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A Pilgrimage of Faith in Bataan: 7 Parishes where the Missionaries of Saint Dominic de Guzman Sowed the Seed of the Gospel and Spread the Good News
Introduction: The Holy Father Pope Benedict XVI declared a Year of Faith from October 11, 2012, the 50th anniversary of the opening of the Second Vatican Council to November 24, 2013, the Feast of Christ the King. The Pope calls this period as an opportunity to strengthen our faith in Christ and joyfully to announce Him to the men and women of our time. The Diocese of Balanga celebrates this special Year with various activities leading off with the designation of seven town-parishes founded by the early Spanish Dominican Fathers, as perpetual Pilgrimage churches and sites in the entire province of Bataan. The pilgrimages to these churches and shrines will involve prayer and reflection. Thus we offer these companion writings as the guide to the pilgrim and as a source of their prayer and spiritual meditation. The pilgrimage is symbolic of earthly life. The image of the pilgrim during Patristic times is of someone who trekked to Rome through treacherous and torturous roads, in a group and with very little money in his pocket. He wore a tunic and sandals and he had on a shoulder cape on which he sewed souvenirs of his pilgrimage. Our life here on earth involves a crisscrossing of rough and rugged roads, sometimes bumpy, sometimes slippery. There might be mountains to climb, obstacles to overcome and heavy loads to carry. Yet, onward we proceed, relying on Gods providence as a shield against the storms of life. However, fear and insecurity can tempt us to bring more in our journey, thus we procure and produce more worldly provisions. We begin to acquire more and in the process become attached to such earthly goods. We become strongly inclined to amass and to hold on to material possessions. This situation can lead to an obscured vision of the way to God. Fettered by possessions we might not take the right road to God and end up in a pit, or stranded on the wayside. Thus it is important that we be reminded constantly of the Way of the Pilgrims, which is to travel unburdened by worldly cares, and to journey in life with the unconditional and untainted vision of meeting God and willingly setting aside all worldly allurements. We travel in this life. We are just pilgrims here on earth. Now is the time to ask: Where does our life lead us? Where do we direct our life? BATAAN

2 Bataan is deeply inscribed in the heart and mind of every Filipino. Bataan signifies democracy and freedom. Here was immortalized the gallant stand of Filipino and American defenders who courageously fought the decisive battles which delayed the imperialistic timetable of the well-equipped Japanese forces and thus changed the course of the Second World War in the Pacific. Bataan was founded by Governor Pedro Manuel Arandia in 1754 and soon after was evangelized by the Spanish missionaries of Saint Dominic de Guzman and Saint Augustine. The Dominican Order sowed the seed of Christianity first in Abucay on June 10, 1588; then in Samal on April 30, 1641; Orion on April 30, 1667; both Orani and Balanga on April 21, 1588; Llana Hermosa on May 8, 1756 and Pilar on March 10, 1801. The Augustinians introduced in 1606 to 1679 the Christian faith in the western side of the province which, at that time, comprised the so-called Corregimiento de Mariveles. They returned on May 1712-1898. Mariveles then had three barrios: Cabcaben in the east, and Bagac and Morong. Mariveles, Bagac and Morong became parishes in 1729, 1873 and 1851, respectively. We start our pilgrimage of Faith with a prayer for a particular grace. We then briefly recall the history of each town and the particular church; remember the exemplary life of the titular patron; and reflect. Before we end our pilgrimage in a particular Church, we recite a prayer. These are the elements of each pilgrimage to the seven town-parishes in province of Bataan where the missionaries of Saint Dominic de Guzman labored and live.

I. Place: Hermosa
1. We humbly request for the particular grace of Faith, that our Faith be firm and fruitful. We will hold on to our Faith amidst the trials and temptations of life. We will show our Faith with the proper change of heart and with good deeds done with our hands. The name of the sixth town established and evangelized by Spanish Dominicans on May 08, 1756 was originally derived from Spanish description of a beautiful white flower, Llana Hermosa. It was later given the title Pueblo del San Pedro Martir de Mabuyan. Because of its strategic river Almacen, the town was at par with other important trading posts such as Hagonoy in Bulacan and Sangley Point in Cavite for Chinese and Japanese traders. The simple church, which initially measured 46 yards long and 10 yards wide, stood on a twohectare lot at the town proper and was a Dominican vicariate. Hardwood from nearby forests was used as beams, rafters and trusses. These were covered with cogon grass as roofing. Historical accounts attest that three original images from San Gabriel Church in Binondo were transported and eventually enshrined in the church. The Spanish Dominican friars selflessly labored in the town until 1768 when the seculars took over and stayed until1838. The friars returned to Bataan on October 5, 1838 and stayed until the Spanish revolution in May 30 1898 which witnessed the martyrdom of Father David Palacin Varas, OP. It was only in 1901 that the Church of Hermosa was handed to the Filipino clergy.

3 The present parish church is dedicated to San Pedro de Verona and measures 58 meters long and 18 meters wide. Its interior and exterior wall finishing materials are old adobe walls that were cut, sliced and re-used. The main church has given birth to another Parish in Balsik that serves 14 barangays. 2. Patron: San Pedro de Verona Old town tales recount how the inhabitants of Llana Hermosa saw a wayward boat in the Almacen river and noticed that a dark image was on it. Curious about the broken and unmanned boat with an appealing dark image on board passing by, the townsfolk hurriedly towed the boat and recognized a picture of a saint. They informed their parish priest, who went to the place and seeing the image realized it was that of Saint Peter of Varona, a Dominican saint. Thereafter the townspeople were called by the loud pealing of the bells and they brought the image in procession to the Church. From that time on, Saint Peter of Verona was honored as patron of Llana Hermosa. Saint Peter was born in Verona, Italy in 1206. His parents were followers of a heretic sect called Manichaens. He was sent to study at the University in Bologna. During his stay and studies he encountered the founder of the Order of Friar Preachers, later known as the Dominicans. Captivated by their holiness of life through prayers and preaching Peter joined the Order. With his solid devotion to studies, dedication to the Word of God, and determination to spread the Faith, St. Peter was named by Pope Gregory IX as General Inquisitor. The Order commissioned him to refute and suppress the Manichaen heresy. He made great progress in this task throughout Italy. Multitude came to listen to him and was brought back to the Catholic Faith, while the Manichaeans did everything to stop him, even seeking his death. Along the way from Como, while returning to Milan on April 06, 1252, he was ambushed by the Manichaeans with their hired an assassin Carino striking his head with ax. Mortally wounded and at the hour of death, Peter knelt and recited the First Article of the Apostles Creed. He willingly offered his life as a sacrifice to God. And with his own blood he inscribed the words credo in unum Deum (I believe in one God) on the ground. Not contented Carino pierced his heart with a knife. His body was carried to Milan and was enshrined at the Church of Saint Eustorgio. A year after his martyrdom Pope Innocent IV canonized him on March 25, 1253. A knife on his head explained his sacrificial death for the Catholic Faith. 3. Reflection: And Jesus replied, have faith in God (Mark 11,22) Faith starts in the head. It is to know, to believe. Once we believe, we accept. Pope Benedict XVI in his motu propio Porta Fidei (October 11, 2011) says, only through believing, then, does faith grow and become stronger (7). Faith is to know the words and works of Jesus. Because of what Jesus preached and did we can also profess what the Apostle Peter said, You are the Christ, the Son of the living God (Matthew 16,16). With our faith in God, we come to know He loves us, takes good care of us and desires our return to Him. And so like Saint Thomas we also proclaim, My Lord and my God (John, 20,28). Faith makes us recognize our being limited, vulnerable and helpless during our earthly pilgrimage. We need God. We then accept that God is

