MY JOURNEY WITH JESUS: THE CENTRAL-EASTERN VISAYAS REGIONAL
PILGRIMAGE OF THE NATIONAL YOUTH CROSS
By: Mikko Belista – Diocese of Dumaguete
Dumaguete…
The pilgrimage story begins when after our diocese and the region had a day of prayer and meditation. Though it seems to have having a retreat in the wilderness of Bonbonon in Siaton, it was actually memorable and symbolic. We received the cross from the Western Visayas region that Sunday, April the 10th. We opened our regional pilgrimage in the town in Basay, just about 120 kilometers south of Dumaguete, with a Mass. Fr. Dion officiated the mass and some others concelebrated with him. It was then also, we started our own local pilgrimage of our diocese, because at that same year, when the nation celebrates the Year of the Youth, our diocese also celebrated its Silver Jubilee of our youth ministry.
Even at the start of our journey, our faith has already been tested. Our service vehicle of our youth ministry almost got an accident. Our driver was driving at highway speed when the tyre broke and the rubber scattered in pieces. Good thing his skills saved his life and some others. We arrived in Siaton as a stopover for our south district for the night.
Though the rest was history, the National Cross journeyed with us to Jimalalud and Tanjay City in the north. Emotions for us began when the cross visited Siquijor. It was actually the first time for Siquijor to accept and received such a simple relic of God’s love from a National entity. Then after Siquijor, the next day, the Metro-Dumaguete had it vigil and the young received it with joy. It was even being carried during the usual daily dawn procession during its closing Mass. Bishop John Du formally closed the vigil with the Mass in the morning, with the singing for the first time, the theme song of the World Youth Day this year, “FIRMES EN LA FE.”
Cebu…
The activity of the cross from my home diocese of Dumaguete , was so hard and pressing, however, we made it through. It was our turn to turnover the cross to the Cebu archdiocese as they also celebrate the Local World Youth Day (an equivalent of a diocesan youth day). It was Thursday morning when we left Dumaguete for the Tampi Pier. The original plan was that we will took the cross to Argao Port in Cebu by a fishing vessel, however, news told me that plan did not push through because the vessel did not float though the crew have tried to keep it floating. We arrived at Bato Port about half an hour before 1 and had a slow trip to
Argao.
Upon arriving Argao, there were many young people in the plaza and had to carry to cross ourselves for the last time. During the turnover, we felt emotional as we gave the cross to the youth of Cebu. Then as it was placed into its stand, we cried a lot as held the cross for the last time. One of the youth minister named Lizbeth texted me her emotions
“It seems dt we do not lyk to give the cross to cebu anymore. Every1 s falling on dr knees, crying nd hugging every corner of ds very significant being. O Cross, you have touched r hearts so much. *thank u LORD*. Pwd sa amo lng ni na diocese ebutang cge? Huhu :’(“
However though, our emotional outpour was cut short because the Mass was about to start. The mass was celebrated by the Auxiliary Bishop of Cebu, Bp. Julito Cortez, a native of Siquijor. After the Mass, there was a parade full of shouts of joy in the streets going to main venue. A university campus. Though we want to stay to enjoy the LWYD however, Fr. Roland decided that we will return back to Dumaguete the same night. Because we have to prepare for the trip that it may be my last… for the region…
Talibon…
Palm Sunday. I almost got late when I arrived in Cebu pier 3 to take the boat to Talibon. We supposed to take the 1PM trip when Fr. Roland told me that it was cancelled. We would take an earlier trip that was 12 noon. I had to rush down the bus and took the fastest taxi to pier 3. Good thing I arrive about 5 minutes before the leave.
