Web Journal of Fr. Amado Picardal, CSsR

The Search for Truth & Accountability: Moral Perspective on Corona Impeachment Trial

2012-02-15T11:33:00.000+08:00

(I am sharing here an article which I wrote for my column that will be published in the CBCP Monitor this week)

How does the Church view the current impeachment proceeding of Chief Justice Renato Corona? One of the questions raised in many discussion forum in the internet is why the Church is silent about it. On the other hand, there is an impression that Corona has the support and blessing of the Church. The novena-masses in the Supreme Court in support of the chief justice nine successive days before the start of the impeachment proceeding contributed to this impression. Ordinarily, novena-masses are celebrated only in churches and chapels before the fiesta of a patron saint and before Christmas (misa de gallo). Holding novena-masses in a government building and in support of a government official accused of betrayal of public trust and corruption has never been done before and is highly questionable. It leads to questions about separation of Church and State and about the abuse of the Eucharist.

At the start of the Corona Impeachment trial, Senator Gringo Honasan appealed to the CBCP “to provide the people with moral guidelines about the trial to help them reflect on the current issue from the light of the Christian faith.”

The CBCP as a body has not come up with an official statement or pastoral letter about the impeachment proceeding. Many bishops see this as a purely political process which does not involve any matter regarding faith and morals. From this perspective there is no moral evil involved, so there is no urgent need to exercise a prophetic function or come up with moral guidelines. Thus, the most prudent position is to remain in the sidelines and allow this impeachment process to run its course. The bishops hope for a speedy impeachment trial that would redound to the common good. Many bishops expressed concern that a drawn up impeachment proceeding would distract the government’s attention from addressing the pressing problems of the people – especially poverty. Thus, according to the CBCP monitor: “The Catholic Bishops’ Conference of the Philippines stressed that while they support government’s campaign against corruption, it must not also forget its obligations to the Filipinos.”

In an interview, Archbishop Jose Palma, the CBCP president said: “We exhort the people to give their respect and trust to the senator-judges and, of course, our respect and trust in the Constitutional processes…We exhort our brothers and sisters, fellow Filipinos, to pray, study and to do whatever is legally or morally possible so that truth and justice will be attained or realized. We exhort the people to pray especially for wisdom and guidance.”

The CBCP president focuses on the key themes: (1) Respect and trust to the senator-judges and the constitutional processes. (2) The attainment of truth and justice.
All these must be done in the context of the support for the campaign against corruption and the attainment of the common good. Besides truth and justice, accountability should be stressed.

The CBCP several years ago came out with a pastoral letter which deplored corruption in Philippine society as a moral evil that needs to be eradicated. In my opinion, the impeachment proceeding should be seen from this broader moral perspective. There is a clamor of the vast majority of the people to root out the cancer of corruption that has permeated all levels of Philippine society, to search for the truth about the involvement of government officials involved in corruption and to hold them accountable. This is the mandate that the people has given to the present administration. The Church must support this campaign to eradicate the culture of corruption and impunity – the moral evil which has perpetuated poverty, injustice, inequality, destruction of the environment and violence.

The impeachment proceeding against CJ Corona can be viewed as an effort to search for truth and accountability. It is not an attack against the independence of the judiciary. The chief justice stands accused of being beholden to the former president Gloria Macapagal Arroyo – placed by her by midnight appointment to protect her when the time of reckoning comes. He also stands accused of betrayal of public trust and of corruption. He should face these charges. If he has nothing to hide, then he should allow the impeachment court to see his dollar accounts.

Any attempt to stop the impeachment proceeding by a TRO imposed by his supportive colleagues within the Supreme Court should be opposed and condemned. The Supreme Court does not have the moral high ground at present. It is not only the Chief Justice who is suspected of being corrupted and compromised by the former president.
The search for truth and accountability should go beyond the impeachment proceeding. This will include former government officials as well the present ones in all levels – from the judiciary, to the legislative and the executive branches, in the government bureaucracy from the highest to the lowest levels, in the police and in the military. In the end, even the prosecutors themselves and our president should see to it that they are beyond reproach. This will require a moral transformation and reformation in our society. In supporting this moral crusade against corruption, the Church must also make sure that she is beyond reproach.

“The Lord will not abandon his people; he will not desert those who belong to him. Justice will again be found in the courts, and all righteous people will support it...
You have nothing to do with corrupt judges, who make injustice legal...
He will punish them for their wickedness and destroy them for their sins; the Lord our God will destroy them. (Psalm 94:14-15, 20-23)

(p.s. this column expresses the personal opinion of the writer as a citizen and a priest-theologian)

Attending an assembly of the CBCP/ Giving a talk on "The Word of God and Basic Ecclesial Communities"

2012-01-27T23:40:00.001+08:00

Since last Tuesday (Jan. 24), the Catholic bishops coming from 86 dioceses all over the Philippines gathered at the Pius XII center for their regular assembly. The executive secretaries from various episcopal committee and commissions were also invited - that includes me. The first day was devoted to listening to the results of the study on the diocesan plans and how they reflect the vision-mission and priorities of the second Plenary Council of the Philippines (PCP II). The study was conducted by research centers coming from various Catholic universities all over the Philippines. Among others, the study show that "Basic Ecclesial Communities - BECs" ranked 3rd in the adoption of PCP II priorities reflected in the diocesan plans.

One the second day, 3 bishops gave talks on Benedict XVI's "Verbum Domini" - the Word of God in the Life and Mission of the CHurch. Yesterday, the 3rd day of the gathering, several executive secretaries gave presentations on the relation of the Word of God to various specific dimensions/priorities of the Church (Catechetics, Liturgy, Youth, Social Action, Social Communications, BECs). I gave a 45 minutes presentation on the topic: "The Word of God and Basic Ecclesial Communities" followed by 15 minutes open forum in the afternoon. I was nervous at first, since this was the first time I have given a talk to the bishops (except for the 10 minutes BEC committee report I gave last July 2010). But I was encouraged by the attentiveness and interest of the bishops.
Tomorrow, the bishops will be listening to the reports from various commissions, followed by discussion on several concerns.
I will be meeting the members of the National BEC team (headed by Bishop George Rimando) immediately after the CBCP assembly on Wednesday.

Faith and Personal Renewal (Mk 1:14-20)

2012-01-22T22:34:00.001+08:00

I've been back here in Baclaran since last week. This morning I presided at the 9 am mass and this is what I preached:

"The kingdom of God is at hand, repent and believe in the Gospel"

We often take pride that the Philippines is the only predominantly Christian country in Asia. Around 82 percent of the population are Catholics.

Majority of our people are deeply religious, with deep faith in God and devotion to the our Blessed Mother Mary and the saints –

We have the longest Christmas season – at least we can already hear Christmas songs as early as September and we are the only country that celebrates the Misa de Gallo – the nine early dawn masses before Christmas.
We have the biggest procession – the Nazareno which was attended by over 7 million devotees and took 22 hours.
We have the largest attended Novena to the Perpetual Help here in Baclaran – over a hundred thousand come this church every Wednesday.
We have masses not only in churches but in shopping malls and in government offices – including the Supreme Court where a novena of masses were celebrated before the start of the impeachment of Chief Justice Corona.

Yet, in spite this widespread religiosity and deep faith, we wonder why there is so much evil and suffering in our country.
Majority of our people are poor, there is so much inequality, our crime rate is high, there is so much violence all around us, and many families are breaking down.
The Philippines has a reputation of being one the most corrupt country in Asia.

Two corrupt presidents have been removed by people power and now we have former president Gloria Macapagal Arroyo (known for her piety) under hospital arrest, awaiting trial for election sabotage and plunder. The Chief Justice of the Supreme Court – Renato Corona (a product of a Jesuit University) has been impeached and is now being tried in the senate. There is a generals who have been imprisoned due to corruption (and he is now a lay Eucharistic minister inside). This week the chief of the NBI (national bureau of investigation) accused of kidnapping.

So, why is this? There appears to be a gap between what we believe (faith), and how we live (our morality).

Our Gospel today reminds the central message of Jesus as he began his public ministry:

“The kingdom of God is at hand, repent and believe in the Gospel.”
The response that Jesus expects in proclaiming the good news of the Kingdom is repetance and faith – which are preconditions for discipleship.

What Jesus emphasizes is not only faith or belief but also repentance – which is a translation of the original Greek word metanoia.
Metanoia is not only a matter of being aware of our sinfulness and of being sorry for our sins.
It involves a deeper change in our attitude, our life and lifestyle – a turning around. This means moving from darkness to light, turning away from sin and becoming the best person that God wants us to be. It means becoming renewed.

Yes, our faith may be deep. Most of us already believe. But there is something that is lacking.

What the Lord wants of us is to repent, to change our life for the better, to reject sin and evil,
to overcome the dark side of ourselves, to get rid of, our selfishness, greed and pride, our addictions,

to cleanse ourselves and become the best version of ourselves –

to be more loving, compassionate, just, truthful, honest and holy.

When we do this, we become true Christians – genuine disciples and followers of Jesus.

This can be concretely expressed by going to confession.
But this is only the first step. What matters most is the day to day struggle to overcome the dark side and to live in the light. It is not only what we do inside the church that is important - it is what we also do outside the church, in our homes, our neighborhood, community, schools and workplace.

There can only be true social transformation when each one of us – including those who call themselves public servants – can respond to the call to repentance and personal renewal.

Davao to Iligan by Motorbike, Seeing the effects of Typhoon Sendong

2011-12-31T12:11:00.000+08:00

I arrived here in Iligan yesterday, on a motorbike (instead of the usual mountain bike) from Davao via the mountains of Davao and Bukidnon.

Upon crossing the new Hinaplanon bridge, I saw some of the devastation of the flashflood caused by Typhoon Sendong two weeks ago. Over a thousand people perished. Many of those who survived are now homeless.

Our monastery in Iligan was also hit by the flood but it was only knee deep. The computers, an LCD projector and the files have been destroyed. Major repairs need to be done on the ground floor of the monastery and the old novitiate building. Meanwhile, some members of the Redemptorist community are involved in relief operations. Some of the relief goods keep coming, and they have to be sent to the relief centers of the diocese and the city.

There are two families who are living at the second floor of the seminar house - they survived the flood but their homes have been destroyed. One of them is the family of Eugenio - our retired sacristan & driver. The other is the family of Dodoy - our former lay vocation promoter. Dodoy told me that a few minutes after they escaped to higher ground, the waters from the overflowing river reached the roof level of their house. His wife, Joy, said that the members of the neighborhood BEC cells survived because they urged one another that it was time to evacuate immediately.

Tonight, I will be celebrating the coming of the New Year tonight with my sisters and their families, thinking of those who will be greeting the New Year in the evacuation centers.

Christmas 2011 in Davao: The Gift of a Piano

2011-12-25T23:28:00.001+08:00

This is the 16th Christmas that I celebrated here in Davao (starting in 1995), but this time I celebrate it not as a member of the Redemptorist community but as a visitor or guest. Last night, I concelebrated at the 10 pm Christmas vigil mass presided by Fr. Mario Masangcay.

Tonight, we had our Christmas party with the senior Redemptorist community and the Redemptorist theology students. We had lechon, turkey and lots of drinks - wine, whisky, brandy, bailey, liquer, punch. With all these 'spirits' I recommended a "discernment" of "spirits". Everyone was in a jolly mood after eating and drinking too much, and after receiving their gifts.

Tonight, I gave to the Redemptorist Formation Community a very expensive and valuable gift - the "certificate of ownership" of the Weinstein piano. It's not really a new piano. I bought it 16 years ago after receiving a share of my inheritance from my late mother's estate. I was planning to bring the piano with me wherever I was assigned - and even bring it with me to my hermitage in Busay when I retire. After my death, the piano will be donated to the Davao Redemptorist Formation community. However, after I was assigned to the CBCP in Manila, and ran/walked across the Philippines to my new assignment, I thought it was too heavy to bring with me. So, I decided to just give the piano as a gift to the community instead of making them wait for 30-40 years. So tonight during the Christmas party, I thought this was the opportune time to give it to them.

I still have a long journey ahead of me. A pilgrim has to travel light. I cannot bring the piano with me.

Misa de Gallo at the Redemptorist Church in Davao

2011-12-23T19:28:00.000+08:00

This morning at 4:30, I was the presider of the 8th day of the Misa de Gallo - the traditional early dawn mass. . As early as 3:30 am, the church was already full and many had to stand outside, as far as the car park. There were many young people around. After the mass, many stayed around to partake of the delicacies - puto bumbong, tsokolate, etc.

I'm so glad to spend my Christmas here in Davao.

Burial of My Cousin, Victim of Typhoon Sendong

2011-12-22T21:49:00.001+08:00

Last Sunday, I heard the news that Typhoon Sendong hit Cagayan and Iligan and caused a flash flood which resulted in the death of over a thousand people. Hundreds remain missing. Thousands of families were left homeless. I was worried about my sisters, relatives, confreres and friends in Iligan. I was relieved to hear that they were safe although the flood was only knee deep in their houses. The Redemptorist church was also flooded so the Misa de Gallo was cancelled. But the others who were living along the Mandolog river and Bayug island were not as fortunate.

Later that day, I got a call from my cousin Nene telling me that her younger brother - Arthur was one of those who perished in the flood in Cagayan de Oro. My cousin Arthur had a stroke several months ago and he was wheel-chair bound. So when the flood began to rise rapidly inside their house he panicked as the water rose to his neck level. His children rushed and tried to bring him up to the rooftop but it was too late, he was suffering from hypothermia and had a heart attack. He was only 53 years old. His family and relatives were distraught with grief. They were more fortunate than the entire families that perished and there was no one to claim their bodies or attend their burial.

I arrived in Cagayan last Tuesday evening and as I was walking on the bridge across the Cagayan river, I could smell the stench of death below me. The houses along the river bank below had been destroyed and there were still bodies under the debris.

When we arrived at chapel of the Greenhills memorial park, there was a funeral mass that was just finishing. We were able to celebrate the funeral mass for Arthur at 9:30 am and bury him by 10:15. We were told that almost every hour every day for the next few days until Christmas there will be burial - mostly victims of Typhoon Sendong. I heard that elsewhere unclaimed decomposing bodies will be buried in mass graves.

I met my sisters and cousins from Iligan who came to attend the funeral and burial of Arthur. They told me about the devastation caused by the typhoon and the flood in our city. The most gruesome story was about the people who took refuge in the second floor of a big concrete house. They thought they were already safe but the water rose and a huge log from the river hit the house and killed all of them.

Apparently most of the water came from the mountains of Bukidnon and Lanao del Sur. When the typhoon came, there were no more forest and watershed that could absorb the heavy rainfall. They have been replaced by pineapple plantations, farms, meadows for cattle, golf courses and housin subdivision. So the topsoil and the water quickly came down to the cities of Cagayan and Iligan. Some of the illegally cut logs rushed down and hit so many people. What was surprising was that Northern Mindanao - including Cagayan and Iligan never experienced being hit by a typhoon before. Climate change.

Natural disasters are often called "Acts of God." This is a blasphemy! God is not responsible for Typhoon Sendong and the flashfloods that killed so many people and left many more homeless. This is the result of the greed of human beings and corporations who destroy the environment, who are responsible for the ecological imbalance. Mother nature does not forget. And that will not be the last.

Almost 25 years ago, when we organized and mobilized the Basic Ecclesial Communities of San Fernando and the neighboring parishes to stop logging in Bukidnon we were aware that a total log ban and reforestation would benefit not only the villages of Bukidnon but also the coastal cities of Northern Mindanao. An ecologist from an NGO had informed us that without the forest, the coastal cities will someday be inundated by flashflood coming from the mountain ranges of Bukidnon and Lanao del Sur. The Aquino government declared a total log ban in Bukidnon in 1988, but that did not stop the logging especially in the ARMM - in Lanao del Sur. By then the whole of Bukidnon have become one large pinapple plantation, grasslands for cattle, and farms. The big capitalists, loggers and agribusiness have earned huge profits from destroying the environment. It is the ordinary people, especially the poor who pay for their sins. And they call this "act of God?"

Impeaching Chief Justice Corona, Prosecuting Gloria Macapagal Arroyo

2011-12-14T15:10:00.000+08:00

Early this morning, I received this text message: "14 Dec, 2 pm @d SC, CJ Corona will address current issues affecting d entire judiciary. All r encouraged to attend & wear black. lets all wear black 2 pls pass."

This message is an invitation to attend a rally in the Supreme Court to support Chief Justice Renato Corona who has recently been impeached by the house of Representatives and will face trial in Senate next month. I presume this comes from the office of the SC spokesman Midas Marquez. This is probably the same text message that judges and court employees received, that is why there is a court holiday today.

Of course, no way will I attend the protest rally in the SC. CJ RENATO CORONA DOES NOT HAVE MY SUPPORT. I fully support the move to impeach him and oust him from his position as chief injustice. I hope he resigns rather than face humiliation and disgrace.

Renato Corona was the chief of staff, spokesman, executive secretary of Gloria Macapagal Arroyo - one of the most corrupt and abusive president we ever had - next to the dictator Ferdinand Marcos. His position made him an alter-ego of Gloria. It was on this basis that he was appointed associate justice of the Supreme Court and later Chief Justice of the Supreme Court a few days after the election of the new President Benigno Aquino III. This was clearly in violation against midnight appointment. This move has been interpreted as a way to protect the outgoing president GMA. He was appointed not because of his competence, probity and independence but because of his loyalty to Arroyo.

His decisions since then show a pattern of protecting his patronness. He and his 7 cohorts (the so-called Arroyo court) has been an obstruction to justice - a hindrance to the reform agenda of the new government, blocking attempts at holding Gloria Macapagal Arroyo accountable for her crimes against the Filipino people. The recent SWS survey show that he is the least trusted among the high office holders of the land.

Through his spokesman, he has the gall to say that the impeachment proceeding is an attack against the judiciary and can lead to a constitutional crisis. I prefer to see this is an act of cleansing the judiciary and restoring its credibility. As of now, Corona and his cohorts has the contempt of the majority of our people. For as long as Corona stay, the Supreme Court will remain a damaged institution. I hope that the impeachment will not stop with Corona - but will later include the other associate justices who are beholden to Arroyo and who have been corrupted.

There are some things that I don't agree with President Aquino and which I oppose - like his pro-RH stance and his pro-mining policy. But I fully support his anti-corruption and reform agenda: starting with the campaign to make Gloria Arroyo and her minions (including Corona) accountable for their acts.

I don't believe that PNoy is an autocrat or a Fidel Castro. I wonder why those who say this did not say anything when Gloria Macapagal Arroyo acted like a corrupt autocrat and controlled the judiciary and congress.

Back to Davao as Visiting Professor, Dreaming of the Next Adventures

2011-11-30T22:25:00.001+08:00

I've been here in Davao for 3 weeks and I will be around until the middle of January 2012. Well, this is part of the Memorandum of Agreement (MOA) between my Redemptorist superior and the chairman of the CBCP-BEC committee - that I will be available to teach for 8 weeks every year at the St. Alphonsus' Theological and Mission Institute. So this agreement is good for the next four years while I work with the CBCP.

From 1995 up to March this year, I have been teaching full-time in Davao. Since I was appointed executive secretary of the CBCP-BEC committee, I am now only a visiting professor. I am teaching three courses: Theology of Religions/Interreligious Dialogue (2nd years), Ministry & Orders (4th years), and Pastoral Leadership & Management (4th & 5th years). My are students are Redemptorist seminarians coming from the Philippines, Thailand, Malaysia, Singapore, Indonesia and Vietnam. There are also students belonging to the Fransciscan TOR, Benedictine and also lay women.

I have a very hectic schedule - teaching 3-4 hours every morning from Tuesday to Saturday. The afternoons and evenings I spend either preparing for class or performing my task for the CBCP-BEC committee: updating the website, communicating and following-up the BEC directors, writing articles, and preparing BEC modules/manuals.

My running has been reduced to a minimum - 2 short barefoot runs and one long run. I also do some weight training. I still have to find time to go mountain biking and scuba diving.

I'd better start preparing for a marathon this June in Manila (Milo Marathon). Let's see if I can do it bafefoot with a faster time. My next goal after a barefoot marathon is to break 3:30 before I reach 60 years old. After running/walking across the Philippines, I've run out of more challenging running/walking adventure. The only remaining challenge is to beat my marathon PR which I set 30 years ago. Well, there's also another longer Camino de Santiago pilgrimage during the next Xacobeo in 2021 - the Via de La Plata (more than a thousand kilometers from Southern Spain to the Northwest coast - Seville to Finisterre). That's still 9 years f rom now. Maybe, I can do another bike-tour around the Philippines four years from now - this time including Zamboanga and Palawan and even Batanes. The last adventure before I reach 100 yrs old could be a wheel-chair tour across the country (now that's a crazy idea). As I grow older I keep dreaming that I can still do these things. Yet, when I was 30 years younger I never thought that I can run/walk 400 km across Mindanao, 800 km across France-Spain barefoot, and across the Philippines. As I reach 57 years of existence, retiring is far from my mind.

A New Way of Being Priest for a New Way of Being Church

2011-11-03T23:27:00.001+08:00

(I have a regular monthly column at the CBCP Monitor entitled Along the Way. I am posting here what will be published in the next issue)

During the National Gathering of Diocesan BEC Directors held last October 11-12, 2011 in Taytay, Rizal, the result of the initial survey on the Basic Ecclesial Communities (BECs) in the Philippines was discussed. One of the findings was the vital role that the clergy, especially the parish priests, play in the promotion and formation of BECs. Where the clergy adopt the formation of BECs as a pastoral priority and support the lay pastoral workers and BEC leaders, the BECs become vibrant. In dioceses and parishes where BECs fail to grow or develop, the lack of support from the parish priests is considered as one of the primary factors. The regular reshuffling of priests can have a negative effect on BECs especially when the new parish priests are not as supportive as the previous pastors. In dioceses where the formation of BECs has been adopted as the diocesan pastoral thrust, the implementation still depends on the parish priests. The findings of this survey is consistent with the results of previous surveys conducted over the last 10 years.

Why is the support of the clergy necessary for the growth of BECs? PCP II regards the BECs as a realization of its vision of a renewed Church – the Church as the community of disciples, living in communion, participating in the mission of Christ as a priestly, prophetic, kingly/servant people, and as the Church of the poor (PCP II no. 137). The BECs are not mere lay organizations or associations, but the Church at the grassroots, in the neighborhood, barangay or the village. They are a new way of being Church. Hence, PCP II decreed the vigorous promotion of BECs in all dioceses and parishes all over the country (PCP II art 103). This means renewing and restructuring of the parish into a network of BECs, a community of small Christian communities.