4 our savior. God is the only answer to our needs; the true solution to our problems. Because of faith we realize the redemptive plan and saving works of Jesus working in us. Faith is nurtured in our heart. It is to trust, to love. What we know we keep not only in our head but much more so in our heart. Those we love we keep in our heart. The Holy Father affirms The heart indicates that the first act by which one comes to faith is Gods gift and the actions of grace which acts and transforms the person deep within (Porta Fidei, 10). Our faith makes us trust the ways and words of Jesus. This faith in Jesus moves us to love Him deeply and to be very much willing to have a change of heart for Him. And Jesus dwelling in your hearts through faith and in us rooted and founded in love (Ephesians 3,17) leads us to conversion of life and communion with Him. Faith is seen in our hands. It is to do, to share. Faith is a call to action, to fulfill His words and continue His mission. The words of Jesus are made visible with our works. The works of Jesus become tangible with the changed life we live. Thus our faith does not only make us know Jesus or love Him but eventually leads us to serve Him fully. Pope Benedict XVI attests, It is faith that enables us to recognize Christ and it is his love that impels us to assist him whenever he becomes our neighbor along the journey of life (Porta Fidei, 14). With our faith we are now His followers. We become His disciples. We are His workers. Saint James reminds us, What good is it, my brothers and sisters, to profess faith without showing works? (2,14). By our faith we put flesh and blood to His words. We relive the very life of Jesus. We act for Jesus and do the best things for Him. 4. Prayer: Increase our faith. (Luke 17,5) Almighty God, our merciful Father, increase our faith (Luke 17,5) in you alone so that I can profess to you: You are my only hope and my solitary help. You are my love and my true light in my earthly journey. You are my great protector and gracious provider. Without you I am nothing and nobody. Without you I am lost. Without you my life will be empty and meaningless. Almighty God, our merciful Father, increase our faith (Luke 17,5) so that I can provide others: Healing of their hurts. Forgiveness for their faults. Solutions to their problems. Comfort to their sorrows. Strength in their struggles. Good deeds in their needs. I humbly ask these through your Son and our Lord, Jesus Christ. Amen.

II. Place: Orani

1. We humbly ask for the grace of fidelity, that is faithfulness to our calling, commitment and careers. A Spaniard was walking through the thick forest in Bataan. He encountered a native who was chopping a huge tree. He asked the native the name of the place. Thinking of the tree which he was cutting, he replied, Narra. The Spaniard understood it as no ira which meant unselfish. On his way back the Spaniard repeated the word, rearranged it. He told his friends the forested place was orani which described the natives as not selfish. Thus did this town get its name. Orani is 115 kilometers northwest of Manila. It is bounded in the north by Hermosa; in the south by Samal; in the west by Dinalupihan and in the east is the Manila bay. With a land area of 5,926 hectares, Orani has 29 Barangays. Orani has verdant mountains and clean sea and produces coffee and palay, and aquamarine resources such as prawns, crabs, mussels and oysters. The Spanish Dominicans established Orani as a missionary center in 1714 because from 1641 Orani was just a part of Samal. The friars built the Orani church with adobe and bricks but the earthquake of September 16, 1852 reduced it to the ground. The resilient flock and friars rebuilt it in 1891. Through the years church in Orani proved to be strong, surpassing the test of time and surviving the storms of life because Orani stands faithful with the maternal guidance and intercession of their mother, who is devotedly and reverently invoked as Virgen Milagrosa del Rosario del Pueblo de Orani. 2. The Patroness: Virgen Milagrosa del Rosario del Pueblo de Orani The wooden sculptured statue of Virgen Milagrosa del Rosario del Pueblo de Orani is 1.68 meters. The Blessed Virgin Mary is portrayed holding the Child Jesus on her left hand and on her right hand is a rosary. The Child Jesus holds a globe on His left hand and is imparting the blessing with His right hand. When the dedicated Spanish Dominican friars began their evangelical missions in Bataan they brought and enshrined the image in Orani in 1587. According to oral accounts of old people it was well accepted that the Spanish Dominicans brought to them not just a wooden image but a mother. Their mother whom they fondly invoked as Our Lady of the Holy Rosary, provided and performed unending miracles. And through the years they continued to lovingly call her Virgen Milagrosa del Rosario del Pueblo de Orani. 3. Reflection: Near the cross of Jesus stood his mother (John 19,25) We can discern three progressive movements of faith on the part of our Blessed Virgin Mary. Each movement begins with the letter S. What are these Ss? First, she speaks.

6 Second, after she receives the answers, she is silent. Third, she stays with Jesus through His suffering and stands at the foot of the Cross. First, she speaks. At the start of the Gospels we are introduced to the Blessed Virgin Mary questioning the angel messenger of God. In the Gospel of Saint Luke, she asked the angel who told her she would bear a son, How can this be if I am a virgin? (1,34). When Jesus remained in Jerusalem and became lost to His parents, He was asked by the Blessed Mother after she and Joseph found Him preaching at the temple, Son, why have you done this to us? Your father and I were very worried while searching for you (2,48). The questions of the Blessed Mother did not express doubt or mistrust. She was not blaming anyone. She asked questions so she could be informed and enlightened. She wanted to understand everything, to know all the things. She inquired with sincerity and concern Once she received the appropriate answers, such as that of the Angel Gabriel who told her, The Holy Spirit will come upon you and the power of the Most High will overshadow you; therefore, the holy child to be born shall be called Son of God (Luke 1,35) and the assuring response of Jesus, Why were you looking for me? Do you not know that I must be in my Fathers house? (Luke 2,49), the Blessed Mother kept quiet. She accepted everything. There were no follow-up questions. She submitted herself to the will of God the Father and to the wishes of her Son Jesus. She consented. She cooperated according to the ways of God. Unconditionally and without hesitation, she obeyed saying, I am handmaid of the Lord, let it be done to me as you have said (Luke 1,38). In our life we have many questions. There are things which we cannot understand or accept. And yet we have to comply with and trust in the ways of God. Everything has a reason. Everything is according to His divine plan. We have to cooperate with His will. We have to surrender ourselves to God, and obey and do what He wishes for us and from us. Let us remember that God has better, more beautiful and beneficial plans for us. God will never forsake us. God will always bless us. Yes, we can ask questions from God. But at the end of the day we must accept, have faith in His plan for us and fulfill what He asks of and expects from us. Second, after our Blessed Mother Mary received the answers she was silent. After she erupted in her song of praise, saying, My soul proclaims the greatness of the Lord (Luke 1,46ff); after she bade the servants at the wedding at Cana in Galilee, Do whatever he tells you (John 2,5) she remained quiet. She was completely silent. From then on there was no mention of her spoken words in the Gospels. And we know that our Blessed Mother Mary was completely silent because as Saint Luke wrote, She kept all these things in her heart (Luke 2,51). She was silent. Why? It is because she had discerned everything and knew her specific mission in Gods salvific plan for mankind. It dawned on her that she was not only the mother of Jesus but mother of the redeemed mankind. She knew that she was there to attend to Jesus, but much more to be a disciple of Jesus. She learned that she did not only bear Jesus but she must share Him with others. In our life there are moments when we have to be quiet and listen. There are times when we have to be silent and to start working. We dont need to be repetitious. After proper discussion and arriving at a decision, it will be the time for action. Once we know what is being expected