It was about 12 noon for the trip from Cebu to Talibon…However, dramatic events happened…it checked up the baggage very late. The Cebu people who carried the cross case however explained that, the main reason of the delay was that the porters were not checking up the baggages on time. It resulted that out the six who went to Talibon directly, only Fr. Roland, a cebu delegate and I got on board…The rest of our group were ladies never made to the boat in time. They arrived just as the gangplank was already raised. They had no choice but to take a fast craft to Tubigon, just a few hours from Talibon. It was so dramatic that it made me reflect this week’s gospel on the Christ’s passion…
It was surely it was dramatic. Pero dili lalim ang nahitabo(it was not that easy)…The worse case yet, we had the bags of the ladies and the ladies had our tickets. I was afraid we have to pay the full amount. Though after the negotiations with the captain of the boat, we never had to pay though.
The good news came when we arrived in Talibon, it was well timed that the ladies arrived the same time as well. Thanks God for such, at least the delegate who joined with us will not carry the cross alone, it was loaded on a pick-up vehicle provided by the diocese.
About the people of Talibon, my first impression is that they are friendly though they seem to be respite in mood. A simple turnover ceremony was simple enough though. I felt got tired from this dramatic experience in the pier of Cebu. But thanks be to God, we just made it through…
When the turnover ceremony took place at the Cathedral, God’s hand worked mysteriously. When the four delegates of Cebu carried the cross to the altar, I noticed that the cross was light and it was easy for them to carry. But when the youth of Talibon received it and when they carried it to the stand, it was heavy that six people could not carry it themselves. They needed more assistants to carry it. I was wondering why this happened. I could not explain this so…
About the cross, it much fairly in condition, as the base, is a bit rusted and the paint was slowing abraised off especially in the foot.
That evening, after dinner, Fr. Roland called me and the Cebu delegates that we will have faith sharing. Though it took me ten minutes to call him because he went asleep, anyhow, we pushed through. We shared our experience events that very day, including that dramatic event at the pier. They have realized that it was actually a test of faith and a “consequence” of not taking care of the cross as it should during the Cebu’s LWYD. But in the end, it made me reminded that faith comes to work, when we surrender ourselves to him. Most of the Cebu delegates agreed as well.
The next day, it took about an hour to travel to Ubay, about two towns after Talibon eastward. The simplest of ceremonies ever seen…This time though, there were not much activities of the young….But I see it as a blessing. It was my time for my personal holy week day of prayer and meditation. I was wondering if my commitment to the youth ministry has been tested as well…Can I survive the ordeal year or I might as well leave. God help me with this experience of my own. Fr. Roland had returned to Dumaguete early because of the Chrism Mass and their renewal the next day. I am alone at this point and no one else but my laptop full of religious music and instrumentals, my cellphone and my camera. Well anyhow, God has his own plans though…to him be glory and honor in saecula saecolorum…hehehehe
Later that day, when we were rehabilitating the stand, putting insulated tape on the steel bars, I told to them what happened that event yesterday about why the cross got heavy when Talibon received it. Someone just said that there were grudges that was yet to settle. It was then that during siesta time, when a youth minister by name of Tristan talked about their real situation in their diocese. It was about the most common misunderstandings in the youth ministry…Conflicts between the old and the new ministers… How I wish I could help them to solve this, but I only have the tip of the iceberg….
Because of the busyness of the day, I did not have the time to complete the journal once the date has been made. But anyhow, I meet the people that day, joining their overnight activity, taking the tour of the place and saw the simplicity and the religiousity of the people there.
After Ubay, we went straight to the town of Jagna, one of the oldest towns in Bohol. It was there I saw the religiousity of the people of Talibon diocese…It seems that Dumaguete did not make it its standard. The bells in its tower toll five times throughout the day, morning, noon, midafternoon, evening and late night. I was impressed on how they preserved their past structures despite the contemporary renovations in the church, paintings on the church ceilings, dank smell, and solemn mood filled the air. There I was given the task to orient the young people about the national youth cross, its symbolism and life. But it reached the point that I got emotional on how the cross impacted me.
That evening, the youth of Jagna had an overnight vigil which began with the film showing of the Christ’s passion by Mel Gibson then a small talk of the human sexuality and the RH bill by Fr. Abet Uy, the present curate of Jagna. Then a very, very long Taize with recollection was made then a continuous vigil until morning.