Since the BECs are a realization of a renewed Church, then a renewed clergy is required. Since BECs are a new way of being Church, then a new way of being priest is necessary. The renewal of the Church requires the renewal of the clergy. This means going beyond a narrow cultic understanding of priesthood. To be a priest is not simply to say Mass and administer the others sacraments.

Vatican II and PCP II have broadened the understanding of the ordained ministry. “Hence, we can appropriately call ordained ministers as servant-leaders of the community. They are in-charge of the community. They are to build-up the Christian community. Their task extends by right also to the formation of a genuine Christian community.” (PCP II no. 518).

The ordained ministry is, therefore, oriented towards forming and leading a genuine Christian community that is prophetic, priestly and kingly in nature – a witnessing, worshipping and serving community. The role of the priest is not simply a matter of celebrating communion during the Eucharist but building up communion (loving union, sharing and fellowship) among the members of the community in their day to day life. Thus, according to PCP II, the priest is a servant-leader who presides over a prophetic, priestly and servant community.

The formation of BECs is therefore a constitutive part of the ordained ministry. Our parishes are too big to form one community. They have to be decentralized and restructured into a community of communities, a network of BECs where the ordinary lay faithful can truly experience communion and actively participate in Christ’s prophetic, priestly, and servant mission.

Through his prophetic ministry – a ministry of preaching, evangelizing and catechizing, the priest animates the parish community and BECs to become prophetic and evangelizing communities that announce the Good News and denounce evil and all its manifestation (including the culture of death).

Through his liturgical and sacramental leadership, the priest enables the parish community and the BECs to actualize their common priesthood and actively participate in the liturgical celebration.

Through his kingly/servant ministry, the priest animates the parish community and the BECs to become truly servant communities actively involved in the Church’s social mission and apostolate – caring for the poor and the needy, working for peace, justice and the integrity of creation. This requires an option and love for the poor and living a more simple lifestyle.

All these require good pastoral leadership and management on the part of the priest. Collaboration and teamwork with other priests, lay pastoral workers, lay leaders and religious is necessary in the pastoral ministry. The priest is called to be a Good Shepherd – who forms and leads the flock. This demands availability and closeness to the people he is ordained to serve. This also requires getting rid of patterns of leadership condemned by Christ- of lording it over the flock, of authority exercised in the spirit of self-service, power, privilege and prestige. This also demands a moral and ethical leadership that does not tolerate clerical abuse.

The understanding of ministry that the Vatican II and PCP II promote is not easy to realize. It requires continuing conversion and ongoing formation of priests. But this is necessary because without a renewed clergy, the vision of a renewed Church advanced by Vatican II almost 50 years ago and reaffirmed by PCP II 20 years ago will remain a dream.

Addio, Padre Fausto, missionary & martyr

2011-10-25T23:54:00.002+08:00

Fr. Fausto Tentorio, PIME was buried in Kidapawan today, beside the grave of Fr. Tulio Favale who was also murdered 25 years ago.

I regret I could not be at his funeral. Manila is so far away from Kidapawan. However, my confreres Frs. Romeo Obach and Frank Tobin of the Davao Redemptorist community represented the Redemptorists.

Like many, the news of Fausto's death deeply saddened and shocked me. I first met him when I was assigned in Arakan Valley in 1986. I was a member of the Redemptorist Mission Team and we were invited to conduct missions in his parish - the Mother of Perpetual Help parish. We helped in revitalizing the Basic Ecclesial Communities (BECs) that were weakened due to the militarization. It was a period of euphoria - Marcos had been toppled by People Power and democracy was restored. Yet, we were still in grief over the death of Fr. Tulio Favale who was murdered by paramilitary group led by the Manero brothers. I thought that with the end of the Marcos dictatorship, it won't be necessary for a priest to die a martyr's death.

I was wrong. Last week Fr. Fausto was gunned down as he was about to leave the rectory to attend the monthly meeting in Kidapawan. The assassin shot him point-blank and fled on a motorcycle with another man. As of now nobody knows who killed him or who ordered his death or why he was targetted. The way he was killed reminds me of the modus-operandi of the DDS (Davao Death Squad). Last year, I received information that some of the hitmen of the DDS were moonlighting as hired assassins.

There are a lot of speculations. He was active in the defense of the Lumad - the Indigenous Peoples who were fighting for their rights. He opposed the entry of mining companies in the area. He was very critical of the military operations in Arakan Valley.

His life had been threatened before. He knew it was not safe to continue his missionary work in Arakan. Yet he would not abandon his people. He took the risk and took up his cross. He did not run away and faced death - like Jesus, the Good Shepherd.

Ciao, Fausto. Addio e ci vediamo. Go in peace. I pray that truth and justice will eventually prevail.

Biking from Baclaran to Baguio - Dakateo Annual Conference

2011-10-24T21:14:00.001+08:00

The Annual Conference of Dakateo (Catholic Theological Society of the Philippines) was held in Baguio from Friday to Sunday (October 21-23). Instead of taking the bus, I decided to bike to Baguio - that's over 260 km from Baclaran. I was planning to leave at one in the morning of Thursday hoping to reach Baguio before nightfall. But it was already almost three when I departed. I was biking at an easy, slow pace with a heavy backpack. I got a flat tire at 3 pm while in Villasis, Pangasinan. It took some time to change the interior and then had the punctured tube-tire vulcanized. By 4 pm there was a heavy downpour, but I continued biking until I reached Binalonan - 206 km from Baclaran. It was already 5 pm and I still had over 60 km of biking - mostly uphill. I felt it would be foolhardy to proceed in the dark and rain after biking over 200 km. I decided to just stay overnight in the parish of Binalonan. I knew the priests - Fr. Catungal and Fr. Cirilo - since this is where I stayed overnight during my run-walk across the Philippines. So, they put me up for the night after a heavy meal.

I continued biking very early in the morning and after 6 hours of exhausting ascent, I finally reached the Little Flower Retreat House in Baguio where the conference was held.
The theme of the conference for this year is: "Art and Theology at the Crossroad." Last year I was just a guest who presented a paper on "BECs and Environmental Praxis" in the annual conference held in Davao. This time, I was formally accepted as a member of the Dakateo - the Catholic Theological Society of the Philippines. This is an exclusive society of Catholic theologians in the Philippines - mostly professors in various theological schools in the country with doctorates in theology from Louvain, Fordham (USA), Gregorian (Rome) and also from the Philippines.
I came back to Baclaran yesterday afternoon, this time taking the bus. There was enough space for the bike in the baggage compartment.

National Gathering of Diocesan BEC Directors/Coordinators

2011-10-13T23:30:00.000+08:00

From October 11-13, 2011, directors/coordinators of Basic Ecclesial Communities coming from 57 dioceses all over the Philippines and gathered at the Bukal ng Tipan Center, in Maryhill, Taytay Rizal. the delegates from Surigao and Catarman failed to arrive due to Typhoon Ramon. The gathering was organized by the National BEC team of the CBCP-BEC committee composed Bishop George Rimando (chairman), the executive secretary (yours truly), the consultants (Mgr. Manny Gabriel, Mgr. Jomari Delgado and Dr. Estela Padilla). Bishop Broderick Pabillo (vice-chairman of CBCP-BEC Committee and chairman of Commission on Social Action, Justice and Peace) also attended together with 2 observes from the National Secretariat of Social Action. The Staff of Bukal ng Tipan (headed by Fr. Mark Lesage) acted as the secretariat and documentors of the gathering.

The purpose of this gathering was to establish contact between the CBCP-BEC national office and the diocesan BEC directors, come up with a general assessment of the BECs in the Philippines, develop regional networking/linkages and plan for the regional BEC assemblies starting 2012. This was also an opportunity to explain the role of the CBCP-BEC Committee and the National BEC team. I also introduced our new website (the Cyber-Office) which will function as a means of means of inter-connection, communication and exchange.

The whole gathering went very well and I was amazed at the commitment and enthusiasm of the delegates. I will be very busy in the coming months and years, following them up, helping in the preparation and facilitation of the regional gathering all over the country.

At Home in Baclaran

2011-09-14T22:29:00.002+08:00

shrine/church of the Mother of Perpetual Help

the monastery beside the church

2nd floor corridor outside my room

my room

my bed and little altar

Redemptorist community

Since the beginning of June this year, I have been living in the Redemptorist Monastery in Baclaran. The church is the national shrine of the Mother of Perpetual Help and every Wednesday over one hundred thousand devotees flock to the church to attend the masses and novenas which go on from dawn to dusk. Over fifty thousand also attend the Sunday masses. This is the only church that is open 24 hours so there are many people who come even late at night and the wee hours of the morning to pray - including well known actors and actresses and some politicians.

There are nine members of the Redemptorist community (4 Australians & 5 Filipinos) - who belong to the Redemptorist Vice-Province of Manila (under the Australian province) and one from the Cebu Province assigned here. There is one Indonesian Redemptorist staying here who is studying at University of Sto. Tomas and another Filipino Redemptorist from Cebu Province who is doing his masteral studies in conselling in de La Salle University. I am a resident here but canonically I am not a member of the community since I belong to the Redemptorist Cebu Province on special assignment to the Catholic Bishops' Conference of the Philippines (as executive secretary of the BEC committee). But I help out in the masses on Wednesdays and Sundays at the shrine-church (usually 7 am on Wednesdays and 6:30 pm or 8 pm on Sundays).

My office at the CBCP building in Intramuros is 8 km away from Baclaran, so I usually go there on weekdays by running/walking or biking (round-trip is 16 km but sometimes I take a longer, round-about route when biking).

I feel very much at home here in Baclaran.

Asian Continental BEC Conference (Taipei)

2011-09-05T23:50:00.003+08:00

I just got back from Taipei after a four-day conference on Basic Ecclesial Communities (BECs) in Asia sponsored by Missio-Aachen. The meeting was held at the One World Community Service Center in Taipei. There were representatives coming from India, Sri Lanka, Korea, Malaysia, Indonesia, China and the Philippines. I represented the Philippines. There were two observers from Germany, two theologians-resource persons and two staff from Bukal ng Tipan.

The theme of the gathering was: "BECs in Asia 50 years after Vatican II." Each representative gave a report on the state of the BECs in their country and how the BECs have realized the vision of a renewed Church of Vatican II and the challenges that they face at present. Two invited theologians (Fr. Michael Amaladoss, SJ and Agnes Brazal) shared their reflections on the challenges facing BEC in Asia in light of the recent social, economic, and cultural developments (especially globalization and post (or late) modernity. This meeting was preparation the intercontinental gathering on BECs which will be held in Tubingen, Germany next year. The Latin American BEC continental conference has already been held. The other continental conferences in Africa and North America will also be held soon.

I am just amazed about the growth of BECs not just in the Philippines but also other countries in Asia. This is a sign of hope of the vitality of the Church in this region.

Last night, we had an 11-course dinner with the archbishop of Taipei - archbishop John Hung. The Chinese meals are just so delicious. I have been on a binge these last few days. I suspended my "one meal a day" regimen. A meal-fellowship with the participants of the conference holds precedence over my ascetic. I must have put on weight inspite of maintaining my daily running/walking exercise.

Last Friday, I ran/walked early in the morning from Baclaran to the NAIA 2 airport. I also did the same from the airport to Baclara this evening. While in Taipei, I was able to do some running in the morning and to join the locals in their Taichi exercise.

Barefoot Running on the Pavements of Manila

2011-08-16T00:02:00.002+08:00

Last Sunday starting at 7:30, I went on a slow long-distance run along the Macapagal Boulevard, passing the Cultural Center of the Philippines Complex, the Baywalk along Roxas Boulevard, Rizal Park, around Intramuros, and back to Macapagal boulevard, around the Mall of Asia and back to Baclaran. I did most of it barefoot - but by 10 am, the pavement became so hot that I had to put on my Adizero rocket running shoes until I finished my run at 11 am. While celebrating mass in shrine of Our Mother of Perpetual Help in Baclaran later in the afternoon, I had to walk slowly especially going up and down the sanctuary since my calves were stiff. I must have overdone it. It's been a long time since I ran long-distance barefoot. That was last year on the Camino de Santiago - from the French Pyrenees across the North of Spain up to the old city of Santiago de Compostela covering around 800 km which I did in 27 days, most of it barefoot (I sometimes had to wear my sandals when the afternoon heat and the sharp gravel paths became unbearable).

After my Camino de Santiago pilgrimage, I haven't done much barefoot running. When I ran/walked across the Philippines for 57 days covering 2060 km, I wore my running shoes. I figured that it would not be possible for me to run/walk barefoot 40-50 km a day on asphalt and cement highway. I noticed that I got a lot of blisters while wearing running shoes. I didn't get any blisters during my barefoot pilgrimage on the Camino which I find miraculous.

Since I started living and working here in Manila last June, I have done some short barefoot running for 20-30 minutes twice a week as part of my training for the Condura marathon next February 2012. I have integrated my marathon training with my daily commute on foot from Baclaran to the CBCP-BEC office in Intramuros in the morning and back to Baclaran in the afternoon. Last week, I ran barefoot the whole way from Intramuros to Baclaran and last Sunday I did it as part of my long run.

There's a big difference between running barefoot on rough terrain and on concrete/ asphalt pavement. I miss the feel of the earth under my feet. I have to get used to running on the hard and hot pavement of Manila.

I've been going through my bucket list - things I want to do before I die. I already checked the following: Bike Around the Philippines, Run/Walk Across Mindanao, Run/Walk Barefoot on the Camino de Santiago, Run/Walk Across the Philippines.

There are still a lot of items which remains unchecked. Among these: Run marathons every year up to my 90th birthday, break 3:33 personal record, join the triathlon, run/walk the Camino again during my next sabbatical when I'm 65. Can I still do these things?

Assisting in the Formation of Basic Ecclesial Communities (BECs)

2011-08-10T21:32:00.003+08:00

Over ten days ago (July 29-30), I was in Lingayen attending the archdiocesan BEC exchange. Some 150 leaders and promoters coming from the various parishes and vicariates of the archdiocese of Lingayen-Dagupan gathered for two days to share their experiences in forming BECs. I was the guest speaker - speaking about the 2nd Plenary Council of the Philippines' (PCP II) vision of BECs. Then a few days later (August 3), I gave the keynote address of the annual Forum of the Institute of Spirituality in Asia held at the Titus Bandma Center (Carmelites) in Quezon City. My talk was entitled "Spirituality and the Church of the Poor" and I emphasized that the vision of the Church of the Poor is concretely realized in BECs. This Friday (August 12), I will be giving a talk to the diocesan BEC assembly of the diocese of Kalookan. The day before that I will be going to the Taiwanese consulate to apply for a visa. I will be attending a BEC Meeting organized by the Federation of Asian Bishops' Conference (FABC) which will be held in Taipeh from September 2-5. This meeting will assess the growth of BECs in Asia. I will be giving a talk on the "BECs in the Philippines as a Reception and Implementation of the Ecclesiology of Vatican II."This meeting is part of the preparation of the BEC international conference which will be held next year a part of the celebration of the 50th anniversary of Vatican II.

Besides giving talks, I do a lot of work in my office maintaining and developing the BEC website. I've also sent to all the bishops communication containing details and survey questionnaires regarding the coming national assembly of diocesan BEC directors (October 2011). I've built up the library of the BEC office so that scholars doing research on BECs can have access to books and literature about BECs.

I'm enjoying my work. This is my life's passion - assisting in the growth of BECs all over the Philippines. I'm just amazed at how dioceses all over the Philippines have adopted the formation of BECs as their pastoral thrust. The existence of the CBCP-BEC committee is a sign that the bishops are indeed serious in implementing the direction set by PCP II twenty years ago - the renewal of the Church in the Philippines. The formation of BECs is a concrete expression of this renewal.

Since 1977, as a seminarian, I have already been involved in the formation of BECs. During the first 8 years of my priestly ministry, I was directly involved in the building up of BECs all over Mindanao. In 1989, when I went for higher studies at the Jesuit School of Theology at Berkeley, California my licentiate thesis was on the BECs in Mindanao. When I continued my doctoral studies at the Pontifical Gregorian University in Rome in 1991-95, my doctoral dissertation was on the Ecclesiology of BECs in the Philippines. After finishing my doctoral in 1995, I was assigned in Davao as full-time professor yet I was at the same time involved in the promotion of BECs - writing books and articles, giving talks and workshop-seminars to over 25 dioceses, helping organize BEC national assemblies, and as consultant of the CBCP-BEC committee. And now I am working full-time as executive secretary with a BEC national team and assisting BEC promoters all over the country. I am now in a position to devote most of my time to what I consider as my life's passion. I hope to contribute to the growth and expansion of BECs all over the country - communities at the grassroots living a new way of being Church, renewing the Church and transforming Philippine society. These communities will not just be worshipping and bible-sharing communities whose members experience a sense of unity and belonging - they will also be prophetic and serving communities working for total human development, peace, justice and the integrity of creation. I commit myself to this task for the rest of my life.

Reporting to the CBCP Plenary Assembly

2011-07-12T21:12:00.001+08:00

Since yesterday, over 120 Catholic bishops have been in session at the Pius XII center to discuss concerns and issues affecting the Church in the Philippines. Today, the plenary assembly continued and listened to the reports from various episcopal commissions and committees. In the afternoon, Bishop George Rimando - the Chairman of the Committee on Basic Ecclesial Communities of the CBCP introduced me to the assembled bishops as the new executive secretary. Then I gave the initial report on the result of the the assessment/planning session of the National BEC team (especially the National Assembly of Diocesan BEC Coordinators/Directors). The new website of the office of the CBCP-BEC committee was also launched: http://www.cbcpbec.com/ .

This has been a busy week. I arrived from Davao last Monday after giving a 5-day seminar on Missiology: Redemptorist Perspective. The following day I immediately reported to my office at the CBCP building and followed up the website. I also did some recording for my weekly podcast "Sambayanihan" for the CBCP Online Radio. I also did some final preparation for the seminar on Missiology and BEC which I will be giving to 11 newly-ordained priests of the Cebu archdiocese two days from now.I attended a meeting last Friday evening called by Archbishop Sergio Utleg (chair of the Episcopal Commission on Indigenous Peoples) to plan for a biking pilgrimage for the Tribal Peoples and the Environment. Yesterday, I went to the Pius XII center to follow up on the distribution of the printed copy of the CBCP-BEC detailed report to the bishops. This evening, after spending the whole day in the Pius XII center, I said the 6:30 pm mass in Memory of Fr. Rudy Romano who was picked up my suspected military intelligence and disappeared 26 years ago. Tomorrow, I still have a meeting with Bishop Rimando and Msgr. Manny and Msgr. Jomari to finalize our plans for the National Gathering of Diocesan BEC directors this October. Then I fly to Cebu at 9:30 in the evening and start my Missiology-BEC seminar for the newly-ordained Cebuano priests.

I still have not fully recovered from my colds which started over 3 weeks ago. It seems that I am developing an acute sinusitis. I need to take some rest but my schedule is full up to the end of the month.

The Continuing Journey: Starting a New Stage in my Life's Journey

2011-06-09T15:30:00.002+08:00

Well, here I am starting my new assignment as Executive Secretary of the Committee on Basic Ecclesial Communities (BEC) of the Catholic Bishops' Conference of the Philippines (CBCP). It is known as the CBCP-BEC Committee. My office is in the 3rd floor of the CBCP building in Intramuros, Manila. The various CBCP commissions and committees are also located in this building.

The CBCP-BEC committee is composed of Bishop George Rimando (chairman) and 8 other bishops who head their respective commissions: Bishop Broderick Pabillo (Social Action), Bishop Pablo David (Biblical Apostolate), Archbishop Romulo Valles (liturgy), Archbishop Socrates Villegas (Catholic Education and Catechetics), Bishop Paciano Aniceto (Family & Life), Bishop Joel Baylon (Youth), Bishop Antonieto Cabajog (Canon Law), and Bishop Jesse Mercado (Laity). There are three consultants: Dr. Estela Padilla, Ph.D., Msgr. Manny Gabriel and Msgr. Jomari Delgado.

We will work closely as a team with Bishop George Rimando and the three consultants. We will also be tapping the service of the staff of Bukal ng Tipan especially when organizing BEC national and regional assemblies. I will also be interacting with the Executive Secretaries of the various CBCP commissions.

I started my work last week, June 1, just three days after finishing my Run/Walk Pilgrimage for Life and Peace across the Philippines. The first day of my work was spent in Bukal ng Tipan (Taytay) with Bishop George and the three consultants (Estela, Msgrs. Manny and Jomari) and Epee. We had an assessment and planning session. The following day I immediately reported to my office.

It is 8 km from Baclaran and I just run/walk to the office and back every day (Monday-Friday) - which means 16 km on foot daily/ 80 km a week. With another long run on Sundays, I should be able to average over 100 km a week - a good training for the marathon.

However, it is not entirely office work. That would be boring. I will also be travelling to other dioceses in various parts of the country to give talks, conduct seminars and retreats, hold regional and national gatherings of BEC promoters and organizers, conduct case studies and documentation, etc. This weekend I will be in Surigao for the BEC day/ Pentecost gathering. Then the last week of June, I will be in Davao to conduct a Missiology seminar.

I already asked Msgr. Pepe Quitorio of the CBCP Communications Development Foundation to help me build a website/internet forum for the CBCP-BEC office. We will be meeting next week when I come back from Surigao to conceptualize the project. I hope we will be able to launch it during the CBCP assembly in July.

Run/Walk Across the Philippines (Summary Assesment)

2011-05-30T22:04:00.006+08:00

Yesterday, after saying mass and preaching in the parish church of Aparri, I left for Tuguegarao where I took the 2 pm flight to Manila. I arrived here in Baclaran before 4 pm. This will be my home for the next four years.

Since Saturday, I have been reflecting on my experience. The questions that I have asked myself is: what was it all about? what have I really accomplished? what effect has this on me? what are the lessons that can be useful as I continue my journey through life.

What have I really achieved?

I have successfully completed the 2,060 km journey on foot (running/walking) across the Philippines in 57 days - from Davao to Aparri via the Cordilleras. I did it alone (although there were some who accompanied me for a few hours or a day) and unsupported (without any support vehicle or crew), at the age of 56, in spite of the blisters, diarrhea, fevel, heat, cold, rain and typhoon signal no. 1. This should be in the record book. Some have ran/walked across the Philippines - but they had companions and support vehicle and they did not go through the Cordilleras - the most difficult and challenging route.

