DMII Davao on a Pilgrimage of Hope

The Daughters of Mary Immaculate International (DMII) 23rd Biennial Convention held last August 16 in Baguio City has given way to the member-delegates of 160 from the region of Davao to take on a pilgrimage to places with historic and religious significance along the way to Baguio. In separate routes, some chose to proceed to Ilocos, others to Pangasian, while the thirty of us to Bataan. Leaving Davao two days ahead of the scheduled event, the travel of sixteen hours was never easy for us DMIs who are mostly seniors. From arrival at Pasay, we began hitting the road to the pilgrim sites. Navigating through the long and winding road from morning to midnight, the travel was an occasion of bonding and deep prayer trusting God through Mary the protection we ask throughout this journey.

Every stop at the churches of destination was a sense of awe and wonder at the intent gaze to the centuries-old structures with its inherent beauty. Built in gothic architecture already reflects its era of creation, but old as it is, it stands in its distinct, timeless character owing reverence from anyone around.

These age-old churches we are referring to where we paid homage are known as the Seven Heritage Churches of Eastern Bataan built and maintained by the Dominican Friars during the Spanish colonial era (while the coastal towns at the west side of Bataan by the Augustinian Recollects).

St. Peter of Verona in Hermosa for one was built by the Dominican friars in 1717. It was said that this church was damaged by earthquakes and fire several times but was eventually restored while preserving its classic baroque style.

The St. Joseph Cathedral in Balanga was built in 1714 at first as a Mission Center of the Dominicans and later became the first church built in 1739 as a parish under St. Joseph and later became a cathedral in 1975, the seat of the Diocese of Balanga.

The Saint Catherine of Sienna in Samal, Bataan, a more than 400-year-old Church built in 1596 was also established by the Dominicans. It is said that there are three original images of Saint Catherine of Sienna housed in this church and one image believed to be the oldest (more than 400 years) is still sturdy, the face and the eyes still look glowing but the body already shows traces of termite infestation.

So, the list goes on of more churches in our itinerary that speak for itself the rich cultural heritage and tradition handed down through generations shaping the historical identity of Bataan in high esteem.

Slowly drawn into inspiration by the depth of this encounter contemplating the lives of our saints and our Filipino brothers who died martyrs in fighting for Christianity in the country, there moved in our interiority some sense of transcendence, a renewed sense of meaning of what it really takes to be Christians, and how to truly become daughters of Mary; that a more integrated self may demand greater sensitivity for others and embrace the fiat of Mary in our call to mission.

It was already dusk when we ended the first day of our pilgrimage. Waking up the next day to continue the journey to other pilgrim sites would might be a different day, a day with glimpse of hope when our life’s perspectives renewed, visions seen with clarity of purpose, and life values redefined.

Romans Chapter 5 Verse 5 teaches us that “hope does not disappoint it being rooted in the love of God.” To Mary we say, “Thank you, Mary, our Mother, for walking with us to the direction of your Son Jesus.” In the mission thrusts mandated to the DMII, we pray that we, daughters, may live a life in the example of our Blessed Mother and become like her as beacon of hope. Amen. (Cynthia Chu)