In line with its “Bibliya sa Kada Pamilya” program, the
Pauline Family in Iloilo City went on a Bible Mission to the Sta. Teresa De Avila
Parish in Carles, Iloilo last February 9, 2019.
The mission group, led by Fr. Jerome Palma, ssp and Sr. Reajoy San Luis,
fsp, is composed of Sr Maricor Mercurio, fsp, Dawn Sotelo, Vee Ramirez,
and Pauline Cooperators Regine Areno, Sit Sumayo, Haide Soliva, Susan Diamante,
and Fleur Mallada. The mission had the
full support of Fr. Joel Rudi, parish priest of Carles, who arranged mission
logistics in Carles.
Carles is the northernmost town of the province of Iloilo,
about 142 km from the capital, Iloilo City, and includes fourteen islands and
islets. Some of these islands are too
remote that priests are only able to visit one Sunday in a month to celebrate
the Holy Mass. These islands are divided
into barangays, most with their own chapel and a chapel coordinator. Fr. Rudi had the chapel coordinators select
worthy parishioners from their barangays to receive Bibles. The group distributed 132 Hiligaynon Bibles
and daily scripture reading guides to parishioners so that they will have access
to the Word of God at any given time.
The group left Iloilo City the day before the mission, as it
takes 3 hours by land and another 1.5 hours by boat to reach the mission site. Mission site was Gigantes Norte Island. Fr. Rudi asked Bible recipients from other
island barangays to converge in this island, at the Granada National High
School gym.
Mission day, February 9, started early for the group. They were at the venue at 7 am to set-up the Bible altar as well as the screen and projector. The chapel coordinators and youth volunteers from the Isla Gigantes Choir helped in the physical arrangement of the venue. Registration started at 8 am. The Isla Gigantes Choir also led the participants in energizer activities.
The actual mission started with a Bible Enthronement rite, which
included a Bible being brought to the altar in procession and Fr. Jerome reading
a gospel passage. Fr. Jerome then
blessed all the Bibles. These Bibles, with
daily scripture reading guides, were then given to the parishioners.
Fr. Jerome then gave a spirited Bible Animation. He introduced the Bible, the books of the Old
and the New Testament, and imparted other biblical knowledge.
Lectio Divina followed.
Participants were divided into groups of 10, where they continued to
learn how to use the daily scripture reading guides, how to look up passages in
the bible, and the prayers before and after the reading of scripture. Emphasis was placed on the repeated slow
reading of Bible passages and to meditate on the Word of God. Several participants shared personal
reflections on what they just read as well as life stories of faith and
healing. They were appreciative of
receiving the Bibles, especially the youth participants who showed eagerness to
learn because religion is not taught in local public schools.
The mission culminated with the handing out of a Promise
certificate, wherein each recipient pledges 5-10 minutes each day to read and
reflect on the Word of God, and a community lunch.
