The Feast of Our Lady of Perpetual Help: Our Love and Devotion

In July 2012, a Catholic Mission Station named after a title of the Blessed Virgin Mary, the Our Lady of Perpetual Help, was founded in a peaceful Sitio of Lomboy in Barangay Linambasan, Jamindan, Capiz, upon the order of the Archdiocese of Capiz through Reverend Father Rowelyn Langurayan who was the outgoing Parish Priest of San Sebastian Parish during that time. 

Reverend Father John Denosta was the first-ever Priest assigned to celebrate masses and look after the faithful's spiritual needs.

Father Denosta served for 6 years until July 2018. He is well-loved by the people due to his sense of community and Spiritual leadership. For about 6 years, he built and transformed the Mission Station into a beautiful  Our Lady of Perpetual Help Parish on June 27, 2018. Just a few days before his service ended, he witnessed and celebrated his success with the Parishioners, devotees, and hundreds of Catholic Faithful.

Today, June 27, 2019, on the Feast Day of Our Lady of Perpetual Help, we have the successor of Father Denosta in the name of Reverend Father Jeffrey Estrella. For a year, he has been serving the faith community of Barangay Linambasan and people from different barangays of the town of Jamindan.

On this feast day, our Archbishop of Capiz, Most Reverend Jose Advincula, officiated the mass with our Parish Priest, Father Estrella, and other Parish Priest.

Reverend Father Krys Señeres, the co-Parish Priest, commissioned a large size iconic portrait of the Our Mother of Perpetual Help through the contributions of the faithful. The icon is placed on the left side of the front wall facing the altar and was blessed by Most Reverend Father Advincula on this feast day. 

The Redemptorist Fathers made the icon famous worldwide, and it has attracted flocks of devotees due to her known miracles of healing and granted special intentions.

I am a living testimony of the miracles of the Our Lady of Perpetual Help, and I am grateful for my blessings. Wherever I visit a church in her name, the Our Lady of Perpetual Help Parish in Cubao and the National Shrine of our Mother of Perpetual Help in Baclaran would never fail to grant my petitions.

We give the Mother of God the highest honor in her blessed Title, the Our Lady of Perpetual Help. 

Today and in the years to come, the Parish will continue to accommodate and serve the ever-growing faithful community beyond our generation. 

We will preserve this spiritual sanctuary so the next generations can witness its glory and miraculous powers to live in their hearts forever.

© 2019 Del Cusay

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👉 Our Lady of Perpetual Help: Heaven on Earth

Living in Faith: The Greatest CEO Alive

"Our greatest CEO doesn't fire people, but He is forgiving. He doesn't hate and curse, but He is kind and loving. He is the way, the truth, and the life. And so when life seems so dark, let us remember that there is one greatest CEO alive who is there for the rescue. For His love is greater, for He is a true Master."

In our world today, more people are becoming obsessed and are a fan of grandiose titles just as People magazine's "The sexiest man/woman alive" or Time magazine's "Most Influential People in the world" and Forbes magazine's "World's Most Powerful CEO" which are quite famous and have huge followers worldwide.

This obsession with great titles could mean more extraordinary power, fame, prestige, and authority. It also evokes superiority that sets boundaries in social class and standing, being superior and powerful versus ordinary and less privileged people.

Today, we may idolize someone based on merits that make him superior in many aspects. For instance, one may look up to his father for being a good provider and leader for the family. Others may have great admiration and support for their community or religious leaders. The working people may have the most respect for their CEO or the Chief Executive Officer.

I have worked with several CEOs in my corporate life. They are among the best and the brightest in their industries. They have gained my respect and admiration even though they may have their flaws and different personalities and values that make them imperfect.

Today, I am working on following with the greatest power, love, and light. I am working for the best and the brightest CEO of my life. His personality is beyond excellence. He is a Supreme power, a Divinity.

This ever-powerful CEO has died and risen again. He is our Lord, our savior. He is Jesus Christ. He is the Greatest CEO alive. My God, our God.

Jesus works as the greatest CEO who directs us and guides us to the right path. He empowers, uplifts, and inspires us with his great deeds and miracles.

Jesus, our God, is working on us, our family and small community, our country, and the world. It is only fitting that we must also work with Him and follow Him. Jesus is not dead, but He lives in us. His presence is in our hearts, in our minds, and in our souls.

Our greatest CEO doesn't fire people, but He is forgiving. He doesn't hate and curse, but He is kind and loving. He is the way, the truth, and the life. And so when life seems so dark, let us remember that there is one greatest CEO alive who is there for the rescue. For His love is more significant, for He is our true Master.

© 2018 Del Cusay

The Shrine of Our Lady of Perpetual Help: Our Love and Devotion

In times of difficult moments, we always seek Divine help, a spiritual intervention that will give us answers to our specific needs. We have our prayers, our personal petitions from God. We come to the house of God, His church, with humility and faith to kneel and offer a prayer.

Today, I chose to travel to a particular place of the Mother of God. The National Shrine of Our Lady of Perpetual Help, also known as Baclaran church. I have visited the Shrine many times since mid-2000, just the beginning of the new millennium. 

What makes our devotion special is when our Mother took us to the Shrine to pray the novena and celebrate the mass. Later I realized that my Mother has a great devotion and faith in the Our Lady of Perpetual Help, and with the intervention of Mama Mary, a mission station was built in our hometown in Jamindan, Capiz, and was named after the same title as Mary - - Our Lady of Perpetual Help. 

