Sunday Thanksgiving: Graceful Spiritual Service to the People

Our Lady of Perpetual Help Parish, Sitio Lomboy, Linambasan, Jamindan, Capiz

When called upon by God, one has to act on it. Our Divine calling is our mission to accomplish on Earth. Our purpose is to serve for the Glory of God, our creator, and to be of service to our brothers and sisters in Christ—his beloved son. This is a fundamental church teaching, and we as a family should walk through the path of Divine love and light.

I was born and raised as a Christian and have developed a Christ-centered consciousness. I grew up and instilled Christian values and virtues through the church and formal education. Even now, I still recall the teachings and beautiful memories the Christian faith taught me. Back then, my mother encouraged us to celebrate Sunday mass as a kid. That would have raised consciousness about the importance of religion and actively being involved in activities initiated by the church. 

I didn't grow up to be very religious or a devoted Christian. In fact, I have learned to witness and observe other religions and emulate their ways —their faith and action. It wasn't bad after all! I have learned to accept other faith and respect them as human beings rather than hate them for having a different creed. 

I was born and baptized as a Roman Catholic, but I have also been exposed to other Christian faith, The Baptist, Born Again, Aglipay Church, and Jehova's Witnesses. I have learned to embrace them, even for a short period. In my travels abroad, I have also been exposed to different religions; Hinduism, Buddhism, and the Bahai Faith; however, it didn't affect my faith. I didn't question my Catholic beliefs, but it has strengthened my confidence even more. 

God will touch our spirit either for renewal or for greater service. There will always be somebody who will lead the way and start it all. Somebody who had been touched by the Holy Spirit— a Priest, a Catholic devotee, a religious community. At some time in our lives, we have been called to act on our faith and become like Peter when he said, "Upon this rock, I will build my church," That is the beginning of a community founded by Christ. 

Archdiocese of Our Lady of Perpetual Help in Sitio Lomboy, Barangay Linambasan, is the church founded by the faithful. They have come together to build a church they will call their spiritual home, a Divine sanctuary. It was in July 2012 when the first mass was celebrated, with Reverent Father John Denosta as the first-ever priest assigned to lead the church. It started as a mission station until it was declared an Archdiocese in January 2018. 

It was 6 six years of solidarity, compassion, and service to the people, and this legacy will last a lifetime. Generations will come, and the church will become more vital than ever. Every year we see a significant change and the faithful building a more beautiful church that reflects their Divinity.

Good Friday procession in 2015

Our Divine Mother of Christ would hear us and pray for our intentions. In times of crisis, we call upon the Divine, and through the intercession of Our Lady of Perpetual Help, her children will be comforted in peace and hope. For about 6 years, the church has become a haven for everyone seeking renewal, a peaceful sanctuary, and a place to feel deeply involved in a spiritual community. 

The faithful must continue spreading the good news and will continue serving with all their love and energy. The church is for everyone, and this gift from God will shower blessings on those who believe, share, and serve. May the Divine love and light be our source of salvation and guide us to living an eternal life forever and ever.

© 2018 Del Cusay

👉 Our Lady of Perpetual Help Parish: Heaven on Earth

Father's Day Special: Real Life Superhero

The most unforgettable life lesson I learned from my father, perhaps, is feasible but always challenging. It is about dreaming big and being optimistic that I will make it; with all my energy and power. I wish to have been given powers just like superheroes and live an extraordinary life, just like when I was a kid who used to daydream about holding a ball of fire in my hands or reading someone's mind. 

Being a superhero is a delusion, but when I was a kid, that was like an authentic experience, something magical brought by creative imagination. Everyone may have a similar fantasy, and even up to adulthood, whenever we feel like we would want to escape from reality. We just want to be saved from trouble and stress by such delusional thinking. 

As a grown-up man, things never get easy. Sometimes I fantasize about situations if I find living in the real world hard. If only I am wealthy enough not to work hard for a living and just journey to places whenever I want. Give away money to the less privileged to lessen their burden of suffering. However, such thoughts are just a fantasy. Going back to the real world, I need to work hard to earn for myself so I can live decently, travel to places with just enough money, and give even a little amount to the needy. I realized that I don't need to fulfill my dreams just by having a fantasy world in my thoughts. I should escape from the troubled thoughts and start living the kind of life that I have.

Growing up with the right mindset and the right action is a challenge. But there is one superhero whom I believe would rescue and be willing to give a little power, and that is a Father. He is there to push us when we feel weak, when we feel unappreciated, when we feel undervalued, and when we feel powerless. I used to be like that, and up to the present time. My Father would care to give his precious advice about life. He is full of wisdom and inspires me to exert more energy to face all the challenges. 

I may encounter difficulties in life, but I should be living fearlessly. I have to stand tall and ready to face all the battles. Sometimes I feel like quitting, but specific energy pushes me to move forward. I need to slow down, take a break for a moment and come back with clear thoughts and a positive spirit. I thank my father for passing on the positive virtues worth emulating. I may not have accomplished much in life as he does. However, a dose of positivity would help me to achieve success.

Looking back, about 5 years ago, I have written about Father's Day Special: Leading The Way, and the message is about willpower; having a fighting spirit. Still relevant in today's time and will serve as a guide in living a better life. I can make my dreams come true despite not being a superhero. I may not have tremendous power, but I should remain optimistic that I can handle life with all my energy and power. Not imagined, but a real power that comes from the heart and mind. That's my weapon... that is my power. 

Today, we honor and thank our Father for raising us well and guiding us in living our lives. Like a compass, you pointed out the right way, and you cheered us up when we arrived at the destination. We are forever grateful for the good life you dreamed for us and wish you the better life you deserve. 

© 2018 Del Cusay

Memories of Summer 2018

There's nothing that compares to the feeling of happiness that the summer brings. Some may hate the hot and humid temperature, while it is truly bliss for others. Whenever the favorable temperate month of February ends, it excites us. It looks forward to out-of-town trips, adventures, or a simple staycation to unwind and rejuvenate. The most joyful time of the year is spent at the beach, a waterfall, a river, or a mountain resort to relieve intense heat.

What makes the summer of 2018 memorable is the journey on the road. No matter how far the destination is, we still enjoy the scenery and can't wait to experience what the place offers. The calm and gentle blow of the wind, the allure of the ocean, the amazing sunrise in the east, and the beautiful sunset in the west are the things that awaken our spirit. When we recognize the beauty of the natural wonders, we experience ultimate happiness that is truly memorable.

There's a feeling of great relief and a sense of renewal for even a short while once we temporarily escape from the everyday work. Natural healing cleanses and purifies us to make us complete and ready to face a more complex world with calmness and peace. I always believe that our body always finds its way to healing itself. It's as if our soul wanders around, and our physical body brings us somewhere. Our soulful desire makes us live our purpose to stop for a while and take a deep breath as we enjoy the precious moment.

Summer Food bazaar at Bonifacio High Street

Summertime is about the enjoyment of little things that matters. We enjoy being outdoors and experiencing life on the street. We want the food accompanied by upbeat music. We appreciate the vibrant and positive energy that gives us a sense of accomplishment as we reflect on our victorious plans and actions. We made it! We succeeded! and we express our gratitude for it.

Summertime is the preservation phase of the year and a great time to energize and revitalize before the onset of the rainy season or monsoon. We enjoy the season in the sun and return to our place with much gratitude and peace in our hearts and mind. During our travel, we develop realizations about work and life balance that we deserve a much-needed break once in a while to relieve stress and burnout; the prize is an appreciation for a meaningful life — a life well-lived. 

© 2018 Del Cusay