We left our hearts in Caceres

Day 6, Caceres: 14 August 2011

                The journey continues... so far, it has been both joyous and challenging. My children and I have been blessed by being given the chance to be here, together. It is an opportunity that may never come again and thus, I am determined to make the most out of this pilgrimage to strengthen not only our filial bonds but also our connection to our Catholic faith.

            
               Today, the Cubao pilgrims joined in the celebration of the Holy Mass with the community and the families from the Parish of Beato Spinola which hosted our group for the Days in the Diocese. We were asked to lead in the singing of some of the mass songs. Thus, we chose to sing “Purihin ang Panginoon” which we had learned to sing with parts in Spanish, English, and Filipino. Other songs were either in Filipino or English and the final song was “Firmes en la Fe” which was of course, in Spanish. The three languages used in song and worship taught me that language and culture are not barriers in worshiping the Lord all together owing to the universal character of the rituals of the mass. Our singing during the mass was also a beautiful way of not only sharing our music but showing our gratitude for all the parishioners have given us. Even if all of us have individual and cultural differences, we understand the meaning of loving our fellowmen because that is what Christ expects of us as Christians.

                I was especially touched at how the parting from our host families was an emotional one for many of us. It shouldn’t have come as a surprise for us Filipinos who were they treated with utmost care and generosity. We realized then that Filipinos cannot have a sole claim on the virtue of hospitality! But what was more heart-tugging was the scene of some members of our host families tearfully saying good-bye, seemingly so sad to see us go. I could just surmise (and hope) that we had also made a positive impression on them and all of us had managed, in just a few days, to create a special and loving bond with the Spaniards in Caceres.  

      
               Our stay was also insightful for many of us who observed the little details of how the Caceres families live from day to day, the food they eat, the homes they stay in, and how they relate with members of their families. It was educational in a way that we discovered our differences with them but more important, our similarities with the descendants of our Spanish colonizers. It was exciting to be able to communicate with them using only my elementary-level knowledge of their language. This gap didn’t stop them from conveying not only information (thanks to Google Translate!) to us, but made evident their interest in learning more about our country, our culture, and our brand of Catholicism.   Our beautiful experience in Caceres will always be with all of us, no doubt about it! I believe that it has broadened our world, enriched our minds, and strengthened our spirits!