Located in Barangay Linambasan, the mission station of Our Lady of Perpetual Help was elevated to a Parish in the year 2018 with Reverent Father John Denosta as the first-ever priest assigned a few months before Reverent Father Jeffrey Estrella took over to continue the religious service to the people. 

Whenever I am in our hometown for a vacation, I visit this peaceful sanctuary to pray for the intervention of Mama Mary. My devotion started because it was our own Mother who led and guided us to come to the Shrine of Our Lady of Perpetual Help. My mother has testimonies of the blessings and miracles of the Our Lady of Perpetual Help, and she would want us to devote ourselves to Mama Mary as our Divine love and light. 

Since then, I have experienced peace and serenity and answered prayers which I consider a miracle because it was responded to at the right time when I almost felt hopeless and desperate. 

Today, the first day of May 2019, was a blissful experience with thousands of devotees who recited the novena and celebrated the mass. There is a Divine presence that keeps us feeling embraced and comforted. The solemnity of the eucharist makes us feel strongly connected, and our communication feels like being heard. 

During the silent moment, our hearts could feel that Mama Mary, the Mother of Christ, is there for us like our mother, who protects and comforts us. 

Today, my petition is for our good health and healing, that God will protect us from sickness and illnesses and heal our physical, mental, and emotional discomforts. And my greatest desire is to have found the one who will complete me and live a better life together.

Today, I am with the Divine and have prayed for whatever my heart desires. I am forever grateful to Mama Mary, and may she always hear and intercede on our prayers to God, for our love and devotion is never-ending and eternal.

© 2019 Del Cusay

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👉 Our Lady of Perpetual Help Parish: Heaven on Earth

Easter Sunday 2019: A Peaceful Journey

The holy week gives us time for contemplation about our faith in God. It renews our faith in Jesus Christ through his passion, death, and resurrection. In commemorating his painful sacrifices and journey to Calvary, we have walked through our path and be with Him.

This year's Holy week gives a new level of enlightenment. Just a few miles away from Manila is a pilgrimage city that millions of Christians visit, especially during the Holy Week. The Shrine of Our Lady of Peace and Good Voyage, known as Antipolo Cathedral, offers tranquility for devotees as they pray and renew their vows.

Holy Week 2019: Our Journey to Calvary is our version of Christ's passion. We carry our own cross towards our own Calvary, perhaps experienced in our lifetime on earth. Our sufferings give us hope and strengthen our faith that things are not in our control but only God, the source of our power and the giver of life.

Easter Sunday gives new hope for Christians and humanity as we celebrate the resurrection of Christ. It is a celebration for every family, knowing that Christ is indeed alive and with us always on our life's journey.

Easter Sunday is a joy we share among family members and friends. We see the pleasure glittering in the eyes. We hear the holiness in someone's voice. We feel compassion for someone's actions.

We are now truly living and continue to follow the path that gives us pure bliss and enlightenment through God's loving mercy and glory forever.

© 2019 Del Cusay

Holy Week 2019: Our Personal Journey to Calvary

Calvary is a hilly place associated with the crucifixion and death of Jesus, a place we always remember to be the most painful event in His life. Its relevance in today's time goes beyond our catechism about his passion and death, but also our personal journey as we experience carry our own cross —our trip to Calvary.

This year's Holy Week celebration commemorates Christ, our Lord's passion, death, and resurrection. This is the time for personal reflection and devotion about the significance of Christ's suffering for humanity that is not exclusive to a particular faith, culture, and social status but refers to Christ's love for all human beings.

We may be suffering endlessly in our lives, even after death, but through pains and sorrows, we learn to grow spiritually and become a more substantial followers of Jesus and servants of God. If we can remember the stories of several saints that we venerate, they may have been the most sinful man who lived on earth. However, God transformed them into his living disciple until their last breath.

Just like us, ordinary humans, we strive hard to become holy, but sins are inevitable. No matter how prayerful we are, we commit sins with our thoughts, words, and actions, yet we still follow Christ and do not abandon our faith. The church is our refuge in times of difficulties; we kneel to pray, ask for forgiveness, and repent for our sins even though we continue to commit sins to various degrees.

We carry not just our own cross, but we have multiple crosses along the way. We take the cross for our family, country, and humanity. From our own cross, we are now connected and interrelated. We have sinned personally, as have our families, government, and society.

These crosses are the hardest and the most painful to carry. Every day we struggle for something, from our thoughts and intentions to our decisions and actions. Our daily suffering is a reminder that as we live on earth, we are bound to suffer just like Jesus, and He taught us that through pains and struggles, we can be saved through His examples; for me, that's how Jesus saved us from our sins through His unconditional love.

We have our personal journey of suffering and our very own Calvary in our hearts and mind. When we become a prisoner of our negativity, we also become a prisoner of our faith.

In my hometown in Jamindan, a Parish was built by the people as they carried their cross. Our Lady of Perpetual Help Parish in Linambasan, Jamindan, Capiz, is a place for people who call for the Divine Mother to help us ease the pain and comfort us in our difficulties as we carry our cross.

