Sunday Thanksgiving: Graceful Spiritual Service to the People

Our Lady of Perpetual Help Parish, Sitio Lomboy, Linambasan, Jamindan, Capiz

When called upon by God, one has to act on it. Our Divine calling is our mission to accomplish on Earth. Our purpose is to serve for the Glory of God, our creator, and to be of service to our brothers and sisters in Christ—his beloved son. This is a fundamental church teaching, and we as a family should walk through the path of Divine love and light.

I was born and raised as a Christian and have developed a Christ-centered consciousness. I grew up and instilled Christian values and virtues through the church and formal education. I still recall the teachings and beautiful memories the Christian faith taught me. Back then, my mother encouraged us to celebrate Sunday mass as a kid. That would have raised consciousness about the importance of religion and actively being involved in activities initiated by the church. 

I didn't grow up to be very religious or a devoted Christian. In fact, I have learned to witness and observe other religions and emulate their ways—their faith and actions. It wasn't bad after all! I have learned to accept other faiths and respect them as human beings rather than hate them for having a different creed. 

I was born and baptized as a Roman Catholic, but I have also been exposed to other Christian faiths: the Baptist, Born Again, Aglipay Church, and Jehova's Witnesses. I have learned to embrace them, even for a short period. In my travels abroad, I have also been exposed to different religions: Hinduism, Buddhism, and the Bahai Faith; however, it didn't affect my faith. I didn't question my Catholic beliefs, but it has strengthened my confidence even more. 

God will touch our spirit either for renewal or for more remarkable service. There will always be somebody who will lead the way and start it all—somebody who has been touched by the Holy Spirit—a Priest, a Catholic devotee, a religious community. At some point in our lives, we have been called to act on our faith and become like Peter when he said, "Upon this rock, I will build my church." That is the beginning of a community founded by Christ. 

The Archdiocese of Our Lady of Perpetual Help in Sitio Lomboy, Barangay Linambasan, is more than just a church. It's a spiritual home, a Divine sanctuary built by the faithful. The first mass was celebrated in July 2012, with Reverend Father John Denosta as the first-ever priest assigned to lead the church. What started as a mission station has blossomed into an Archdiocese, which was declared as such in January 2018. 

It was six years of solidarity, compassion, and service to the people, and this legacy will last a lifetime. Generations will come, and the church will become more vital than ever. Every year, we see significant change, and the faithful build a more beautiful church reflectingBeing part of this community,  their Divinity.

Good Friday procession in 2015

Our Divine Mother of Christ would hear us and pray for our intentions. In times of crisis, we call upon the Divine, and through the intercession of Our Lady of Perpetual Help, her children will be comforted in peace and hope. For about 6 years, the church has become a haven for everyone seeking renewal, a peaceful sanctuary, and a place to feel deeply involved in a spiritual community. 

The faithful must continue spreading the good news and will continue serving with all their love and energy. The church is for everyone, and this gift from God will shower blessings on those who believe, share, and serve. May the Divine love and light be our source of salvation and guide us to living an eternal life forever and ever.

© 2018 Del Cusay

👉 Our Lady of Perpetual Help Parish: Heaven on Earth