Realizing how the diocese of Talibon helped me enrich my spirituality, I made a declaration to them that they are the spiritually religious people in Bohol. Also one of the priests there who inspired me to stay in the youth ministry was Msgr. Ories Jubac, a retired priest at 76, who was the longest serving curate and adopted son of Jagna. It made me realize that God knows no numbers. According to him, no matter how many times I may have failed in some aspects of my life, God only sees how I can recover at every fall.
Tagbilaran…
It was Holy Wednesday when the cross was turnover to Tagbilaran, I thought that it will be brought straight to the Cathedral, however, there was a change of plan. It will be at the parish of Dauis, one of the two towns in the island of Panglao, the other carrying the same name as of the island. Arriving at Dauis, the young people cheer and some of them were even happy to see. The turnover was simple but more solemn….Lunch was served at Café Lawis and I saw how friendly the Tagbilaran youth are. It was confirmed by most of the staff that Rejane, the first youth of Bohol I met, entered the Canossian sisters, the one of Sr. Noemi of Talibon joined. Sometimes, these young people would make me realize what I revealed during my YE-FSW training that I am in love…killiiggg…it happens once again when I retured there…During their day activity, they had their Holy Week recollection with their diocesan youth director, Fr. Joel Aquino.
I would like to stay there though, but time won’t allow me to. I had to return to Dumaguete to celebrate Triduum there. I was needed especially aside from a diocesan youth minister, I also serve as lector of the Cathedral in Dumaguete. But I am excited the adventure continues this Easter. However, they assured me that it will be solemn for them. The cross will be used for the veneration and Good Friday services like Via Crucis…It is in fact that this diocese received the holiest days of the year from Holy Wednesday to Easter Sunday and the highest event in the Christian calendar. The two dioceses in the province of Bohol were given those holy days.
Calbayog…
We’re back…and we’re back with enthusiasm. Easter Monday, we left Dumaguete to begin where we left off… God is good, he sent Marner to join me and Fr. Roland in the journey…Because of the lesson learned during the pier drama, Krishna of Cebu bought tickets for us in advance. We left Cebu for Calbayog with a lone Tagbilaran youth minister named Biene. It took us about half a day trip to reach there. We left about 7 in the evening and arrived at 6 the next day.
We were surprised when we arrived at Manguinoo Port about half an hour away from proper Calbayog. It was a festive mood. As we docked, we saw their dance festival and we were welcomed with a traditional welcome dance of Calbayog. The Bishop of Calbayog, Isabelo Abarquez, a native of Dumanjug, Cebu, welcomed us warmly. After the welcome ritual dance, we left for Tinambacan Parish and had our breakfast while the cross was venerated by its parishioners. It took us until about 8:30 when we arrived at Calbayog Cathedral with a stopover at the city airport for another dance festival before reaching the destination. I was wondering why the Cathedral has two names. One said, it is the Lady’s Nativity Parish and the other, Sts. Peter and Paul Cathedral…
During the Mass, the faces of the young are very enthusiastic and were inspired to serve in the youth ministry. The bishop reminded the young that THE CROSS AND JESUS IS INSEPARABLE. WE CANNOT MEDITATE THE LIFE OF GOD IN THE CROSSLESS CHRIST AND THE CHRISTLESS CROSS…
After lunch, I immediately and unexpectedly felt the colds….Wow, the nose drops, the stuff, the run…OMG…that I had to rest that afternoon and had a tour around the city about 4 when I felt a little better.
The next day, we left Calbayog for Catbalogan, arrived at about 11 and the Mass was celebrated there. Before arriving at Catbalogan, we stopped over at Gandara, Fr. Ted’s hometown. There was a depiction of the Carabao festival welcoming the cross and people cheered and venerated as they pass by. Going forward after celebrating the activities in Catbalogan, we left around 3.30 and bound for Basey where the youth of Calbayog who call themselves as “CALOY”, made their final vigil as they make the time well spent for them in the cross.