At these times, we even go beyond our personal cross as we help each other carry the cross of the community of the faithful so that we may be able to walk straight on the path and take a lighter load than we can bear. When we can maintain the little discomfort as we carry our cross, we can help lighten up the heaviness of our society created by our negativity. We can then go beyond our share of the country by being the responsible and faithful citizens that our family and small community have produced.

Holy Week 2019 is to reflect beyond our personal desires for holiness. We may be a sinner, but we can grow spiritually to become better members of our families, community, and beloved country. The Calvary in our time is not a final destination of suffering, but we always carry it and bear with it until our last moment and judgment.

© 2019 Del Cusay

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👉 Holy Week 2018: A Loving and Merciful God

Lent 2019: God's Amazing Grace

The 40-day Lenten season may be a long spiritual journey among the faithful. This is quite a long time of sacrifice and giving up on insignificant things with our faith. Though this is a yearly commemoration of Christ's passion, death, and resurrection, we still haven't forgotten its meaning and keep following Christ for His teachings on living a Christian way.

During this Lenten season, our sacrifices would mean receiving Divine grace. When we feel hopeless and defeated, God is in the rescue. God comforts us with His loving arms when we are lost, tired, and sick. We feel His presence, and that grace means so much— that is His amazing grace.

No matter how undeserving we are of God's blessings, we still receive and accept them. God's love for us, humanity, is that kind of saving grace.

As we celebrate Holy Week 2019, we will go through our personal struggles that signify our limitations; we are one with Christ's suffering. We will also offer our prayers and petitions for ourselves, our families, our communities, and our country. 

We may have different prayers and petitions, but the most common thing we ask for is our safety and security in times of crisis and at all times, to be spared from natural calamities, to achieve peace of mind, and to experience soulful renewal.

God's grace is truly amazing. We will forever be grateful for this Divine gift. A gift that uplifts our souls. A gift that makes us whole.

An amazing Lenten Journey 2019.

© 2019 Del Cusay

Lent 2019: The Spiritual Works of Mercy in Our Time

In celebration of the Lenten season, I have shared about the 'Acts of Mercy' which Jesus Christ taught us by example during his time as a living son of God on earth.

Corporal Works of Mercy in Our Time is about showing compassion to those suffering physically, emotionally, mentally, and spiritually in these modern times and how we can help them live a dignified life and feel the love, care, and support of fellow brothers in Christ. 

Corporal Works of Mercy are more on the physiological needs of our brothers and sisters in Christ. However, there are other Acts of Mercy that we are called to practice, which as the Spiritual Works of Mercy; to purify our souls and uplift our spirits.

To instruct the ignorant and counsel the doubtful 

Christians are called to reach out to others to draw them closer to Jesus Christ. During our younger years, we attended a catechism study in our Parish. That was our first step in knowing and practicing the faith passed on to us by our parents and even our great-grandparents as they have learned the Christ before us.

In our society today, we may see a lot of street children, orphans, and out-of-school youth who may not receive proper guidance and are the most vulnerable to exploitation and dangers. They may still be innocent and don't practice their spirituality since their elders may abandon and neglect them. This may lead to doubts about their faith and the absence of Christ in their hearts.

At some point in our lives, we may doubt our faith when a painful event happens. Why me, my Lord? This conflict in our spirituality may result in a deeper understanding and relationship with God as we sincerely strive to know the mystery of his love and mercy.

Even Mother Teresa of Kolkata experienced a dark night of the soul when she expressed her doubts about her faith; however, in the end, she conquered this spiritual conflict and continued serving and loving the abandoned and uncared poor. She left a legacy for us to overcome our doubts and remain faithful to Christ by letting people experience Divine love.

To Admonish, the sinner

Giving a warning or reprimanding someone for sinful acts may be challenging since we are all sinners and, at some point, have committed a sin and may be vulnerable to future sins in our lifetime. In short, who are we to judge?

But as Christians, we are called to protect our brothers and sisters who may be lost and against the direction of Divine light. Yes, we are all sinners, but that doesn't mean we can't lead others to correct their ways when they are fallen in the dark.

Today, we see children who are victims of peer pressure and lack good parenting and curiosity, making them vulnerable to sin. They showed lousy behavior, a rebellious attitude, and indifference. This may be quite different from the previous generations when kids show the highest respect to their elders and are afraid to commit wrongful acts against family values. Parents just want to protect their children so they will grow to have the correct values and contribute to society. Parents want their children to take the right path and rescue them whenever they are at the crossroads of right and wrong.

To bear wrongs patiently and forgive offenses willingly

There may be times when we become impatient towards the wrongdoing of others, and as human nature, taking revenge or hatred would justify our actions in return.

We may have been a victim of circumstances where our patience is being tested; either we accept it or fight for it. For instance, someone may have cut us in line. Let's let it happen and understand the person for whatever reasons he may have, or we could confront and verbally reprimand and embarrass him. Sometimes we commit the same mistake without knowing it, but others act patiently on us without any harsh words from them.

Also, we may encounter road rage, and both sides seem aggressive in proving their right. When someone offended us, our reaction would be to hurt that person even more just to get even and to protect our ego. This happens many times on the road causing public scandal and physical injuries.

Patience is indeed a virtue that we must cultivate and practice, and forgiveness is more significant for our peace of mind and purity of the heart. It may be tough to forgive those who have wronged us. Still, we must remember that as humans, we may have consciously or unconsciously hurt other people resulting in their emotional and mental suffering.

