TRAVEL WITH FAITH: The Cathedral of Our Lady of Mt. Carmel in Jolo

Welcome to Sugid’s “Travel with Faith” featuring the Cathedral of Our Lady of Mt. Carmel in Jolo, a first class municipality and capital of the province of Sulu. It is also known as Jolo Cathedral to many. This Cathedral is the seat of the Apostolic Vicariate of Jolo holding 17 parishes.

Let us be reminded that on January 27, 2019, two bombs rocked the Cathedral which left 23 people dead and at least 120 others injured. It is believed that the attacks were carried out by the Abu Sayyaf which was later claimed by the Islamic State. Let us remember the victims and all the faithful of Jolo in our prayers particularly today, the feast of Our Lady of Mt. Carmel, the titular Saint of the Vicariate.

It took nearly six months before the Cathedral was opened again to the public for Holy Masses, church events and related activities. This happened exactly a year ago from today when the Apostolic Nuncio to the Philippines, Archbishop Gabrielle Caccia led the reconsecration of the Cathedral which was attended by hundreds of parishioners.

The Cathedral underwent months of restoration and reconstruction following the blasts which has damaged the floors, ceilings, the pews and other valuable properties. The repairs were funded by the Aid to the Church in Need, a foundation recognized by Vatican. Other organizations also stepped up to help.

My visit to Jolo happened a few months after the reconsecration. It was a plain tour to see this part of Mindanao and Jolo was my second stop after Basilan. The arrival was not pleasant because of my “imprudence”. I realized as soon as I arrived that the place did not accept tourists. The hotels require you a lot of paperwork to support the legality of your visit, therefore, if you come as plain tourist you have a lot of explaining to do. You need to prove to the authorities that you are not whom they think you are.

I remembered Bishop Leo M. Dalmao of Basilan told me to run to the church when things go wrong which I did. Thankfully, I was received and accommodated by Monsignor Romeo Saniel with the help of Bp. Jimmy Afable who had to call the chancery of Jolo trying to save me from what could have been. After an overnight vessel travel and an early morning dispute and defense, thankfully I was let inside the Bishop’s house, given food, a room to freshen up and to gather myself. Luckily, Msgr. Saniel offered to be my tour guide. I dedicate this article to Monsignor Romy Saniel who opened the doors of the church to a lost Christian like me. God bless you and please know that you are included in my prayers all the time. May the good Lord keep you safe. (Blaze Q. Cantaros | SocCom Sta. Cruz)