Ang Bayang sumisinta kay Maria

Matching the colors of the rainbow on a sunny day, they came, some in different shades of blue, some green, pink, yellow, beige, white, maroon, violet, a few in printed dresses and blouses, color-coded as to the church-related organizations they belong to. Male and female, young and old, with bottled water and snacks they settled down in groups.  The Ateneo de Davao Martinez Sports Complex in Matina was filled in no time, and soon fans were frantically moving to ease the heat.  And they stayed.

The Holy Bible was enthroned by the Latin Mass Society, and the Loved Flock led the praise and worship.  Everyone was welcomed by Fr. Joel Tabora and Dr. Mike Manalaysay acknowledged all the participating ACLAIM organizations and Parishes.  Monsignor Paul Cuison gave the opening remarks.  All were delighted with the songs of the “laughing-cum-singing” priest Fr. Jovil Bongay.

Guest Speaker from Manila Rev. Fr. Yulito Ignacio, S Th D, reaffirmed that it is always to JESUS through Mary; that consecration to the Immaculate Heart of Mary is also a consecration to the Sacred Heart of JESUS, that it means a return to GOD with all our hearts as was Pope Benedict’s last advice, that it is to offer sufferings for the forgiveness of personal, familial and communal sins.  To further open the awareness on the meaning and importance of the consecration to the Immaculate Heart of Mary, Fr. Ignacio showed a tape of Fr. Arevalo, S. J.  Fr. Arevalo explained that consecration, in its strict sense, can only be done by GOD HIMSELF.  Because of this, Blessed John Paul II included the word “entrustment” on his official act of consecration on the March 25, 1985 Feast of  the Annunciation.  Adding to Fr. Ignacio’s explanation, Fr. Arevalo said that this nationwide consecration is to open our hearts to the merciful love of GOD, and the entire Filipino church’s raising up the banner of Mary – a banner of hope.  Both said that the victory of GOD will come through the Immaculate Heart of Mary.

Fr. Russel Bantiles’ full and strong voice awakened in all the love for Mama Mary as each one completed the Marian hymn with “O MARIA!”  Then the Angelus was prayed.  As the last minute instructions on the order of the prayers and procession were given, some dark clouds were visible.  Unmindful of the darkening skies, the more than 40 ACLAIM lay apostolates and integrated movement members and the members of the 15 parishes who joined unhesitatingly took their positions behind the carrozas and Rosary cars assigned to them.

And Mama Mary was a sight to behold – a few icons were clothed in shimmering gowns, others bathed in lights, and all were surrounded by different flowers!  In 45 carrozas she rode as Our Lady of Fatima (5), Our Lady of Salvation, Our Lady of Perpetual Help (2), Queen of Apostles, Mother of Mercy, Our Lady of Peace and Good Voyage, Birhen sa Barangay, Immaculate Heart of Mary (2), Ina Poon Bato, Birhen sa Regla, Mary Mediatrix of All Grace (6), Our Lady of Carmel (2), Immaculate Heart of Mary, Our Lady of Miraculous Medal (5), Sacred Heart of JESUS with the Immaculate Heart of Mary,  Virgin of the Poor,  Our Lady of Guadalupe,   Our Lady of the Most Holy Rosary, Our Lady of Manaoag, Our Lady of All Nations, Our Lady of Piat, Our Lady of the Immaculate Conception (5), Mary Help of Christians, Our Lady of Lourdes, and Our Lady of the Assumption.  Thanks to Her intercession, Mother Mary made sure that not even a whiff of an oncoming rain threatened those who walked praying the Joyful, Luminous, Sorrowful and Glorious mysteries of Her holy rosary.

While praying the rosary, Archbishop Romulo Valles was seen going front and back of the procession “shepherding” his Davao flock.  It was past 8:00 pm when the whole procession came into the church.  Concelebrating with 37 other Archbishops and priests, the visibly overjoyed Archbishop Valles acknowledged the presence of the more than 3,500 attendees and thanked all for their show of love for Mother Mary.   Worded differently from Fathers Ignacio and Arevalo, he said in his homily that it will always be “AD JESUM PER MARIA – to JESUS through Mary.  Any devotion to Her is incomplete if it will not lead us to JESUS.  Because Mama Mary’s heart is always tuned-in, fine-tuned, frequency on, no lobat with GOD, She will transform our hearts to be immaculate like Hers. Ang magbaligya ug boto, galabay ug basura maskin asa, ang dili mosimbag Domingo- dili immaculate.

JESUS said to the anxious Mama Mary ‘.. I must be in MY FATHER’s house (Luke 2:49).’  Despite our many concerns, JESUS whispers ‘Don’t forget the FATHER’s business.’  GOD texts us but our inbox is full.   In this consecration, our “nation is raised” as in the First Reading.  Let the blackboard of our hearts give space for GOD to write.. because this love, this devotion to Mary will lead us to greatness.”

On their knees, the National/Philippine Act of Consecration/Entrustment to the Immaculate Heart was made by all the faithful after the mass.  The prayer was written by Blessed John Paul II for his March 25, 1985 official act of consecration on the Feast of the Annunciation.  It has been shortened and directed to our present context specifically for the June 8, 2013 nationwide consecration.

Among the many who joined the entire program, procession and mass, first timers from the Divine Mercy Fatima said “guapo man gyud ang ing-ani, sayang karon ra mi kabalo.”  3rd timers from GK Medsa said “mubiya mi ug problema sa balay, pagkabalik namo gikan prosisyun, gaan na ang problema, ug usahay, wala na gyud ang problema.  Nasolbad na ni Mama Mary.”   “Love for Mama Mary” was the reason of those who came from the Most Sacred Heart of JESUS in Calinan.  The PWHS members said the same, plus “that once-a-year ra ning Marian procession, gamay ra nga balos ang pag-apil sa prusisyon.”  A cancer survivor from BLD said she joins yearly in thanksgiving to GOD through Mama Mary for the countless favors all her life.  Some of the 60 or more youth from St. Francis of Assisi said they came in obedience to the teachings of GOD to love such a merciful and faithful Mother.  HOLD, OCDS, St. Jude members said that joining is a small sacrifice for a loving Mother, a walk for help in their situation,  a giving back, an act of love.

As Archbishop Valles rightly said, it was a sight to see men and women of various ages, candles in hand, praying the rosary, and serenading Mother Mary with Her songs.

Her statues depict Her appearance in Her apparitions always opened towards Her children, She must surely be smiling as She again blesses Her beloved Philippines – Her Bayang sumisinta sa Kanya.

Viva Maria, Viva Hesus!!!

By Bella Sarenas/Contributor