I was able to proclaim the Gospel of Life and Peace and drew attention to the various issues and concerns (armed conflict, environmental destruction, extra-judicial killings, and RH bill) through various means: preaching in churches, mass media interview and coverage (TV, radio, newspapers), through conversations with ordinary folks in sari-sari stores and waiting shed, through blogging. I was able to deliver the letter to the President in Malacanang.

What effect did this journey has on me?

This was not just an external journey or adventure, but also an inner, spiritual journey. This deepened my faith in God - making me more aware of God's presence and providence, developing trust in God, experiencing closeness and intimacy with the Lord who is the source of strength and energy. This made me more fearless.

This has also developed a deeper faith in myself - believing in myself, my capacity to turn my dreams into reality, to accomplish what I set out to do, to fulfill my promises and commitments, to overcome my weaknesses.

I became more aware of my dark side (the pride, anger, compulsions, dangerous desires and tendencies) and not to allow these to dominate my life. I experienced inner peace and healing. I reaffirmed and value more my commitment to celibacy and chastity. I treasure more a simple lifestyle.

I have been able to integrate contemplation/prayer with action/praxis.

This journey gave me a clearer sense of direction and mission and the accompanying values that are needed.

Throughout this journey I have been following some guiding principles which made it possible for me to successfully reach my destination and which I believe is applicable to my continuing journey through life:

1. Take it easy, don't be in a hurry. Run slowly and gently, take frequent walking breaks, and do a lot of walking later in the day. Listen to your body and do not ignore pain. Never go all out. Remember, there is still tomorrow, and tomorrrow and tomorrow.

2. Take as much rest as you need. 8-12 hours a day of run/walking is enough. Give yourself time to rest and recover so that you can become stronger. Otherwise, you will break down or injure yourself and fail to finish the journey. Take a day off every seven days.

3. Travel light. You don't have a support vehicle or crew. You carry every thing in your back-pack. Take only the most essential things you need. Don't accumulate things, share with others.

4. You really don't need to eat much. Fast, take some fruits and hydration. Eat only at night - that will be enough enough fuel for the following day.

5. Rely on the kindness, generosity and hospitality of others. Don't feel bad or discouraged when you meet people who are not kind. A pilgrim cannot be demanding. Count your blessings, always be thankful. Most people you meet will be good to you.

6. Don't rely on your own power. Trust in God - the source of power, strength and courage. Your run/walk is an act of prayer and meditation.

7. You are not doing this for yourself - but for others, for a cause greater than yourself- for life and peace.

8. Be flexible. Your itinerary is not written in stone. Learn to adjust - be prepared for surprises.

9. Enjoy the whole experience, appreciate the beauty around you, savor the bliss & ecstasy of the journey.

10. When you reach your destination always remember that it is not really the end of the journey - for you continue as a pilgrim towards the final destiny - the heavenly home when we will see God face to face.

Day 57: Run/Walk Across d Philippines (Aparri)

2011-05-27T22:23:00.000+08:00

I was very apprehensive as I left Gattaran early this morning. Storm signal no. 1 had been raised over the area. The rain and wind became stronger as I walked along. I kept on singing loudly the song that I learned as a young seminarian:
"When you walk through the storm, hold your head up high, and don't be afraid of the dark... Walk on through the rain, walk on through the wind... Walk on with hope in your heart and you'll never walk alone..."

I found this song very meaningful today. It was no longer just symbolic, it was real.
You'll never walk alone. Yes, even though I walked alone, I was not really alone - the Lord was with me. This is why I remained calm and unafraid as I continued my trek towards Aparri.

There were times when the wind and rain became so strong that I took shelter. The weather improved in the afternoon. I did some intermittent running. I finally reached Aparri at 5 pm having covered 37 km for the day and 2,060 km for 57 days. Typhoon Chedeng couldn't stop me from reaching my destination.
I reached Aparri quietly like a true solitary pilgrim, without any welcoming group or streamer, without any media coverage. There was no official finish line or medal that awaited me.
Fr. Adalbert, the parish priest welcomed me. He was expecting me to arrive tomorrow.
Tomorrow, I'll spend the whole day resting and reflecting on this whole experience.

I am just so glad to complete my journey. True joy comes not only in reaching my destination today but undertaking the whole journey for the last 57 days. After all what matters most is the journey and not just the destination. I could reach Aparri much quicker by taking the bus or plane but I wouldn't have the same satisfaction and joy of doing it on foot alone for almost two months across the country. I will always treasure what I experienced and the effect within me.

Day 56: (May 26) Run/Walk Across d Philippines (Cagayan Valley)

2011-05-27T07:22:00.000+08:00

After concelebratimg at the 6 am mass, I had coffee with Msgr Othello and the other priests. Mgr Othello told me that he had just called the parish priest of Gattaran who told him that he won't be around and that I couldnt be accomodated. Mgr. Othello told me that he already called his friend who will put me up.
By 7:30 I was on the road. It was very hot in the morning . I felt tired that I made a lot of rest stops. The rain and wind came in the afternoon. I thought the storm had already come but it did not last long.
By 4 pm, I was able to cross the Cagayan river by motorized banca. I continued my trek along the national highway. It was already 7:30 pm when I reached Gattaran after covering 43 km. I was met by Joey who brought me to his home. His wife was cooking dinner when we arrived. After taking my shower we had dinner together.

Tomorrow is the last day of my journey. If everything goes well, I should be in Aparri in the afternoon. I hope the storm does not come our way tomorrow.

Total distance so far: 2023 km.

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Day 55: (May 25) Run/Walk Across d Philippines (Piat, Cagayan Valley)

2011-05-26T06:53:00.000+08:00

After having coffee and oatmeal with Bishop Jun, I asked for his blessing and he saw me off at 5 am.
I was expecting to be fully recovered and fresh after a day of rest. Instead I felt sluggish and weak. The heat added to my lethargy. So I made frequent long rest stops, drinking cobra energy drink.
The road became more rough and dusty so I walked slowly. I got several text messages warning me about the supertyphoon which is coming soon. When it started to rain by 3 pm, I thought that this was already the effect of the storm but it did not last long. After the rain stopped I felt stronger so I did some intermittent running on the hilly rough road. I expecting to be doing 43 km today but when I reached Tuao at 7 pm, it turned out to be 48 km. I went to rectory and met Mgr. Bacule. He told me that he had just been newly assigned to the parish last week and the whole place was still a mess and could not accomodate me. So he brought me to the nearby Basilica of Piat and introduced me to Mgr Othello who invited me for supper and gave me a room at the pilgrim hostel.
So here I am at the shrine of Our Lady of Piat - a popular Marian pilgrimage site since the 17th century.
I am one day ahead of schedule. Had I been given accomodation at Tuao, I would have walked the 10 km distance tomorrow and spend the rest of the day in recollection and then move on to Gattaran on Friday. But since the typhoon is expected to hit Cagayan Valley on Friday, I will have to reach Gattaran tomorrow afternoon and then take shelter from the storm on Friday. I am not sure if I can reach Aparri on Saturday if the super-typhoon Chedeng pass this area. Everything seems to be uncertain at the moment.

Total distance covered so far: 1980 km.

Day 53 & 54: Run/Walk Across d Philippines (Cordillera Region)

2011-05-24T13:22:00.000+08:00

Bishop Jun Andaya and his 3 companions (including Fred Pangsiw of Radyo ng Bayan) accompanied me all the way from Lubuagan to Tabuk yesterday - a 42 km trek. We started at 6:30 am after breakfast and a short prayer in the parish church. Right at the start Bishop Jun experienced some knee pain due to arthritis and I gave him some flanax capsule. We walked slowly and talked about our common advocacy. He has been promoting the culture of peace in his diocese amidst tribal violence. He started the Peacemakers' Movement. He has also supported the formation of Basic Ecclesial Communities.
As we reached Naneng, around noontime, we were warmly welcomed by some parishioners who prepared snacks. They walked with us a kilometer to the place where another were waiting for us and we had lunch together. We continued our trek after lunch, this time accompanied by Fr. Bong, the parish priest of Naneng, and 2 Kalinga elders (Manuel, 78 yrs old, & Juanito 63). 8km before Tabuk, we were met by Twinkle & Liza (staff of Cultural Heritage Research Center) who brought a welcome streamer and walked with us the rest of the way. We continued walking in the rain amidst darkness until we finally reached the Tabuk Pastoral Center. We celebrated the Eucharist with some leaders and members of the Peacemakers' Movement - presided by Bishop Jun and I gave the homily. At the beginning of the mass the leaders performed the traditional ritual of welcome for me. After the mass we brought the lighted candles to the peace shrine which commemorate the victims of violence - including four priests. Then we gathered for a fellowhip meal.
Yesterday has been the best day of my journey on foot across the Philippines. I was not walking alone. I experienced community and the solidarity of a local church and its shepherd who has been on a journey for peace. There was no need for me to proclaim the Gospel of Life and Peace here since they are living it and witnessing to it. The Shrine of Peace in Tabuk is a fitting pilgrimage site for a pilgrim of peace.

Today is rest day for me at the bishop's residence. Tomorrow I make my final push to Aparri which is just four days away.

Total distance from Davao so far: 1932 km.

Day 52: (May 22 ) Run/Walk Across d Philippines (Cordilleras)

2011-05-23T23:46:00.000+08:00

I celebrated the 8 am Sunday mass and was able to leave Sadanga at 9:30. According to the internet distance calculator, Lubuagan was only 32 km away and I expected to get there before 6 pm. So I thought this was going to be a short and easy trek.
Well, it turned out to be the most difficult day so far. Lubuagan was actually 47 km from Sadanga! There were long sections of the road that were narrow and rough. When the rain came at 3 pm, they became muddy. The sun set at 6:30 and I continued to walk in the dark on a muddy and slippery road, with my headlight showing me the way, and the rain continuing to pour. There were no houses or people along the road. I was already hungry since I didn't have any lunch. Finally, at 9 pm, the lights of Lubuagan became visible as I was descending and I was just filled with joy. I reached the rectory at 9:30 and was welcomed by Bishop Jun Andaya - the Bishop of Tabuk who will walk with me from Lubuagan to Tabuk tomorrow. A hot meal was waiting for me.

Total distance so far; 1890 km

Day 51: Run/Walk Across d Philippines (Cordilleras)

2011-05-21T22:43:00.000+08:00

I was expecting a short & easy 32-km day but once again the map/distance calculator was wrong. It turned out to be a hard 41 km trek.
I reached Bontoc at 10 am and stopped over at the cathedral rectory for almost 2 hours. Fr. John Habawel invited me for lunch which I could not refuse. He also contacted the new parish priest of Sadangan to inform him of my coming. Fr. Requino told him that he wouldn't be around but I was welcome to stay overnight in his parish.

I left Bontoc at noontime thinking I only had less than 14 km to go. The road after Bontoc was mostly narrow and rough, with some concrete sections. There were long stretches where I could not see houses or people. I was completely alone. I reached the junction after 19 km and had to make a 4-km steep ascent to the poblacion. I had to walk very slowly using my walking staff because of the slight pain in my knees. I reached Sadangan before six in the afternoon as heavy rain started to fall. Three seminarians were around to welcome me and brought me to the room they had prepared for me. After supper they brought me to the hot spring shed where I had a very relaxing bath.

During supper, I was once again asked the same questions that people have often asked: why are you doing this alone? Are you not afraid?

There are so many reasons why I am doing this alone. I can run/walk at my own pace. I want to spend more time in silence, prayer, contemplation and reflection - thus facilitating my inner, spiritual journey. It is cheaper and easier to get accomodation. It symbolizes my celibate life - I do not walk hand in hand with the woman I love and our children for the rest of my life. Along the way, I encounter people I like who become my friends and perhaps walk for a short while but we go our separate ways hoping we can meet again someday. I may experience community but move on. I become more aware of the invisible loving presence of the One to whom I have consecrated my life. And because of this I am not afraid.

Total distance from Davao: 1843 km

Day 50: Run/Walk Philippines ( Cordillera)

2011-05-20T20:31:00.000+08:00

The first 12 km early this morning was a slow uphill walk from Abatan to Mt. Data. This was followed by 28 km of mostly intermittent downhill running to Sabangan. I just couldn't resist the temptation to run even if I already resolved to walk slowly to prevent knee injury. I told myself that if any sensation of pain appears I will immediately shift to a walking mode. Fortunately, my knees felt alright. I was conscious of using the chi-running technique (bent-knees, midfoot landing, slight lean forward) combined with Galloway method (3 min run/2 min walk cycle).

My mind tells me that I should just walk the rest of the way to make sure that I reach my destination. But my body wants me to keep on running, even if I do it intermittently. I should listen to my body and not ignore pain. This means run when I can, walk when necessary. Running produces endorphine & nitric oxide which can me me high (that's why it is addictive). Walking, on the other hand, is like a sedative. Both are necessary. When overdone, running is risky since it can lead to the break down of the body. Walking aids recovery. Combining both will make sure I enjoy and finish the journey.

Four kilometers before Sabangan, I stopped by a coffee shop which had a good view of Mt. Kalawitan, the Chico river and rice terraces below. I ordered brewed coffee and pancake while enjoying the beautiful scenery.

I reached the rectory of Sabangan at 4 pm after covering 40 km. The parish secretary, Dorna, welcomed me. She was informed by Fr. Mario (parish priest of Abatan) that I would be coming. The parish priest, Fr. William, has been on a leave of absence and the new parish priest will take over tomorrow.

I had supper with Bro. Noe (a seminarian) and Serafin (convent boy).

Total distance from Davao so far: 1802 km

Day 49: Run/Walk Philippines (Cordilleras)

2011-05-19T19:58:00.000+08:00

I thought I was in Rome in the middle of winter when I woke up at 3 this morning. It was just so cold. I wore 3 layers of clothing - with my jacket over my sweater when I left the rectory at five. But as the sun came out I peeled off the jacket.
Before six I arrived in Catlubong - the highest point of the Halsema highway and the Philippines (7400 ft). As I gazed at the view, I was overwhelmed by the beauty that I saw - my eyes swelled with tears. I praised the Creator and started to sing: "Sing to the mountains..." and "Though the mountains may fall and the hills turn to dust, yet the Love of the Lord..."

I just love mountains. They make me more aware of the Divine presence. That's why I climbed Mt. Apo seven times and live occasionally as a hermit in the mountain of Busay. I get my runner's high in the mountains. This also why I go through the Cordilleras on my way to Aparri.

Along the way, an elderly woman on her way to her flower & vegetable garden walked with me for a while and gave me some bread. As we conversed she told me that this journey would lead me closer to God. She was right.

Later another elderly woman also walked with for a few minutes. She told me that she had been waiting for me because she heard from a neighbor that I would be passing through. She is active in her the parish and in the Basic Ecclesial Communities and she just wanted to welcome me.

Today, I did less running and more slow walking. I noticed slight pain in both knees especially on steep ascents. With 9 more days left I have to be very careful that I don't incur injury. I will have to resist the temptation to do more running in the mountains. What matters most is to reach Aparri on foot - with more walking and less running if necessary.

I reached Abatan at 3 pm after covering 35 km. Fr. Mario Tambic, the parish priest, welcomed me to the rectory.

Total distance covered: 1762 km

Day 48: (May 18) Run/Walk Across d Philippines (Cordilleras)

2011-05-19T08:46:00.000+08:00

It was very cold early this morning, I had to wear my jacket. As I continued to ascend the Cordilleras along the Halsema highway my right knee became a bit painful. I was very worried that this could develop into an injury like what happened when running the Rome marathon 16 years ago. So I decided to walk slowly. I found a stick that I used as a walking staff. It helped, the pain disappeared.

The last time I was here was in 2008 when I went around the country on a mountain bike. That particularly day I biked from Bontoc to Baguio for 15 hours - from 5 am to 10 pm. So it was already dark when I went through this section of the Halsema highway. This would be first time to see it at daytime and appreciate the view.

The view around me and below me was just spectacular. But then in the afternoon the fog came and covered everything. Suddenly a heavy cold rain began to fall and the wind increased its fury. I had to find shelter. After 30 minutes, the rain eased but did not stop. So I continued walking, wearing my sandals, jacket and umbrella. The ascents became more steep and it got colder. The rain finally stopped late in the afternoon.

I reached Sayangan at 6 pm after covering 50 km. It was colder than this morning since we are now over 7000 feet above sea level. Fr. David warmly welcomed me. He lent me a winter jacket and thick jogging pants. He told it would even get colder at night and early morning. I took a warm bath before joining Fr. David and the seminarians for supper.

Total distance covered so far: 1727 km

Day 47: Run/Walk Across the Philippines (Baguio)

2011-05-17T14:57:00.000+08:00

It is my rest day here in Baguio. I did my laundry this morning and later went to SM to buy some pairs of socks and a sweater. It's cold here in Baguio and I expect it's going to get colder as I go up higher in the Cordilleras. Tomorrow I continue my trek across the mountains of Benguet, the Mountain Province, Kalinga & Apayao. This will be the most difficult and exciting stage of the journey. I'm not sure if I will be able to update my blog daily. It will depend on whether there will still be strong cellphone signal.

Day 46: Run/Walk Across d Philippines (Baguio)

2011-05-16T20:24:00.000+08:00

I was planning to just walk slowly up to Baguio via the Kennon road but after 30 minutes of meditative walking I felt so fresh and alive that I started to run uphill intermittently, with some walking breaks (Galloway method).
For the past weeks I've done more walking and less running because I wanted to conserve energy and prevent injury. But today I threw caution to the wind and did more running even if it was mostly uphill and carrying an 8-kilo pack onmy back. Anyway, I told myself, tomorrow is rest day and I have time for recovery.
I love to run especially in the mountains. This is where I get my runner's high. Running up to Baguio brings back memories of similar runs in past - Busay & Kan-irag mountains in Cebu, Bukidnon-Davao, Pyrennees in France. But I know that I can't overdo it because I risk injury. Even if walking does not really produce a high or ecstasy like running, it is necessary in order to survive and to continue my journey. So there are days when I do more walking and less running, and days when I do more running combined with walking breaks.
The last 8 km to Baguio was mostly on the steep zigzag road. This time I did more walking. I arrived in Baguio at exactly 2 pm after covering 35 km. I stopped by Don Enrico's for pasta & spaghetti before proceeding to the cathedral rectory. Fr. Manny Panayo, the parish priest, welcomed me and provided me with accomodation. Fr. Manny remembered me well because two years ago, I conducted a retreat to the priests of the diocese of Baguio. They all went to Davao for their retreat.
Since tomorrow is his rest day, Fr. Manny went
Home. So, I'm the only priest here, with the cook and the convent boy.

Tomorrow is rest day.

Total distance so far: 1677 km

Day 45: Run/Walk Across d Philippines

2011-05-15T21:44:00.000+08:00

I said the 5:30 morning mass at the parish church of Binalonan. I also preached at the 6:45 am and 8:00 am masses. The parish priest, Fr. Jimmy and his assistant Fr. Irong wanted their pashioners to hear my message of life & peace.
I was able to leave at 10:15 accompanied by Fr. Irong and 3 other young people. They went with me as far as the next town - Pozzorubio, 5 km from Binalonan.
Even if it was very hot, I was glad to see long stretches of tree -lined highway which provided shade. Being a Sunday, I wasn't fasting so I took a lunch break at a roadside restaurant.
I did some intermittent running later in the afternoon. The Cordillera mountain range was looming ahead of me.
Throughout the day I experienced once again the generosity of some people who provided me with material & financial support - from my hosts Rolly & Tita, from the parish, from young girls along the way, poor men with their few pesos. Some asked to pose for a picture with me.
I wasn't too sure where to sleep tonight. I knew there would be no parish on the Kennon road to Baguio. I even wondered if I could find a lodging house. Fr. Jimmy suggested that I sleep in the rectory of the Rosario parish, over 25 km from Binalonan. But when I went there, the girls in the rectory told me that the parish priest was in the US and they couldn't accomodate me. A tricycle driver told me that there is a cheap lodging house near the checkpoint at the beginning of the Kenon road. So here I am after trekking for 27 km. I'm thankful that some people gave me more than enough so I can pay for my overnight stay in Aqua Vida. No need to sleep in the rough.

Total distance so far; 1642 km

Day 44 (May 14): Run/Walk Across d Philippines

2011-05-15T03:36:00.003+08:00

The hottest day so far - it felt like 40 degrees celsius especially between 11 am -2 pm. It was still cool when I started at 5 am, but by 9 am it got hotter and hotter that I had to use my umbrella.. I did longer rest stops at around noontime as the heat became unbearable and I felt weak.
After passing Urdaneta, it became cloudy. I felt reinvigorated. I reached Binalonan, Pangasinan by 5 pm after covering 45 km. The parish priest, Fr. Jimmy was out of town but he asked some friends to welcome me and to take care of my accomodation. So after dinner at the rectory, Rolly & Tita Hernandez brought me to their house where I will stay for the night.

Total distance covered: 1615 km

Day 43: Run/Walk Across d Philippines

2011-05-13T21:11:00.000+08:00

Early this morning, I felt a slight pain in my big toe and shin so I decided to walk very slowly and leisurely. My priority is to prevent injury - especially shin splint or tendinitis. (This is what I experienced during my pilgrimage in the Camino de Santiago which was miraculously healed).
Along the way I saw slogans painted in red from the NPA (New People's Army). I was passing an area where the communist guerrillas first spread and where they continue to operate.
I reached Hacienda Luisita at 8 am and stopped by Starbucks for cappuccino. After 30 minutes I was back on road. Upon reaching Tarlac City, a group of young people and some members of the Couples for Christ mobilized by Fr. Melvin Castro (executive secretary of the CBCP-family & life commission) welcomed me and walked with me to the Cathedral. They were wearing shirts and caps with anti-RH bill signs. They were glad to hear that one of my advocacies was against the RH bill.

After an hour's rest, I was back on the road alone again by 11:30. I had to bear the heat, hoding an umbrella with my left hand and fingering the rosary beads with my right. I reached Paniqui at 5:30 after covering 40 km. The parish priest, Fr. Fred Dizon, welcomed me and gave me accomodation.

Total distance covered so far: 1570 km.