7 of us and once we understand our specific obligations, the next step is to act. No more bargaining. No more procrastination. No room for compromise. We act and do our part with our whole heart. Third, our Blessed Mother Mary stayed with Jesus. She was always with Jesus. Even without her spoken words we know that she remained with Him. Saint Matthew attests to this, when Jesus is informed Your mother and your brother are just outside; they want to speak with you (12,50). Our Blessed Mother Mary accompanied Jesus especially on His way of the cross unto His crucifixion. Saint John wrote, Near the cross of Jesus stood his mother (John 19,25). Our Blessed Mother Mary did not only sympathize with Jesus, she really shared in His suffering. She did not only agonize with Jesus, she was also suffering as if a sword has pierced her heart (Luke 2,35). She stood by the cross of Jesus, accepting and believing in her heart the sacrificing and saving works of her Son Jesus. Our Blessed Mother Mary was always there for Jesus, available and always accepting of her Sons entrusting request, Woman, this is your son (John 19,26). In our life there will be trials and temptations. We will experience sorrows and sickness. We will encounter pain and problems. But let us always remember that our Blessed Mother Mary will stand by us. She will stay with us. With her beside us there will be comfort and triumph. Our Blessed Mother Mary will surely give us relief and consolation. When we accept the cross and have to carry it even to our very own crucifixion, let us remember that our Blessed Mother Mary walks with us and stands by us. 4. Prayer: Let it be done to me (Luke 1,38) O almighty God, merciful Father, through the loving intercession of the Blessed Virgin Mary, our beloved and dearest Mother, we humbly ask for the miracle of saying and hearing let it be done, a yes! Yes from the person we love and desire to be our marital partner in life. Yes for the work and position we are applying for. Yes for admission to a school, to a civic or social organization. Yes for a requested travel, working or immigrant visa. Grant me, o almighty God, merciful Father, the grace that I may pronounce let it be done, a yes! Yes to those asking for my forgiveness, acceptance and trust. Let me say yes and not to complain, doubt, and contradict. Let me say yes to sacrifice, service, and even to suffering. And like our dearest Blessed Mother Mary, Let our yes be complete, clear and constant. We ask this through our Lord Jesus Christ, your only Son, who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, for ever and ever. Amen.

III.

Place: Samal

1. We humbly ask for the grace of filial devotion and dedication to our Lord. We completely attach our lives to Him, aligning our ways and will to His very life. During the early days this place was surrounded by water. Boats of every kind navigated the waterways as a means of transportation. There were also contraptions made of giant leaves ingeniously sewn together that floated along the riverbanks. These fascinated the Spanish soldiers who were traveling by boats. What creative minds fashioned these seemingly huge fans which the fishermen used to cover their boats against the heat of the sun or the pounding of the rain, the travelers wondered. The Spaniards asked the natives what the leaf-carpets were called and they replied, Samel, Samel. Actually the name of the plant thriving along the banks of the river was called Samil. This type of grass is used to make the popular Filipino walis or broom. From that time on the Spanish soldiers called the place Samel. Later on it came to be known as Samal. Samal lies between the towns of Orani in the west and Abucay in east. Samal became the second town in Bataan founded by Spanish Dominican missionaries, as declared in the Provincial Chapter of 1596. The Dominicans entrusted the place to the patronage of Saint Catherine of Siena. The place had a visita or a chapel under the pastoral guidance of Abucay. Even though it was merely a chapel, nevertheless a permanent Spanish friar was assigned to it. Samal was declared a vicariate on April 20, 1641. Friar Tomas Ramos, OP, was its first pastor. Under the very capable pastoral administration of Father Jeronimo de Belen, OP, a church for the place was built. However, this church was destroyed during the Dutch invasion in 1647. During the Philippine revolution, the Katipuneros burned down the church to flush out their enemies who had hidden in the convent. The church was rebuilt into what now exists as an adobe and bricks structure by Father Justo Quesada, OP. 2. The Patroness: Saint Catherine of Siena Catherine was born on March 25, 1347 in Siena, Italy, the youngest of a large brood of 25 of Giacomo and Lopa de Benincasa. As a young girl she already showed a strong and steady inclination towards serving God and making sacrifices for the Church. At the tender age of seven she already consecrated herself to Jesus and made a vow of perpetual virginity. She had a very vivid vision of Our Lady presenting to her Jesus giving her a splendid ring and telling her, I, your Creator and Savior, espouse you in the faith, that you will keep ever pure until you celebrate your eternal nuptials with me in Heaven. That ring became visible only to Catherine. Catherine entered the Third Order of the Dominicans at sixteen years old, in spite of the objections of her parents. The Order was the female branch of the Congregation and was known at that time as the Mantellate. When he witnessed a white dove descend momentarily on her daughter, Giacomo de Benincasa readily understood the calling and commitment of Catherine. He even professed to the whole family that we can never make a match for her that can be compared to this. We need not think we are losers if we receive into our home not mortal man, but him who is immortal, God and Man.

Catherine dedicated her whole life to prayer and penance. She worked hard and prayed intensely for unity in the Church. She did sacrifices on behalf of Pope Gregory XI that he may return from Avignon in France and reside in Rome. In her numerous letters she begged and invoked, Come, come, come and resist no more the will of God that calls you. The hungry sheep await your coming to hold and possess the place of your predecessors, the Apostle Peter. For you as the Vicar of Christ should rest in your own place. Catherine as a tireless dove of peace implored the heaven for an end to civil strife within Italy. On April 29, 1380, while on her deathbed, Catherine at the age of thirty-three, faithfully professed, In leaving my body, truly I have consumed and given my life in the Church and for the Holy Church which is for me a most unique grace. Pope Pius II canonized her on 1461. In 1970 Saint Catherine of Siena was declared Doctor of the Church by Pope Paul VI. 3. Reflection: Saint Catherine always carried the appendage of Siena. The preposition of is possessive and speaks of location, a place. Of means provenance. Catherine came from Siena, a beautiful city in the region of Tuscany in Italy. She belonged to Siena. It was her place, her home, her roots. With this context let us reflect on our own origin and roots and try to answer these two questions: For whom are we? For what are we? First, for whom are we? We are for God. We belong to God. In the book of Genesis we read, So God created man in his image; in the image of God he created him; male and female he created them. God blessed them (1,27). We come from God and we must remain with Him. Our life should not be corrupted by bad habits and shameless behavior. Our life should not be wasteful or excessive. Our life should always be directed towards God, following a path that leads straight to Him, and not away from Him or divergent from Him. In the biography of Saint Catherine written by her spiritual son Saint Raymond of Capua, it was revealed that the Lord Jesus appeared to her holding in his holy hands a human heart, bright red and shining. Jesus opened her side and put the heart in saying, dearest daughter, as I took your heart away from you the other day, now, you see, I am giving you mine, so that you can go on living with it forever. We are for God. We are His. And He is ours. We should live for God. We should be like Him. Our hands should be His hands. Our feet should be His feet. Our hearts should be His heart. And thus would we be Him to others. Saint Paul in his letter to the Galatians reminds us, It is no longer I who live, but Christ truly lives in me (2,20). We are not a lowly and abject people. We are children of God and it is God who must take control of us. It is God who must direct us. To God we must return. In Him we must rely and rest. Second, for what are we? We are for Heaven. We are people to be raised up not brought down. We are not for this earth. We are meant for Heaven. We are destined to be with God. We are on the side of victory and we are called to fullness of life, a peaceful life, a fruitful and wonderful life. We have life so we can be with God. God did not give us life to squander by passing by the day in a corner, unmindful and sulking, or in a cage suffering. Gods goal for us and for all His children is eternal life with Him.

