Tuesday, March 4, 2014

A JOURNEY OF LIFE AND FAITH @ BICOLANDIA


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.

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