It is said that 'forgive and be forgiven, and this timeless wisdom is relevant even in our time. We can forgive people, but how can we be ignored by people we have wronged? I have learned that one of the steps in meditation is the forgiveness ritual, on which we have to visualize that we are already forgiven by that someone. This two-way process of forgiving someone and asking for forgiveness gives lightness to our hearts and freedom from worries and fears.

To comfort the afflicted

There may be moments when we are tested through suffering and pain. We ask God, why me? Yet, we are not alone in these trials since Jesus even asked, Father, why have you forsaken me?

We may have been victims of natural calamities and the death of loved ones, and heartaches resulting in loneliness, grief, and apathy. We may be experiencing setbacks and discomfort to fully understand and be compassionate with other people's sufferings. We go through the same path and feel their pains and sorrows.

In difficult times, one way to comfort those suffering is to walk with them to find their inner peace, thinking of their fate and offering a prayer. Then when they regain strength, they will be able to live a peaceful life and comfort other wounded and lost people.

To pray for the living and the dead

Our religious leaders often asked us to pray for them, and even Pope Francis did it several times when the church was exposed to scandals and issues that would test his leadership and faith.

Sometimes we pray to someone to ease his suffering or for whatever intentions they want to receive. It is said that whatever you ask will be given to you. This may be a universal law and doesn't fail to provide us with whatever we ask through prayer.

Prayer beyond personal intentions requires humility and compassion when directed to others going through tough times. It is even more excellent service
when we pray for those who passed away before us. We dearly departed need our prayer for them to be cleansed before entering their final resting place in heaven. We remember them in November on the celebration of all souls day; our prayers are what they need for their salvation.

During this Lenten season, we reflect on the teachings of Jesus Christ for us to have a deeper understanding and relationship with Him and to receive his glory. Through Acts of Mercy, we develop Christ-consciousness that will serve as our guide towards Divinely-inspired living today and beyond life on earth —in eternity.

© 2019 Del Cusay

Lent 2019: Our Quest for Personal Transfiguration

"As our faith is always tested, we accept it until we experience our own transfiguration and renewal starting today and for a lifetime."


This day of the Lent marks the commemoration of the transfiguration of Jesus at Mount Tabor in Galilee, Israel when he mysteriously transformed to an illumined Divine being together with prophets Moses and Elijah before the eyes on his three chosen disciples; Peter, James and John.

Back in 2002 when I was on my first year in college at St. Paul in Iloilo, it was announced by our Religious Education teacher that a new set of mystery was added in the rosary as approved and declared by Pope John Paul II and now St. John Paul II, and that is called the Mystery of light or Luminous mystery. 

During those years as a freshman college student what I care most is on how to pass the quiz by memoring the 5 mysteries under the luminous mystery. Those years, I may not have fully understood deeply its meaning yet. 

Fast forward to today, as I contemplate on the Lenten season, I may not memorize the luminous mysteries and pray the rosary, but I want to understand its significance 

in our lives as Christian and how we can live it at the present time.

I may have learned some Biblical stories, but the transfiguration of Jesus at Mount Tabor is a transformative learning and one of the most significant mysteries worth reflecting.

When Jesus brought Peter, James and John to climb at the peak of Mount Tabor to pray, that was the time when God the Father and the Holy spirit have intervened upon the complete transfiguration of Jesus with light upon his face and a radiant illumination of his entire body with the same appearance as Moses and Elijah in front of him. Suddenly, the three disciples heard a voice from above the bright clouds saying "This is my son, with whom I am well pleased. Listen to him," and it brought fear in them as they lay and covered on the ground. Then Jesus comforted them saying not to be afraid. By the time they look upward and opened their eyes, they only saw Jesus while Moses and Elijah disappeared. As they get down from the mountain, Jesus told them not to tell anybody of what they saw until the Son of God will be raised from the dead.

The transfiguration is a manifestation of God's glory that Jesus is the living son of God and what that meant for his disciples was to strengthen their faith for the coming of the passion, death and resurrection of Christ.

In relation to that Biblical story, in this living world at the present, our biological Father is always there with us to guide and show us the light when we are misguided by outside influence and in trouble. If only we listen to him, we get to our own path of enlightenment and we bloom to become a radiant human being, and this will also become the light that will shield our love ones and others whom we have touched lives. 

As we carry our own cross, we experience endless human suffering through physical, emotional, mental and spiritual setbacks which is inherent of a human being. This is also our version of strengthening our faith in God whenever we are falsely accused, prosecuted and crucified by others in some ways.

Sometimes, it is when we walk a thousand miles and climb the highest hill until we reach the mountain's peak to feel solitude and have a heaven on earth experience. Like Jesus and his chosen disciples, they climbed at Mount Tabor to experience a Divine transfiguration. Here on earth, we experience our fullness of being and Divinity when we are away from too much noise to contemplate, meditate and pray in the presence of God, not just at the mountain's summit, but in anywhere we go and settle — in the church, community or at home. 

As our faith is always tested, we accept it until we experience our own transfiguration and renewal starting today and for a lifetime.

© 2019 Del Cusay

Lent 2019: The Corporal Works of Mercy in Our Time

"We may just have enough resources, but sometimes we know how it feels when we have nothing, so we learn to give even a little out of gratitude for the blessings we received. On this Lenten season, we strive to reflect on our Christian values and the teachings of the Christ to reign and live in our hearts forever."