Day 42: Run/Walk Across d Philippines

2011-05-12T20:42:00.000+08:00

It was still dark when left San Fernando. After 20 minutes on the road, I switched to the navigation mode of my GPS watch and discovered that I was heading south instead of North-West. The tricycle drivers confirmed that I was heading back to Apalit instead of Angeles. So I went back and took the opposite direction.
The road to Angeles City was lined with trees on both sides. As the sun came out, I didn't mind the heat as I was trekking under the cool shade.
Upon reaching Angeles at past eight I took an hour's break in an internet cafe. As I continued my trek towards Mabalacat, a young wealthy lady in a parked SUV suddenly handed me a bottle of cold mineral water and tuna sandwiches inside a Starbucks paperbag. Later, a man near a fruit stand pressed some money in my hand and told me this was his expression of support. When I reached Mabalacat, the owner of a military surplus store gave me a head lamp after asking me to pose for a picture with him.
There were no more trees that lined the road between Bamban and Capas. The heat became unbearable I had to use my umbrella while praying the rosary. I was aware that I was walking part of the route of the Bataan Death March.
I finally reached the parish in Capas at 4:15 pm after covering 40 km. The parish priest, Msgr Tanedo welcomed me and granted me hospitality.

Total distance covered: 1530 km.

Day 41: Run/Walk Across d Philippines

2011-05-11T20:50:00.000+08:00

When I came out from the Balagtas parish rectory early this morning, a young woman in running attire approached me and greeted me: good morning, father!
She introduced herself as Juvy Pagtalunan, a member of the runners' internet forum (takbo.ph) who had been following my blog & who wanted to run with me from Balagtas to Malolos - her hometown. So I spent the first hour & a half running intermittently and talking with Juvy. When we reached Malolos, Juvy said goodbye and went home, she had to report for work later.
So I was once again alone. When I passed by a small roadside eatery, the owner greeted me and asked me to stop by for coffee. He told me that he had just seen me in the TV 5 morning news and was surprised to see me outside his place. So after the free coffee, I was off again mixing running and walking.
There were several people who greeted me. I received a bottle of cold mineral water from a passing motorcycle rider. I received some crushed ice from a passing ice-truck. A peanut vendor named TJ asked for my autograph and walked with me for a while.
I arrived in San Fernando, Pampanga at 3:30 pm after covering 36 km. Unfortunately the parish priest was not around and the staff were not very helpful. I waited for two hours in the lobby and finally, the secretary told me that she contacted the parish priest who told her that I could not be accomodated. He instructed that I go to the home of the elderly priests. When I got there the security guard told me that the priest in charge went out and he didn't know when he will return, meanwhile I could wait in the guard house. Hungry and tired I decided to look for a cheap hotel and I finally found one. I went out for supper at Jollibees.

So today, for the first time, I didn't get any welcome and hospitality from the parish priest. I don't feel bad about it. A pilgrim does not demand hospitality, nor can he expect everyone to be welcoming and generous. Most of the parish priests, especially in poor parishes, are very hospitable - even if I am unexpected. That's life. Not everything will go smoothly, not everyone will be nice. So I will always be grateful for the blessings.

Next time I don't receive hospitality, I won't look for cheap hotel. I'll just sleep like the homeless - on the side of the church, under the stars, or a waiting shed. That's what I did when I walked from Rome to Assisi.

Total distance covered: 1490 km

Day 40: Run/Walk Across d Philippines

2011-05-10T21:08:00.000+08:00

I wasn't alone when I left Baclaran at 5 am. Fr. Robert Reyes (aka Running Priest), 7 Baclaran boys and 2 members of the internet forum for ultrarunners (Mar & Richard accompanied me. We were followed by an ABS-CBN TV patrol car.
After over an hour we were already in Luneta park where we posed for pictures infront of the Rizal monument.
We arrived in Malacanang at 7 am and proceeded to the gate which was closed. The guards were wary as we approached and I explained to them that I just wanted to deliver a letter to the president. After a police officert assured me that the letter will be given to the president we the went on our way. The 7 from Baclaran went home by train, and there were only four of us heading towards Bulacan- Robert, the 2 ultrarunners and I.
Another runner joined us when when we reached Monumento. Robert and I had plenty of time to talk. He shared with me about his present involvements and future plans.
We made several stops at sari-sari stores for rest and hydration. These were opportunities to talk to the local people. An elderly woman was very excited to see us and invited us to drop by for noodle soup and cold soft-drinks near lunch-time. We couldn't say no even if we were supposed to be fasting.
It became very hot by noontime, so we used our umbrellas. By then there were only three of us left - Robert, Richard & I. We reached Balagtas at almost 4 pm after covering 40 km. The parish priest of Balagtas was out of town but the parish secretary - Mario- welcomed us. After taking snacks, Robert went back to Manila by bus. Richard continued on for another 10 km before taking the bus home.
I'm very grateful for the company of an old friend and for new friends. Being with them made today's trek easy and faster.
The new running shoes I bought has been most comfortable - a Puma LIFT racer.

Total distance so far: 1456 km.

Day 39: Run/Walk Across the Philippines (Letter to the President)

2011-05-09T16:15:00.003+08:00

Today is another rest day. Good timing, since the winds are still strong and the storm signal in neighboring provinces are still up. The storm is moving ahead of me to the North - so I will be following its effect tomorrow.

Before leaving for my pilgrimage I wrote a letter to the President of the Philippines - Benigno Aquino III. I saved it in my USB thumb drive which I carried in my back pack. I printed it today and tomorrow I will deliver it to the guard house of Malacanang Palace. Here is the content of the letter:

March 31, 2011

President Benigno Aquino III
Malacanang Palace

Dear Mr. President,

Greetings of Peace!

I am a 56-year old Catholic priest belonging to the Redemptorist Congregation, who is running and walking alone across the Philippines – from Davao City to Aparri via the Cordilleras.. This is a 2000+ km journey starting on April 1, 2011 up to May 28, 2011.

During my pilgrimage on foot, I intend to preach the Gospel of Life & Peace to ordinary people I meet on the way – in sari-sari stores, waiting sheds and parish churches where I stay for the night, and to the media. There are four pro-life concerns that I bring with me:

(1) The armed conflict in the countryside that has caused the loss of so many lives and the need to support the ongoing peace process between the government and the revolutionary groups (e.g. NDF and MILF)
(2) The destruction of the environment and the threat to the way of life and cultures of the indigenous peoples – due to mining and logging.
(3) The extra-judicial killings carried out by death squads, allegedly inspired or abetted by some local government officials and police personnel in many cities in the Philippines.
(4) The RH bill being debated in congress which promotes an aggressive population control program which is based on a questionable if not false assumptions that there is a crisis of overpopulation which perpetuates poverty and is a hindrance to sustainable economic development.

On my journey, I bring with me this letter of appeal to you and will leave it with the guards as I pass by Malacanang on my way to Aparri. I hope this letter will reach you and not end in the waste basket. This is special delivery – not through e-mail or air-mail. I carry it myself in my backpack on foot – from Mindanao, through Visayas and Luzon.

I dare to write this letter to you because I believe that you listen to the voices of the people whom you consider as your Boss and whom you pledged to serve. My voice is only one small voice among many. But it deserves serious consideration because I walk my talk.

So let me express to you my appeal:

I am very thankful that you have revived the peace negotiations with the NDF and the MILF. I express my support for the peace process and ask people to do the same. I appeal to you to use your political will to see to it that a peace agreement is reached which addresses the roots of the armed conflict. Let is be peace based on justice and socio-economic and political reforms that will truly alleviate poverty. I ask that the process be transparent and consultative so that it will be accepted and owned by the people. Meanwhile, I appeal for a ceasefire while the negotiations are going on.

I am grateful that you have ordered a total log ban which I hope will be fully implemented. Besides logging, mining is also destroying the environment and the cultures and way of life of the indigenous peoples and peasants – especially in Palawan, Mindoro, Mindanao, Samar, Bicol and the Cordilleras. It has only benefited the foreign companies and their local counterparts while these regions remain the poorest. I appeal to you listen to the cry of the ordinary people in these areas and to order a moratorium and consider repealing the Mining Act. I also appeal to stop the construction or operation of Coal-Fired Power Plants which contributes to global warming and which depend on coal mining.

I appeal to you to order the Commission on Human Rights and the Department of Justice to continue conducting investigation on the extra-judicial killings and hold accountable those behind these. The UN has already conducted initial investigation under Philip Allston, so has the Human Rights Watch. Three years ago, the Commission of Human Rights started its own investigation and until now there has been no report. Meanwhile the killings continue and have spread to other cities.

I know that you feel strongly about passing a bill on Responsible Parenthood and Reproductive Health. I am grateful that you have not treated it as a priority bill as you still want to engage in dialogue with the Catholic Church. It seems to me that you have taken the side of those pushing for the RH bill in Congress and shares their viewpoint on why this bill is urgent. What is the logic behind this bill? That there is a crisis of population explosion which perpetuates the poverty of our people and a hindrance to economic development. Therefore, an aggressive population control program is necessary which includes promoting contraception and sex education. What is the message your are promoting? Walang mahirap kung konti lang ang bata. Para sa ikaaunlad ng bayan, contraception at sex education ang kailangan. You know very well that the cause of poverty is not overpopulation and it is even questionable whether we are facing a crisis of overpopulation. The population growth rate and total fertility rate have gone down and continues to go down. The crisis that the world is facing is the demographic winter – an aging population, with less young people. This is why other countries need our OFWs. It would be better if you focus on poverty-alleviation, quality education for all, and universal health program (not just reproductive health). I agree with you that we need to promote Responsible Parenthood which includes sex-education taught within the context of religious and cultural values but it cannot be legislated and funded by billions coming from our taxes.

The Catholic Church is not a hindrance to progress and development. The Church is not your enemy. You don’t have to worry about the threat of excommunication from the CBCP – which was a false report. Please consider the Church as a partner for the achievement of common good, for poverty-alleviation, for justice and peace, and for the defense of life and the environment. When the Church criticizes the policies and behavior of those in government it is always in line with her prophetic mission and in defense of the values of life, peace and justice. Your late mother and father (whose memory I too venerate) appreciated the historic contribution of the Church in transforming society. It would be sad and a great disservice to our people if the remaining years of your presidency is spent in an adversarial and conflictive relationship with the Catholic Church.

As a young man, I fought against a dictator and I was tortured and imprisoned for seven months. Soon I will be a senior citizen and I don’t want to spend it fighting against a government and a president whose candidacy I fully supported and whose anti-corruption and peace program I continue to support.

Last year, when I walked across France and Spain on the Camino de Santiago, I was praying for the success of your new administration – especially in your fight against corruption and for achieving peace, justice and progress in our land. As I continue my journey on foot across the Philippines, I continue to pray for you that you will be a great president and lead us to a better future. I hope and pray that I will not end up in disappointment.

Sincerely,

Fr. Amado L. Picardal, CSsR

Day 38: Run/Walk Across d Philippines

2011-05-08T22:25:00.001+08:00

Rest day in Baclaran, Manila. I had a sleep- in until 7 am and joined the confreres for breakfast.
At 9 am, I said the Mass in the large church attended by a big crowd. As usual I preached about my run/walk for life & peace advocacy. I linked it to today's gospel reading which relates the story of the disciples walking to Emmaus accompanied by the risen Lord whom they did not recognize until after the breaking bread with Jesus.

In my journey on foot for the last 5 weeks from Davao to Manila, I have been blessed by the awareness of the Lord's invisible presence. Although I trekked alone most of the time, I did not feel alone because I know there is Someone who accompanies me.
The Holy Eucharist is the recognition and l celebration of the Lord's presence in our life-journey.
_
It's a very wet & windy day here.Storm signal has been declared here and nearby provinces. I heard the news that storm signal no. 2 has been hoisted and some flooding in the places that I passed in Samar and the Bicol region. I just feel fortunate that I am resting for two days while the storm rages. I pray for those who have been severely hit by Typhoon Bebing. I hope that by Tuesday, this will be over so that I can continue my journey to the North.

Day 37: Run/Walk Across d Philippines

2011-05-07T20:52:00.002+08:00

Finally I have reached Manila after 37 days of running & walking (well, mostly walking) !

I felt great when I woke up. The diarrhea was gone and I was able to rehydrate with the Oral Rehydration Salt that Cyrus sent me.

Early this morning, Cyrus (a runner who communicated with me in the runner's forum) was waiting for me in front of the church. After walking together for less than an hour, the vehicle of the Baclaran Redemptorist community arrived bringing some young members of the Baclaran church community who came to join me in this leg. So it was indeed a time of merriment and conversation as we walked together crossing from the province of Laguna to MetroManila. The weather was perfect for walking most of the - cloudy and windy. We dropped by at the St. Andrew Cathedral to say hello to my friend Msgr. Manny Gabriel.
We arrived at the Baclaran Shrine of the Mother of Perpetual Help where Frs. Ino & Willy and a crowd with the media were waiting. It was indeed a grand welcome with a brief liturgy followed by interviews.

So finally I can have my much needed rest after covering 1416 km.

Day 36: Run/Walk Across d Philippines

2011-05-06T22:10:00.000+08:00

I felt much better early this morning as I left San Pablo and took the road towards Cabuyao via Calauan, Los Banos and Calamba. As I descended towards Calauan I could see Lake Laguna from afar. I ran slowly and gently and thought I had recovered from diarrhea. But after coffee break in Calauan I had to make several pit stops - a total of seven the whole day (in the toilets of 6 gas stations & 1 barangay hall). Luckily, I only had to cover 40 km today, so it was not as exhausting as the last 2 days. But the last 7 km was still very, very hard. I reached the parish rectory in Cabuyao at 4:30 pm. The parish priest - Fr. Leonardo - welcomed me. I concelebrated with him at the 5:30 mass.
Tommorow I will reach Manila. I hope I can fully recover tomorrow.

Day 35: Run/Walk Across d Philippines

2011-05-05T21:05:00.001+08:00

Walking 49 km with diarrhea was very exhausting. The pills I took were not effective. I made so many pitstops in roadside restaurants and gas stations that I felt weak and wasted. I suspected the onset of dehydration. The last ten kilometers was like experiencing the dreaded runner's wall - every step was agonizing and all I could rely on was my sheer will and prayer.

Along the way some nurses recognized me and called me asking for my blessing and to pose for picture with them.

I was also greatly encouraged when a busload of priests, 2 bishops (Bishops Tumulak & Velasco) and some lay people (all belonging to the Franciscan Secular order) stopped, alighted and greeted me. Among them was Fr. Robert Reyes - the running priest - who texted me earlier asking for my location since he knew they would be passing me. After picture taking and receiving their blessing they went on their way to Manila and I was alone once again.

I arrived in the San Pablo cathedral rectory at 6:15 pm. The rector of the cathedral whom I had written was out of town. He instructed his assistant to bring me to the bishop's residence where I was served a hearty dinner. I did not meet the bishop since had already finished eating and had gone to his room to rest.

Total distance covered so far : 1340 km

Day 34: Run/Walk Across d Philippines

2011-05-04T20:20:00.000+08:00

At 4:15 this morning Fr. Misael Hernandez was waiting in front of the church with his hydration pack and head lamp. He accompanied me as far as the foot of zigzag road of the Quezon Forest Park. After stopping for coffee at a gas station, he headed back to Atimonan, I was once again all alone walking the uphill section and running the longwinding downhill stretches. It was cloudy and cool until I reached level ground. I continued to running intermittently until it got so hot that I had to walk most of the time.

I haven't ran out of 'angels' on the road. There were two motorbike riders who stopped one after another to give me cold mineral water. Two other men gave some money for my expenses.

By around noon time the heat became unbearable and I felt weak, dizzy and exhausted that I had to take some naps in the waiting shed along the highway. I was also afflicted by upset stomach & LBM.

I should have reached Lucena by 2 pm but due to frequent long rest stops I reached the cathedral rectory by 5 pm after covering 40 km. Msgr. Leandro was out of town without telling his assistant about my coming so I was an unexpected guest. Nevertheless, they welcomed me all the same.

Total km covered so star - 1291 km.

Day 33: Run-Walk Philippines

2011-05-03T15:50:00.003+08:00

Like yesterday, I had another short and easy 24-km walk this morning - from Gumaca to Atimonan along a beautiful coast with cool breeze. I stopped several times to rest and savor the view. I think it is a good idea to have a back-to-back short easy days in lieu of a complete day off.
I arrived in the parish of Atimonan shortly before lunch and was welcomed by the parish priest - Msgr. Verastigue. I had lunch with him and the other priests and seminarians assigned in the parish. Since there was no available accommodation for me in the rectory, he brought me to his aunt's place near the church where I have a luxurious accommodation - an airconditioned suite room.

I will be concelebrating at the 5 pm mass and once again speak about my pro-life & peace advocacy.

Total distance covered so far: 1251 km. 4 more days to go before I arrive in Manila.

Day 32: Run/Walk Philippines

2011-05-02T16:18:00.000+08:00

Fr. Felix was waiting in front of the church at 5:15 am to see me off. He gave me an envelop with money and told me: we are right behind you.
No running today, just a 20 km leisurely walk from Lopez to Gumaca. Instead of scheduling an off-day I decided to just have 2 successive short & easy days.

Midway to Gumaca it was a joy to see the sea once again. The sea breeze was just exhilirating.
Upon reaching the city, I came across the youth delegation whom I met yesterday in Lopez. They are on their way to Lukban to attend the regional youth camp. They accompanied me to the cathedral. The parish priest was away but the seminarians who were left behind let me in and prepared the room for me.
I had lunch with Fr. Tony & Fr. JB who are joining the youth camp. I met Mgr. Del, the parish priest, after lunch.
I have already washed my clothes and the rest of the afternoon relaxing. I will be concelebrating at the 5 pm mass.

Total distance covered: 1227 km

Day 31: Run/Walk Philippines

2011-05-01T17:01:00.003+08:00

I am now in Lopez, Quezon province after an easy 32 km leisurely walk mixed with some downhill running. I left Tabugon at 5 am and arrived here shortly before 2 pm. No fasting today, since it is Sunday, so I stopped for breakfast at a place before Calauag and for lunch near Lopez. No problem with my feet, I hope it stays that way the following days. Anyway, this will be an easy week - only 20 km tomorrow, 28 km after that and then back to the mid40-50km. I didnt plan any off day this week, only a series of easy days. The next off day will be when I arrive in Manila next week.

I was not really a total stranger on the road today. After leaving Tabugon, a man in his 30s suddenly approached me, took my hand and asked for my blessing while addressing me Father. Much later, a vehicle passed by and the inhabitants waved at me and addressed me as Father. When I entered a store and ordered an energy drink, the owner told me it was free. When I arrived in Lopez, a girl approached me took my hand and asked for my blessing and gave me a bottle of cold green tea. She told me that she saw me on TV while she was in Manila and was in Lopez for vacation.

As I walked and ran, my thoughts turned to the late Pope John Paul II who is being beatified in Rome today. I only met him once when I attended his early morning mass in Vatican and had a private audience with him. But his teaching and example has been a source of inspiration for me. In fact, the message of life and peace that I proclaim during this pilgrimage is based on his encyclical Evangelium Vitae (the Gospel of Life). According to John Paul II, there is a culture of death that reigns in the world. There are many manifestations of this culture of death - abortion, contraception, war, environmental destruction, poverty, capital punishment, etc. We therefore need to proclaim and promote the value and sanctity of life as we struggle against the culture of death. My stand in support of the peace process and against mining, extrajudicial killings and the RH bill is part of this broad pro-life agenda. To be pro-life it is not enough to be against the RH bill, we have to be against war and the destruction of the environment and to work for peace, justice and the integrity of creation. I hope that pro-life advocates should not only narrowly focus on the RH bill but should broadened their pro-life agenda. The late Cardinal Bernardin often talked about the consistent ethic of life which is similar to the position of John Paul II.

As I continue my journey for life and peace, I pray for the intercession of Blessed John Paul II.

Got to go now, I will be concelebrating at the 6 pm mass. Thanks to the hospitality of Fr. Felix Zoleta - the parish priest.

p.s. Distance covered so far: 1207 km.

I am in an internet cafe and cant upload my pictures

Day 30: (April 30) Run/Walk Philippines

2011-05-01T13:00:00.000+08:00

Once again I was the unknown, mysterious stranger running and walking intermittently along the Quirino highway from del Gallego up to Tabugon today. No more expression of support and welcome, except when I arrived in Tabugon late in the when a fruit vendor gave me mango and the owner of a restaurant did not allow me to pay for the snacks I ordered.
My main worry was where to sleep for the night. I thought the nearest parish was Calauag which was still 22 km away. But I had already done 40 km. I had 2 plans: plan a - look for the house of the barangay captain and ask for accomodation, plan b - sleep rough in a waiting shed. But as I walked by a large a chapel I saw a sign "Visitation of Mary Parish." I was pleasantly surprised to discover that there was a parish. I went up the simple little rectory and asked the parish priest (Fr. Bong Rodales) for accomodation. He immediately granted me hospitality.

Total distance so far: 1175 km

Day 29: (April 29) Run/Walk Philippines

2011-04-29T22:39:00.000+08:00

The myriad of stars were visible amidst the total darkness as I walked along Quirino highway early this morning. When the sun came out, I started to run gently. After 29,days on the road I felt fresh and strong that I did more intermittent running. The long downhill stretches along tree-lined highway made running easy and fun. Even as it got hot and there were few trees, I continued running taking short walking breaks. I only did more walking starting at 2 pm. This is the first time in many weeks when I did more running.

I was pleasantly surprised that the warm welcome and support of many people and motorists along the way continued. Like the last three days many greeted me, gave me cold water and juice, fruits and biscuits. I doubt if tomorrow as I enter Quezon province this will continue.

I reached del Gallego at 5:15 pm after covering 47 km. The parish priest (Fr. Ian Trillanes) was not around but left instruction to staff to prepare my accomodation. I finally met him and had chat with him when he came back.

Today I am halfway through my journey and I have covered 1135 km.

Day 28: (April 28) Run/Walk Philippines

2011-04-29T22:29:00.000+08:00

Fr. Jay & Franklin accompanied me as far as San Fernando, Albay very early this morning. We spent most of the time talking as we walked briskly. By 5:30 they ran back to Naga City and I was alone again . I appreciate their company but I still prefer the early morning solitude & silence.

