Participants from Leyte line up prior to the start of the long walk.
"The harvest is great but the laborers are few."
Around 280 pilgrims from different parts of the country attended this year’s pilgrimage. Participants from Manila, Iloilo, Bacolod, Cebu, Bohol, Leyte, Cagayan, Surigao, Gensan, Marbel, Davao, Zamboanga converge in one place for the yearly event.
Just as in the past pilgrimages, this year’s pilgrimage was started with a Solemn High Mass offered by Rev. Fr. Conraad Daniels at Rizal Park in Tagbilaran City around 6am. Four priests attended the pilgrimage:
Fr. Albert Ghela- pilgrimage chaplain
Fr. Conraad Daniels- vocations director, St. Bernard Novitiate
Fr. Aurelito Cacho
Fr. Francois Chazal
EVENING ACTIVITIES
First Night- Catechism Quiz Bowl
This was a new activity in the history of the annual pilgrimage. Each Mass center sent in three members to compose a team. They worked together to answer questions in different levels (Easy, Moderate and Difficult), each level was composed of 5 randomly picked questions which were read by the priests who also served as moderators. In between the levels, trivia questions were being raised for the audience to answer. The sisters and aspirants from the House of Bethany, under the tutelage of Sis. Maria Conception, gave an instrumental and song presentation after the quiz bowl.
Second Night- Folk Song Festival
A total of 10 groups joined the contest. The brothers and aspirants from St. Bernard Novitiate together with Fr. Daniels gave a special presentation that night which was about the (serious and sometimes amusing) life in the religious community. The evening was also highlighted by Gensan’s contest piece which included the special participation of Mathilde. She and Sylvia are volunteers of ACIM-Asia who came all the way from France. She readily volunteered to act as a graceful Filipina being serenaded by young men, a custom that’s fast declining in this modern society.
Third Night- Marian Song Festival
This was a night of heavenly Marian songs. All groups presented their best Marian pieces. It was highlighted by Surigao’s two staunch performers. They were both in their prime ages already but they captured the audience with their longest Marian piece. The audience even joined them in singing.
By far, this year’s pilgrimage has the most number of contestants and with the most number of trophies and certificates given out. The three evening activities were ended with a short conference about vocations, which is the main theme of the pilgrimage. Frs. Daniels, Chazal and Cacho were the speakers, respectively. Fr. Daniels opened his conference with a question, “What does God want of you?” which he would usually ask to young boys in summer camps. And their answer would be, “Huh?!” According to him, this speaks for us all in which we find it hard to answer such basic question. The other two priests talked about the importance of vocations and the need for more vocations especially in this time of great trial in the Church.
The new Chief Captain, Seymour Apalisok who replaced Jerwin Aguinaldo last January 5, 2010, visited the province of Iloilo from February 5-10, 2010. It served as his first official visit to Miraculous Medal clan in Jaro, Iloilo City after being re-instated to the position.
He stayed mainly in St. Bernard Novitiate and was able to talk with former AoM members who are trying their vocation and with the brothers who are also former members of the League. He joined the meeting of Miraculous Medal clan which took place Sunday afternoon after the Holy Mass. As it is quite clear that the members are decreasing, there is much hope in the said clan under the captainship of Robert Patriarca. After the normal meeting procedure, the Chief Captain talked about the upcoming pilgrimage and assigned them to handle the registration committee. He also exhorted them to remain firm, obedient and courageous; to continue with the weekly meeting and monthly apostolate (children catechism); and to also participate actively in church activities.
Jed reports on "Sins Against Faith" from My Catholic Faith as members listen on.
The Chief Captain has arranged with the local chaplain (and thanks to his offer!), Rev. Fr. Aurelito Cacho to help the clan in its fund raising activity for the upcoming pilgrimage by cleaning the church on their free time and get paid!
