
was the well organized prayer times
during the trip. Thanks to the Volunteer
Catechist Commission Ministry Assistants.
Sir Ed and Sir Art, who prepared the morning and night prayers.
While on the trip, we experienced God’s
embrace through the silence, the smiles,
the gestures and being one with the rest
of the pilgrims who from the different dioceses serving as lectors,
commentators, BEC and a lot of other
parish organizations. They are loving and humble parishioners making me feel as if we come from one parish.
As we travelled along the way, rain showers of God’s blessings was with us. For the serenity, tranquillity and t peaceful
travel I whispered a thanksgiving prayer.
As community of believers, we are all
loved by God. Yes, this is one of a kind
experience of my life. The trip was long
and tiresome. We finally reached our destination – Bethlehem
Pastoral and Human Development Center, Bacacay, Albay. Breakfast was served.
During our visits in every church and
parish in the Bicol Region, one can feel
the warmth of God’s embrace and of “Ina” – Our Lady of Penafrancia welcoming all of us in her loving arms. In the
Our Lady of Salvation church I really felt the saving act of Jesus, the Paschal Mystery. This is once again, a time to heal, a time to
forgive, a time to love the unlovable,
Our lady of the Gate, St. Dominic, St.
Rose of Lima all have prayed for us and
the safety of our pilgrimage. Through St. James the Great , St, John the Baptist,
and St. John the Evangelist. We prayed for one another, friends, family and
benefactors, our co-workers, students and all that we can pray for during the
visit as we knelt down to praise and worship the one True God. However,
the beautiful Mayon Volcano was not
visible due to the cloudy weather.
Before leaving for Naga City, we went down the seashore -- a very beautiful resort near Bethlehem. All things seen and touched, the flowers, the sceneries and even the
picture taking made me utter a prayer
once again.
The old churches are big and
simple. One can feel the presence of God
whenever you enter the churches. Also
at the Cagsawa Ruins -- the holy ground devastated by the eruption of
volcano -- God’s presence is very much felt in this historical
place. Prayers are uttered for all, the Hope that the Blessed Trinity is with us.
Wherever we went, we did not forget
to have our morning and evening prayers
in the buses led by Sir Ed and Sir Art. The Holy Spirit guided us, every step
along the way.
At Naga, our final stop before going back to Manila, we went to the
Metropolitan Cathedral, Our Lady of Peñafrancia
and Our Lady of Peñafrancia Minor Basilica. After attending the Anticipated Mass, we were warmly welcomed
to free dinner hosted by the nuns and catechists of the Catechetical
Center of Caceres.
On our way back home to Manila, we
had to stop at different towns of Quezon
for our comfort breaks. Yes, all through the pilgrimage we felt God’s
presence everywhere and anywhere
whenever we are able to connect with
Him through the trees, and the
mountains, the sea and the land which are all God’s creation. The experience always make me whisper a prayer ” Thank you, Lord for all of the
Creation which reminds us of Your love
for all of us.” Truly everything is for
the Glorification of God and Sanctification of men.
I am God’s victorious creation of
Love and Power. Love is what we all
embraced by sharing and taking care of each other inside and outside the bus. The simplicity,
the give and take among the seniors, young and middle age, we journeyed united in one direction to be
“Holy.” And the miracle through our Ina
ng Peñafrancia’s intercession -- our
safe trip back to Manila -- is the
victory for all because of the power of God’s Love.
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Elsa Arjona is a catechist of Sto. Niño de Pandacan Parish, Pandacan, Manila.
