INA in our Hearts

"Can a mother forget her child? Even if she forgets, I would never forget you!" These are Yahweh's words through the prophet Isaiah. But it is very much the words of INA, too, Our Lady of Penafrancia, to her Bicolano children scattered all over the Philippines and the world. For on this weekend, Bicolanos all over are united in celebrating the fiesta of INA.

Last Sunday, we had our own here in Cagayan de Oro, complete with a fluvial procession, in the Cagayan River. After the fluvial was the Mass in Bikol, over which I had the privilege of presiding. Then there was a fellowship dinner and program afterwards.

Truly, one need not be in Naga to honor Ina, forever, she is not only in the Basilica or in the Naga Cathedral, but in the hearts of every Bicolano.

Viva la Virgen!

Follow Me

It's striking how Jesus puts it in today's Gospel: "Take up your cross and follow me." He does specify where He is going or where He is leading the person who will follow Him. Of course, we know that He is going to Calvary to die. But in the concrete, in our lives, that Calvary can take many forms. Oftentimes, it is not where we would have wanted to go, if we had the choice. But precisely, Jesus says 'follow me.' He will lead the way. Or He is THE way. Where the destination is is not important. What is important is that we are with Jesus, we are following Him, and not carrying our cross and going our own way.

Have a nice week ahead!