The Sacred Heart on a Hilltop

The Christ the Redeemer statue in Brazil is giant and tall. It is a famous symbol of faith among Christians in that part of the world and is also known to most Christians worldwide as a pilgrimage destination worth visiting.

Despite being a thousand miles away from the Philippines, my home country, and the millions of Catholic faithful it houses, I feel an intimate connection to the faith symbolized by the Sacred Heart of Jesus. This connection is not just geographical but intensely personal, rooted in my upbringing and the values my family and community instilled in me.

The uphill road to the summit may be rough, but it offers a breathtaking panoramic view of Roxas City in the Western Visayas region. On the top of the mountain is the 132 ft statue of the Sacred Heart of Jesus, constructed at the beginning of the decade in 2010 and finished in 2015.

Since then, the statue visible on the lowland highway of the newly constructed business district has become a famous pilgrimage site and is considered the tallest statue of Christ in the Philippines.

While I haven't had the opportunity to visit the summit and see the statue up close since it was opened to the public, I often find myself gazing at it from a distance. I yearn to understand its significance and to appreciate the sanctity of the place atop the mountain.

Finally, in January 2020, a significant moment in my life arrived. I could see the Sacred Heart of Jesus statue, and the experience was beyond words. The anticipation, the journey to the summit, and the first sight of the statue were all filled with a profound sense of awe and reverence. Sharing this experience with my parents in February was a soulful journey and a fitting way to celebrate the month of love.

The physical structure of the statue is not just a symbol of our faith but a testament to the Christ who watches over and protects us. It is a powerful reminder of His love and care, especially when feeling abandoned. I firmly believe that the Sacred Heart of Jesus embraces and loves us for who we are, and I hold this belief with the utmost reverence. The Sacred Heart of Jesus is a religious symbol and a source of comfort and strength in my daily life.

The Sacred Heart of Jesus is a constant reminder of the inherent sanctity of our hearts, no matter how tarnished they may have become. It inspires us to strive for goodness and to let our sacred hearts guide us in touching the lives of others, just as the Sacred Heart of Jesus does. It is the way, the truth, and the life. 

© 2020 Del Cusay

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The Mighty and The Candle in The Wind

There were so many untoward events in January 2020! From natural disasters to pandemic health issues, we have experienced a crisis, a threat to our health and well-being. However, this continues and is within our control.

The start of the year may not be good, but it gives us tough lessons about our strengths and weaknesses—our vulnerabilities as human beings.

We can not be sure about what will happen next, but one thing that can help us survive is faith in things beyond our control—that a higher and Supreme being is in charge.

We feel mighty at times, feeling powerful. However, there are moments when we are crushed in spirit.

When we are weak and feel helpless and powerless, our Divine master is there to rescue us. And when the road is rough, and the surroundings are dark, we seek the Divine light.

When we feel blessed and grateful, we always see the guiding light. And so, in bad times and good times, we need the Divine light. We never stop following and seeking the truth and life.

Today, the 2nd of February, is the Feast day of Nuestra Señora de La Candelaria, or the Our Lady of the Candles. Known as the Patroness of the entire Western Visayas, Philippines.

The Holy Image, canonically crowned in 1981 by St. John Paul II, brought miracles, healings, and blessings to the people in the Region and the entire country when flocks of faithful from every place visited the blessed Marian image and prayed to God for Her intercession.

Back in 2016, when I lived and worked in Iloilo, I always felt the serenity of the National Shrine of Our Lady of Candles. I had celebrated Sunday masses and Holy Week, which was brought to light when I was a Candle in the wind, weak and vulnerable.

The devotion started in recent years, in the late 90s, when our dear mother brought us to celebrate the feast day mass. Years after knowing its miracles, I visit to offer a prayer and thanksgiving. That is faith: to continue the devotion for years and for a lifetime.

Our Lady of the Candles is just one of the many Marian titles given to the Mother of Christ. We always pray for her intercession for all our wishes and whatever our hearts desire.

For the happenings in the world today, we go beyond our personal intentions and petitions. We pray for our people, our country, and the world. We pray that healing will take place and peace will reign in the world and our hearts forever. 

© 2020 Del Cusay

A Moment of Solitude

You need some time to be alone in addition to your basic physiological needs. It is a time when you can be yourself and know yourself better and more profoundly.

I have enjoyed a moment of solitude since I discovered its healing powers. Nature does healing wonders for those who walk alone and seek life and truth. There are moments of self-discovery of who we are and what we can do—our purpose of living.

With the sound of silence, we go through the deafening stage until we get used to it. There is a miracle in silence, and being in a state of solitude, we can hear our voice out loud from deep within. We are quiet and in stillness. We listen and respond to our being. That's a fundamental truth of our soulful desires of being.

There are always great things about having some moment of solitude. Our 'me time', a term often used to describe the time we spend alone, reminds us that we must heal ourselves as we return to the present reality of dealing with the most important people. It's not about being selfish or neglecting others, but about recognizing our own needs and taking the time to meet them. This 'me time' is what really matters for our personal growth and well-being. 

For many years, I have lived in solitude. Although not entirely, I find meaning in silence, just being alone. And when I share my precious moments with people, I glow and show what is hidden in me. It is a soulful time spent connecting, expressing, being heard, and understanding.

Each day, as we wake up, we have personal moments of reflection. We listen to our inner voice and to the Divine's voice. We get back to our goals—our dreams, ambitions, and wishful desires.

In our busy day and for those living in bigger cities and dealing with so much noise and distractions, there is time to walk away and experience absolute solitude. Some would live in the more relaxed countryside. Others would have a weekend getaway in the mountains and on the beach to contemplate. A homecoming holiday vacation even once a year. Such a thing contributes to soulful healing. For instance, you could start your day with a few minutes of quiet reflection or take a solitary walk during your lunch break. These small moments of solitude can have a significant impact on your well-being. 

A moment of solitude is what we all need to keep us alive and always living in the present. It improves our ability to focus and increases our awareness and consciousness. But more than that, solitude can lead to self-discovery and personal growth. It's a time when we can reflect on our lives, choices, and values and gain a deeper understanding of ourselves. And from that moment of solitude, we can stand still and walk straight, knowing who we are and our self-worth.

© 2020 Del Cusay