What's up dearest Hivers! It's been a while. You know what? I missed you a lot. How are you guys? I am hoping and praying that you are all in a good state.
I am happy now that I have some time to write a blog despite the busy days I had the last few weeks. I am beyond excited to share with you the things that happened to me earlier. Especially our school Activities that made me busy.
In this blog, I would love to let you know about the activity we did last November 27, 2023. As I mentioned in my intro blog, I studied in a Catholic School. My very own Saint Louise de Marillac College of Bogo, Inc. Located in Bogo City Cebu, Philippines.
Come and join me in this extraordinary and unique journey.
Every November 27 of the year Catholics celebrate the feast day of our Lady of the Miraculous Medal and since I am studying in a Catholic school, it is our tradition to do a Walk for Mary. An activity where students are going to offer a walk, pray, and sacrifice.
We, the students, and other participants started walking from Bogo Parish to the shrine. (This activity is inclusive to all)
To those individuals who don't know what a shrine is, it is an area or a place where people pray and worship. In Lapaz, Bogo City Cebu, Philippines, there is a shrine where there is a big statue of The Lady of our Miraculous Medal. The lady who grants the prayers of those who heartedly ask for it.
Many tourists come and visit this place to pray for their worries and celebrate their victories. Most are devotees of The Lady.
To formally start this one, I woke up at exactly 2 in the morning. It is quite early, right? But the Walk for Mary will start at exactly 4 in the morning and I have to prepare myself and travel for at least 30-40 minutes to arrive at my destination.
That is me, sitting in front of our barangay chapel.
As you can see, I am holding a water bottle. Water is very important because from the word Walk for Mary, we will be walking for about 5 to 6 km away and that is far. It is better to hydrate ourselves, fellas!
Since I do not own a car or motorcycle, traveling is hard for me. The only option I had at that time was to wait for a bus and commute. Well, that is my daily routine every time I go to school and I am used to it.
But sadly, there were no buses at that moment because that was too early. I understand that drivers must have enough sleep for them to drive on the road safely.
Good thing, I have this neighbor who will go to the same destination that I will be going to. He is a tricycle driver and he is about to send his daughter. Just to let you know, I and his daughter go to the same school and It made me feel calm knowing that instead of waiting for a bus to come, I found another option which is to ride a tricycle.
This is what the Parish of Bogo City Cebu Philippines looks like on the outside. Honoring the Patron Saint of San Vicente Ferrer the patron saint of builders. (My apologies if the picture is blurry. I took it from a distance and I was in a hurry. I will try my best to give you a virtual tour of the parish next time.)
As you can see in the picture above, there are no students to be seen because I arrived late. But there is nothing to worry about since I managed to catch up with the group.
Upon catching the group, I saw hundreds of students who participated in the event. I also saw the presence of, the teachers, non-teaching staff, and some parents as well.
On the walk, there were three statues of a saint. People who followed solemnly prayed the holy rosary.
We had a procession from Saint Vincent Ferrer Parish to The Lady of Miraculous Medal Shrine in Lapaz Bogo City Bogo.
We walked for about an hour until we reached the Shrine.
The shrine is located on a hill beside the Highway and the twist is that individuals must take the hundred and fifty steps to get on top.
Upon arriving on top, we rest for at least 30 minutes. There was also a free coffee, egg, and porridge served by the local officials.
After that, a mass was offered.
After the Holy Mass, The school gave us a free miraculous medal, and without hesitation, I patiently fell in line and got some.
Did you know that Once you have this medal and are blessed by the priest, every prayer you ask will be granted, you will be blessed with abundant graces and you can get special protection from Mary? That is proven by many.
Let me give you a short glimpse of the area.
Since the shrine is located on a hill, this is what it looks like on top. You will be welcomed by fresh air and a panoramic view. You can see the overlooking view of Bogo City.
You can enjoy the different beauties that surround it. The vehicles on the road, the hills from afar, the green big trees, and the planted crops such as corn and vegetables.
This a place where you can find peace and calmness. You can surrender all your worries and heavy feelings without any judgment. Indeed, it is a place of comfort and relaxation.
Some also come here together with their families. Worshiping as a family is a priceless moment. It is a great way to strengthen your faith and proof that there is love and a strong bond within your family knowing that you live life having God in the center.
As I mentioned above, the shrine is located on a hill, and everyone must take the hundred and fifty steps to get on top.
*(This photo was taken months ago, but the area I am talking to is just the same.)
And this is what the hundred and fifty stairs look like. Some may find it easy, but I am telling you that you will be catching your breath once you start taking the steps. It may be tiring but rest assured that there is beauty waiting on top.
This is an activity where we can strengthen not just our bones but most importantly, it will allow us to strengthen our faith and belief, bringing us closer to our Almighty God.
It is a unique activity because, among all other schools in Bogo City Cebu, only our school has the initiative to do this one. Probably because we are the only catholic school in the area.
I am proud and happy that our school has this type of activity because it will allow us students to grow spiritually, and to believe that in any aspect of our lives, there is always our Almighty God.
It also allows us to learn how to obey his rules, to live life simply, be thankful and contented with everything we receive.
Oh Mary conceived without sin- pray for us who has recourse to you
If I am to make a reflection, this activity feeds my soul. This kind of activity is very important to a youth like me. I need guidance for me to grow spiritually. I am filled with knowledge and I am very happy to attend this one. Until next time Hivers. Have a Good Day!
I hereby attest that the photos indicated above are all mine and not stolen