10 Yes, we experience trials and sufferings. How often do we fall to ground out of sinfulness and despair? Do we not hurt and weep over torments and vexations? But beyond these we must bear in mind that God is constant and unrelenting in His trust in us to rise up and rediscover the road that once more leads to Him. Our life was not meant to be spent in darkness or end up in a meaningless existence. It is Gods desire for us to be with Him in His heavenly home. Saint Catherine of Siena urges us, Remember Christ crucified. Make you aim the Crucified Christ, hide in the wounds of the Crucified Christ and drown in the blood of the Crucified Christ. May this place called Samal, dedicated to Saint Catherine of Siena, always remind us of our divine roots, our Father in Heaven, and help us to tread always only the path that leads to God, our almighty Father. 4. Prayer: Lord, to whom shall we go (John 6,69) Our Lord Jesus, our savior and shepherd You make everything possible. You always assure our safety and security. You enable us to succeed. You graciously provide all our needs. I firmly believe and accept that without You in my life, I am lost. I will be nothing and nobody. I will be hopeless and even useless. I return to You. Take me back and forgive all my sins. Accept me once again and cleanse me of my infidelities. Grant me Your grace, my Lord Jesus Christ, not to separate myself from You. But always looking and living for You alone. Grant me Your grace, my Lord Jesus Christ, not to go against Your will. But always to hold You and become like You. Make me always realize Your goodness and generosity. Help me always to be faithful and grateful to You. I am for You. I am with You. I believe in You. I belong to You. And I must become like You. Amen.

IV.

Place: Abucay

1. We humbly ask our almighty God for the grace of consistency, commitment and continuity with the practice of our faith.

11 It was customary for the Dominican missionaries to name their first convent in any area in honor of Saint Dominic de Guzman, the founder of the Order of the Preachers. The First Provincial Chapter of September 1587 named and accepted their first missionary field, designated by the first Manila Bishop Domingo de Salazar, OP as Santo Domingo de Abucay, in Bataan, by the Holy Rosary Province on the same day, month and year as the Santo Domingo Convent of Manila. Immediately Father Juan Ormaza de Santo Tomas, OP as vicar together with his co-friars Juan Garcia, Juan dela Cruz and deacon Domingo de Nieva went to Abucay by boat across the Manila Bay. They laid down the groundwork for the establishment of Abucay as parish. They built visitas and initiated the inhabitants to social and sacramental life. The municipal building was the first site of the Church which also served as residence, chapel and hospital. On June 10, 1588 Abucay was officially and publicly created as first pueblo and parish of Bataan and was called at that time Pueblo del Santo Domingo de Guzman. On June 12, 1595 a second barcada or missionary expedition was sent from Spain that had 18 Dominican volunteered missionaries. Among them was Father Francisco Blancas de San Jose, who became and known as the creator of Philippine typography and teacher of our very own Tomas Pinpin. Another important Dominican missionary expedition ventured in 1634. On that barcada were 20 priests and three brothers led by Father Miguel de Aozaraza, OP. They arrived in 1635 and Father Miguel was sent to Abucay. The Provincial Chapter of 1639 described his mission as doctrina Batanensi minister fidelisimus (most faithful minister in the Vicariate of Bataan). From Abucay Father Miguel together our own Lorenzo Ruiz sailed to Japan where they were martyred for the Catholic Faith and was raised to the altar of glorious saints. The name Abucay is derived from the word abu-kinaykay which signifies digging the debris of fire. At that time a huge fire destroyed numerous houses in that place. According to legend a Spaniard came to this town and asked for its name. The people were busy digging and shoveling the remains from the ashes, and in local dialect they answered what they were doing, that is, abu-kinaykay digging and shoveling. From then on that town was called that way and later on was known as Abucay. Abucay is in the mideastern portion of Bataan. She is bounded on the north by Samal town; in the south by Balanga City; in the east by Manila Bay; and in the west are the mountain areas of Morong. The natives of Abucay pride themselves as the best handicraft artisans and boat builders. The Church was completely built by Father Geronimo de Belen, OP during the early 1600s. A huge fire burned the church in 1870. Father Jose Diego Pelaez, OP rebuilt the church. In order to check and curb the spread of cholera in 1880-1890, the good Dominican father built catholic cemeteries. Dominican historian of 17th century, Father Juan Peguero, OP vividly described the selfless dedication of early missionaries to the very healthy and pleasing inhabitants of Abucay as they baptized them, and they have become good Christians, people of much peace and of singular virtue. The Abucay church is made of red bricks and adobe stones, distinctive features that have withstood the test of time. Moreover the people of Abucay shed their blood againtst the Dutch invaders on June 23, 1647. The Church bore witness to that event. On September 29, 1639, an apostle of Bataan and resident missionary of Abucay, Father Miguel de Aorzaraza, together with our very own Lorenzo Ruiz and companions were martyred for the faith and eventually were raised to the altar of Saints.