Borongan…
We left Basey about 8 that morning and toured all the way to the bridge the boundary of West and East Samar. It was symbolic, it was at that bridge where we have the turnover of the cross to the diocese of Borongan. Fr. Garex and Claire met us and had the turnover in the middle of the bridge. It was emotional for one of the CALOY’s ministers named Avin. He said, that he only have realized the power of the cross just before crossing the bridge and saying goodbye was hard for him. We were escorted by the K of C guards who helped the youth carry the cross all the way to Guiuan. Joining the trip with us was Joneil, a married lawyer from Calbayog.
We arrived at Guiuan at around 2 that afternoon. The sun was hot and I felt sticky in sweat. There was a procession all the way to the church and had a welcoming rite there. The youth of Borongan, mostly came from Guiuan, had their overnight vigil. But for us pilgrims, we went straight to wash our clothes.
A few trivia about Guiuan. Guiuan was the first town that received the Christian faith that spread to the island of Samar. It is famous for its Bikaka Fries (Raw saba banana and sweet potato sticks being fried like French fries), which was a substitute for potatoes that got much expensive and served in coconut shell cups with mayo-ketchup or mayonnaise alone dipping sprinkled with salt to add flavor.
Arriving the next day at Lawa-an, there was less or no activity for the youth in the parish. The cross was left alone and there was a lot of struggles that I needed to take much. During the faith sharing with the Borongan youth that night, I have felt myself being divided. Much worse is that Fr. Roland will join me to return to Dumaguete to cut short the pilgrimage for myself. If I were to evaluate myself in the pilgrimage this time, it seems while being at the trip, temptations are even getting more stronger these days that I forgot my duty and responsibility in the pilgrimage. Like the apostles of Christ who after the division of the bread, have to send off the crowds, sometimes because of my own laxness, I found myself being at the middle of the crowd, being at the middle of temptation, mingling with their own “vice”. Yes I would admit, I have my own personal struggles in my own life, but I believe this should not be the block to continue in the service in Christ. Lord, I wish to change, help me take it…Sometimes, I would took the wrong road. Though I feel today as if I am spiritually dry…it’s hard to take this challenge alone, worse when I am tempted.
Palo…
We left Lawa-an about early the next morning. We rode on a police patrol car and drove about 120 kms/h I presume. We arrive at the junction just before crossing the San Juanico Bridge that there, we assembled the cross. While waiting for the Leyte youth to come by, Marner lent an M16 rifle from a police officer who joined with us and made poses like rebels. So do I, Bien, Jonel and Fr. Roland. Though we enjoyed posing like rebels from Catarman, Fr. Roland was worried if it would be posted on facebook and that it would be seen by the Bishop. We were supposed to have the turnover at the Leyte side of the bridge, however, as far as goes, upon arriving the arch, rains fell heavily and the planned activity was not pushed through. Rains continue to fall and unfortunately, Marner, Biene and Juneil got wet all over. It ceased when we reached the city proper.
We arrived at St. Joseph’s parish and had the turnover there. Later, we had lunch at Sahara Beach. Fr. Roland, told us that he will be going to Dumaguete without me. Thank goodness, at least I can continue my journey to the end of this pilgrimage. Later that afternoon, Fr. Manny, the youth minister of Palo, welcomed us warmly and accommodated us in a pension hotel. This time we were six in the journey. The three who joined us were the ladies from Borongan, Claire, Riza and Anthea. Juneil went home to get more clothes.
That night, we help the young carry the cross to the next parish (the Redemptorist). We later had dinner at Fr. Manny’s convent in Sto. Nino Parish. Until we had to rest for another trip.
