Genuine devotion should lead to action

The International Centennial Pilgrim Image of Our Lady of Fatima arrived last October 18, 2022, Tuesday and made its first stop at the St. John the Baptist Parish, Lasang. Fr. Stephen Gorecho, a missionary from the Alliance of Two Hearts who happens to be the Assistant National Spiritual Director of the Alliance of the Holy Family International or AHFI gave a short catechesis about the series of apparitions of the said image, prior to the veneration. Scapulars were also handed and worn on the devotees by St. John the Baptist Parish Priest, Fr. Jovil Bongay and Fr. Stephen. In celebration of the 100 years of the apparition of Our Lady of Fatima, there are six blessed statues rotating around the world. Now, we are celebrating 105 years of Our Lady of Fatima, the message of the Blessed Mother is more relevant and more urgent than ever.

With all the apparitions, there is one unifying message our Blessed Mother wanted to convey to us which is to repent from our sins and ask for forgiveness. Apart from the short catechesis, a consecration also happened in which the prayer was led by Fr. Jovil. While others, venerated, the others knelt down in prayer to offer their selves wholly to the Blessed Mother and to Jesus.

As the image was transported from the said parish to San Pedro Cathedral, there were devotees who waited on the streets only to have a quick sight of the Blessed Virgin. Youth and other parishioners from St. James Parish in Bunawan even played the drum and lyre as the image passed by in front of the parish. A more mature crowd on the other hand waited at the bridge near San Miguel Parish in Panacan.

Although there were only 11 days to prepare and on a Tuesday at that, the San Pedro Cathedral Parish was filled with young and old devotees. Peoples’ hearts once again burned as they waved their flaglets and handkerchiefs.

In his homily, Most Rev. Romulo G. Valles reminded the parishioners that when living the faith feels lonely, it’s good to remember that the Blessed Mother is always there for us. “When we are down, we seem to be alone, do not forget that the Blessed Mother is there for us.” (Bro. Julius Lugay)