Like yesterday I experienced an outpouring of welcome and support along the 51 km stretch Naga and Lupi. A fruit vendor greeted me and gave me sliced pineapple. I received a lot obread and biscuits that I gave these to poor kids along the way. Many asked for my blessing - old, young, children, policemen, truck drivers. Many also gave me cold bottled water. Everyone greeted me as Father. The two roadside interviews were valuable in helping me carry out my mission of proclaiming the Gospel of life & peace.
Tommorow as I leave the Bicol region and cross to Quezon province, I will once again become an unknown stranger on a long journey.

I reached Lupi at 5:45 pm and immediately procceded to parish church accompanied by a policeman. I realized I was on the wrong parish. The other parish in Lupi was still 5 km away. Nevertheless, Fr. Mark welcomed me.

Day 27: Run/Walk Philippines

2011-04-27T21:56:00.000+08:00

Last night after dinner, the fever and chill came back. I desperately prayed for healing.
When I woke up this morning I felt fine again. As I was about to leave at 3 am, I was surprised to see Fr. Eduardo already up inviting me to breakfast which was prepared already for me. Although I don't usually take breakfast I had to eat two pieces of bread and a slice of luncheon ham before taking off as appreciation of his hospitality.
Throughout the whole day I experienced an outpouring of welcome and support from the people I met or passed on the way. Many waved their hands and addressed me as Father. Others made "mano po" asking for my blessing. I received a lot of bottles of cold mineral water and biscuits. Some even gave me money. I received two invitations for lunch which I politely declined (I told them I only eat at night). Even the police approached me and had picture taking with me. I think this must be the effect of the TV coverage.
An ABS-CBN news crew from Naga met me at Baao. I was interviewed by Mylce who walked with me for a while.
When I entered Naga, a guy on a bicycle by the name of Franklin led me to the cathedral. Fr. Jay welcomed me. He happens to be a triathlete and an ultramarathoner. I met the other priests assigned to the cathedral at supper.

Day 26: (April 26) Run/Walk Philippines

2011-04-26T21:01:00.000+08:00

Before going to sleep last night, I prayed that the Lord will take away my fever.
Upon waking very early this morning, the fever was gone and I felt all fresh and ready to go.
As I was walking along the dark road, an ABS-CBN TV news vehicle pulled up and the reporter (Thea) and her cameraman came out to interview me. She then walked with for a while before going back to the car.
It drizzled up to 6:00. As the sun appeared in the horizon, Mt. Mayon in all her beauty & splendor appeared without the clouds hiding her.
The new FILA shoes felt very comfortable. Even without being broken in, it performed very well. I even did some intermittent running, especially in the early part of the morning.
Throughout the day there were more people who were friendly and who waved at me or signalling thumbs up. A few wanted to have their picture taken with me including a policeman. Later in the afternoon, a guy addressed me as father, offered me water. He told me that he saw me on TV this morning. Although, I don't like to in the spotlight, I have to admit that the mass media can draw attention to my pro-life, environmental & peace advocacy and significantly magnify my small voice.
I am aware that Bicol has been afflicted by the armed conflict and environmental destruction. Almost everyday I see a lot of army trucks full of soldiers in battle gear. I also see signs in red letters extolling the NPA/CPP/NDF and proclaiming armed revolution as the solution to poverty. Some of the parish priests I met complain of the mining operation. My message of peace, the sanctity of life and protecting the environment is very relevant to Bicolano.

I arrived in Libon at 5 pm. Frs. Eduardo and Alray welcomed me.

Distance covered today: 43 km
Total distance so far: 983 km

Day 25: Run/Walk Philippines

2011-04-25T21:15:00.000+08:00

Today is rest day, so I slept in until 6 am. My foot was still swollen so it was difficult even to walk.
After a breakfast of coffee and scrambled egg, I washed my clothes. Then I surfed the internet. Feeling sleepy and washed out at 10 am, I went to bed. I woke up at 12:30 and went down to lunch. I felt drowsy immediately after. I don't normally have breakfast or lunch because I feel sluggish and drowsy after a daytime meal Today I made exception so that I can load for tomorrow. After waking up from my afternoon nap I felt the chill - and a slight fever. I took some Vitamin C and mefhenamic acid, praying for a miraculous recovery.
I then went downtown to look for more comfortable pair of shoes. The size 9 1/2 adizero mana has become very tight and painful. I found a very comfortabe Fila running shoes size 12! With 50 % discount it cost only PHP1999 ($ ). I was just surprised that after 25 days my feet have grown big or swollen. My worry is that will be running/ walking on shoes that not been broken in.

I came from downtowm Legazpi in time for dinner with the Redemptoristine contemplative nuns. They were very curious about my experiences on the road and about my advocacy. So I gladly obliged.

Tommorow, continue my journey. I pray that I will syfficiently recover.

Day 23 & 24: Run-Walk Philippines

2011-04-24T23:19:00.001+08:00

Yesterday was another long day - 50 km from Juban to Cumadcad. I had to start at 3:30 to make sure I get there before dark. I tried some running in the downhill portions but gave it up as soon as I felt some pain in my knee and feet. My main concern is to avoid injury. The only way for me to continue my long journey is to walk in a relax manner. Walking has become a means for survival, running is something optional - a source of exhilaration and fun but very risky when done continously and at a faster pace and with a heavy pack which increases the impact on the knees and tendons. I long for the day when I can fully recover and do intermittent runs.
I reached Cumadcad at 5 pm but the parish priest was not around. Nevertheless, the convent boys brought me to the simple cottage. Fr. Joel Teruel arrived after supper and welcomed me. I concelebrated with him at the 10 pm Easter vigil which ended at one in the morning. In his long homily he explained in my advocacy in Bikol language.

At 5 am this morning I was on the road again even if I only had less that four hours of sleep. By seven I felt so sleepy and weak that I had to take a nap in the waiting shed on the side of the road. After 20 minutes I was back on the road feeling refreshed.

Today is the 30th anniversary of my ordination. So I went over and reflected on my life as a priest over the last 30 years.

As I was nearing Daraga, I saw six motorcycle riders on the side of the road eating halo-halo. They wanted to have their picture taken with me and bought halo-halo for me.

I reached Legazpi City at 2 pm after covering 34 km. I stopped by a coffee coffee shop and ordered cappuccino and cake before going to the Redemptorist monastery.

Fr. Ron Murray, an Australian Redemptorist, welcomed me. Later, I concelebrated the 6 pm mass with Fr. Sylvester - an Indonesian Redemptorist. I had the opportunity to talk about my pro-life & peace advocacy during the mass. After the mass I had dinner with my Redemptorist confreres. I drank a generous amount of wine to celebrate Easter and my priestly ordination.

So after 24 days, I am now in Legazpi, covering a total of 940 km.

Day 22: (April 22) Run-Walk Philippines

2011-04-23T09:28:00.002+08:00

After trekking through Mindanao and Eastern Visayas for three weeks, today I began my trek across Luzon. It also happens to be Good Friday. Most of the people who saw me along the way probably presumed that I was a "penitente"doing penance for my sins. But seeing the sign in front and at the back of my pack made them aware that I am on a long journey for life & peace. I could hear many exclaim loudly to each other: Davao to Aparri!

The stops I made in the sari-sari stores (the small stores in the barrio) provided opportunity to converse with some local residents and to explain to them about my peace & pro-life advocacy. Unlike the Davao region where the coverage of the GMA-TV news and ABS-CBN magnify my advocacy, in Visayas and Luzon I am just a small insignificant voice, preaching my message in some churches, sari-sari stores and waiting shed. Pehaps, to many I am just a stranger journeying on foot from Davao to Aparri - on an adventure, or trying to set a record for the Guinness Book of Records , or on a religious mission. But that does not bother me. What matters most to me is I am doing something I believe in without being attached to the fruits or effect of this . Even in my voice is ignored or I am dismissed as a crackpot or weird, I will continue doing this.

Me feet continue to hurt. The pain persists but I slowly go on. Running has become difficult, even walking is agonizing. It reminds me of the message of Good Friday - that like Jesus we must be ready to embrace pain, suffering and even death to fulfill our mission. This is the way of the cross - the way of suffering and peace that leads to victory of life over the culture of death, sin and evil.

I reached Juban at 4:30 pm after covering 44 km. The Good Friday services have just finished. Fr. Alberto (Treb) and Nap welcomed me and provided me with comfortable accommodation and good meal.

(sorry couldn't upload my pictures)

Day 21: (April 21 Holy Thursday) Run/Walk Philippines

2011-04-22T09:09:00.000+08:00

I was expecting the moon to shine on the road at 3 am. Instead it was dark, rainy and windy. I had to use my headlamp, jacket and umbrella. The dogs were barking furiously at me as I held my aluminum water-bottle, my secret weapon. The rain didn't last that long.
When I started out I wasn't sure whether this was going to be another long day or a short one. The Ferry Terminal in San Isidro was only 30 km away from San Joaquin. But the parish priests in Gandara and Catbalogan told me that this is no longer operational. The other option was Allen which is 48 km away. I groaned at the thought of Allen - my feet still hurt. Fortunately, a driver who was fixing his truck told me that there is Ferry boat in San Isidro that crosses to Matnog at noon. When I arrived in the ferry terminal in San Isidro at 10:30 I found out that the ferry boat will cross at 4 pm. I was glad to have a short day and a longer period of relaxation.
So after covering 812 km from Davao to the northern point of Samar I finally took the ferry boat to southernmost point of Luzon.

What a scary ride! The ferry boat was tossed side to side by the turbulent waves. I was worried that the boat would capsize and I would not be able to complete my journey. I prayed so hard that God will save us. After one hour & a half on rough sea we finally reached Matnog. It was already too late for me to concelebrate. I just lined up to receive holy communion. After the mass, Frs. Alex & Joel welcomed me. We had a sumptuous dinner with the "Apostles."

Day 20: (April 20) Run/walk Philippines

2011-04-21T16:34:00.000+08:00

The moon lit up the road at 3:15 this morning as I prayerfully plod along. It was very quiet except for occasional barking from dogs and the trucks speeding in the highway.
I felt fresh and strong that I increased my pace reaching Calbayog 2 hrs ahead of schedule. I passed by the monastery of St. Clare which I visited in 1996 when my dear friend, Sr. Angeline, was still assigned here. She's now in a monastery in Belgium so I just continued on. I dropped by the bishop's house to greet him but he was away. So I just went to a drug store to buy some vitamin c & e and then proceeded northward. By then it got so hot that I used my umbrella. I slowed down and took frequent breaks as I felt hotspots & possible blisters.

I took a break in a shed in front of an army detachment and conversed with some young soldiers who addressed me as Tatay (Tagalog term for father). Well, I'll have accept that I am of the same age as their fathers. This was an opportunity for me to explain my pro-life & peace advocacy.

Trekking along the sea coast was very exhilirating in spite of the increasing pain in my feet. I had to change into my sandals. The Adidas Adizero Mana running shoes was good only for 35 km, beyond that it became uncomfortable. New blisters were forming near my heels.

I reached the mission station in San Joaquin at 4:30 pm after covering 55 km. Fr. Tony Mahinay welcomed me and I concelebrated with him at the 6 pm mass. After mass we went to a birthday party where I had a very sumptuous meal - my only meal of the day. I met the lady barangay captain who later gave me some pabaon (P500).

This has been a very tough week with several long days - 60 km on Sunday, 47 km on Monday and 55 km today. I can only blame the inaccurate distance calculator which I consulted in the Internet. At least by this time my body is able to cope with the longer distances. But I have to be careful lest I breakdown. I am taking mega-dosage of vitamin C & E. Above all I have to make sure to take it easy and slowly. Yet I know that pain will be a constant companion. So far it is only the blisters that are bothering me.

So far I have covered the total distance of 782 km in 20 days (with 2 rest days). It's almost the same distance as the Camino de Santiago from France across Spain, which I did in 27 days (mostly barefoot, and without any blisters). But the Camino was a different experience. There was something miraculous about it and there were other pilgrims that I met and befriended along the way. The solitude of this present journey is similar to my trek from Rome to Assisi in 1994. I also had problem with blisters.

Day 19: Run/Walk Across the Philippines

2011-04-19T20:07:00.000+08:00

Before sleeping last night, I pierced the blisters on my feet with needle & thread to allow the fluid to leak out. I then prayed over the blisters and asked God for rapid healing.This morning when I woke up at 3:30 I felt no more pain and the blisters were dry.

I was already on the road an hour later and watched the moon lighting up the sea coast along the highway. The meditative religious music which I could hear from my cellphone (even without earphones) helped provide a prayerful atmosphere. My favorite background music: You are my hiding place, eagle's wings, morning has broken, etc. I always play these at dawn as I resume my journey.

There were lots of ascents and descents during the morning. I usually walked uphill and ran downhill. In the level portions I did more walking.

Along the way two Redemptorist confreres (Frs. Tito & Nico) who were on their way to Calbayog stopped their vehicle and came out to greet me. They had picture taking with me and then sped away. They were my students in Davao and they have recently been assigned in our college seminary in Cebu.

Since today was a short & easy day (only 38 km), I took a lot of long breaks. I reached San Jorge at 1 pm and stopped for an hour in a sari -sari store owned by Mana Aurora. I ordered a soft drink and biscuits. She also served me a pancake. I talked to her about my peace advocacy and she told me that's what we need. She and her family used to live in a farm but they had to evacuate to the town center due to the frequent clashes between the NPA guerillas and the government troops. She wished a day will come when peace will finally reign. When it was time to go and I asked how much I owed her she told me that it was free. When I finally introduced myself as a priest, she was pleasantly surprised.

I arrived in Gandara at around four and procceded to the parish rectory. The parish priest - Fr. Bloy - welcomed me warmly. After a heavy dinner time for a much needed rest. Tomorrow will be a long day.

Day 18: Run/Walk across the Philippines

2011-04-18T21:52:00.000+08:00

My feet were painful and I felt washed out as I continued my journey early this morning. Knowing that I had not fully recovered. I decided to just walk leisurely most of time, aware of the pain which was bearable and the feeling of tiredness.

I took a nap at around one in the afternoon and after 30 minutes I was back on the road feeling refreshed. Feeling energized, I ran slowly and continously the last 10 km which was mostly downhill. I reached Calbayog at 5:30 pm and was welcomed by Msgr. Leonardo and his fellow priests.

Distance covered today: 47 km
Total distance so far: 690 km

Day 17: (April 17) Run/Walk Across the Philippines

2011-04-18T21:47:00.000+08:00

My longest day so far - 60 km from Tacloban to Calbiga. I started very early - 3:30 am. Along the way I met some people bringing palms and coconut leaves on their way to church- this reminded me that today is Palm Sunday, the beginning of the Holy Week.

The sun was already out when I ran across the San Juanico bridge that connects Leyte and Samar. I was thrilled as I slowly ran the 2 km winding bridge. At the middle of the bridge was a sign: Welcome to Samar.

As I traversed along the highway I noticed the poverty of the people. Obviously, the mining and logging in Samar has not benefited the people of Samar. Samar, like many provinces in Mindanao amd Palawan, is very rich in natural resources but it is one of the poorest provinces.

Samar has also been the scene of armed clashes between the government and the NPA. The poor have been caught in the crossfire. The NDF/NPA armed struggle & the AFP counter-insurgency campaign have not improved the lot of the people.

20 km before Calbiga I met 6 bikers from Sorsogon on their way to Davao. I knew two of the (Ed & Brian) since the accompanied me part of the way when I biked around the country in 2008. We chat for while and they asked for my blessing we parted.

The last 16 km to Calbiga was mostly downhill which I ran continously. It was already dark and I continued running with my headlamp showing me the way. I arrived in the Calbiga parish rectory and was welcomed Fr. Joaquin the parish priest.

Day 16: Run-Walk Across the Philippines

2011-04-16T19:22:00.005+08:00

My right foot was still sore when I woke up this morning. I'm glad that this is my rest day, so I could give my body and feet enough time to recover. I washed my clothes in the morning and worked on a paper that I will deliver during the Spirituality Forum. At ten I went to Robinson's to buy some pair of socks. I celebrated and preached at the 5:30 pm anticipated mass. Besides preaching about Palm/Passion Sunday, I also talked about my running/walking pilgrimage for life and peace. ... I had a conversation after mass with a young woman by the name of Elsie May. She got an email from a common friend - Fr. Claro - who told her that I will be passing by Tacloban during my run/walk pilgrimage. She asked me why I was doing this. This is the same question that many people ask me whenever I stop in sari-sari stores and waiting shed. The usual answer is that I am doing this to preach the Gospel of Life & Peace, to generate support for the peace process, to oppose the mining and logging in the country that is destroying the environment, to denounce the continuing extra-judicial killings and to oppose the Reproductive Hill bill. . . I often tell people that this is my mission. I am an itinerant preacher - who walks all over the land preaching the message of life and peace. This is also part of my penitential practice especially during lent and holy week. . But besides all these, I am also doing this because it is fun - it is an adventure. This is also a continuation of my pilgrimage, my sacred journey. This is how I see my life. It is fitting that I do this as a period of my life has ended - 16 years as full-time theology professor. Another period is about to begin (by June) as full-time executive secretary of the Committe on Basic Ecclesial Communites of the Catholic Bishops Conference of the Philippines. When I begin my new assignment, I doubt if I have another opportunity for doing what I am doing. Tomorrow, I cross over to Samar. I am already excited to cross San Juanico bridge. I used to to run that from our monastery here in Tacloban when I was a newly-ordained priest, training for the marathon.

Day 15: Run-Walk Across the Philippines

2011-04-15T21:13:00.005+08:00

No running today, just a slow gentle walk of 41 km from Mayorga to Tacloban City. The new blister on my right foot was still a bit painful when I woke up so I decided to just take it easy. I think the heat of the road and the faster pace must have been the culprit. When it was raining every day, I didn't have any problem with blisters.

Along the way, a guy in motorbike stopped and greeted me. He introduced himself as Lito and he walked with me for 2 km, pushing his motorbike. We chatted for a while and then he got on his motorbike and sped away.

Before reaching the town of Tolosa, the seacoast became visible. I had to stop and admire the view. Walking at a leisurely pace was very pleasant for many hours - the pain due to the blister was just slight and bearable. But the last 7 km, it became more painful that I was limping. As I entered the city proper at 4 pm, I stopped by a coffee-bar by the sea and ordered a cup of cappucino and pasta with spicy sausage - my first meal of the day. I savored the cappuccino - this was the first time I had one since leaving Davao 15 days ago.

I reached the Redemptorist monastery and was welcomed by my Redemptorist confreres - Frs. Phil, Carlo, Tito, Gerry and Martin.

So after 15 days, I'm finally in Tacloban. I have covered 583 km so far. Tomorrow is a rest and recovery day.

Day 14: Run-Walk Across the Philippines (April 14)

2011-04-15T20:44:00.004+08:00

(this is late posting since my cellphone couldn't get a 3g signal and there was no internet shop in the town)

The road from Mahaplag to Abuyog was mostly downhill, so I did a lot of slow continuous running early this morning. Once I hit the flat and level road to Mayorga, I did a lot of fast-pace walking. I felt very fine and full of energy. My feet did not bother me. For the first time in many days there was no rain.

As usual, I made a lot of stops in stores and waiting shed to cool my feet, buy some ice water and bananas. Duringt these stops some people would come and ask me why I was walking/running across the country. This would become an opportunity for me to talk about my pro-life and peace advocacy. So it is not only in the pulpit of the parish churches that I preach about the culture of death and the Gospel of Life & Peace, I also do it in stores and waiting sheds.

One of the advantages of walking-running is that I get to meet a lot of people and see more of the places - which I can't do when I ride my bike or a car. Most of the people I meet are often supportive. The idea of someone running/walking from Davao to Aparri is indeed incredible to many people.

It became hot in the afternoon and in the last 6 km I could feel a blister forming in the soles of my right foot.

I reached Mayorga at 4 pm after covering 44 km. I went to the parish church and met Lyn-lyn, the parish secretary. She told me that the parish priest was attending a seminar in Tagaytay but after sending him a text message and got a positive reply she gave me a room. After a heavy dinner with the

Day 13: Run-Walk Philippines

2011-04-13T19:26:00.000+08:00

Amidst the darkness and rain I resumed my trek in Consolacion at 5 am. An hour later as the sun was up, I made my ascent towards Mahaplag. It was a long uphill trek followed by downhill runs with the rain continuing to pour. The pair of Merrel Vibram sandals was just comfortable in the rain - no need for my running shoes and socks to get wet.

I remember that over ten years ago I was also ascending this same road on a mountain bike on my way to Pagudpud, Northern Luzon. But doing this on foot today seems easier and more pleasant.

As I ran and walked alone in the rain, I didn't really feel alone. I was aware of the presence of Someone who I cannot see but who accompanies me and takes care of me on my journey. I am aware of the support and concern of others who constantly call me or send text messages. GMA Morning News Una ka bay, Superbalita and ABS-CBN regularly monitors me and asks for updates and live report.

After almost two weeks on the road I can feel my body adapting to the demands of 8-12 hours of daily run/walk equivalent to the marathon distance and beyond. The foot aches and blisters no longer bother me. No muscle soreness. I don't feel tired. I wake up at three every morning feeling refreshed. The whole journey is becoming a more pleasant experience rather that an ardous effort.

I reached Mahaplag before 2 pm after covering 33 km. I was originally planning to stay overnight in Abuyog - another 25 km away. But I decided to take it easy and spend the night in the Mahaplag parish rectory. The parish priest was in Ormoc for the presbyterium meeting so I just texted him and ask for hospitality. No problem. Most of the priest in the Archdiocese of Palo know me since I have given them a seminar on Basic Ecclesial Communities.

Thus, I have covered 498 km, almost 500 km. Another 1000 km before I reach Manila add another 500 km and I will be in Aparri. But I take this a kilometer at a time.

Day 12: Run-Walk Across d Philippines

2011-04-12T22:09:00.000+08:00

I started the Eastern Visayas leg in Liloan, Southern Leyte at 7:30 this morning after a cup of coffee in the Liloan parish retory.. I wore the pair of sandals. My feet felt fine and the blisters fully healed. It was a very pleasant trek along the sea. By 10 am it was raining hard and I used my northface jacket and my umbrella to keep myself dry.

I reached the parish in Consolacion, Sogod at 4:30 pm after covering 32 km. The parish priest wasn't around and only the secretary was left. There was a problem in accomodating me since there were 50 parish catechists who were having a seminar and they were sleeping in the rectory.. I wasn't expected since I didn't write a letter to the parish priest beforehand. Providentially, the parish priest (Fr. Litoy) of a neighboring parish sent a message asking me to have dinner with him & stay in his rectory. We were in the seminary together and we haven't seen each other for over 27 years. So I was delivered to his parish rectory. This where I am now. Tomorrow I will be delivered back to the Consolacion and resume my journey on foot up to Mahaplag.

