this picture is edited using Canva
When there’s too much in our hands, we look for answers, we seek for peace, we find our worth.
Back in the days when we were younger, our dilemma is only when someone steals our favorite candies and we just simply complained to our parents. If only life is like that now that we are adults. Somehow, we have to deal emotional struggles silently. We fell down but have to get back up on our feet. I’ve been experiencing hardships these past months. I’ve been losing focus and goal and battling emotional instability.
Recently, I went on a trip to the South of Cebu with my co-teachers. This trip is not an ordinary trip. Basically, we teachers are given 30 days uninterrupted break. So to make our vacation worthwhile, we decided to take part of the Jubilee 2025 Pilgrims of Hope. This is an opportunity for us, Catholics to engage in spiritual renewal. I decided to go along with my co-teachers for me to reflect on. There were 36 churches to be visited and so far I have yet visited 8 churches during the first part of our pilgrimage in April. This time we will be heading down South (Southeast and Southwest) a home of centuries-old churches.
As pilgrims, we experienced challenges that time. The van that we contacted cancelled the appointment on the spot. We were at the meeting place at around 6 am but we departed at already quarter past 7am contacting another van. I guess our faith was tested that time.
ST. CATHERINE OF ALEXANDRIA, CARCAR CITY
First stop is Carcar City at the Shrine of St. Catherine of Alexandria. The Church was founded in 1599 and was run by the Augustinians. It is the second oldest church in Cebu. The Church’s Structure is of mixed architecture style. It stands a significant part of the city’s cultural heritage.
Our stay in every churches is very limited but we manage to take pictures after offering our prayers. Since it was Saturday, we were greeted with weddings (special wedding celebrations often held on Saturdays in the Philippines). To avoid distractions of the ceremony, we sat at the far end of the pews and cite our prayers.
Three of us were not able to secure a Jubilee Passport due to its demand from parishioners that it sells out right away. We've been to 7 churches already but were not able to get any. Fortunately we were able to get one only at St. Catherine of Alexandria Parish. Perhaps, St Catherine whispered in our hearts that we have to visit her first so we can get the passport. Because originally, St Catherine church would be the last on the list. How happy i was when i hold my passport!
The structure beside the church holds the collection of statue of Virgin Mary. As i was inside the room, i felt i just want to pray fervently to Mama Mary and tell her everything my burden.
When going to the south, you will see sceneries that are festive to the eye. Since it is remotely away from the hustle and bustle of the city, the south of Cebu can offer you peace and quiet moments. It was very sunny at that time so as the clear blue skies meet with the calm, turquoise sea in the horizon, as if it is tempting you to take a dip and be refreshed.
SHRINE OF ST. ANNE, BARILI
Second church that we went to is the Shrine of St. Anne in Barili. We almost lost in the way to the church because Google maps or Waze sometimes are unreliable so we have to ask directions from the locals instead. 😁 The church is situated at the far end of a road lined with huge old trees.
PARISH OF ST. FRANCIS OF ASSISI, DUMANJUG
It's midday already and the sun is scorching hot and the fact that our tummies are screaming for food. Bu we remained unbothered because this is just a part of our journey. And here we met with other pilgrims too.
The church is one of the biggest structure in the province of Cebu and it is proudly designed, and completed by the Filipinos themselves.
PARISH OF ST. GREGORY THE GREAT, GINATILAN
After we had our lunch at a nearby carenderia we headed to Ginatilan. Before we can reach the town, we have to pass by 6 towns, so the trip was quite long. It took about 2 hours to reach to the destination. Some of our teams doze off. When travelling, i would just love to feast my eyes on the sceneries. And see some beautiful spots. The towns were getting so remote and very quiet especially after passing the famous Moalboal and Badian Towns where you can see pristine beaches and diving spots and of course the popular canyoneering activities in Badian.. I have seen lots of tourists queuing for canyoneering. I might try that one day!
Upon reaching the town proper, i have only seen few people and only a few churchgoers were attending mass. The church was also huge. And while the priest is having mass, you can hear birds sounds echoing.
The entrance of the church boast of an incredibly beautiful mural.
SHRINE OF PATROCINIO DE MARIA, BOLJOON
In the quaint town of Boljoon lies another Cebu's cultural heritage:the Shrine of Patrocinio de Maria also known as Boljoon Church in the Southeastern side of Cebu. It is facing the vast sea as if overseeing and served as guardian of the fisherfolks in the town. As i reach in this town, it felt like I was possess by the holiness of the church. The interior of the church was so stunning and the altar was intricately and elaborately designed. While taking a stroll inside the church, i was led to a an open door which paved the way to a small garden. But to my amazement, the grass garden used to be a cemetery.
PARISH OF SAN GUILLERMO DE AQUITANIA, DALAGUETE
Once again we experienced issue with the map so we had to ask the local the way to the church. The locals were friendly and they told us the direction. It was already almost dusk so we had to hurry to get our passport stamped and proceed to the last church before 5PM.Fronting the church is a park for the family spending the weekend after hearing mass. A typical Filipino family event during Sunday.
SHRINE OF ST MICHAEL THE ARCHANGEL, ARGAO
The sun was about to set when we arrived at the church. A special celebration mass was held.
Reflecting on my journey, my soul was not the only one refreshed and renewed but also relearning and reconnecting about the past. The churches that we visited are of Spanish colonial era which means they are built centuries ago but the structures still stand today despite the storm. I, myself, have been experiencing storm. But no matter how ferocious the storm is, I will remain strong.
And that ends my blog for today...
See yah!
(As soon as I got home after our trip, I received a good news. And so, that gives peace for my weary heart.)