As Christian, we are called to practice "Acts of Mercy" particularly the "Corporal Works of Mercy" as an act of penance and charity just like the merciful acts of Christ before his passion, death, and resurrection.

It may be a thousand years of practice since the time of Jesus, but the spirit is alive to be practiced in today's time — our time.

Corporal works of mercy concern the physical needs of the vulnerable people to ease their discomfort and suffering and to uplift their condition when they are in the lowest moments of their lives. However, the modern world has become so advanced and complicated that the 'rule of men' is to be followed rather than the 'law of God' which to some may be an obsolete commandment.

Feed the hungry and give drink to the thirsty

On personal observation, there is a conflict between my religious beliefs against our governmental law on the practice of corporal works of mercy. For instance, whenever I walk on the street and see old people begging for money, I have to think twice about whether to give them few bucks as almsgiving or just ignore them and walk straight ahead. Our Philippine law says not to give alms to the beggars since we may never know who will truly benefit from the money that they have collected. That's the 'Anti-mendicancy law' which prohibits almsgiving to street beggars in the Philippines.

In my mind, our lawmakers may have some point about the legislation, but in my heart, I feel the need to extend my hand and give a little amount from the pocket for them to buy food and drinks since they are hungry and thirsty. I may have been in conflict with the law, but the act of giving gave me a good feeling that somehow I have helped someone to feed themselves. They asked for it and they shall receive it. It may be a violation or a crime, but I give anyway.

Clothe the Naked

A few months back I've watched the Netflix series about Tidying up with Mari Kondo and I was amazed by her Konmari method of keeping valuable things that makes us feel good while throwing away those things that don't spark joy. However, something is lacking. Will, you just throw it away since it doesn't give joy to you? or will you give it to others who may need it?

Sometimes, what we think is garbage to us is already gold to others. This is significant in today's time since we buy so much stuff like clothes to fill in our wardrobe and just keep it even if we don't feel like wearing it already; then comes the Konmari method of giving it away instead of thrashing it out. It May not exactly be a street beggar, but even to a simple person who will appreciate it and needs it most.

Shelter the homeless

Nowadays, we may have some trust issues for security reasons why we scrutinize people's intentions before we let them inside our homes. However, to give shelter to the homeless would also mean to give temporary shelter to those who are displaced from natural calamities like typhoons and flooding which is a common phenomenon in our time. We may not be able to accommodate the many, but we can take care of a few for their survival.

To a greater extent, our government provides evacuation centers as a temporary shelter and in some instances also provides permanent housing for the victims of calamities to help rebuild their lives.

Visit the sick, the imprisoned, and bury the dead

Other families whose relative have been in conflict with the law may have suffered from lawless violence and unjust killing due to the absence of a judicial process to prove their innocence is against the principle of 'innocence unless proven guilty' and now the reality seems to be the reverse which is 'guilty unless proven innocent' which is a violation of human rights.

If proven guilty under the judicial process, one has to suffer imprisonment and not end one's life as if his life doesn't matter and has no right to correct himself, be renewed, and become productive members of society again.

How can you visit someone who is supposed to be imprisoned and is suffering from mental, emotional, and spiritual sickness when your visit is now in his wake; on the coffin and to pay last respect as the dead body is buried. That is somewhat a harsh reality in Philippine society nowadays.

I believe that  There is Holiness in You no matter how evil you have become and that is human nature. We were born naturally good and somehow lost our holiness as we experience our life on earth, but that doesn't mean we can't bring back our old self and bring back the holiness from within.

The Corporal Works of Mercy may be an old Divine law, but its significance still reigns in our time. We give food to the hungry, give drink to the thirsty, clothe the naked, shelter the homeless, visit the sick, visit the imprisoned and bury the dead. 

We may not practice all the corporal works of mercy which is a Christian obligation, but we can do our best to show love and compassion to our brothers and sisters who are in need. When we live in comfort, others may be living in extreme poverty and hunger. When we have freedom, some may feel threatened for their life and feel defenseless. When we feel all the love and care, others may feel unwanted, abandoned, and uncared for. There may never be equality, but we can work for a charity to help others achieve liberty.

We may just have enough resources, but sometimes we know how it feels when we have nothing, so we learn to give even a little out of gratitude for the blessings we received. On this lenten season, we strive to reflect on our Christian values and the teachings of Christ to reign and live in our hearts forever.

© 2019 Del Cusay

Lent 2019: The Road to Healing

Ash Wednesday Mass at St. Joseph Cathedral, Caloocan 

Today marks the beginning of our soulful journey as we celebrate Ash Wednesday— the beginning of the lent. This has been observed as a religious tradition that symbolizes our impurity as a sinner, thus we come to Christ for repentance and prayer.

In this modern world, we are bound to be tempted of dwelling on the dark side; falling into sin, and taking the road against the light. In the eyes of God and men, we are all sinners in some ways and at some point in our lives. It is through the admission of sins after suffering from guilt that our healing journey commences and our impurity be washed out bringing back the holiness from within.

I have learned from the wisdom of my teacher back in college when she said that 'man is good in nature but has been tempted to commit sin through the influence of the environment and that principle will remain in my heart to look at the good side of everyone no matter how bad that person is. There's A Certain Holiness in You no matter how evil you have become and it is God who will rightfully judge us at the end of our life as we join him in our life after death.