12

2. Patron: Saint Dominic de Guzman Saint Dominic was born in Calaruega, Spain in 1170 to a noble family. His parents were Don Felix de Guzman and the Blessed Joan of Az. He had two brothers who became priests. Before he was born, his mother had a dream about a dog with a torch held between his pangs. And that was the very life of Saint Dominic who with his Dominicans (canis Dominus, dogs of the Lord) enlightened the world with his teachings and devotion to the Holy Rosary. Saint Dominic (1170-1221) was entrusted by Pope Innocent III in 1204 with a mission to work for the conversion of the Albigenses. This was a group of heretics in the region of Provence, in southeastern France. At that time, Saint Dominic was a young priest. For fourteen years, he had little success. So he sought the help of Our Lady. Then one night, as he was saying his prayers in the chapel of Notre Dame at Proille, Our Lady appeared to him. She inspired and instructed him to recite the prayers taken from the Gospel, that is, the Our Father, the Hail Mary to be repeated many times and with Glory Be, in order to praise the Blessed Trinity. She said that this Rosary should be his weapon and means to convert those heretics. Taking the advice of the Blessed Mother and preaching the life of Christ and praying the Rosary, Saint Dominic emerged victorious. 3. Reflection: The persevering and sacrificing pastoral works of the early missionaries of Abucay is an inspiration for us to be grateful, to love and deepen our faith. As baptized we are also missionaries of faith. We are tasked to share and spread of faith. Our faith impels us to do three essential evangelizing endeavors. First, faith makes us hearers. Faith leads us to listen. To listen, we must stop talking and keep quiet. Let us hear. Let us understand what is being spoken. Our first intention is to know, not to contradict. Let those speaking express what they want and desire to impart. After listening, we think, reflect and at the end respond. It is only when we fully grasp the meaning and context of what is being said to or being asked from us that we are ready answer. Only after we have assessed all things and examined everything that we can speak. An episode in the life of Saint Francis de Sales is worth imitating. A foolish street boy insulted him. The good saint remained calm, patient and silent. Someone asked him how he maintained his composure. He answered, I make a resolution and agreement with myself. I promise to myself that my tongue would be quiet when my emotions are high and only when my emotions subsided that I can use my tongue to speak. So there is always time to listen, to take time to speak or to question or even to clarify things. What we must do is to follow what Prophet Samuel did as he said, Speak, o Lord, your servant is listening (1 Samuel 3,2-10). God hears us. He listens to us and then He attends to our needs. He listens to what we ask for, to the longings of our hearts. And God also speaks to us. He continually imparts what He wants from us. He is always telling us what is best for us, what we must do, what we must accept. But sometimes we dont want to listen; we dont let Him speak, or we dont want to hear what He will tell us. And so we pretend to be deaf and turn away from Him. Or we keep

13 ourselves busy so that we can avoid Him. So we do the opposite of what the Prophet Samuel said, and say, listen o Lord, I speak. Faith leads us to be hearers. Faith is to open our minds and hearts to God who is always speaking to us through events and the people around us. With faith we make ourselves available and attentive to God. We ponder. We pray it over. We absorb and we silently ask ourselves what are the best moves; the right actions. And it is only then that we can decide to get up, let us go (Matthew 26,46). God is always speaking to us, presenting us to Jesus and urging us, This is my beloved Son, listen to him (Luke 9,31). Jesus is imploring us, Let anyone who has ears, listen (Mark 7,11). Faith makes us hearers. With our faith we know and accept that Jesus is with us, accompanying us in this life. Let us be quiet, spend time with Him and hear Jesus speaking in our heart. Second, faith is to follow. After we have heard what was being asked from us, we must do something. Words impel actions. Hearing calls for deeds. So we follow what is being demanded from us, what is being asked from us. It is of faith that we follow. And to follow in faith means two imperatives. First is to obey. We obey instructions, believing in faith it is for our good, the good of others and the good of the Church. We do what is expected from us. We fulfill what is demanded from us or what we promise to do. Second is to imitate. When Jesus told us, Follow me (Luke 5,27), it means we must pattern our lifestyle to His ways and to His will. With faith in Him, we dont doubt. We dont question. We are not afraid. We just follow and adapt ourselves to His life. We conform ourselves to His very self. And thus His words become our words. His works are now our works. We imitate how Jesus lived His life. And we continue what he did, preached and shared here on earth. Because of our faith we are not contented listening or hearing. We are satisfied not only with knowing and learning. We have to go out to perform, to participate and to produce. We make ourselves available for duties and responsibilities. We dispose ourselves for actions. So we answer the challenge of Jesus when He said, Go throughout the whole world and preach the gospel to all people (Mark 16,15). We accept His challenge and commissioning You did not choose me; I chose you and appointed you to go and bear much fruit that endures. And so the Father will give you whatever you ask of him in my name (John 15,16). Faith leads us to follow. To follow is to go wherever Jesus sends us, to work for His vineyard. To follow Him with faith is to do His works wherever it is, whatever it is and for whoever they are. But we should not be afraid. We should never be hesitant or look for a way out. Why? It is because of our faith in Jesus. With our faith we know that Jesus is with us, walks with us and will welcome us. Jesus is reassuring us with His words, and I will be with you always, to the end of the age (Matthew 28,20). Third, faith impels us to give. To give is to think of the welfare of others. It is to be concerned, to care and to be compassionate. When we give we sympathize with the situations of others and we are in solidarity with their condition. Saint James asks us, What good is it, my brothers and sisters, to profess faith without showing works? (2,14). Giving is sharing. It is an act of love and self-sacrifice. When we give we think less of ourselves and our needs and we think more of the well-being of others. Saint Paul in his letter to the Galatians affirms this saying, What matters is faith working in love (5,6). And Jesus said, The greatest love you can have for your friends is to give your life for them (John 15,13).

14 Giving is self-offering. Through faith we offer to our brothers and sisters what is beneficial and best for them. We share what could be of help and service to them. When we give in faith we do not offer what is useless or without value. We give what is most necessary, and what is most helpful and most substantial or suitable. God gives us the most precious gifts: our life and His love. He gives us what He values most-- His only Son Jesus. And Jesus offered His very self for our salvation, continuously giving us His love, His forgiveness. What we must give back to God? It is our faith when we listen to His word and follow His will. What does God want from us? It is our faith when we are faithful to Him and serve Him and do good works for His flock. Saint James reminds us, So, just as the body is dead without its spirit, so faith without deeds is also dead (2,26). 4. Prayer: Faith working in love (Gal 5,6) Almighty God, merciful Father I will listen to You. I will follow You. I will give myself to You. Let me not doubt or question Your will. Let me not waiver or walk away from Your path. Let me not be afraid or halfhearted to follow Your life. Make my faith strong and solid. Make my faith bear good fruits. Make my faith work in love. And may Your Son Jesus also tell me, your faith has saved you (Matthew 9,22). Amen.

V. Place: Balanga
1. We humbly ask the grace to be touched and transformed by Gods hands to be truly His image and likeness. We fervently surrender ourselves to God and unconditionally cooperate with Him in order to mold us and bring out the best and the beauty in us. Balanga used to be a visita (chapel) of Abucay, where the early Dominicans (of the Holy Rosary Province) first set up their mission. On April 21, 1714, the Province established Balanga as mission territory and on April 18, 1839, declared it a vicariate with Saint Joseph as the patron saint. With the able administration of early Spanish missionaries the church and convent were constructed. Father Benito Rivas, OP, fortified and strengthened the Church. With Father Juan Antonio Vicente, OP the interior was decorated and the roof was made of galvanized iron. Father Fernaldo Ma. Minano, OP from 1838-1845 added the arch of the choir loft and made the baptismal font with granite from Mariveles. On June 02, 1898 the parochial

