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While
protest marchers in an Interfaith Prayers Rally filled Manila
streets last Friday evening, Boholanos also displayed their
own Prayer Power that same day.
They
jammed the Our Lady of Assumption Church in Dauis town for
the last day of the Bohol visit of the miraculous relics of
St. Therese of the Holy Child Jesus and the Holy Face. For
three days, Boholano pilgrims walked to the Church to pray
for intercession of St. Therese.
That
same day (Friday) a multi-sectoral group called Boholanos
for Truth, Accountability and Reform signed a manifesto at
the Saya's Resturant and identified March 7 as a Prayer Rally
Day at the Plaza Rizal while other "Mass for Truths"
will be celebrated in selected towns.
The
twin events are proof positive that Boholanos, with innate
religiosity, will call on the heavens for devotion and solicitation.
For
the first time, a bumper-to-bumper traffic was seen for two
nights on the road leading to Dauis church as devotees took
the long line of devotees waiting for their turn to reach
the relics placed inside said Church.
It
was an unprecedented display of oneness in faith and prayer.
The religiosity of Boholanos is known far and wide. Still
on record that the province has produced the most number of
bishops in the country (18 of them with Bishop Bai Varquez
as the latest bishop).
Bishop
Leopoldo Tumulak who is more of a Boholano than a Cebuano
was likewise instrumental in bringing the relics from France
being the head of the Military Ordinariate of the Philippines.
He was likewise touched by the turnout of pilgrims who were
seen on the long line of devotees from dawn to midnight.
It
was indeed almost unbelievable by human parameters, but, with
the grace of God through the Holy Spirit, the deeply religious
Boholano community was indeed moved to gather together, walk,
pray and hope for God's continued love and blessings. Where
can you find hundreds of people lining up the side of the
church even at 2 o'clock dawn?
The
visit of the miraculous relics came at a time when the nation
needs prayers due to corruption scandals and human rights
abuses rocking the capital and finding resonance in protest
marches in some provinces across the archipelago.
Bishop
Leonardo Medroso, who is a non-Boholano was himself amazed
with the tremendous outpouring of pilgrims for three days
(day and night). The expression of faith among Boholanos is
unquestionable, the bishop commented while saying that this
faith will come to a test during trials and tribulations.
He seemed to be talking about the national crisis gripping
the nation today.
But
that is probably how God builds up one's faith.
Even
the Navy boat captain who is a Protestant commented on the
touching scene upon seeing the continuity of a huge crowd
of people coming to pray since the arrival of the relics from
Cebu. Bohol was indeed blessed to be visited by the relics
as only a few provinces were visited due to lack of time.
The
Boholanos could be the source of inspirational strength to
other provinces, displaying remarkable faith in the midst
of a great national debate.
We
therefore commend the men and women behind the two-month preparation
led by Rev. Fr. Val Pinlac, parish priest of Dauis for having
poured their talents and skills in art and culture after he
spearheaded the transformation of the Dauis church and convent
into a new landmark in Bohol.
Through
the kind assistance of philanthropist Bea Zobel de Ayala,
the parish priest was able to actualize what he had in mind
to improve this place of worship.
Dauis
church will no longer be the same again after the visit of
St. Therese. It has been converted into a "dynamic place"
where one can appreciate even culture and nature. At the ground
floor of the old convent, a museum and art exhibit can now
showcase Bohol's culture while a well developed food court
by the bay has converted the once idle place into a small
piece of paradise where one can take a relaxing afternoon
coffee break or perhaps a dinner under outstretched acacia
trees punctuated with incandescent capiz lights.
The
visit of St Therese must have brought the message that Bohol
is blessed with a people who are strongly anchored in their
faith to the Lord. The beautiful sights of Mother Nature that
God has generously provided is already a bonus to a people
already rich in culture and religion.
May
the days of reliance on the Lord for faith and liberation
from the ills of society and government be a Boholano trait
forever. May they couple their spiritual devotion with acts
of discernment that will be beneficial to God's community
in Bohol.
Shalom.
For
Comments: email to
bingo_dejaresco@boholchronicle.com Or editor@boholchronicle.com
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