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. 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 actions. It wasn't bad after all! I have learned to accept other faiths 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 faiths: 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 more remarkable service. There will always be somebody who will lead the way and start it all—somebody who has been touched by the Holy Spirit—a Priest, a Catholic devotee, a religious community. At some point 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. 

The Archdiocese of Our Lady of Perpetual Help in Sitio Lomboy, Barangay Linambasan, is more than just a church. It's a spiritual home, a Divine sanctuary built by the faithful. The first mass was celebrated in July 2012, with Reverend Father John Denosta as the first-ever priest assigned to lead the church. What started as a mission station has blossomed into an Archdiocese, which was declared as such in January 2018. 

It was 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 significant change, and the faithful build a more beautiful church reflectingBeing part of this community,  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 is that it 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 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. 

As a child, the idea of being a superhero was not just a delusion, but a source of genuine wonder and inspiration. It was a magical escape from reality, a testament to the power of creative imagination. Even as adults, we may find ourselves yearning for that same sense of wonder, that same escape from the trials and tribulations of everyday life. 

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 was 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 not just a figure of authority, but a source of strength and wisdom. He is there to push us when we feel weak, when we feel unappreciated, when we feel undervalued, and when we feel powerless. 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 wrote about Father's Day Special: Leading The Way, and the message is about willpower and 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. This power is not imagined, but it's a real power that comes from the heart and mind, a power of resilience, determination, and the ability to overcome challenges. 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, for the lessons you taught us, and for the love and support you've always given. We wish you the better life you deserve, and we hope to make you proud. 

© 2018 Del Cusay

Memories of Summer 2018

There's a unique joy that only summer can bring. While some may find the heat oppressive, for others, it's a season of pure bliss. As February draws to a close, the anticipation of summer's arrival fills us with excitement. It's a time for out-of-town adventures, or even a simple staycation to unwind and recharge. The most delightful moments of the year are often spent at the beach, a waterfall, a river, or a mountain resort, seeking relief from the intense heat.

The summer of 2018 will always be remembered for the journeys we took. No matter how far the destination, the beauty of the scenery always captivated us. The gentle breeze, the allure of the ocean, the breathtaking sunrise in the east, and the stunning sunset in the west all stirred our spirits. It's in these moments, when we're surrounded by the wonders of nature, that we experience a happiness that's truly unforgettable.

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 enjoying the little things that matter. We enjoy being outdoors and experiencing life on the street. We want 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.

Summer is a time for preservation and revitalization, a much-needed pause before the rainy season. We bask in the sun, returning home with renewed gratitude and peace. It's during these travels that we often come to realize the importance of work-life balance. We deserve these breaks and these opportunities to relieve stress and burnout. And the reward? A deeper appreciation for a life well-lived. 

© 2018 Del Cusay

Mother's Day Special: Unconditional Love

A Mother's love is not just a fleeting emotion, but a steadfast commitment that transcends time and circumstance. It's a duty of motherhood and a lifelong promise. From our earliest days, when we were most vulnerable, we would cry and cling to our mother, seeking comfort and safety. She watches over us as we grow, ensuring we can stand tall in our world.

Today, we celebrate Mother's Day, a celebration of life; we are here in this world because of her and continue to live better with her undying love and support. Mother's Day Special: A Celebration of Love is not just a one-day celebration. It is to be remembered and celebrated at any time of the year whenever we feel the need to appreciate them and make them feel special. We may not be showing off how deeply we love them, but somehow, we get to make them feel good with our sweet gestures.  

Distance may not become a hindrance in showing our love to our mother. She is there to listen when we feel weak or frightened. She assured us that everything would be fine and we would keep fighting. The world is harsh, and we need to become a fighter in the real world. Mother's Day Special: Compassionate Care is a way of raising us to become better people and realize our purpose in our community. We are taught never to give up easily, but a victory comes our way whenever we feel lost. We just need to be prepared to accept and live it wholeheartedly. Through their compassionate care, our mothers shaped us into the firm, resilient individuals we are today.

Today, some children may not have a biological mother by their side, but they have someone who has given them hope and stood up to be their mother. This is a testament to the power of unconditional love. These children are blessed to have a second mother who guides and supports them as they grow. Looking back on their lives, they will honor this second mother for raising them well and giving them a life worth living. This is a celebration of all mothers, biological or not, who play a vital role in our lives. 

Our mothers are our heroes, our fighters, and our defenders! They will always protect and love us, and we give them back by following them because mothers know what suits their kids. We honor and give them thanks. To our mothers, we pray they have more strength and power to live in this world and continue loving us children today and forever. We are forever grateful for their love and sacrifices, which we can never fully repay but always deeply appreciate.

© 2018 Del Cusay