Divine Mercy Sunday. Leaving Tacloban, it was arriving like going on a multicab. We arrived at the Cathedral of Palo. There was less activity and the church was on going renovation. We took lunch at the convent and later, Carrie and his team invited us to a movie at a mall in Tacloban and enjoyed dinner at the archbishop’s palace at the mountainside. Then the girls who went there to stay at the palace and we enjoyed the accommodation and the wifi. There was good news then. Juneil returned to join us in Palo. We were seven by then. He then shared what happened on a certain events that happened in Calbayog diocese. He shared that a woman who ran after the cross for a few minutes before arriving at Catbalogan proper to touch the cross for her child. Her child healed after a few days. It was a miracle for them that they have encountered the Lord in their life. Also, he told that the mayor of Calbayog was assassinated upon our arriving at Palo. Later, Marner shared to us his personal experience upon our arrival at Manguinoo in Calbayog. He narrated that he talked to a porter who was assigned to unload cargo from the ferry we were riding. Before we left the port, he asked that if he can climb up the pick-up vehicle to touch the cross. Marner agreed, after a few minutes, that same porter returned to him and asked, (though there was a language barrier between Cebuano and Waray), “What is in that cross that I feel better today? I feel sick before I touched it.” He was even rejoicing and jumping happily as if he was cure from a fracture of a bone. Marner then, was shocked on what happened and he did not know what to do about it. He witnessed a miracle right in front of him. It was then he decided to commit himself in the care of the cross during the whole regional trip despite the problem he faced at home in Siquijor that would cost him his duty as village councilor.
It took us a beer company truck to take us to Ormoc the next day. We prayed the rosary while on travel. We stopped over at Kananga where it was on-hold for the activity to be done in Ormoc. Later that afternoon, we arrived at Ormoc and were accommodated at Sts. Peter and Paul Parish. Later that afternoon, we have taken part bring the cross to Ormoc from Kananga. We spent the whole night enjoying our own pace and Marner and Juneil gave testimonies on one of their program.
I was surprised to wake up the next day that one of the youth elders of their parish, invited me to talk about the pilgrimage on radio. It was about the segment on Christian faith and the youth activity in the parish in Ormoc. The program started at 5 in the morning and lasted for an hour. After returning back to the parish, I attended Mass. I just realized by then it was Fr. Roland’s birthday and I decided to greet him my birthday wishes. However, Marner told me not to call because he was at the peak of work in the plans for the local youth cross. Before we left, Marner and Bien decided to restore the cross back by repainting it and also, we decided to repair the base the support the cross whol At least though, I rested enough until we left for Villaba at 1 that afternoon. We arrived at Tagbubunga Parish about 4 that afternoon. It was a surprise that Lizbeth was there. It was because the parish priest there was her uncle. She was needed her assistance to help the parish and vicariate under Palompon. She requested me to help lead the Taize prayer which she called me during our trip to Ormoc. We spent the evening at a small type house in Abijao owned by a German family. Though it was hot at first but I decided to to fell a bit breezy. It was then I myself experienced the miracle of the cross.
Naval
After a short rest at Tagbubunga in Villaba, it was time for me to reflect that the pilgrimage to the region was nearing to completion. I recalled a lot of experiences and encounters that if I could not record them, may be I might forgot about them. We left Tabubunga bound for Tabango where it was given a simple turnover. Then we bound for San Isidro and rested in Calubihan. In Calubihan, there I could see it was a special moment for Marner. He felt he admired the place and the people who accommodated us like Ms. Queenie Ruiz.
It took us about time to leave Calubihan, bound for Leyte, Leyte. Then, we took the travel and arrived the Biliran – Leyte bridge where young people met there had a joyous welcome. About the bridge, it was about 200 meters long and connected the two islands. They have a festival dance as it did in Calubihan. Arriving at the church in Biliran, we met Fr. Suyom, whom I call him as Fr. B-MEG. Then we left for Caibiran and had to stay there. We washed clothes altogether and enjoyed our pace. At this moment, we were 7 in the team.
The next day, it took us a mountain to visit the other side of the island. Before we reached the Naval Cathedral, we stopped at Lucsoon Church, just about 10 kms away from proper Naval… Arriving at the Cathedral Parish of the Holy Rosary, we rested at the parish center hostel and did our pace.
That night, Fr. Dion called a meeting for all of us pilgrims and shared our experiences, all good and bad until we ended the day praising God for his goodness for us.