Day 11: Run-Walk Across d Philippines

2011-04-12T22:07:00.000+08:00

April 11, 2011

At 3:15 am, as the rain continued to pour in the dark highway, I was on my way towards Lipata, Surigao. I wanted to make sure to catch the 4 pm ferry to Liloan, Leyte. The blister on my left foot continued to bother me but it was bearable.
I wore my sandals so that my running shoes & socks won't get wet. The gentle rain which I prefer to a hot & humid weather was most welcome. When the sun came out at 11 am, I wore my running shoes and some downhill running. Along the way I saw some signs which express the desire for peace and to support the peace process.
I reached Lipata at 3 pm, just enough time to get on the Ferry.

Day 10: Run-Walk Across d Philippines

2011-04-12T21:59:00.000+08:00

April 10, 2011

I celebrated Mass in the parish church at 6 am. Being Sunday, the church was full. Once again I preached about my Pro-Life & Peace advocacy.
At 8 am I was finally on my way to Tubod (Surigao) 38 km from Santiago. I wore my sandals since it felt more comfortable with my blistered feet still recovering.
The sun was already very hot by 9 am. Two hours later as I was ascending the mountain overlooking Lake Mainit it started to rain. Of course I was so glad. I used my umbrella while walking gently and praying the rosary. During the descent several hours later I ran downhill while holding the umbrella. It continued to rain as it got dark. I arrived in the Tubod parish rectory. I was welcomed by Fr. Kenneth, MSC.

Day 9: Run-Walk Across d Philippines

2011-04-10T07:30:00.000+08:00

April 9, 2011

The rest day yesterday really did wonders on my body. I woke up at 3 am feeling refreshed & ready to go. The blisters had healed quickly and I couldn't feel any pain as I set out at 4:15 towards Santiago, Agusan which is 47 km from Butuan.

As I walked in the dark towards Santiago I remembered fondly the last day of my pilgrim journey to Santiago de Compostela in Spain. What was missing was stars along the milky way in the Camino de Santiago. I only saw one star early this morning.

When I stopped in Ampayon for a cup of coffee, I saw a group of army soldiers in battle gear. I had a chat with them about my run/walk advocacy for peace & life. I then asked them to pose for a souvenir photo with me. Maybe next time I can also pose for a souvenir photo with some NPA units.

I am doing this run/walk for soldiers like them and also for the NPA & MILF guerrillas, and for the civilians caught in the cross-fire, for all of us who are fed up with the war & violence which been going on for too long. I long for the day when a peace agreement will finally be signed - and a just & lasting peace will reign in our land. Then armed men in full battle gear won't be a common sight and young people don't have to waste their time & life fighting it out in the countryside.

The first 30 km up to Cabadbaran seemed to be easy. I did more walking than running. But it got very hot and I had to use my umbrella again. I could feel new sets of blisters forming. I did more running the last 7 km. I reached Santiago by 5 pm and was welcomed by the parish priest - Fr. Dario Tudlasan.

Day 8: Solo Run-Walk Across d Philippines

2011-04-08T18:27:00.000+08:00

At 3:00 in the morning I woke up and remembered that today is a day of rest and went back to sleep. My alarm woke me up at 6:30.
It is such a relief to just relax the whole and allow my body to recover. I have blisters in the soles of my feet and a black (dead) toenail. Without rest I won't be able to recover and I could easily breakdown, and I won't be able to continue and finish my journey. This is the law of the Sabbath and it applies also to everyone's life journey.
I also incorporate rests on those days that I am on the road. That is is why I take frequent breaks every hour and get a good night's sleep. 10-12 hrs on the road is enough.

I spent part of the morning washing my clothes.

At 5:15 pm, I concelebrated with Fr. Joesil and I preached about the Gospel of Life and peace and my specific pro-life advocacies: support the peace process, defend the environment, reject the RH bill.

Day 7: Solo Run-Walk Across d Philippines

2011-04-07T21:50:00.000+08:00

I was awake at 3:00 am before my alarm sounded which I set at 3:30 am. By 4:15 am, I was on the road with my headlamp showing me the way. I walked very slowly listening to soft religious music as I prayed & meditated on my feet and witnessed the sun gradually rise on the horizon. This is rhythm I am following most morning during this journey.

I had decided that today I would do less running and more easy & slow walking. I disabled the GPS function of my Timex watch so that I don't have to monitor my pace and distance.

I strictly followed a 5 minutes break every hour to give my feet a rest & to cool off. But in spite of this my feet became more painful due to the blisters in both feet. Walking and running became very agonizing. I focused my mind in praying the rosary and meditating on the joyful, light, sorrowful & glorious mysteries.

The pain would dissapear and I would run the downhill portions but it would later come back forcing me to walk very slowly again.

Once again I experienced the kindness of a stranger when a car suddenly stopped beside me and the owner came out and gave me a bottle of cold water and some money. Twice I was invited by some group of friends who were having a drinking spree to have 'one for the road' but I just smiled & continued walking. Another car stopped and I thought the occupants would give me something but they just wanted to have their picture taken with me!

As I reached the PNP checkpoint near Butuan, the policemen asked me what I was doing and after explaining my advocacy, we had picture taking.

I reached Butuan at 4:15 pm after covering 43 km. I proceeded to the cathedral rectory and was given a room. During dinner I was welcomed by the rector - Msgr. Rowell.

So after 7 days I have covered 295 km. Tomorrow is rest day. I hope I can recover quickly so that I can continue my journey towards Surigao this Saturday.

Day 6: Solo Run/Walk Across the Philippines

2011-04-06T20:16:00.003+08:00

As usual I was up by 3:30 am feeling refreshed. I was on the road by 4:45 am. After an hour, I was overtaken by a chubby young man who was running fast. He turned to me and said: "Good luck, Lolo." I was taken aback to hear me being addressed as Lolo (grandpa). Either I look too old, or I run/walk like an old man. And to think that I am not yet a senior citizen. Anyway, I consoled my self by the awareness that although many can run faster than me, they cannot run/walk as far as I can (over 2000+), solo, unsupported, carrying an 8 kilo backpack. There was a time when my average training pace was 5 km/hour which I can do for 30-40 km without taking a walking break. But that was 30 years ago. But I don't think that at that age, I can do what I am doing now. Because I am now slower, I take frequent breaks, I have a lot of patience and endurance, I can go on a long, long journey by foot across this country.

At 8 am, while passing Prosperidad, I drop by a roadside restaurant for coffee. I had a chat with Rosalina, the owner. When it was time to pay for the coffee, she told me that it was free. A few hours later, a van stopped and the owner came out and shook my hand. He introduced himself (Mr. Pajelo) his wife, daughter and son and had picture taken. He then gave me a thousand pesos for my expenses and then drove away. At one in the afternoon, an SUV stopped and a couple came out and introduced themselves (Henry & Cora) and they gave me empanada, siopao and mineral water. I have once gain experienced the kindness and generosity of people I met on the way and this started since day one. Most of them told me that they saw me on TV. They probably wanted to show their support.

I feel ambivalent about the media coverage which started a week before I even began my journey and which is continuing. I wanted to make this low-key and very private and yet because this is a run/walk for a cause, I have to accept it since this is the only way my message can reach a wide audience. I am just a small voice which the media can multiply a thousand times.

I've been having problem with the soles of my feet which become sore and painful after six hours on the road. I have made it a point to rest every hour - for 5-10 minutes to give my aching foot a break and to cool off. But this afternoon, it has becomes more agonizing. The continuous slow running provides relief, but I am also careful that I don't get a repititive stress injury that can result in shin splint or stress fracture.

I finally reached Bayugan City at 4 pm after covering 40 km. I was welcomed by Fr. Guy - the parish priest, and Fr. Danny - his assistant. I concelebrated at the 5:30 pm mass and talked for 12 minutes about my advocacy and the message of life and peace. As usual, I ate over-ate during dinner. This is my only meal of the day which should be enough to sustain my fast while I run/walk during the day.

So after six days, I have covered 252 km. That's an average of 42 km per day (a marathon for six successive days).

Day 4 & 5: Solo Run-Walk Across the Philippines

2011-04-05T19:50:00.004+08:00

(I didn't have internet access yesterday so I will just fuse day 4 & 5 here. I left my netbook computer behind so that I can travel light. So I rely on my cellphone or a local internet shop. But there are times when there is no strong cell signal or no open internet shop)

Yesterday, before the sun was out I was already on the road with a headlamp making the road visible. I walked very slowly, aware of God's presence as the sun slowly appeared on the horizon. This is what is called praying and meditating on my feet and with my feet. This may sound unorthodox but I can feel God's presence while walking or running on the road than kneeling in a church or chapel. When it was already bright, I stopped for coffee on a roadside store. After 10 minutes I was back on the road. The road was mostly winding, with lots of ascents and descents. I walked the ascents and ran the descents. Going downhill I remember the prayer that Fr. Brendan used when he blessed me before I set out on my journey: "May the road rise us to meet you..."

While walking briskly, two young girls walked beside me and we chatted for a while.They were on their way to school. They asked me where I was going and why I was walking. I had to explain to them in simple terms. At least they knew that Aparri was very, very far away.

As the day wore on it became hotter and hotter. I applied sunblock lotion on my skin but it wasn't enough. So I took out my umbrella and have instant movable shade. I rested for 5-10 minutes every hour to give my aching feet some rest and to escape the heat of the sun. I took a longer break during noon-time and took a nap under a waiting shed. After an hour, I was back on the road again, with my my umbrella protecting me from the unbearable heat. Late in the afternoon, as my feet ached from walking most of the time, I decided to shift to slow continuous running for the last 12 km which I found more comfortable than walking briskly. I reached Bunawan by 6 pm after covering 48 km and was welcomed by Fr. Pi - a guest priest. The parish priest was in Cebu for an operation. I had a heavy dinner and was in bed by 9 pm.

I woke up at 3:30 in the morning and was on the road by 4:40 am. The first few hours was spent in a slow, meditative & prayerful walking. The day was pretty much like yesterday. Very hot and humid which again forced me to use my umbrella. I rested for an hour during noontime. I felt lazy to walk under the unbearable heat but I continued. Suddenly, it rained heavily - the umbrella came in handy. But it was brief and the torrid sun came back quickly. The umbrella stayed in my hand. It rained again when I reached San Francisco, Agusan at 3:34 pm after covering 43 km. I was met by Fr. Jonathan. He was surprised that I was alone, with not support crew or vehicle.

After 5 days, I have covered 211 km. 53 more days to go.

Day 3: Run-Walk Across d Philippines

2011-04-03T22:32:00.000+08:00

The parish church in Mawab was already full of people when I celebrated the Sunday mass at 5:30 am. I preached about the gospel of life and peace and also talked about the concerns and issues that are the focus of my running/walking pilgrimage. After the mass I had a cup of coffee & fruit juice and I was ready to go. After picture taking with Fr. Chris, Karla & other members of the parish staff I was on the road by 7:30. I was expecting to have another short & easy day since according to the internet distance calculator Monkayo was only 35 km from Mawab. But Fr. Cris told me it would be longer.
I wore my sandals for the first 4 hours but changed to running shoes when I felt the hot spots in the soles of my feet. I stopped by in Nabunturan for hamburger and soft drinks. I was back on the road by 11:15. I was doing more walking than running. When I passed a barrio in Montevista a guy approached me and shook my hand. He told me that several years ago, he walked with some members of the SDA from Bukidnon to Manila in 48 days. I found out that he is Pastor Emata - one of the first Filipino to Climb Mt. Everest.
Late in the afternoon, I felt my feet becoming more painful I had to take frequent rest. As it became cooler later in the afternoon I did more running than walking which relieved the pain. I reached Monkayo at past seven after covering 49 km. I miscalculated the distance. I also didn't know about roundabout detour to the Poblacion. I was welcomed by Fr. Cabrera, the parochial vicar and was immediately served dinner.

Day 2: Run-Walk Across d Philippines

2011-04-02T19:04:00.000+08:00

At six in the morning I was on the road. No breakfast as usual. I was thinking of buying a cup of coffee on the way. I was surprised that most of the people I passed on the road waved at me and greeted me: Good morning, Father! Some approached me and shook my hand. Others asked me to bless them. Many told me that they saw me on TV. But what surprised me more was the expression of hospitality and support. After an hour, a man called out from the veranda of his hut and hot coffee. I immediately stopped and accepted his invitation. I had a chat with Ramon and his wife Lina while drinking coffee. While continuing my journey several men on motorbikes approached me and gave me some cold bottled water. A motorist stopped his car and gave me orange juice. Another asked me to stopped by a her store and gave me soft drink and bread. I was just overwhelmed by all these.

I reached Tagum at around ten am and rested at a sari-sari store and bought siopao and cobra energy drink. I spent time in an internet shop. I was back on the road at noon. My feet felt sore and I was worried I could get blisters. I stopped many times to give my feet a chance to cool down. By 2 pm, as I was ascending the hills of Mawab it was cooler. I was running down the hills on the last 7 km to Mawab. After running and walking 37 km, I reached the parish rectory in Mawab by 5 pm. Fr. Chris was out in the barrio and welcomed me later in the evening.

So here I am in a place that has been considered a hot bed of insurgency. There has frequent armed clashes between the NPA and government troops in the hinterlands and neighboring barrios in Compostela Valley.

Run-walk across d Philippines: Day 1

2011-04-01T21:24:00.001+08:00

April 1, 2011 I celebrated the Mass for Life & Peace at 6 am in our parish chuerch. Immediately after the Mass, I changed into my running gear. With my backpack on I stood infront of the church door and Fr. Brendan (my superior) gave the pilgrims blessing. By 7:00!Then I started walking and running along the highway to Carmen followed by some seminarians, Jason and 6 other youthful runners in the parish. Dominic, a little boy also ran a few a meters and jumped back to his grandmother's vehicle. After 10 km I was finally alone. The other runners went home A lot of people waved at me, some greeted me as Father, a guy on a motorbike came near and asked for my blessing. A chubby girl gave me some biscuits. Many motorists honked their horns and waved at me. Near Panabo a coconut milk vendor gave me free drinks. The afternoon was cooler and windy. I reached Carmen at 4 pm after covering 36 km and was welcomed by Fr. Roel - the assistant parish priest. I concelebrated in the 5 am mass where I talked about my advocacies. Later after the the mass I gave a talk to parish youth leaders.

Run/Walk for Life & Peace Across the Philippines: Itinerary

2011-03-27T18:23:00.006+08:00

I only have 5 days before I start my solo, unsupported Run/Walk Pilgrimage for Life and Peace across the Philippines. I will start immediately after the 6 am send-off Mass for Life and Peace this Friday, April 1, 2011. It will take 57 days to cover 2000+ km. I am posting the purpose of this activity and my itinerary.

This pilgrimage has the following purpose:

1. To express my support for the peace process between the Government of the Philippines and the National Democratic Front, and between the Government and the Moro Islamic Liberation Front. I pray that a peace agreement would finally be reached. I would also like to appeal for a ceasefire between the government armed forces and the New Peoples’ Army during the period of peace negotiations. I will also make an appeal to our people to support the peace process.

2. To express my opposition to the ongoing destruction of the environment caused by logging, mining and coal-fired power plants. I appeal for a total ban on mining and coal-fired power plants and the implementation of the total log ban.

3. To denounce the continuing extra-judicial killings perpetrated by death squads in Davao and other cities in the Philippines. I appeal to the Commission of Human Rights to continue the investigation and come up with a final report and hold accountable local government officials sponsoring these killings.

4. To express my opposition to the Reproductive Health Bill (HB 4244) which is based on a false assumption that there is a crisis of overpopulation in our country that is one of the causes of the continuing poverty of our people and a hindrance to sustainable development. To address this crisis it aggressively promotes population control - contraceptives (some of which may be abortifacient) and mandatory sex education - as the solution to poverty and underdevelopment.

During this pilgrimage, I would like to preach about the Gospel of Life and Peace. To be pro-life means to oppose the above-mentioned manifestations of the culture of death.

I will be delivering a letter to Malacanang for President Noynoy Aquino on May 10, 2011 as I continue my journey from Manila to Aparri. I don't expect to to meet him, I will just leave the letter at the guard house and go on my way.

This is the itinerary:

4/1 Fri: Bajada, Davao City to Carmen (36 k)

4/2 Sat: Carmen to Mawab (34 k)

4/3 Sun: Mawab to Monkayo (35 k)

4/4 Mon: Monkayo to Bunawan (49 k)

4/5 Tue: Bunawan to San Francisco (51k)

4/6 Wed: San Francisco to Bayugan (39 k)

4/7 Thu: Bayugan to Butuan (40 k)

4/8 Fri: rest

4/9 Sat: Butuan to Santiago (44 k)

4/10 Sun: Santiago to Tubod (41 k)

4/11 Mon: Tubod to Lipata, Surigao (40 k), ferry crossing to Liloan, Leyte

4/12 Tue: Liloan to Sogod (37)

4/13 Wed: Sogod to Abuyog (58 k)

4/14 Thu: Abuyog to Tolosa (45 k)

4/15 Fri: Tolosa to Tacloban (25 k)

4/16 Sat: rest

4/17 Sun: Tacloban to Calbiga (59 k)

4/18 Mon: Calbiga to Catbalogan (44k)

4/19 Tue: Catbalogan to Gandara (44 k)

4/20 Wed: Gandara to San Joaquin (46k)

4/21 Thu: San Joaquin to San Isidro (40k) Cross to Matnog

4/22 Good Fri:Matnog to Juban (44 k)

4/23 Sat: Juban to Cumadcad, Castilla (42 k)

4/24 Easter Sun: Cumadcad to Legazpi (35 k)

4/25 Mon: rest

4/26 Tue: Legazpi to Libon (49 )

4/27 Wed: Libon to Naga (50)

4/28 Thu: Naga to Lupi (43 k)

4/29 Fri: Lupi to del Gallego (46 k)

4/30 Sat: Del Gallego to Daet-Tagkawayan Junction (46k)

5/1 Sun: Daet-Tagkawayan Junction to Lopez (32 k)

5/2 Mon: Lopez to Gumaca (20 k)

5/3 Tue: Gumaca to Atimonan (28 k)

5/4 Wed: Atimonan to Lucena (43 k)

5/5 Thu: Lucena to San Pablo (46k)

5/6 Fri: San Pablo to Cabuyao (50 k)

5/7 Sat: Cabuyao– Baclaran, MetroManila (40 k)

5/8 Sun: Rest

5/9 Mon: Rest

5/10 Tue: Baclaran-Balagtas, Bulacan (43 k)

5/11 Wed: Balagtas – San Fernando, Pampanga (37 k)

5/12 Thu: San Fernando – Capas, Tarlac (41 k)

5/13 Fri: Capas- Paniqui, Tarlac (40 k)

5/14 Sat: Paniqui– Binalonan (43 k)

5/15 Sun: Binalonan- Twin Peaks (32 k)

5/16 Mon: Twin Peaks –Baguio (31 k)

5/17 Tue: rest

5/18 Wed: Baguio to Sayangan (50 k)

5/19 Thu: Sayangan to Abatan (35 k)

5/20 Fri: Abatan to Sabangan (48 k)

5/21 Sat: Sabangan to Sadanga (32 k)

5/22 Sun: Sadanga to Lubuagan (32 )

5/23 Mon: Lubuagan to Tabuk (36 )

5/24 Tue: Rest

5/25 Wed: Tabuk to Tuao (43 k)

5/26 Thu: Tuao to Piat (10k)

5/27 Fri: Piat- Gattaran (43 k)

5/28 Sat: Gattaran- Aparri (40 k)

.I will celebrate the Mass for Life and Peace in Aparri on May 29, 2011 Sunday and after that take the bus for Manila. I will be staying in Baclaran, my new home for the next four years and report for work to the CBCP-BEC office on June 1.

Valuing the Gift and Sanctity of Life: Campaigning Against the Reproductive Health (RH) bill

2011-03-25T22:17:00.007+08:00

Very early this morning, I joined the "Walk for Life"- a Pro-Life/Anti-RH bill march from our parish to San Pedro Cathedral here in Davao City. There were thousands from other parishes in the city who also marched to the cathedral. The mass started at 6 am, presided by Bishop George Rimando, with Archbishop Capalla and some 50 priests concelebrating. Archbishop Capalla gave the homily.

In other parts of the country, a similar rally was being held - with the biggest in Manila tonight, led by Cardinal Gaudencio Rosales.

There is a ongoing deliberation in Congress on House Bill 4244 - formerly called Reproductive Health bill and now renamed Responsible Parenthood Bill. The bill is supported by the present administration and many progressive and civil society groups. It is being opposed by the Catholic Church and other religious groups.

After studying the bill thouroughly and read many of the arguments (for and against), I have made a personal stand against it. I am not in favor of this bill.

It appears to me that the bill is based on a false assumption:

-that there is a crisis of population explosion in country,

- that the continuing poverty of our people can be traced to this overpopulation and that this is a hindrance to sustainable development.

- therefore it is necessary for the governmen to adopt an aggressive/draconian measures to impose population control such as providing reproductive health services (free contraceptives) and sex education starting at Grade Five.

- this will require a substantial budget taken from the taxes.

The bill does not promote abortion, but requires hospitals to give preferential attention to women with post-abortion complication. There are contraceptives that induce abortion (abortifacient) such as the RUH pills. Thus, it may gives impression that while it explicitly denies promoting abortion, it condones and encourages it. The term "Reproductive Health" which is linked with "reproductive rights" in other parts of the world is often understood to include women's right to free choice (including termination of pregnancy or abortion). That is why the agenda of the IPPF all over the world is to promote legislation that will make abortion safe and legal. Thus, in many countries abortion is part of the means to control population growth. But the bill does not adopt that due to constitutional restraints - but it condones and even encourages it by adding the provision on post-abortion complications.

This bill is based on a false assumption that there is a crisis of overpopulation. In fact, population growth in the Philippines has gone down to 2.02 (according to NSO figures) or 1.78 (according to CIA factbook). The total fertility rate has declined to 3.1 in 2008 (from average of 7 in 1960)and is projected to decline to 2.21 (near the ideal replacement level) by 2020. The population density of the Philippines (210/sq km) is much lower than highly developed countries like Hongkong, Singapore, Japan, Netherlands, Germany, etc.