15 administration of the Filipino clergy with Father Mariano Sarili as the first native pastor started. The name Balanga comes from the word Banga, which means clay pot or earthen vessel used for cooking or for storing water. Banga is actually the local term for the special clay used in making the vessel. A legend tells how the town came to be called Balanga. A travelling Spaniard had lost his way. On the road he met a local woman who was carrying a clay pot. She thought that he was inquiring about what she was carrying. She answered, Banga. Thereupon, the Spaniard took it as the towns name. A as the name was relayed from one person to another, the name became Balanga. 2. Patron: Saint Joseph, Husband of Mary An old Church tradition attests that Joseph, along with all the single men of the tribe of David, was called by the priests of the Temple. At the temple the men were given each a branch and told that a virgin named Mary of Nazareth would be the chosen bride. Mary would marry the one whose branch would sprout a bud, as had been said by the Prophet Isaiah, A shoot shall sprout from the stump f Jesse, and from his roots a bud shall blossom (11,1). Behold, it was only the branch of Joseph that bloomed and he was immediately recognized as the worthy spouse destined by God for the grace-filled Virgin Mary. God rightfully chose Joseph for Mary and Jesus. He willed that Joseph would provide a home for His Son Jesus and protect Him and Mary. It was Gods design to make Joseph the Steward of His redemptive plan for mankind. And Joseph proved to be a faithful collaborator. He showed himself to be a trusting servant of God. 3. Reflection: There are two important attitudes we must learn and imitate from Saint Joseph. And what are these? First, Saint Joseph protects. Second, Saint Joseph provides. First. When God entrusted His Son to Josephs care and protection, Joseph carried out his role dutifully with love and in total obedience. He followed Gods bidding, as conveyed by the angel, without hesitation and conditions. Joseph too went up from Galilee from the town of Nazareth to Judea, to the city of David that is called Bethlehem, because he was of the house and family of David, to be enrolled, with Mary, his betrothed, who was with child (Luke 2,4). Joseph did not insist on his own agenda or personal interests. He accepted what God expected of him. He believed in Gods plan. He trusted Gods ways. Without any reservation, without any doubt, Joseph obeyed and took Mary as his wife. He was always with Mary. He protected her.

16 For the love of his Holy Family and to protect the infant Jesus from the life-threatening order of King Herod, Joseph, out of complete trust in God and with firm confidence in His will, took the child and his mother by night and departed for Egypt (Matthew 2,14). To protect is to work for the safety and security of those we love. Saint Joseph did what was best for his Holy Family. In our own situation to protect is to safeguard the life of the little ones, even that of the unborn. To protect is to avoid and reject anything that will destroy life. To protect life is to promote and preserve life. And, like Saint Joseph, we are called to look after those entrusted to our care, those under our authority. Second. At the finding of Jesus at the Temple (Luke 2,41-52), Joseph knew that he was called and chosen to fulfill Gods will to devote his own life to the service of Jesus and Mary. He was not only a caring custodian of the Holy Family. He was also a loving provider for them. Joseph imparted to Jesus the craft of his trade, and Jesus became known as the carpenters son. With the betrothal of Joseph and Mary (Matthew 1,26-27), Joseph passed on the legal and royal title Son of David (Isaiah 9,5-6) to Jesus. Joseph provided his Family with everything his time, the fruit of his livelihood as a skillful carpenter, his care and concern. He devoted his whole life to Mary and to Jesus. And yet he did not take them only for himself. He committed them to us, shared them with us, and worked with them for our redemption and for the glory of God. Saint Joseph surrendered all he had to God and submitted himself in service to Mary and Jesus. We accept in our lives that to provide is to share, to offer all we have, generously and selflessly. It is not to withhold something for ourselves. To provide is not to possess or to hoard. To provide is to be gracious, to be open-minded. And, like Saint Joseph, we must be available always, ready to serve and to bear sacrifices for the good of our loved ones and also of the poor and the needy. 4. Prayer: Joseph rose and took the Child and His mother (Matthew 2,14) Almighty God, merciful Father, in his time of doubt and anxiety, You manifested your wisdom and guiding hand to Saint Joseph. In his moment of confusion and question, You enlightened him. In his decision You revealed Your divine will and inspired him with Your grace. And in his actions You strengthened him. I humbly ask You in Your great love grant me what You did to Saint Joseph. In my confusion, clear my mind. In my fear, give me courage. In my weakness, grant me Your grace. In my sorrows, wipe away my tears. With my hurts, heal me. With my needs, help me. With my pride, silence me.

17 And with my sins, forgive me. Amen.

VI.

Place: Pilar

1. We humbly ask for the grace of solidarity with people entrusted to our care and strength amidst sufferings and sorrows in life. This place was unheard of before the Spaniards came even though it was a fishing and farming village of Balanga, which was the better known town. However, the place eventually created some fascinating traditions that gave it a glorious niche in Bataans history. A violent storm led the Spaniards to the discovery of this unnamed place. During that life threatening natural turmoil, the Spaniards witnessed the courage and faith of the natives. Inspired thus the Spanish soldiers turned to Our Lady in the midst of that destructive typhoon and implored her maternal protection and guidance. After they experienced her loving intercession they dedicated that place to and named it after her: Our Lady of the Pillar, later on known as Pilar. When the place was established as a town, Santa Rosa and Panilao, its sitios near Balanga, resisted because they did not relish the thought of being cut off from Balanga. On March 10, 1801, however, the sitios wholly accepted and recognized Pilar, which became an independent vicariate from Balanga. The secular clergy took over with Father Damaso Lintag as the first pastor. A church was built of wood and nipa. A month later, the place was also declared an independent municipality. With the Provincial Chapter of 1833 the Spanish Dominicans accepted the administration of Pilar. The pioneering Dominican Father Jesualdo Minano, OP, started the construction of a stone church in 1834. It took the Spanish Dominicans twenty years to finish the existing restored church. On May 28, 1898 local revolutionaries burned the church to the ground. This conflagration, however, brought forth an incident which the townsfolk of Pilar attested to have witnessed and called a miracle. The statue of Our Lady of Pilar was spared from the all-consuming flames. The incumbent pastor then, Father Fermin de San Julian, OP, was arrested and incarcerated in Cavite. From thereon until 1900 no priest was assigned in Pilar. And after a sacrificial stand and sanctifying witnessing, the Spanish Dominican mission in Bataan came to an abrupt and painful end. The Philippine revolution of 1898 resulted in the expulsion of the Spanish Dominican missionaries from Bataan. The Acts of 1906 vividly described it as a fierce storm which partly destroyed the basic foundations of the Province. Despite this turbulent historical period, the faithful service of the pioneering missionaries was not consigned to the dustbin of the forgotten. Rather, the people of Pilar, remembering the undiminished fidelity to the Gospel that the missionaries showed in their manner of pastoral administration, and out of unwavering loyalty, invited the Dominicans to return and to resume their ministry. They recalled with undivided affection and reverence the pastor who returned, Father Fermin de San Julian, OP. Father Fermin was very much loved and remembered by the people of Pilar, mostly as a pastor who supported and stood by them. They greatly admired him for his diligence,