From left to right: Jed, Rey, Seymour, Robert, Yvonne and Mary Rose
The clan is also tasked to communicate with other clans in the area (Mambusao, Bacolod and Sta. Barbara) and help each other in sustaining the life of the clan through constant meeting and activities, of course without forgetting their duties of state.
January 18 the Chief Captain met the members and aspirants of the Miraculous Medal Clan – Jaro, Iloilo.
January 23 Chief Captain Jerwin Aguinaldo and National Sec. Yolly Eileen Gamutan attended Bioethics Convention at St. Louis University in Baguio City organized by the Catholic Physicians Guild of the Philippines. The said event was also attended by some members of ACIM – Asia. After the convention the team was selling books like My Catholic Faith, The Great Heresies and about the Tridentine Latin Mass.
January 30 – February 2 Baguio Mission with Fr. Suelo. The Chief Captain followed up the members of the Lourdes Clan. Also, he met the doctor of St. Louis University Hospital to discuss about the Latin Mass.
FEBRUARY
February 5 – 6 (until noon) The Chief Captain and ACIM Asia Secretary attended the 16th Postgraduate Course in Bioethics at University of Sto. Tomas Manila, which was also attended by medical practitioners and members of religious communities.
February 6 (afternoon) The Chief Captain attended the 4th Annual Convention of the Bioethics Society of the Philippines at the University of Sto. Tomas College of Medicine with the theme “Upholding Inviolability of Human Life”. Many pro-life health professionals and other religious organizations attended the said convention.
February 7 Fr. Couture said a Mass at 4:00 am assisted by the Chief Captain. After taking breakfast, some faithful joined Fr. Couture in Zambales to distribute rice and canned goods to the Aetas community.
February 21 – 29 All clans did the Novena to the Holy Ghost for the 11th Anniversary of the League.
February 22 Launching of the spiritual bouquet to stop the reproductive health bills in Congress.
February 26 Reproduction of the Spiritual Bouquet Forms
February 27 – March 2 Baguio Mission with Fr. Suelo. The Chief talked again with the doctor at SLU hospital. He also gave a short conference on the End of Man to members of Lourdes Clan and briefed them about the upcoming National Pilgrimage.
MARCH
March 1 11th Anniversary of the League. The clans did a short pilgrimage, procession or apostolate to commemorate the said occasion.
March 10 – 18 The League offered a novena to St. Joseph for the conversion of souls and for the success of the 8th National Youth Pilgrimage.
March 18 The Chief Captain arrived in Bohol to prepare the National Pilgrimage, meet the pilgrimage committee, and the members of San Jose Clan.
March 19 The Chief Captain visited the Cathedral of St. Joseph in the Diocese of Tagbilaran.
March 25 Annunciation of the Blessed Virgin Mary. All clans did a raffle of good works.
March 28 The Chief Captain gave a conference regarding the 4 temperaments in the municipality of Baclayon in Bohol, which was attended by 15 youth.
APRIL
April 4 The Chief Captain met the National Treasurer and the Vice Chief Captain in Cebu. They discussed the situation of the youth there in Cebu. Also, they discussed the issue of the lifting of ex-communication of the Society of St. Pius X.
April 5 Psalm Sunday. The Chief Captain attended a Mass in Dagohoy. The Sung Mass was offered by Fr. Ghela. After the Mass, the Chief Captain met the youth there and encouraged them to join the Apostles of Mary.
April 8-12 The members of San Jose Clan, some faithful from Bohol and the Chief Captain traveled to Cebu for the Holy Week Ceremony. On free time they prepared the souvenirs for the pilgrimage. On Black Saturday, they visited eight churches.
April 27 The Chief Captain went to the bishop’s residence to set an appointment with the Bishop of the Diocese of Tagbilaran to discuss the upcoming national pilgrimage and to ask permission from him to allow us to say Mass at the Cathedral and at Loboc Church.
April 29 Fr. Albert Ghela and the Chief Captain spoke to the Bishop of the Diocese of Tagbilaran regarding the said pilgrimage.