The crisis that the world (especially the West and highly industrialized society that have adopted aggressive population control programs) is facing is actually the coming "demographic winter" - an aging and shrinking population (more older people, less young people). This will mean a problem with human resources that will affect sustainable economic growth. Thus, there is a turn-around in these countries - they now promote reproduction and provide benefits to those who bear more children instead of penalizing them. Meanwhile, these societies are resorting to migrant labor to fill up their workforce requirements. The Philippines is one of the beneficiaries - that is why we have many Overseas Filipino Workers (OFW). But a time will come when the Philippines could also face the same problem - it may take longer (perhaps 50 years) or it could be hastened by an aggresive population control program.

The RH bill is based on the false assumption that overpopulation is a contributing factor to the perpetuation of poverty and underdevelopment. To ensure sustainable economic development there is a need to control population growth by any means necessary (contraception, sex education, etc). Thus, what will the government provide to the majority of the people who are poor and hungry? Give them condoms, pills, tubal ligation, vasectomy and sex education and use our scarce funds from our taxes to fund this program. The main beneficiaries of this program will be the drug companies that provide the contraceptives.

This is actually a rehash of the Mathusian theory that has long been debunked by economists. Poverty and underdevelopment continues due to graft and corruption, unequal distribution of wealth, unjust economic system that favors the local elite and foreign companies. What is needed is to stamped out graft and corruption, a comprehensive poverty alleviation program, improved education program, better health services, etc.

The issue that we face is not about whether contraception should be allowed or not (it is already legal), or which is the better family planning method (natural or artificial). Rather, the state pursue an an aggressive and mandatory population control policy based on false assumptions that will use our limited resources, that will have negative repercussion in the future, that will create unnecessary tension between the Church and the State?

We have to value new life in the mother's womb as a gift and a source of hope rather a burden, another mouth to feed. Human resource is the most important resource of every society. We have to avoid an anti-life attitude and policies.

I make this position knowing that many of my friends in Civil Society groups are supporting the RH Bill (and some have already chided me for being not politically correct). It is in line with the Consistent Ethic of Life. As I run/walk across the Philippines starting next week, I will preach about the Gospel of life and peace. The RH bill will be one of the concerns I will talk about, besides mining & logging, the extrajudicial killings, and the armed conflict.

Final Preparation for Ultra-Run/Walk Across the Philippines

2011-03-21T14:02:00.002+08:00

My classes are over and I only have to give the final exams for my students this week and after that a period of my life as a professor which lasted for 16 years will be over. Time to move on to my new assignment in Manila as executive secretary of the Committee on BEC of the Catholic Bishops' Conference of the Philippines. How do I get to Manila from Davao? Instead of flying, I will just run/walk to Manila and even farther - up to Aparri, the northern tip of the Philippines, then take the bus back to Manila (it will take 58 days to cover over 2000 km). This will symbolize my life as a continuing journey and pilgrimage.

I am making my final preparation for this journey of a lifetime. I have already finalized the itinerary. I have already sent the letter to the parish priests where I will stay overnight - requesting for hospitality and asking for a chance to preach about the Gospel of Life & Peace. I have all the necessary equipment that I will need - backpack, running shorts and quick-dry shirts, jacket, running shoes & sandals, headlight, hydration system, umbrella, etc.

My training continues. Yesterday, I went on a 50 km run/walk training along the Davao-Bukidnon highway which took 9 hours 17 minutes. I carried my back-pack and imagined that I was already on my pilgrimage. The night before, I had heavy dinner. Then before starting in the morning, I just took coffee and ate a banana. I didn't have any lunch. I just consumed 5 bananas and 2 pieces of cookies during the entire run. I drank water and energy drink (samurai, extra-joss) every hour. Part of the time I wore sandals, and part of the time I wore a pair of running shoes. I noticed that after 4 hours, I developed some hot spots on my feet while wearing sandals, so I decided to wear my running shoes up to the end of the run/walk. I think it is not a good idea to wear sandals on hot asphalt highway - it could cause blisters. I felt fine during the whole 9 hours - I didn't feel exhausted or hungry.

This morning when I woke up, I felt fine. No muscular pain or strain. I could do another 40-50 km if I wanted but I decided to give myself a break. The remaining days up to the start of my run/walk pilgrimage, I will just do shorter training - 2-3 hours.

Assisting in the Formation of Basic Ecclesial Communities: Working with the CBCP-BEC Committee

2011-03-14T22:04:00.011+08:00

Archdiocesan BEC Assembly, Lipa

CBCP building/ BEC office on the 3rd floor

Last Friday I was in Manila for a meeting with Bishop George Rimando - the Chairman of the Committee on Basic Ecclesial Communities of the Catholic Bishops' Conference of the Philippines (CBCP-BEC Committee). He confirmed my appointment as the new executive secretary of the committee. I will be starting in June after my Run/Walk Pilgrimage Across the Philippines.

The following day, I went to Lipa to attend the archdiocesan BEC assembly. Over one thousand participants attended and the gathering started with a Mass presided by Archbishop Ramon Arguelles. I gave the keynote talk on the BECs as Expression of the PCP II Vision of A Renewed Church.

This morning I went to the office of the CBCP-BEC committee in Intramuros and met the outgoing executive secretary - Monsignor Elmer Abacahin. After four years of service he has been recalled by his archbishop and given a new assignment. So this was a sort of turn-over. So for the next four years, this office will be my base of operation. I will be residing at the Redemptorist Monastery in Baclaran.

When I report to my new assignment, I won't be taking the plane. I will run/walk all the way from Davao to Aparri covering over 2,000 km and then take the bus back to Manila. The first two days of my work in June will be a strategic planning with Bishop George and the BEC consultants.

Preparing for my Solo Run/Walk for Peace Across the Philippines

2011-02-06T14:52:00.009+08:00

I arrived here in Iligan last Thursday evening for my uncle Melchor's funeral. Instead of asking our driver to bring me to the airport, I just ran/walked from our monastery to the Davao Airport (7.5 km) last Thursday afternoon carrying my backpack and wearing my sandals..
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Yesterday morning, I also ran/walked from our monastery in Iligan to the memorial park (which is 8 km away) for the funeral mass and burial. This morning I ran/walked for over 5 hours to Pugaan mountains and back, wearing my Merrel vibram sandals. As usual I used the Galloway method - with 3 minutes run/2 minutes walk intervals. It felt very comfortable, even on the ascent up the mountain trail. This will be the method I will be using for my run/walk for peace across the Philippines, using a pair of sandals most of the time instead of running shoes. I won't go barefoot this time since I need to cover an average distance of 42 km a day for 60 days on mostly hot asphalt/cement surface (except for the rough mountain roads in the Cordilleras).

I am still finalizing my itinerary which will start in Davao and end in Aparri (via the Pan-Philippine Highway and the Cordilleras) - a distance of around 2,200 km. It will take around 60 days (with 8 rest days). My goal is the Marian shrine of our Lady of Piat (located before Aparri) which has been a pilgrimage destination for over 3 centuries. From there I will proceed to Aparri which is the tip of northern Philippines overlooking the South China Sea. This will be my Philippine version of the Camino de Santiago. I haven't finalized the date of departure - it could be the last week of March or the first week of April.

When I was a young priest, I made a list of the things I want to do during my lifetime. I have already accomplished some of these: running marathons, biking around the Philippines (5000 km), run/walk across Mindanao (400 km Davao-Iligan), run/walk the Camino de Santiago de Compostela (800 km). After doing all these, I believe that the time has come to realize another dream - run/walk across the Philippines. All that I have accomplished so far have been a preparation for this great journey. I believe this is the opportune time. I will finish a period of my life as full-time professor this March and will be begin my new assignment this June working full-time in promoting the growth of Basic Ecclesial Communities around the country. So I will spend the transition period as a pilgrim for peace.

After finishing my pilgrimage on the Camino de Santiago in Spain last year, I realized that my pilgrim journey had not ended. So what I intend to do soon is a continuation of the pilgrim journey, this time no longer on the French and Spanish soil but on Philippine soil.

While making my pilgrimage on the Camino, one of my special intention was to pray for the resumption of the peace negotiations between the Government (GRP) and the National Democratic Front NDF). This month, the peace negotiation will finally resume after so many years of hiatus. When I make my pilgrimage across the Philippines to the shrine of Our Lady of Piat, my special intention will be for the successful completion of the peace process that will lead to a final peace agreement and cessation of hostilities. I also pray that the GRP and the MILF will likewise come up with a final peace agreement. I will pray for a widespread grassroots support for the peace process.

I will be following the foosteps of 4 ultra-runners of the Philippines: Cesar Guarin who ran from Pagadian to Baguio in 1980, Fr. Robert Reyes who ran in Mindanao (1996), Visayas (1997), and Luzon (1998), Joy Roxas & Mat Macabe who ran from Davao to Pagudpud in 2005.

This journey has some unique features. Unlike them, I will be doing this alone, without any companion, support vehicle or crew, carrying what in need in my backpack. I will also mix running and walking (Galloway method) which I believe will be more relaxing and sustainable for me. I will follow a different path, especially in the last leg when I will trek across the Cordillera mountain range. I will also be older at 56 years old (they were in their 30s and 40s when they did their epic run). This will be a pilgrim journey for peace to a Marian shrine.

I only have less than 2 months to go. I will continue my preparation and training. I'm just excited about it.

Running the Cebu Marathon

2011-01-09T21:02:00.009+08:00

Very early this morning I lined up at the starting point of the Cebu Marathon (42 k) at the IT park. There were some 1200 runners who started running at 4 am, along the streets of Cebu, the SRP highway up to Talisay through the 800 meters tunnel.

I ran a very slow pace since my right knee was still a bit painful due to the knee injury I had 4 weeks ago after doing a lot of speed intervals as part of my training. I was aiming for a sub-4:30 marathon originally but due to the injury, I was content to finish the marathon using the run-walk method (4 min run/1 min walk). I reached the midpoint in less than 3 hours but after 30 k my knee became more painful that I just decided to walk the remaining kilometers. I reached the finish line after covering the distance in 7:00:o8. This is my PW (personal worst), the slowest marathon I have ever ran, 3 1/2 hours slower than my personal best of 3:33:15 which I did in 1983. But I was still happy to reach the finish line and receive my finishers' medal. The last finishers medal I received was in 1995 when I ran the Rome Marathon. I didn't get a finishers medal when I ran the Pasig River Marathon in 2009 since I was way behind the cut-off time.

If this happened over 25 years ago, finishing a marathon in 7 hours would have been a source of shame. My first marathon was 4:30, my second was 3:36 and my third was 3:33. After that my goal was to break 3 hours (which I never did due to cramps) but I always finished under 4 hours. So slower than 4 hours was even a big disappointment. But now 25 years later, I would consider a 7 hour marathon a source of pride - a badge of courage. The finishers' medal I received this morning is a symbol of patient endurance in the face of adversity. Last week, I wasn't even sure if I could get to the STARTING line due to my knee injury. I was thinking of backing out - but I already paid P800 registration fee and I was already in Cebu. So even if I have not fully recovered I just ran very, very slowly and my aim was to reach the finish line no matter how long it would take.

At my age, it seems that running a sub 4 hr marathon is a distant possibility. There are things that I could do when I was 30 that I can't do now that I am 56 year old - like running a 3:33 marathon. But there are things that I can do now which I couldn't do when I was 30 years old -like run/walking 400 km across Mindanao in 9 days, and run/walking barefoot 800 km across the French Pyrenees and the North of Spain in 27 days. I am not as fast as I used to be, but I have more endurance. In the long journey to through life what matters most is not how fast I can run/walk but how far I can go and reach my destination. What is most important is not speed but patient endurance - because life is not a 100 meter sprint.

I dream of making the journey of a lifetime - a solo, unsupported run/walk across the Philippines from Davao to Aparri via the Cordilleras (around 2,200 km), averaging 42 km/day in two months, 7-8 hours a day with one rest day per week. When I was 30 years old such a dream would seem to be an impossible dream. But now that I am 56 years old, such a dream appears attainable. But first, I have to allow my knee injury to fully heal and recover. I hope I can do this within one year.

Running the marathon this morning is a fulfillment of a promise I made to myself when I was newly ordained priest 30 years ago - that I would run a marathon every year even when I reach 80 years old and beyond. I failed to keep this promise for 14 years (after I got injured in the Rome marathon and took up biking) but took it up again last year. This time I intend to keep my promise. Maybe when I am too old to run marathons (probably when I reach 90) I will enter the wheelchair division. So it is not how fast, but how long I can run - for a lifetime.

Still, I dream of breaking my 3:33 pr someday - before I turn 60 years old. When I turn 80, I might have a better chance of finishing first in my age division (80 and above). Dream on.

Overcoming our Dark Side, Becoming the Best Version of our Self

2011-01-08T11:12:00.002+08:00

I am attending the Redemptorist Provincial Chapter Assembly here in Cebu at the Holy Family Retreat House. It started last Monday (Jan. 3) and will end this coming Monday (Jan. 10). There are over 60 Redemptorists from Visayas and Mindanao in attendance. We have come together to set the direction of our life and mission for the next 4 years. We are also electing the leadership team of our religious province.

Yesterday morning, I was the designated presider and homilist of our daily Eucharist. This is the text of my homily:

Overcoming our Dark Side, Becoming the Best Version of our Self

There is a story of a native American chief of the Cherokee tribe talking to his grandchild: “there are 2 wolves fighting within my heart.
One is mean, greedy, lazy, proud, and avaricious.
The other is kind, compassionate, loving, courageous, and vibrant.”
When the child asks who will win, he answers:
“the one that I will feed.”

This story reminds us of the struggle within each one of us – a struggle that continues even to our old age.

If we go through our life we will notice acts and behavior
that we are not proud of,
that we find despicable and that we regret.
This could be those moments when we became, selfish, greedy, angry, avaricious, lustful, lazy, abusive, and prone to addiction
This is the dark side of ourselves, the worst version of ourselves,
the sinful self.

What happens when the dark side dominates our life?
We fail to carry out our prophetic mission,
we tend to spend our time in pursuit of sensual pleasure and comfort– feeding our addictions, we could break our vows,
we could engage in sexual misconduct or abuse,
or be involved in financial anomalies, we could create scandals,
we could lose our credibility

But who we are doesn’t have to be defined by our past sins & mistakes.
We don’t have to allow the worst version of ourselves dominate our life.

The Gospel relates to us Jesus' struggle against the diabolical temptation in the desert, before he started his prophetic ministry of proclaiming the Good News and urging people to conversion.
Paul in his letter to the Colossians calls for conversion – dying to the old self and putting on the new self.

Constitution 10 states that our special mission is the explicit proclamation of the Word of God to bring about fundamental conversion… We are called to be apostles of conversion.
We can only carry this out if we ourselves have experienced conversion and redemption.
Conversion requires transformation – from sinner to saint, from being the worst version of ourselves to being the best version of ourselves.

St. Alphonsus in his letter to the confreres in Aug 8, 1754, wrote:
“ God has called us into the congregation to become saints … Let us – in what remains of our lives, long or short – let, us, I say, become saints.” This does not mean being canonized or having a statue and feast celebrated in our honor.

A description of what it means for us to become saints can be found in Const 20: “Strong in faith, rejoicing in hope, burning with charity, on fire with zeal, in humility of heart and persevering in prayer …hearts full of joy, denying themselves, always ready to undertake what is demanding…"

For many of us, Const 20 is a distant unrealistic, ideal. But it is the image of what we can be – the best version of ourselves.

Unless we are able to overcome our dark side,
unless we go through a process of ongoing conversion,
unless we become the best that we can be –
all the restructuring will be in vain,
all our beautiful resolutions and proposals will remain on paper.

Welcoming the New Year 2011

2011-01-01T20:33:00.002+08:00

I just arrived here in Cebu this afternoon after spending my post-Christmas vacation in Iligan with my sisters and their family.

Last night after the New Year's eve mass at the Redemptorist, I went over to my sister Nonie's house and joined her family and my other sisters (Mely & Cely) welcome the New Year. The night-sky was lit with colorful fireworks. I went home to the monastery at 1 pm and slept soundly. I woke up early to celebratethe 6 am mass this morning and later left for Cagayan to take the plane for Cebu.

As I welcome the New Year, I also say goodbye to 2010. It has been a good year. I achieved most of what I planned to do. I went on a pilgrim journey. I ran/walked 400 km across Mindanao during the Holy Week, and then ran/walked 800 km barefoot the Camino de Santiago in Spain in July-August. I have also lived as a hermit in the mountain of Busay. I have almost finished editing and revising 2 book projects and they should be ready for publication.

What does the new year 2011 have in store for me? I expect major changes in my life after the end of the second semester in March.

What are my goals this year?

Continue losing weight until I reach my ideal running weight of 135 lbs
Run the Cebu Marathon
Solo Run/Walk for Peace across the Philippines (Davao to Aparri via Cordilleras - 2200 km)
Publish my books
Spend more time in promoting the growth of Basic Ecclesial Communities all over the Philippines and conducting retreat for the clergy.

I am just so excited thinking about the prospects for this year.

Christmas in Davao

2010-12-24T11:46:00.004+08:00

We only have one day more before Christmas. We had the last Misa de Gallo (early dawn mass) this morning and tonight we will celebrate the Christmas vigil mass. I did the first day of the Misa de Gallo in the parish church, I also did the 8th day yesterday. As usual the church was packed, and the people occupied even the parking lot since there was not enough room in the church. We put a screen with lcd projector so that those outside could still see the liturgy inside. There were so many young people who seemed to enjoy being together with their friends at the early hour of the morning.

The Christmas parties in the parish started as early as three weeks ago and they will continue up to the end of the year. The other night I joined the party of the Davao Redemptorist Youth Mission Team (DRYM team). The members of the original mission team were present together with those who make up the present youth mission team. They consider me their "founder." I was delighted to see the members of the original team, most of whom are now professionals and others are already married. Some even brought their children. I encouraged the original members of the DRYM team to support and guide the next generation of youth engaged in evangelizing & organizing the young people in our parish.

Several days ago we celeb rated the first death anniversary of Fr. Abdon Josol - a member of our community who died of cancer before Christmas last year. I presided the memorial mass with the Redemptorist community composed of the senior community and the Redemptorist students, the house staff and the centennial group. After the mass we had merienda-cena.

This afternoon at 5 pm, the whole Redemptorist community will gather for communal penitential celebration, followed by a renewal of vows and then the Gaudiamus - food and drinks - before the Christmas vigil. As usual the Redemptorist students will be singing the Christmas carol before the start of the vigil mass at 10 pm. One of the songs that they will be singing is the popular Italian Christmas song - Tu Scende (composed by our founder San Alfonso di Liguori). I taught them the song - using the youtube clip of Luciano Pavarotti and also Andrea Bocelli.

We don't expect any noise from firecrackers and fireworks tonight due to the ban imposed by the local government. So it will indeed be a silent night.

In spite of my cold and sore throat, I have continued my training for the Cebu marathon, although I have started to taper. Most of my runs are just short intense sprint intervals (Tabata protocol) and strength training. I did my last long run 3 weeks ago (36 km) and joined the half-marathon 2 weeks ago. This afternoon I will just do a 45 minutes easy run.

This is the 16th year that I will be celebrating Christmas in Davao. This could be the last Christmas that I will be spending here. After the end of this semester in March, I will be moving on to a new ministry and will be based in another part of the country. I will savor every moment of my remaining months here.

I look forward to the coming New Year 2011.

Back home: Starting the last semester of my full-time teaching

2010-11-10T11:35:00.006+08:00

I arrived here in Davao over two weeks ago. I came in time for the conference of the DAKATEO - the Catholic Theological Society of the Philippines -where I presented a paper on "the Environmental Praxis of the Basic Ecclesial Communities: an Ecclesiological Perspective."

The second semester started yesterday. This morning I taught a course on "Ministry & Orders" to the 4th year theology students. Tomorrow, it will be Mariology and on Saturday, I will be teaching Sacraments.

I have been teaching full-time for almost 16 years. When I started, I was 40 years old, fresh from my doctoral studies in Rome and now I am 56 years old. During my Camino pilgrimage, I realized that after 16 years in the academia, I've had enough. Deep within me I heard the message that I won't spend the remaining years of my life as a professor. The time has come to engage in a different ministry - outside the classroom. I have already informed the director and the dean of the theological institute where I am teaching and I will soon write a formal letter to my superiors.

So this is the last semester of my full-time teaching. What is going to happen after the end of the semester in March 2011 remains to be seen. I have several options to choose from. I am already excited about the next phase of my life. The next five months is period of transition.

I am posting here the photo-video of my life-journey (the first 56 years), which I showed to my class in Ministry & Orders this morning. It documents how I have lived my life preparing for my ministry and exercising my priestly ministry over the years.

Going Home - the Continuing Journey

2010-10-19T14:18:00.007+08:00

After spending my Sabbatical as a Pilgrim and a Hermit for almost 7 months I am finally going home to Davao tomorrow. I came down from my mountain retreat in Busay the other day after spending 2 months as a hermit after finishing my barefoot pilgrimage on the Camino de Santiago. These last two months have been a period of reflecting on my journey from the Pyrenees across the North of Spain. It was also a time for reflecting on my life journey for the last 56 years. A very apt period since I celebrated my 56th birthday the other week, alone in my "hermitage."
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Part of my reflection on my Camino experience was to go over and edit the diary of my pilgrimage which forms the 24th chapter of my manuscript: The Beloved: Memoirs, Diaries and Letters of a Priest. Making the final revision and editing of my autobiographical manuscript has given me the opportunity to go over my life-journey. I've also gone over photographs and created a photo-video.
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As I go home, I bring with me the blessings that I have received during my pilgrimage and also my period of solitude as a hermit.

The first blessing is a deeper awareness of God's presence in my life-journey which has deepened my faith and trust in the Divine presence and my relationship with God.

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The second blessing is a deeper appreciation of my priestly vocation and celibate commitment.

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The third blessing is a clearer sense of how I want to live the remaining years of my life.
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As I go home, I expect that there will be significant changes that will take place in my life. For over 15 years, I have lived an easy and comfortable life as a full-time professor in Davao. This has been the longest period of my life as a priest. The first period was as a missionary in the remote villages and mountains of Mindanao (8 years). The second period was as a scholar in Berkeley and Rome earning my doctorate (6 years). What has made my life bearable and meaningful over the last 15 years was my other involvements outside the classroom - part time pastoral work, BEC promotion, life & peace advocacy, clergy retreats, Christian-Muslim dialogue. For the next period of my life, I want to have more time to do these things. I don't want to be a full-time professor anymore. I want to live a more simple life-style, closer to the people - especially the poor, actively involved in pastoral ministry and forming BECs, continuing my life/peace/environmental advocacy and write and publish my books & articles.