Our 40 days of celebrating Lent is not to become holy, but for us to reflect on our misdeeds and overcoming challenges as we strive to live a holy life. This greatest challenge means to defeat evil in our daily life; through our thoughts, words and actions. This is never an easy challenge, but through personal reflection and devotion, we can unleash the purity of our hearts to do good and avoid evil.

Lent 2013: Embracing Christ in Our Lives is a reminder of reliving our holiness before Christ. We have sinned and may commit sins in our lifetime, but putting Christ at the center of our lives serves as guidance on how to live a better life free from pain and suffering.

As we grow spiritually, we are also called to give inspiration and hope to those who are sick in spirit, to get rid of negativity, and shower Divine love and light for an everlasting journey on the road to healing and recovery.

A Blissful Lenten Journey!

© 2019 Del Cusay

Heart's Desire: Evolution of Love

To love someone and be loved in return must be a source of joy, especially when suffering from emotional setbacks like loneliness, apathy, and grief. Sometimes, some people struggle to find the real meaning of love when they feel lost and empty.

However, love has a different meaning to individuals. For the orphan, a warm hug gives them a feeling of acceptance and security. Raising their kids well for single parents and a widow gives them dignity and pride. The elderly get the highest respect from the young ones. These are the positive emotions where love wins.

In today's society, we also have the victims of circumstances that made them view love differently. The homeless feel less secure and abandoned. The rebel groups, they may feel deprived of equal rights and opportunities. And the sick and dying may feel unfulfilled, uncared for, and unloved.

Love has several meanings as we go through the stages of life. As a kid, we felt so much love from our parents. As we go through our teenage years, we think about the acceptance and love of our peers. When working and serving people, we love our countrymen and the nation. That is how love evolves over time. 

Following Our Heart's Desire is a reminder to chase our most coveted goals to achieve and to keep going on when life seems to be challenging in the achievement of our most cherished hopes and dreams. That may be the stage when we have all the energy and hopeful desires for success.

Heart's Desire: Living A Fantastic Life is a service beyond self. It's about experiencing bliss, a higher level of Divinely inspired happiness. When we reach out to others through public service, we give part of our Divinity inherent to a human being. Then we go beyond our selfish desires, which are all about us, our ego.

Heart's Desire: Living A Humanitarian Life is a realization of a higher level of love when we go beyond our love for self and love for our family. It is about humanitarian service through charity work or public service, allowing us to serve the privileged and underprivileged sectors.

The evolution of love may be beyond life on earth as we may believe in 'life after death and may continue to guide the loved ones who are still fighting for love, the meaning of love, and their evolution of love.

© 2019 Del Cusay

Celebrating the Feast of Sto. Niño 2019

I'm always fascinated with Philippine culture, especially how Filipinos celebrate festivals, showcasing the best in arts with a modern twist.

This month of January is a month-long celebration of one of the grandest festivals in the country - - the Feast of Sto. Niño. This is perhaps one of the oldest religious festivals in honor of the Holy Child Jesus, which was brought into the archipelago in the 16th century. Five centuries have passed, and we are still celebrating the presence of the Holy Child Jesus. It is everywhere; in churches, chapels, our home altars, and our hearts.

What makes it significant in our lives is the innocent appeal of the image of Sto. Niño. As Christians, we are called to emulate his character and strengthen our faith in his name. 

I may not have witnessed the grandest festival in honor of Sto. Niño like Sinulog, Dinagyang, and Ati-than, but I have been celebrating a long procession of the different images of Sto. Niño in Tondo, Manila, and Caloocan City for 4 years, and  My previous years' celebrations are below:

• Celebrating The Feast of Sto. Niño de Tondo
• Celebrating the Feast of Sto. Niño 2016
• Celebrating the Feast of Sto. Niño 2018

Here, people are dancing to the loud beat of the drums while carrying a Sto. Niño image. The young and the old, the rich and the poor, are together in this celebration.

Our endless devotion to Sto. Niño is about accepting Jesus in our lives. When we are weak, then comes strength. When there is sadness comes happiness. And in desperate cases comes hope.


© 2019 Del Cusay

Starting The New Year Right: Wisdom from Master Del Pe

Two weeks after the New year's day celebration, people may be gaining momentum on their new year's resolutions. It's overwhelming! Since it takes discipline to keep going on and lots of patience in waiting for the desired result.

Whatever people may have set as their goal for 2019  would never be accessible from the start, but having a positive mindset and determination can help if serious about making things happen. There is no shortcut; there's no such thing as hacking our way to success. We must learn our past lessons and commit to improving ourselves. 

For this year, I've set my mind on starting my first week right. That means eliminating or avoiding those negative thoughts that harm or jeopardize my goals. The first week after the new year is crucial to determining how long we can hold on to our resolutions.

New Year 2019: Sunshine After The Rain talks about my goals for this year. I may have set it subconsciously a few years back, but I would want to regain the power back. When you lose, you get to start again, and willpower becomes activated with the intense and pure energy of the body, mind, and spirit.

Balanced Energy

Having balanced energy at all levels is a must to achieve our goals. I've learned this from Master Del Pe, a world-renowned life coach, and spiritual guru. Master Del Pe, known as "MDP" to his students, teaches about balancing our energy on all levels: physical, mental, emotional, and spiritual. For instance, having an active material and mental body that is less spiritual doesn't balance you. Likewise, having a higher level of mental capacity but with a poor physical body doesn't make your balance either. This is fundamental wisdom from a modern sage, Master Del Pe.

