The Sacred Heart on a Hilltop

Christ the Redeemer statue in Brazil, is so huge and tall; 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.

That's a thousand miles away from the Philippines, my home country and home to millions of the Catholic faithful. I may not be able to visit Brazil and see the famous statue, but in my hometown, we have a similar figure known as the Sacred Heart of Jesus.

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.

I haven't been to the summit to see the statue for quite a long time since it was opened to the public, and we just glimpse it from afar whenever we pass by the vicinity. But in my heart, I would love to see it closer and appreciate the holiness of the place on top of the mountain.

At last! I was able to see it at the beginning of the decade 2020 in January, and for the second time, I was able to bring my parents back to the Sacred Heart of Jesus statue in February. That was a soulful journey on the summit and the best way to celebrate the month of love.

The physical structure of the statue symbolizes our most profound faith in the Christ who watches over us and protects us. When we feel abandoned and uncared for, one powerful Divine is a being who embraces and loves us for who we are.

The Sacred Heart of Jesus reminds us of the holiness of our hearts no matter how unlawful and wicked we may have become. We are born to be good in nature, and our own sacred heart is our guide to touch the lives of others as inspired by the Sacred Heart of Jesus; the way, the truth, and the life. 

© 2020 Del Cusay

Related Post:

👉 The Captivating Mantalinga Island

The Mighty and The Candle in The Wind

So many untoward events for January 2020! From natural disasters to pandemic health issues, we have experienced a crisis, a threat to our health and well-being. This, however, continues and is within our control.

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

We can not be sure about what is 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 feeling helpless and powerless, our Divine master is there to rescue us. And when the road is rough and the surrounding is 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 to follow 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 now St. John Paul II brought miracles, healings, and blessings to the people in the Region and the entire country when flocks of the faithful from every place visit the blessed Marian image and pray 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 the Our Lady of Candles. I had celebrated Sunday masses and the Holy week, which was brought to light when I was a Candle in the wind and weak and vulnerable.

The devotion started in recent years and in the late 90s when our dear mother brought us to celebrate the feast day mass. And 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.

The 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 heart desires.

And 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. 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. That's an addition to our basic physiologic needs. A time when you can be yourself and know yourself better and more profoundly.

I have always been enjoying 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' reminds us that we need to heal ourselves as we return to the present reality of dealing with the most important people. That's what really matters. 

For many years I have been living in solitude. Although not entirely, I find meaning in silence, just being alone. And when I share my precious moment with people, I glow and show what is hidden in me. 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 of what we are supposed to achieve. Our dreams... Ambitions... 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 on the mountains and the beach to contemplate. A homecoming holiday vacation even once a year. Such a thing contributes to soulful healing. 

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. And from that moment of solitude, we can stand still and walk straight, knowing who we are and our self-worth.

© 2020 Del Cusay