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I still have to work out the details. The second semester of teaching (November to March) will be a period of transition. The major changes will take place after that. What is definite is that I won't be spending the remaining years of my life in the classroom. It will be out in the field, journeying with the Lord's flock.

The next phase of my life will require going outside my comfort zone. It will mean truly making the journey from the mind to the heart. For almost 22 years, the life of the mind or intellect was dominant (six years of getting my doctoral degree, over 15 years of teaching). My extra-academic involvement & pastoral work was secondary. By nature, I am primarily a man of action and emotion - I am more at home working with my heart and hands. But by training, my head has been overdeveloped. I find dealing purely in ideas and abstraction very boring. I need to connect my head, heart and hands.

The challenge that I will face in the next period of my life is how to be more compassionate and caring, and translating theory into praxis. I will have to deal more with people and their day to day concerns and struggles, rather than dealing purely with ideas. It will mean being in fellowship - in communion - with people.

I will continue to be a theologian, but the locus theologicus - place of theologizing will no longer be the ivory tower of the academy - the library and the classroom. It will have to be among the grassroots community as I journey with the people. It won't be enough to just reflect on how God was made manifest in history as recorded in the Sacred Scriptures. It will mean reflecting on how God is made manifest in the life and history of the people today.

From Barefoot Pilgrim to Running Hermit

2010-09-19T20:57:00.007+08:00

This morning, I ran down from my "hermitage" to the Redemptorist monastery in Cebu to join my confreres for meals, check my e-mail, update my blog and get my food supply for the week. It took me one hour and 45 minutes. Yesterday, I ran for five hours in the mountains of Busay and Kan-irag (from 7:30 am to 12:30 pm) with a lot of steep ascents and descents on various paths and trails, in the rain the last one and a half-hour. Tomorrow afternoon, I will be hiking up to Busay - back to my "hermitage."

This is one of the joys of living as an occasional hermit in the mountain of Busay - running in the mountains. I started doing this almost thirty years ago - since I decided to spend time annually in the mountain as an occasional hermit. Besides the time for prayer, reflection, reading, writing and music, I also do a lot of running. This is where I trained for the marathon. I am still doing this as I turn 56 years old, and I expect to be doing this for the next thirty years.

What makes running enjoyable after doing the Camino is that it has become easier and more enjoyable. Since I have lost 15 lbs, I can run faster. My body feels light and I have more endurance and energy (even without breakfast and lunch). I wake up with a resting pulse rate of 43 beats per minute (bpm) - the lowest in my life. The average resting heart rate for many people is 70 bpm. For those who are fit it is 60 bpm, while for marathoners it is usually in the 50s. When I was 30-35 years younger, the lowest I could go was 52 bpm. So this is the "physical blessing" from the Camino. My blood pressure, which used to be high, is lower. I'm not worried about my myocardial ischemia.

I have started my training for the marathon. Here's is my schedule the past week:

Sept. 13 Mon: uphill hike Busay (2 hrs 10 min)

Sept 14 Tues: fartlek-mountain-run (1 hr 40 min)

Sept 15 Wed: easy, barefoot-run (40 minutes), plyometrics, weight training

Sept 16 Thurs: easy- mountain-run (1 hr 45 min)

Sept 17 Frid: rest, 30 minutes walk

Sept 18 Saturday: long/slow-distance mountain run (5 hours)

Sept 19 Sun: easy, downhill run (1 hr 40 min)

In my long runs, I use the Galloway method (a cycle of 9 min run/1 min walk) and the Chi-running styles (incorporating the principles of Taichi and a slight forward lean, with mid/forefoot running). Fartlek is the Swedish term for speed-play (varied pace).

This is the program that I will follow, with some variations, as I prepare for the marathon in 4 months time. Actually, it is not the marathon that I really enjoy - it is the training and preparation, especially the solitary runs.

Meeting old Classmates & Friends

2010-09-13T10:50:00.003+08:00

I ran down this weekend from my "hermitage" to meet my classmate Fr. Claro Conde who arrived from England a few days ago. We started our priestly formation together in 1968 in St. Alphonsus' Minor Seminary and were ordained in 1981. After over a decade as missionary and vocation director here in the Philippines he went to England for a Sabbatical. He returned there a few years later working among migrant Filipinos and other Asians. He has been parish priest for Isle of Wight and has recently been assigned to a new parish in Southampton. He will soon be incardinated in the diocese in England. Although no longer a Redemptorist, he remains a Redemptorist at heart.

So last night, twelve of us - seminary classmates and those belonging to other batches - gathered in the home of Emy (a classmate) for dinner, drink and conversation. We spent most of our time reminiscing about our seminary experiences and sharing about the present. We also had great fun looking at the photographs that I compiled into a photo-movie, especially when we noticed a lot of changes in our appearances (we no longer look as handsome as we were before - and many of us have lost our hair).

Here's what I showed them:

I have been trying to review and reflect on my life's journey. Part of the process is going through the photographs and putting them together as a photo-movie using the Windows Movie-Makre. So I far I have finished the first part: the first 27 years (from childhood to ordination). Going over these pictures I notice the friends and companions I met along the way. They are part of my life and although we no longer travel the same road together now I remember them fondly and thank God for the times we had together. Meeting them occasionally, like last night, was heart-warming.

"Movie-Photo" The Barefoot Pilgrim - Camino de Santiago de Compostela

2010-09-05T23:36:00.010+08:00

I've finally been able to put together the photos that I took during the Camino using the Windows Movie-Maker program. The background music is the song that I composed - Camino Pilgrim Song. Here it is:

I love to watch this video over and over again because it brings back a lot of memories.

I made it to Santiago de Compostela after hiking almost 800 km for 27 days mostly barefoot and at times wearing my sandals when the road got so hot and harsh and on days when my feet needed to recover.

What difference did walking barefoot make to my pilgrimage?

Walking barefoot, inspite the difficulties and pain, has been an extraordinary and profound experience for me. It became a prayerful, meditative and contemplative act. It enabled me to focus my attention on the present moment - on every step I took, the sensation of my feet caressing the ground, and the smell and beauty of nature around me. It was for me an expression of my reverence for the sacredness of the path that I was walking on and my connection with past pilgrims who have walked the Camino for over a thousand years. It made me more aware of the Divine presence, especially that time when in my most painful moments I prayed for healing and felt energy rising from the ground and suddenly taking away the pain in my swollen ankle and shin.

Watching this video over and over again helps me reflect on my own pilgrimage experience.

There are three important phases in a pilgrimage.
The first phase is the preparation - a time for planning and preparing (physically, psychologically and spiritually).
The second phase is the actual pilgrimage itself.
The third phase is the post-pilgrimage stage which includes a time of prayerful reflection, reentry and going home.

The third phase is as important as the first and second phase. We should not rush to go home and forget what we have just experienced. We need time to go over deeply what we have gone through, observe the changes and transformation in ourselves (physically, psychologically, and spiritually) and sum up the lessons and insights that we can bring to our life. This is what I am trying to do as I live in solitude in my hermitage. Hopefully after this period, I can share my experiences with others and apply to my life what I have learned in the Camino.

The Pilgrimage did not end in Santiago de Compostela (the field of stars), it was not the final destiny, neither was the Finisterre (the end of the earth) overlooking the deep blue ocea. Our whole life is a pilgrimage to our final destiny - beyond this life, to the Divine Source of life. Meanwhile, the journey and pilgrimage continues - within ourselves and in our daily struggles to make this world a better place to live in. This message is contained in the song that I composed:

Camino Pilgrim Song

We are pilgrims on a journey
across the mountains and plains of Spain.
We're on our way to Santiago
to the field of stars.

refrain:
Ultreya, onward must we go
Ultreya, to the tomb of Santiago

We are hiking across the Pyrenees
the Meseta and Galicia.
We don't mind the cold and the heat,
the blisters and the muscle pain.

refrain:
Ultreya, onward must we go
Ultreya, to the city of Santiago.

Though we make our own camino
we are never all alone.
we meet friends and companions
on the road and the albergues.

refrain:
Ultreya, onward must we go.
Ultreya, to the field of stars.

We are pilgrims on life's journey
within our mind, heart and soul.
And we grow in the Spirit,
in faith, hope and love.

refrain:
Ultreya, onward must we go.
Ultreya, to our final destiny.

We are pilgrims on a journey
from darkness to light,
to the kingdom of justice,
and peace and of freedom.

refrain:
Ultreya, onward must we go.
Ultreya, to our final destiny.

We are pilgrims on a journey
to our final destiny,
to the home of our Father,
the Son and the Holy Spirit.

refrain:
Ultreya, onward must we go.
Utreya, to our final destiny.

Recording from my Hermitage: Camino Pilgrim Song

2010-08-29T21:31:00.003+08:00

I arrived here in Cebu (Philippines) last Saturday (August 21) and went up to my "hermitage" in Busay on Monday (August 23). Once a week, on Sundays, I come down to the monastery to join my Redemptorist confreres for meals, check my e-mail, and get my food supply for the week. I go back to the hermitage the following day.

I spend most of my time in solitude, silence, prayer, reflection, reading and writing. I also find time to run or walk in the mountains. At night, I play the flute or the violin. Or I sing to myself, accompanied by my guitar. I prepare my own meals (I eat once a day, at night). This is my "sacred space." For the last 29 years, since my ordination, I spend a month or two annualy on this mountain as a hermit.

It is taking sometime to shake off the jet lag. It seems that my body-clock is still following the Camino time. I have difficulty in going to sleep and waking up at the right (Philippine time). My shins are still a bit painful and they require a few more weeks of rest and recovery. Then I start my training program for the marathon which I plan to run in January next year.

The past week, I have been reflecting on my own Camino experience, writing down the insight, learnings and lessons that I have gained. I still have seven more weeks of reflection. Some day, I hope to share the fruits of my reflection.

As I promised, I am posting a recording of the song that I composed while doing the Camino. I recorded this with my cellphone, so I'm doubtful about the quality.

Pilgrim's Progress: The Journey Home

2010-08-20T13:43:00.002+08:00

I arrived here in Rome last week and the following day I went to Milan with my friends Tina & Ed and their companion Nelly. We spent the long weekend there, visiting Lake Como and exploring the old city. During the long drive from Rome to Milan and back, I shared with them my experience about the Camino and taught them the song that I composed. They were so inspired that they decided to do the last part of the Camino (Sarria-Santiago de Compostela) next year.

Tina and Ed are old friends from way back. Ed works at the UN-FAO and Tina (who holds a doctorate in social science from the Gregorian University) organizes leadership/social enterpreneurship training for OFWs in Italy.

I spent the last few days here in Rome recovering. I just walked around the city for 3 hours each day, visiting my favorite places and buying books that I will bring back to the Philippines.

Today at midday, I will take the plane back to Cebu via Doha. I still have over 2 months left in my Sabbatical which I will spend as a hermit in the mountain of Busay. I will have much time reflecting on my Camino experience and preparing for my re-entry to "normal' life.

The journey home is not just a physical journey. It is a continuing inner journey. As the saying goes: the longest journey is the inner journey from the head to the heart.

Camino de Santiago: Pilgrim's Progress

2010-08-11T17:25:00.001+08:00

Greetings from Santiago de Compostela! I finally arrived here at 10 am yesterday after hiking almost 800 km for 27 days starting at the Pyrenees mountains in France, across the plains of Northern Spain and the mountains of Galicia. I've done most of it barefoot, but I also wore my sandals when the trails and roads got harsh and hot especially in the afternoons. The last week week in the Galician region was easier for barefoot hiking due to the cooler climate and a lot forest cover.
The last 3 days was for me an experience of agony and ecstasy. It was agonizing because my right ankle and shin was very painful while hiking through the beautiful forest paths. I cried out to God to take the pain away. Finally the other day I felt a cold air from the ground entering my feet and the pain disappeared. I felt the intimate presence of Someone whom I engaged in a dialogue within my heart. I was crying in the middle of the forest savoring the experience.
Yesterday at 2:30 in the morning I started hiking barefoot to Santiago de Compostella without any pain in my ankle and shin. I gazed at the dark sky and saw the stars. I began to understand the meaning of Compostela - the field of stars. I walked very slowly, savoring every step, knowing this was the last day of my hiking pilgrimage. I reached Santiago at 10 am and lined up outside the Pilgrim's Office. When the pilgrims saw me barefoot they clapped their hands and allowed me to get ahead of the line to get my pilgrim's certificate. I followed Fr. Alessandro - an Italian pilgrim priest I got to know along the way. I was welcomed by John Rafferty at the office who kindly took care of my accomodation for the night and escorted Alessandro and me to the sacristy of the cathedral so that we can concelebrate at the noonday mass. I heard confession before the mass and concelebrated barefoot. I put on my sandals after the mass.
In the evening I had dinner with other pilgrims who became my friends along the way- Ed & Letizia, Angela, David. We shared about our experiences until 11 pm.
This morning I walked barefoot around the center of the city and took a last look at the cathedral. I will be taking the train to Madrid at 1:55 this afternoon.
My pilgrimage has ended but my life's journey continues.
I hope to do this again when I make my Sabbatical 11 years from now during the Xacobeo.

Camino de Santiago: Pilgrim's Progress - The Pilgrim's Song

2010-07-30T19:47:00.002+08:00

Yesterday, I hiked 37 km from El Burgo de Ranero to Leon. This is the longest distance that I have hiked since I started the Camino. I did the whole distance wearing my sandals so I was able to do it more quickly. While walking alone I reflected on my own life's journey focusing on the last 10 years.
I reached the Albergue in Leon by 3:30 pm and was able to get plenty of rest. I was able to meet some pilgrims whom I befriended the last two weeks. I joined some the pilgrims for dinner at a restaurant and we shared our experiences. After the evening prayer with the Benedictine sisters I sat near the garden drinking hot chocolate. A young Spanish woman who heard I am a priest approached me and asked me to hear her confession. I gladly said yes.
I started walking barefoot at 6:15 and after almost 5 hours the road became hotter and harsh so I finally wore my sandals. I was able to cover 27 km. I am now in Martin del Campo.

While hiking I sang the song I composed yesterday:

Pilgrim's Song

We are pilgrims on a journey
Across the mountains & plains of Spain
We're on our way to Santiago
To the field of stars.

Chorus:
Ultreia, onward do we go
Ultreia, to the tomb of St. James

We're hiking across the Pyrenees,
The mesetas and Galicia.
We do not mind the cold & the heat,
The blisters & the muscle pains.

Chorus:
Ultreia, onward do we go
Ulreia, to the city of St. James

As we make our own Camino
We are not all alone
We meet friends & companions
On the road & the albergues.

Chorus:
Ultreia, onward as we go.
Ultreia, to our final destiny.

We are pilgrims on a journey
Within our mind, heart & soul.
And we grow in the Spirit
In faith, hope & love.

Chorus:
Ultreia, onward as we go.
Ultreia, to our final destiny.

We are pilgrims in life`s journey

to our final destiny

to the home of our Father,

his Son and the Holy Spirit.

chorus:

Ultreia, onward do we go

Ultreia, to our final destiny

Camino de Santiago: Pilgrim´s Progress

2010-07-28T19:17:00.004+08:00

Two weeks ago, I started my running/hiking pilgrimage to Santiago de Compostela starting in St. Jean Pied the Port at the foothills of the Pyrenees mountains. The day before, I had took the train from Madrid to Lourdes, France and after spending the night there proceeded to St. Jean.

The first two and a hal-days went very well. I was able to run/hike barefoot across the Pyrenees mountains and the Navarra region, up to Pamplona. The first day as easy due to a lot of grassy surface and and soft forest path. It was also cold up in the mountains. The second day was more agonizing due to the harsh gravel paths. The third day, I was able to hike barefoot up to Pamplona, but in the afternoon the road became too harsh and hot that I had to use my sandals for the first time.

Since the fourth day up to the present, I have done more hiking than running, and less barefoot trekking due to the heat and harsh road conditions. I have to use my sandals more often especially in the afternoons and also when confronted by long stretch of sharp gravel that would hurt my feet. For several days, I have been suffering from a swollen right ankle due to a sprain while running with my sandals. The only way to alleviate the pain is to hike barefoot. So these days I try to do more barefoot hiking, up to four to five hours in the morning before the summer heat is felt.

So far, I have been averaging 30 km per day. Today, I have done around 420 km since I started, more than half the length of the Camino.

The last two weeks on the road has been a time of solitude, prayer and reflection. It is indeed a retreat on foot. It is time of soul-searching, going over my life´s journey, and discerning God´s will for the years to come.

It has also been a time of experiencing friendship and community among other pilgrims, especially in the Albergues at night. I have also been able to celebrate the Eucharist and to listen to other pilgrims share their stories. I have also heard confession and gone to confession (to a fellow pilgrim-priest from Ireland.

Through out the past two weeks I have become acutely aware of the following:

1. My dependence on God´s providence and the kindness of others

2. My own limitations and weaknesses

3. The need to be more flexible, and not to rigidly hold on to my own plans and wants

4. The need to slow down, not to race, because life is not a race but a journey. The slower and relax I am, the more distance I can cover in one day.

5. The presence of God in the beauty I see around me and in other pilgrims I encounter on the way.

I still have 13 more days to go before I reach Santiago de Compostela. I am still at the Meseta - the hottest region in Spain. I hope that by the time I reach the mountains and Galician region where it is cooler, I can do more barefoot trekking. I am planning to do the last stage from Sarria to Santiago totally barefoot. Thus, I have reduced the average distance for those days to 24 km/day.

I continue to remember my loved ones, relatives, friends and confreres in my prayer. I pray and hope that I will reach my destination safely.

Departing for Spain to Begin my Running/Walking Pilgrimage on the Camino de Santiago de Compostela

2010-07-10T02:42:00.009+08:00

This morning, the summer course on Ecumenism and Interreligious Dialogue finally ended here in Rome. Tomorrow, I fly to Madrid for my pilgrimage to Santiago de Compostela. I will spend a couple of days in Madrid and then take the train to Bayonne, France. I will make a side trip to Lourdes and from there go to St. Jean Pied de Port where I will begin my running/walking pilgrimage on the Camino de Santiago. As much as possible, I will cover the 800 km route barefoot like St. Francis and many medieval pilgrims. However, I have a lot of doubts if I can really do it. So, I will wear my sandals when the road gets too harsh or hot. I will be doing some running and also lots of walking breaks. The primary goal is reaching my destination on foot in 26 days and at the same time journeying inward. It will be a mobile spiritual retreat, involving meditation, reflection and prayer. It will also be accompanied by penitential acts (barefoot walking/running and fasting during the day, sleeping under the stars at night most of the time).

During the pilgrimage I will be praying for the following intentions:

(1) for healing - of several friends with cancer and for my own complete healing (hypertension, myocardial ischemia and atherosclerosis)

(2) for a deeper experience and awareness of God's presence in my life, stronger faith and ongoing personal conversion, and discovering God's will for me in the coming years.

(3) for peace in the Philippines (especially Mindanao), and that a final peace agreement will be reached between the Government and the MILF (Moro Islamic Liberation Front), and the Government and the NDF (National Democratic Front).

(4) for the new administration of President Noynoy Aquino - that he will be able to lead the Filipino people in transforming Philippine society, get rid of corruption, bring about peace, justice and progress.

I am aware that this pilgrimage will be a time of grace. I rely on God's providence and the kindness of the strangers I will meet on the way.

This is my planned itinerary:

El Camino de Santiago de Compostela: Itinerary
(July 16, 2010 – Aug 10, 2010)

7/10 Sat: Rome- Madrid (plane)
7/11 Sun: Madrid
7/12 Mon: Madrid
7/13 Tues: Madrid-Lourdes (train)
7/14Wed: Lourdes
7/15 Thu: Lourdes-St. Jean Pied de Port (train)
-

7/16-8/10 - running/walking pilgrimage

-
7/16 Fri: St. Jean Pied de Port – Roncesvalles (27 k) albergue 6E
7/17 Sat: Roncesvalles – Larrasoana (27.6 ) albergue 6E
7/18 Sun: Larrasoana – Uterga (31.6) camping
7/19 Mon: Uterga– Ayegui (30.9) albergue 6E
7/20 Tue: Ayegui- Viana (36.9) albergue D
7/21Wed: Viana – Ventosa (27.8) camping
7/22Thu: Ventosa – Santo Domingo de la Calzada (31.5) albergue D/ or camping
7/23 Fri: Santo Domingo de la Calzada – Tosantos (28.1) algergue D
7/24 Sat: Tosantos – Cardenuela Rio Pico (31.2) camping
7/25 Sun: Cardenuela Rio Pico –Hornillos del Camino (33.7) albergue 5E
7/26 Hornillos del Camino – Itero de la Vega (30.7) albergue 3E
7/27 Tue: Mon: Itero de la Vega- Carrion de los Condes (32.7) camping
7/28 Wed: Carrion de los Condes – Moratinos (29.4) albergue D
7/29 Thu: Moratinos – El Burgo Ranero (27.2) albergue D
7/30 Fri: El Burgo Ranero – Arcahueja (29): camping
7/31 Sat: Arcahueja – Villar de Mazarife (31) albergue 7E
8/1 Sun: Villar de Mazarife – Astorga (29) Redemptorists
8/2 Mon: Astorga – Foncebadon (25.9) albergue D/camping
8/3 Tues: Foncebadon- Ponferrada (27.2) albergue D
8/4 Wed: Ponferrada-Trabadelo (32.3) albergue 6E
8/5 Thu: Trabadelo – Fonfria (30.4) camping
8/6 Fri: Fonfria- Sarria (33.6) camping
8/7 Sat: Sarria- Gonzar (30.5) albergue 5E or camping
8/8 Sun: Gonzar – Melide (31.3) camping
8/9 Mon: Melide – Santa Irene (30.7) albergue 5E or camping
8/10 Tue: Santa Irene – Santiago de Compostela (22.1) albergue 12 E
-
8/11 Wed: Santiago-Madrid
8/12 Thu: Madrid
8/13 Fri: Madrid-Rome

(I am not sure if I can blog regularly while on pilgrimage. Access to the internet will be limited)