Be Not Afraid
"Be not afraid" was quoted 365 times in the gospel. This is what the priest said in his homily during the celebration of the Saturday mass at the Divine Mercy outdoor shrine. Rain was forecasted for the day; but there was only hovering gray clouds with intermittent sunshine during the afternoon. "Someone must have prayed for sunshine," he said. The mass was said in English and Spanish for the sake of the Spanish pilgrims. Noticing the Filipinos in white T-shorts bearing the MME 20th Anniversary design, he mentioned that he likes "Adobe," at which time we all clapped because we knew he meant "Adobo." He then went on to give a beautiful and touching homily on the virtue of Hope. There was benediction and exposition of the Blessed Sacrament at 3PM, at which time the Divine Mercy chaplet was chanted. It was then followed by the veneration of a .rellic of St. Faustina. We felt such joy and peace; we hoped Jesus showered us with His promised graces, such blessing!
Sunday's morning mass was equally special. Fr. Albert celebrated the mass in the Divine Mercy Cathedral. We were joned by the Filipino Canadian Charismatic Group who happened to be in the Shrine for their retreat.
Music was again provided by the MME choir conducted by Bro. Al, accompanied on the organ by Bro. Butch. The acoustics was excellent! The choir sounded like angels.The readings, gospel and homily were delivered with such clarity that we all listened. Once again, Fr. Albert gave a very nice homily - simple, humorous and meaningful. We left the Shrine feeling fulfilled and blessed, reciting to ourselves, "Jesus, I trust in You."
Then off to the Gift shop, for rosaries, prayer books, Sr. Faustina's Diary and other souvenirs.
The pilgrimage was interspersed with shopping sprees during the long road trip bringing relief (and satisfaction) to the perennial shoppers. Once we hopped back on the bus, there was praying, singing, joking, and lots and lots of laughter! Morning bus rides were energized by Sis Vicky, Bro. Roe and Sis Carol leading the singing and acting to "Jesus is Alive," "Lu La Lu," while standing on the moving bus - a balancing act!
A side trip to Boston where we stayed just for an hour to get a taste of New England clam chowder and lobster rolls. Unfortunately ,not everyone found Quincy Market. Fresh fruits were bountiful in the farmers' market. Sis Carol Bondoc stayed to buy some and received an overwhelming applause when she
finally stepped into the waiting bus with everyone in it. She made sure she was never late again! That's funny!
Saturday evening was fine dining and dancing! The "younger" MME, Bro. Gerry Cadhit supplied dancing music from his Ipad (Hi-Tech talaga). Music was from his generation. The "older" MME was looking for Boogie! Sorry Bro. Roe, generation gap! Bro.
It was a beautiful and enriching trip! Sis Lolet helped raised some funds with her 50-50 game. All the winners (Sis Helen , Bro, Boyet and Bro Serg) donated their winnings. The ensaymada donated by Bro. Jorge Isisdro were also "sold" to the pilgrims - $1 for one ensaymada, with a free bottle of water (daw). Bro Ron de la Cruz and Bro Ed Sigua (the two kalbo's) challenged everyone with "Sabunutan."
All who joined had only one comment to the Pilgrimage directors, Sis Precy and Bro. Rusty Mueres, EXCELLENT JOB! Even the bus driver, Stan, initiated 3 big cheers for them.
Truly indeed, it was well planned, well organized, welll timed, well budgeted. Altogether, the pilgimage raised $2,700 for the MME Weeknd in May.
An excellent accomplishment!
In closing, we thank the Lord for all the MME members, who in one way or another, have kept the Movement going. For the younger "MME," may you continue to share your talents, youth, and strength. You are the "hope" of MME.
God bless,
Bro. Joe and Sis Norma