Maasin…
Even the storms could not stop us from continuing the pilgrimage. We left Naval about 8 in the morning after attending Mass. The gospel talks about the storms one must encounter in a pilgrimage of life. Even as pushed on, as we arrived at Abuera, a town after Ormoc, we encounter a floody rapid one after another. Some flood were already at waist level and some are above man-deep. We had to stop the engine and ask some resident to push our vehicle to the other side for a fee. Good thing that I rode a high rise vehicle. Unfortunately, my bag got wet and so some of my clothes, at least my laptop was spared. It was an ordeal that I had no choice but to cross it.
We arrived at Caridad, Baybay just after the turnover ceremonies were done. Storms still pushed as through until we reached the Cathedral of Maasin though passing through Hilongos and Bato. We arrived at Maasin just before 5 that afternoon. The cross at the bottom was already damaged in its paintings and we had to fix the steel base, weld some loose connections and bought bolts.
We left the next morning at Ichon at Macrohon and attended Mass. It was advantage for Fr. Roland, the parish priest, who happens that it was his last Mass was his classmate in theology. About the diocese though, there were at the process of shuffling the priests to their new assignments. Because of this, there were not much activities in the parish we pass through. Later, we went for Malitbog then had a stopover at Sogod.
The last day of pilgrimage within the region was to me a relief but at the same time, a sad moment to me. As we left Sogod for Lilo-an, I could only realize how far and long I have been away from my family. I miss them, my brother left again for Saudi without calling me. But on the other hand, I find myself complete with the mission I have been doing for the past month. I can’t wait to return to Dumaguete but it won’t be complete without giving Christ to the people of Surigao. We spent in the parishes in Lilo-an and the last parish in the region, in San Ricardo.
It took a RORO boat to take us an hour and a half to Lipata in Surigao City the next day. It was emotional for us, so we spent the last of the hour practicing animations and plan our turnover. We arrived at Surigao at about 8 in the morning. Arriving at the Cathedral, it was too emotional for us to let go of it. But as Jesus would say, he has to preached at other places as well. It may be a sad day for me but I felt relieved I have made my mission complete. It was a worthwhile experience but it helped me in one way or another increased my faith and commitment.
Learning in from this month-long pilgrimage, I realize that everything was by then a test of faith. Though I cannot say whether I passed it or got flunked, but what I believe is that God made this possible that I have made it this far. I only hope that the best of God’s plans are yet to come and by then, I am willing to give everything for God. Just help me naman Lord ha….
CAST:
PILGRIM ESCORTS: (DIOCESE OF DUMAGUETE)
MARNER SAMSON, FR. ROLAND OMATANG, MIKKO BELISTA
PILGRIMS:
BIEN IGNATIUS CABIGAS (TAGBILARAN)
JONELL CRUZ (CALBAYOG)
CLAIRE GREGORIO (BORONGAN)
ANTHEA LAGRIA (BORONGAN)
RIZA JARDINICO (BORONGAN)
THE PROVIDENCES: (THESE ARE THE YOUNG AND THE YOUNG AT HEART WHO IN WAY HELPED US IN THE SUCCESS OF THE PILGRIMAGE)
LIZBETH DEVELA (DUMAGUETE-PALO)
KRISHNA JACALAN (CEBU)
REYNALD ROSELL (CEBU)
EARL TRISTAN QUILORIO (TALIBON)
SR. NOEMI (TALIBON)
FR. JOEL AQUINO (TAGBILARAN)
FR. TED PEREZ (CALBAYOG)
AVIN CARL CRUZADA (CALBAYOG)
MOST REV. ISABELO ABARQUEZ, DD (CALBAYOG)
FR. GARIX ABUCEJO (BORONGAN)
FR. DION AMANTE (NAVAL)
MARIA GLETA BUGHAO (NAVAL)
FR. DAN ZAMORA (PALO-TAGBUBUNGA)
MARLON LOPEZ (MAASIN)
TO ALL THE YOUNG AND THE YOUNG AT HEART OF THE CEVR….MANY THANKS….
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