A Glimpse of Resilience Amidst the Pandemic

In June 2020, despite the challenges of the COVID-19 pandemic, a remarkable story of unwavering faith and resilience occurred at the Parish of St. Mary of Perpetual Rosary in Buhangin. This story is about a weekly procession that replaced traditional saint statues with images of Mother Mary and the Blessed Sacrament, demonstrating powerful faith that still inspires today. It shows that faith can prosper even in difficult times, transcending age and circumstances.

The Parish Priest, Rev. Fr. Dionisio Tabiliran, initiated this faith-strengthening mission with the aim of boosting the faith of the parishioners during the pandemic. He organized the weekly procession as a spiritual journey and an act of devotion to Mother Mary and the Blessed Sacrament, providing a sense of hope and faith in a world filled with fear and uncertainty.

This procession, is a unique event in itself. It features the image of Our Beloved Mother Mary and the Blessed Sacrament, gracefully parading through the territory of St. Mary. The procession is an invitation to all members of the parish. Members of each Basic Ecclesial Community (GKK) seized the opportunity to offer prayers and devotion to our Mother Mary during her visit, with Tuesdays dedicated to her image and Fridays to the Blessed Sacrament.

What makes this procession special, apart from the usual religious processions, is the presence of children, aged 6-10, who stand along the route with clasped hands, bowing in reverence, as the image of Mother Mary and the Blessed Sacrament passes by. Their expression of faith is a sight to behold, a testament to the purity and sincerity that they have regardless of their age. It is a beautiful and profoundly inspiring sight.

As the procession moves forward, people in the streets are sprinkled with holy water by Rev. Fr. Dionisio Tabiliran. Children thank him, as they say in full gratitude, “Thank you very much, Father.” Some children even rush to get closer to the image of Mother Mary and the Blessed Sacrament, believing in the blessings that these sacred signs carry.

Witnessing these children waiting on the side of the road every Friday is a powerful reminder that, even at such a younger age, they possess a profound belief and trust that Mother Mary and Jesus in the Blessed Sacrament would bestow blessings upon them. It is an awe-inspiring sight to see, emphasizing the idea that genuine faith springs from the depths of the heart.

The heartwarming story of faith in the Parish of St. Mary of Perpetual Rosary serves as an inspiring reminder that, even in the darkest of times, faith can shine brightly. The blessings of Mother Mary and the Blessed Sacrament are never too far away, always ready to grace our lives with their divine presence. This story is a testament to the resilience and unwavering faith that can emerge even in the face of the most challenging circumstances, and it is a beacon of hope for all. (Rev. Julius Lugay)