April 30 The permission was released through an official letter from Msgr. Jeffrey Malanog, JCL.
The Roman Catholic Bishop of Tagbilaran
Bishop's Residence, Tagbilaran City, 6300 Bohol, Philippines
PERMISSION
This is to convey the permission granted by Bishop Medroso to JERWIN AGUINALDO, Chief Captain of the Apostles of Mary Catholic Youth League of the Philippines, on the occasion of thier 8th National Youth Pilgrimage on May 7 - 9, 2009 from Tagbilaran City to Carmen, Bohol to visit and come by the different churches along their itinerary. They have come to my office and discussed with me about the purpose of thier visit. Hence, I can attest and vouch for the integrity and veracity of thier activities as group belonging to the Apostles of Mary. Please welcome him and his group whenever they will drop by your parish church.
Given this at the chancery office of the Diocese of Tagbilaran on April 30, 2009
Sgd:
Msgr. Jeffrey P. Malanog, JCL
Vicar General
MAY
May 7- 108th National Youth Pilgrimage.
The event was attended by more than 350 youth and adults from different parts of the country.
The League wishes to thank all the sponsors who helped in the success of the annual event. Special thanks to the following:
* Mayor Leon Calipusan of Loboc for allowing us to use the Loboc Gym for 2 nights and for safety and security of the pilgrims.
* Philippine Red Cross Bohol Chapter through Jacinto Quimson, RMT, Officer in Charge, for first aid and medical assistance for the entire pilgrimage. We were provided with 3 volunteers and 1 ambulance.
* Philippine Army through Lt. Col. Alfredo Sanchez, Commanding Officer, for the 2 big tents (which could accommodate 50 persons per tent). His men even volunteered to set-up and dismantle the tents.
* PNP Batuan, headed by SPO4 Gamaliel Merlas, Commander, for providing security of the pilgrims during the pilgrimage. They served as traffic marshals.
* PNP Carmen, which provided the same free service to the pilgrims.
* Msgr. Jeffrey Manalog, JCL, Vicar General and Bishop Medroso, Diocese of Tagbilaran, for allowing us to visit and enter different churches and parishes.
* Our gratitude also to the sponsor of the trophies, Mr. Lito Geronimo, who also sponsored last year's trophies.
May 12 – 16 Formation Session. Fr. Ghela served as the chaplain for the formation, assisted by some brothers who were former AoM members.
May 21 The Chief Captain visited the camp of the Philippine Army in Bilar, Bohol to express his gratitude to the commanding officer for their generous support to the national pilgrimage. As thanksgiving, the Chief Captain offered a bottle of wine and the book on the life of President Garcia Moreno to the public relation officer of the Army. Also, he met the school principal of Loboc Central Elementary school to extend his gratitude in behalf of the League.
The members of Apostles of Mary in Manila is joining the Medical Mission conducted by ACIM-Asia. The team is spearheaded by Dr. Roel Cagape, MD from Gensan who has been giving free consultations and check up to patients and victims of Typhoon Ondoy since October 3, 2009. He is accompanied by three French volunteers namely, Maladi, Blandine and Perrine who arrived in the Philippines months ago to help in the activites of ACIM-Asia. The medical team has served the following barangays: Brgy. Tanong, Marikina; Brgy. Malanday, Marikina; Brgy. Tatalon, Quezon City; Brgy. Tumana, Marikina (2 days). Next week, the team will go to the following areas with their corresponding schedules: October 12, MONDAY- Brgy. Bagong Silangan, QC October 13, TUESDAY- Brgy. Gulod, QC October 15, THURSDAY- San Mateo, Rizal
For these events, we need volunteers such as doctors, nurses and students to help us in the medical mission. There are hundreds of patients who need our assistance and we need enough manpower to be able to serve as more patients as possible in a day. Due gratitude is given to all those who have been supporting our cause. We shall be publishing the names of the generous people who shared their time and skills with ACIM-Asia in the coming days.