18 sincerity and ability to communicate in Tagalog. He oftentimes used Tagalog instead of Latin in his Sunday masses. This loving and reverential relationship between Father Fermin and the people of Pilar remained unbroken unto his death: his remains were interred in the church, beneath the altar table. 2. The Patroness: Our Lady of Pillar According to legend, Saint James was evangelizing the whole of Spain after he had solicited the benediction of the Blessed Mother, who said to him, Go, my son! Go where you are assigned by your Master. I pray that by his name you may build a church on account of my memory, in the city of Spain where your word will convert a lot of souls. However, he had little success and became deeply disappointed. He reached Caesaraugusta (present day, Zaragoza) in the year 40 AD. Our Lady, who was at that time in Jerusalem, appeared to the apostle to encourage and comfort him. When the Blessed Mother appeared to Saint James, she was standing on top of a column or pillar (pilastro in Spanish) which was being carried by angels. The Blessed Mother gazed upon Saint James with loving sweetness and called him to her and said, Behold, my son, the designated and chosen place in my honor. Take full attention of this Pillar upon which my feet rest. My Son, who is your master, brought this from heaven through his angels, and you will put up an altar beside this Pillar. The power of the Most High will perform extraordinary wonders in this place upon those who will come to seek assistance. This Pillar will remain until the end of the world, and authentic Christians will never be lacking in this city. The actual column is now reverently kept in the Church which bears its name: Basilica de la Nuestra Seora del Pilar, in Zaragoza, the capital of Aragon region and situated in the northeast of Spain. That baroque Basilica with its neoclassical faade is considered the first Marian shrine. Because of this Zaragoza has been called the mystical city of God. 3. Reflection: Pillar signifies foundation. It could mean a post or a column which gives support or to hold up something heavy. So pillar connotes solid, strong base or cornerstone. Jesus described it best when He said, I will show you what someone is like who comes to me, listens to my words, and acts on them. That one is like a person building a house, who dug deeply and laid the foundation on rock; when the flood came, the river burst against that house but could not shake it because it had been well built (Luke 6,46). Pillar is massive and compact. It holds the entire building, protects it from failing. How is our Blessed Mother our pillar? For me there are two things. First, our Blessed Mother is our support. Throughout her entire life our Blessed Mother was with Jesus. She accompanied Him from His presentation in the temple (Luke 2,22-40) to His crucifixion (John 19,25-27). Her presence was indeed a physical and moral support to Jesus in the very critical moments of His sufferings and sacrificial death. The supportive role of the Blessed Mother was a visible manifestation of her maternal love and care for her Son Jesus. She was there when she was needed most. She was with Jesus, united in His passion and one with Him in the fulfillment of the Fathers divine plan. Her support of Jesus was her submission to the will of the Father. It was her fiat in action. In our life our the Blessed Mother is always watching over us, supporting us especially in our dark moments. She intercedes on our behalf to her Son Jesus. She will never refuse

19 something from us as Saint Bernard of Clairvaux says, Remember, o most loving Virgin Mary, that never was it known that anyone who fled to thy protection, implored thy help, and sought thy intercession, was left unaided. Our Blessed Mother will always come to us, help us and share with us the caring love of Jesus as she did with Elizabeth (cf. Luke 1,39-45). She will stay with us in our times of lost and sorrows, to uplift our spirit and to overcome our grief as she showed in the Upper Room to the disciples of her Son Jesus. Her support is her solidarity with us. Where she is, she wants us all to be with her, there in heaven. As a pillar she is always holding us, to have and to hold only to Jesus. Our Blessed Mother as Our Lady of the Pillar is pointing us to look up to Jesus and to live only for Him. Our Blessed Mother seeks us out with love, gathers us in her maternal protection and keeps us always in her heart (Luke 2,51). Second, the Blessed Mother is our strength. Being at the foot of the cross (John 19,2527) was a terrible moment for our Blessed Mother as prophesied by Simeon, A sword will pierce her own soul (Luke 2,35). Indeed like her Son Jesus she was also in deep pain. She was also in agony. She was suffering with Jesus. Yet she was silent. She was strong. She did not utter a word, neither did she question and doubt the ways of the Father. The Blessed Mother was truly a pillar of strength for those who were there at the supreme self-giving of her Son Jesus. She was in sorrow yet she was so composed, up to the point of being forgiving of those who made her Son suffered. In our life our Blessed Mother is always with us especially when we are down and hurting. Not only does she sympathize with us, our Blessed Mother gives us grace so that we can rise and go back to her Son Jesus. As our pillar of strength she will shield us against dangers in our pilgrimage of life. Our Blessed Mother as Our Lady of Pillar will see to it that our earthly life will be always safe and secure. She will always be there to make us succeed and be assured of our salvation. Saint Anthony of Padua invokes us to beseech you, our Lady, our hope, that you, Star of the Sea, may shine on us when we are tossed by the storms of this sea and guide us to a safe harbor and protect our going out by your sheltering presence, that we may safely come forth from prison and happily reach the goal of inexpressible joy. 4. Prayer: Behold your mother (John 19,27a) O almighty God, merciful Father, through the ever-understanding intercession of our Blessed Virgin Mary, our beloved and dearest Mother I, with contrite heart and trusting faith in your compassion and love, humbly appeal for your miracles: of strength amidst sufferings, of sustenance amidst sacrifices, of sweet repose amidst hurt, and of success amidst my daily struggles. Give me a strong shoulder to carry my cross. Grant me steady feet to follow your Son Jesus. Give me a sincere heart to detest sins. You are the source of my love and life. You are my hope and my help.

20 You are my sure guide and surety. Let me never be separated from you. I also meekly ask this through our Lord Jesus Christ, Your only Son, who lives and reigns with you And the Holy Spirit, one God, for ever and ever. Amen.

VII. Place: Orion

1. We humbly ask for the grace of strength against temptations and trials in life. We meekly solicit Gods guidance and abiding graces to sustain and to support in our daily struggles. Orion was just a visita (chapel) of Abucay. Founded and developed by the Portuguese Dominican friar Domingo Perez, OP, it was at first situated along the Santo Domingo river. The chapel and convent were made of wood. With the increase of population and fervor in Christian faith, Orion was declared independent from Abucay and was raised to a vicariate. In 1667 Orion was dedicated to the patronage of Saint Michael the Archangel. It was in 1680 when a concrete church of red bricks and adobe was built on the present site in Barangay Vicente. The church at that time had an initial measurement of 50 meters long and 25 meters wide. The earthquake of September 1852 completely destroyed the church. Father Ramon Rodriguez, OP started the rebuilding of the church. He even reconstructed the convent with galvanized iron roofing. Father Jose Auli, OP, finished the construction of the church and added a huge, magnificent bell tower. Father Claro Arroyo, OP, built the cemetery at the back of the church. The last Spanish Dominican missionary Father Ulpiano Herrero, OP, beautified the sacristy, convent and belfry. He established a school for boys and girls. Unfortunately a massive conflagration on May 3, 1893 razed the town to ashes. Thus church records from 1667 to 1905 were gone forever. Only the First Provincial Chapter of the Dominican Order could recall the missing 240 years of religious history of Orion. 2. Patron: Saint Michael the Archangel How Saint Michael the Archangel became the patron of Orion? According to oral history passed on through generations, there were varying reasons why Saint Michael the Archangel became the patron saint of Orion. Of the many stories only one is believed and accepted by the people of the town. The old folks recounted that Orions waterways were traversed by many sea vessels during the Galleon Trade. These vessels were travelling the sea route from Mexico towards Manila. During foul and inclement weather the water passage through Orion would provide safety to the galleons. Each galleon had a patron saint that serves as its guide.