Together with Master Del Pe at Baguio City, Philippines, in May 2011

To know more about Master Del Pe and his services, visit his website at http://www.masterdelpe.com and http://www.masterdelpe.com, and you will discover his breakthrough programs for health and wellness.

Better Health

A positive and healthy mental state starts with a healthy physical body that is achieved through physical exercises and a proper diet. I started to like eating a vegan diet in 2011 when I joined Master Del Pe and was quite active in physical activities like powerful stamina and essential martial arts. I was slimmer during those years compared to the present, when it's hard to eliminate unwanted fats on the tummy. Now it's also hard to lower bad cholesterol. I just can't take those "Statins" and would rely on physical activities and a balanced diet.

To start my new year right, I resolved to avoid drinking soft drinks and take in less sugar. I am now into drinking lemon water, a natural colon cleanser or detox. I also like consuming turmeric for its anti-inflammation effect. I have been eating too many sweets, and reducing my consumption before it leads to foreseeable health problems would be good.

Personal Development 

I read many self-help articles which are beneficial for growth and success. It was also through the books of Master Del Pe that I learned about personal development most practically and efficiently. One of the best tools I have learned is meditation, and it was Master Del Pe, a master of 8 types of meditation, taught us how to meditate effectively with the use of "mudra," sanskit term for hand seals chanting those sacred mantras for transformation. 

When life gets tough and triggered by so much noise, it's good to spend at least 20 minutes meditating 2 to 3 times a week to regain life and have peace of mind. 

In Manila, where traffic congestion is the worst in the world, I would simply close my eyes, breathe in and breathe out along EDSA as I ride the bus from Ayala, Makati, to Monumento Circle Caloocan City. Meditation has saved me from enduring the long ride, and it doesn't cost a thing, but the benefits are priceless. In fact, my first-ever blog post is about The Power of Meditation. It has dramatically changed my life, and I believe this world would be a better place if more people would learn to practice the art and science of meditation. 

To start the year right, I would have put some time for pure thinking time which was advised by Master Del Pe. Before blogging and after it, I think and reflect deeply; that is also a great mental exercise and good for mental health. 

Starting the new year with a positive spirit and higher hopes gives an overwhelming feeling of joy. I feel Joyful whenever I overcome a challenge and continue doing so until I've made it. It's a commitment made for the entire year. It may not last or may have been broken, but willpower can help to make it happen. As I strengthen my personality, I prepare myself for something coming my way. I may never know it yet; it may be cloudy for now, but I know for sure that I can help myself rise up and break through the barriers of my personal journey to success and fulfillment not only this year but for a lifetime.

© 2019 Del Cusay

Nazareno 2019: Celebrating the Traslacion

Just a week after the new year 2019 celebration on January 1st, Filipinos gather to celebrate one of the most prominent devotions to Jesus Christ — the feast of the Black Nazarene.

I've celebrated the feast of the Black Nazarene since 2013. That was my first time hearing the mass at the Minor Basilica on its feast day with my sister, whom I had convinced would come with me. 

That was a solemn event on the church's facade as it was not so crowded that people could move freely. I missed it the following year in 2014 and 2015 and celebrated it again for 2 consecutive years in 2016 and 2017.  Compared to my experience, Nazareno 2013: Celebrating the Feast of the Black Nazarene was a bit crowded, but devotees are well disciplined to follow the rules inside and outsideNazareno 2013: Celebrating the Feast of the Black Nazarene was a bit crowded, but devotees are well disciplined to follow the rules both inside and outside of the church.

Nazareno 2016: Feast of the Black Nazarene was a peaceful celebration of the faithful and devotees of the Holy image. As I remember, it was well organized as people were guided well by the Hijos Del Nazareno or the "Sons of the Nazarene," who are the chosen ones to actively devote their time to protect the Nazarene until their last breath.

Nazareno 2017: Devotion to The Feast of The Black Nazarene was a meaningful celebration as I contemplated the event's significance on our faith as Catholic Christians. That was also a peaceful event near the Minor Basilica as I heard the mass.

At this year's celebration, I brought my sister with me to hear the mass. It was so crowded outside the church that we could not get inside and preferred to stand outside to listen to the pack while watching on a Big screen. After an hour and as the group ended, a drizzle of rain just poured over our heads. That was a blessing as people would have believed it, and even I have asked for a Divine miracle through the rain to calm people down from the warm weather.

What's unique about this year's celebration was the incredible experience of witnessing the traslacion in Chinatown in Binondo, Manila. Many devotees joined and saw the grand parade of the original image of the Black Nazarene, followed by other pictures from different churches and local sectors. People shouted "Viva" to honor the Nazarene as they waived their white and maroon-colored hankies.

As the faithful glorified the Holy image, we've also witnessed untoward events like those needing medical attention. People would dare to get hurt for the sake of their faith. They intended to reach closer to the carriage of the Holy image or even touch the rope attached to it, which they believed could bring a miracle to their hopes and prayers.

We can't get too close to the Holy image and are just content to see it from afar. In reality, seeing the event gives a particular emotion of happiness and fulfillment. I've only watched the traslacion as being reported live on TV for years, but I'm blessed to have been part of it this year.