21 One time, a Spanish galleon encountered stormy weather as it set out to sea. It was under the patronage of Saint Michael the Archangel. It took safety in the bay of Orion. When the weather cleared the soldiers and crew of the galleon started getting ready to set sail towards their destination. However, due to mysterious and unexplained circumstances the weather changed and the sea darkened. The galleon attempted many times to depart but it repeatedly encountered the same unpredictable weather. Thus the captain of the galleon decided to leave behind the image of Saint Michael the Archangel, thinking that their patron didnt want to leave the place. With the captains decision the image was brought down the galleon to the church of Orion. Thereafter the sky cleared and the galleon could leave to go back to Mexico. The townsfolk saw this event as a miraculous message and then on the town of Orion began celebrating the feast Saint Michael the Archangel. Who is Saint Michael the Archangel? He is reverently referred to as the head of the Heavenly Host and a great protector. Catholic tradition acknowledges his four tasks: to fight Satan, to rescue the souls of the faithful from Satans grasp especially at the hour of death, to be the special Patron of the Holy Church and lastly to bring souls to judgment. His name in Hebrew means who is like God. This was his battle cry and he was the rallying point of good angels against rebellious angels. The Book of Revelations narrates, War broke out in heaven with Michael and his angels battling with the dragon. The dragon fought back with his angels, but they were defeated and lost their place in heaven. The great dragon, the ancient serpent known as the devil or Satan, seducer of the whole world, was thrown out. He was hurled down to earth, together with his angels (12,7-9). Saint Michael recognized the Lordship of God. He accepted the dominion and power of God. And with his acceptance of God as his God whom he has to love and serve in his entire life, Saint Michael submitted himself to Him. He surrendered himself to God uttering his resolution serviam that is, I will serve. He looked up to God as his Master and Lord. And he used everything in him for Gods purpose and for Gods reign. He made himself available to God, acted on His behalf and fought for His glory. 3. Reflection: Jesus said, if only you had faith the size of a mustard see, you could tell that mountain to move from here to there, and the mountain would obey (Matthew 17,20). If we have faith, it means two things. First, faith is to accept. Through faith we know, we are enlightened, we are informed. But faith does not purely make us understand Jesus, we must also accept what Jesus did. We must accept Jesus Himself. So faith to Jesus is acceptance of His words and of His works. Our acceptance of Jesus means that we trust Him: whatever he says to us, whatever he commands us to do, and whatever He demands from us. So we take Jesus as our protector and provider. We recognize Him as our savior and our strength. We consider Him to be our very own life, our very own love. Faith in Jesus means that Jesus means a lot to us. He is whom we need in our life, and whom we must cling to in this life. And without Him we know and accept that we will be forever lost. Without Him our life will be without meaning. Without Jesus we are nothing and we cannot do anything. Our faith in Jesus will not make us afraid to go on in this life even if there will be storms and sickness. If we place our faith in Jesus there is nothing or no one to be afraid of. Why should we be afraid if we are with Jesus? So with our faith in Jesus our problems will be solved, our prayer-request will be granted, our hurts will be healed, our pain will vanish. With

22 our faith in Jesus we will overcome all trials and temptations; we will surpass our crisis and conflicts; and we will be victorious against Satan. With our faith in Jesus we will experience success in our works, safety in our travels, peace in our hearts and blessings in our homes. Saint James in his letter tells us, Ask with faith, not doubting. For the one who doubts is like a wave driven and tossed on the sea by the wind. Such a person should not expect anything from the Lord (1,6). Second, faith in Jesus is to act on what Jesus tells us. Our faith does not simply accept the words and works of Jesus; we must show them through the works of our hands. With this, we do what we profess. We act on what Jesus commands us. We put into action what Jesus wills for us. So we live up to His expectations. Faith in Jesus is to act, and acting for Jesus and with Jesus to the point of carrying His cross even until our very own crucifixion. We hold on to Jesus even if it means sacrifices and sufferings. We remain faithful to Jesus even if there are pain and persecution. We still observe His commandments even if there are hardship and heartaches. And our faith in Jesus will lead us, like Saint Michael the Archangel, also to fight for Jesus and to defend our Catholic faith. Jesus is telling us if only you had faith the size of mustard seed (Matthew 17,20) is not that we can move mountains but that we can change for good, we can improve our lives, we can progress, we can accomplish great things and we can complete bigger tasks. Now let us ask ourselves, How is our faith? In the Gospel of Saint Luke Jesus tells His disciples, Where is your faith? (8,25). Where do we place our faith? Is it in Jesus or in the horoscope, fortune tellers or feng shui? Do we accept the words of Jesus or that of people who comment about us? Do we obey Jesus or do we still practice our old pamanhiin? Jesus is always telling us Do not fear, only believe (Luke 8,50). If we place our faith in Jesus everything will be fine. Let us put everything and everyone in Gods hands and surely He will never fail us. How is our faith? In the Gospel of Saint Mark Jesus also asks us, Why are you frightened? Do you still have no faith? (4,40). Yes, in our life we experience serious sickness and terrible storms. We cry. We are hurt. We undergo painful events. We receive sad and sorrowful news. Sometimes people betray us or speak against us. Sometimes our dreams for our loved ones do not materialize. More often times our expectations do not turn out good. Sometimes our sacrifices end up in nothing and our efforts are wasted and unappreciated. Amidst all these unpleasant happenings let us not lose hope. Let us not give up. Let us not be frustrated or frightened. Let us continue to believe keep trusting in the Lord. Hold on to Him. Let us still place our faith in Jesus who will do something beautiful and beneficial to us. He will perform miracles in our lives. Let us wait with patience and continue to put our faith in Him. Surely Jesus will not fail us, as He also says to us, Your faith has saved you; go in peace and be free of this illness (Mark 5,34). 4. Prayer: Let us now recite this prayer to Saint Michael the Archangel. Saint Michael the Archangel, defend us in battle; be our defense against the wickedness and snares of the devil. May God rebuke him, we humbly pray. And do you, o prince of heavenly host, by the power of God thrust into hell Satan and all the evil spirits

23 who prowl about the world for ruin of souls. Amen. Conclusion: Pilgrims travel to these holy places with an urgent desire to pray. To be a pilgrim is to be prayerful. A pilgrims way is a life of prayers. And we pray with them and for them: Concluding Prayer: Ever-loving Jesus, we pray for pilgrims who leave the comfort and luxury of their places and homes, to go through difficulties, detachment and deprivation, in order to stand in reverence, in contrition and in thanksgiving, in your presence in these holy places and shrines. May they find what they are searching for, receive what they ask for, and experience what they need, in their pilgrimage of life. We pray for pilgrims who are returning home: may they be safe, may they be renewed in spirit, may they be completely healed, and fully converted, so that, as they go back to their families and communities, they may become your true witnesses, faithful sharers of your caring words and saving works, and thus bring others back to you, as we all journey together in this life, towards you and for you. Amen.

+Ruperto Cruz Santos, DD Bishop of Balanga