Others may have questioned the event as a form of fanaticism, but only a devotee can experience the miracles and blessings of their faith. I have joined the thousands or millions of Catholic faithful and devotees of the Black Nazarene and understand their faith's expression. They do not question it, but instead, they live it— in their hearts.

This event is beyond tradition. It is already embedded in our consciousness to strengthen our faith and get closer to God. We long for God's presence when we feel unloved, uncared for, and desperate.  When we think unsecured and in danger, we call for protection. We call for healing the body, mind, and spirit whenever we are sick.

We'll forever be grateful to the Black Nazarene for his Holy Image that has strengthened the faith of millions of Filipinos who never gave up amidst the current challenges that the church is facing. We will stand together for our faith and not get intimidated by those who would put us down or question our faith.

May the Holy Spirit be upon us daily and protect us from evil. May God enlighten us so we can speak our truth and inspire others to draw near to him. May we all be united to glorify Jesus, the divine image of the Black Nazarene. In this time and our lifetime, today and forever— even until our last breath.

© 2019 Del Cusay

The Epiphany: Lessons From The Three Wise Men

That was a long Christmas season for us Filipinos. It started as early as September of 2018, and today marks its end as we celebrate the Epiphany or the Three Kings. After reading and understanding some of the published online articles, I'd just discovered its Christian significance. As a childhood story, I remember that the newborn Jesus was visited by the Three wise men who were Kings and offered their gifts to Jesus, the Messiah, and the future King.

My knowledge about Catholicism as my religion is minimal. We had a Religious Studies subject when I studied at St. Paul in Iloilo City in 2002. We had the book entitled "Catechism for Filipino Catholics," which, until now, I could remember how I read through the pages but could not fully understand its writings. I didn't even bother to finish reading the entire book due to its thick pages, and the sad reality was I didn't pass my final exam on that subject and was given a chance to take it one more time.

Guest at the inauguration of St. Paul Hospital -
Cancer Center on October 19, 2016, Iloilo City

That was about fifteen years ago today when I couldn't even lead the Holy Rosary or memorize some essential prayers that my classmates and people of my age have mastered already. I wasn't prayerful back then, but I have religiously attended the required First Friday Masses and religious retreats at school. It was even so hard for me to attend church to celebrate Sunday Mass in my childhood.

The time has changed, and the new generations of Christians are less deeply devoted to their religion. Parents may send their kids to a Catholic or Christian school, but their values may not reflect what they must have been taught. It might have started with my generation, but I don't know. We were the generation who enjoyed playing on the streets and being offline compared to the online world that the younger generation wants nowadays.

I may not have appreciated that Cathechism book back then, but as I grow up, I am becoming more mature in religious contemplations and now have a deeper understanding of the significance of the events in Catholicism or Christianity as a whole. One day when I had the opportunity to return to the Catholic school's Medical center, the St. Paul Hospital Iloilo, I had a flashback of my subject religious teachings. The Catechism was made to live when we put Christ in our the hearts-whenever we give service to humanity in anyways.

The most profound interest in my religion started when I traveled and worked in India between 2011 and 2014. I could compare and contrast different religions founded by great men who are considered God. In India, I've watched videos about "The Bible" and read articles related to Christianity. I genuinely appreciate films about "Jesus" and the Christianity he founded. I remember it was just after the beginning of the millennium when I watched the movie "Passion of the Christ," Those kinds of films give meaning when what was written in a Holy scripture is put into real-like reenactment.

With technological advancement, I no longer carry thick, dark-page Catechism books. I enjoy reading online articles about lessons in Christianity and watching Biblical films through online streaming apps. I will no longer be tested in a written examination to know whether I understood what I had read. My thoughts and actions will now be the basis of my Catholic faith. I may have failed in my Religious studies, but the test is beyond the old-school dark and thick pages of books. With a deeper reflection on Religious articles and biblical films, I must have applied the teachings in my daily activities.

Whenever we celebrate any Catholic event or feast, I learn to read and understand its significance. I know its relevance in today's time when more people are becoming diverted and distracted by their faith.

Today, the King of nations may be acting or playing like God; the worst is denying or not believing in God. This is the test of our time, whether we will remain faithful or abandon our faith just because of the words or orders coming from our King. Today, we have our modern version of King Herod, who is envious of someone's light and Divinity. We are reliving the olden times, just like the stories in the bible. Our modern society is like reenacting the biblical films I've watched. It is happening again, and my time is tested as a Catholic faithful. My time, my loved one's time, and the next generations' time.

Even the Kings who had vast powers and may belong to other faith have paid respect and gratitude to the newborn Christ. It shows humility in spirit and an honorable act to someone greater in power. If only our nation's great leaders had acquired those virtues like the three wise men, we would live in peace, like a paradise or a promised land. We need a King who not only shows courage and willpower but a King who also shows humility, compassion, and faith in his people.

It may be the end of the yuletide season, but many Catholic events are to be celebrated in the days and months to come.

May this journey to a deeper Catholic understanding lead to spiritual growth and the maturity for enlightenment and more excellent service that is beyond the digital world we currently live in. May the younger generations be taught to be responsible "Kings" capable of influencing others in their thoughts and actions. As we go through our Christian initiations, may we fully accept and embrace God through the Holy Spirit and in the name of Jesus Christ our Lord forever and ever.

© 2019 Del Cusay