Contact the following for the schedules:
Dr. Roel Cagape- 09213071365 Jerwin Aguinaldo- 09278736352
October 3, 2009- The faithful of Our Lady of Victories Church through the leadership of Fr. Adam Purdy, the church prior, conducted a relief operation to the victims of Typhoon Ondoy in Brgy. Tanong, Marikina. The group distributed canned goods, bottled water, rice, noodles and even rosaries to almost 400 residents of the said place. Members from the Apostles of Mary, Cristeros and Junior Legionaries came the day before to repack the goods and distribute tickets to the residents of Brgy. Tanong. The said team were joined in by members ofKnights of Our Ladythe following day for the distribution.
There is always a spiritual in every activity and just as the priests from OLVC wanted to take the opportunity to spread the influence of Catholicism, Fr. Dolotina and Fr. Suelo baptized at least 15 babies from the same site. We welcome those children to the Christian world and may they grow and remain Catholics!
Msgr. Tissier de Mallerais visits our Lady of Victories Church to conduct Confirmation to 29 children (20 boys; 9 girls) in November 15, 2009. The ceremony started at 8 AM which was immdediately followed with Pontifical Mass. He was assisted by Frs. Adam Purdy and Roy Dolotina. The AoM was there not only to witness the ceremony but also to serve in the Mass and to sing in the choir.
The Mt. Carmel Clan had their meeting in the afternoon. After the reporting, Fr. Dolotina joined the group to teach them French songs: Je Mets Ma Confiance and another version of Je Vous Salue.
The group learned that Msgr. Mallerais was walking down the school hall so they took the opportunity to meet and talk with him. Then the group sang the French songs which they have just learned. It was a very nice experience for having kissed his hands and have a photo with him.
Msgr. Mallerais smiles for the camera.
The clan introduced itself to the Bishop then offered French songs to him. He gave short explanations and story on the songs the clan presented.
Msgr. Mallerais and the members of Mt. Carmel Clan had a short chitchat. It was short but memorable. He learned that our group was founded by Fr. Marc Vernoy, a French priest.
The group, here with Fr. Dolotina, poses with Msgr. Tissier de Mallerais.
May 12-16, 2009- Bohol, Philippines. Youth from the provinces of Bohol, Mambusao, Zamboanga City and Baguio City attended a 5-day formation session after the pilgrimage. It was held in two different venues: in La Paz, Cortes and in Panglao island.
The formation session involved conferences, film showing, outing and of course hearing of the Holy sacrifice of the Mass for the formation and development of the Four Foundations of the League to the participants namely, interior life, study, charity and apostolic action. Below are the speakers with their corresponding topics:
Fr. Albert Ghela- Maturity, Responsibility, Salvation of Soul.
Jerwin Aguinaldo- Four Foundations, Law and Apostolate, History of the League, AoM Constitution, Rules and Regulations.
Eleazar Rabon- Catechism on the Holy Mass.
Renalyn- On Marian Modesty.
Br. Andre-Singing and Choir practice.
Br. Theophane- Serving in the Mass.
Br. Isidore- Devotion to Mary.
A film showing on "The Mission" was also conducted, which was a story about the Jesuit mission in tribal areas that eventually became a Catholic community. While eating, the participants also listened to "Illiad and the Odyssey" by Dr. David Allen White.
Other than listening to a series of conferences, the participants were also given specific tasks as part of their training and formation like cleaning, washing the dishes, preparing the altar for the Mass,etc. As a tradition, a bonfire was set on the last night of the formation session and on the following day, the group went for an outing at Balicasag and Virgin Islands, where they had the chance to see dolphins, who were as eager to see them.
Please keep visiting our site for upcoming activities.
Be One Of Us!
Young Men and Women, Single, 17 - 30 years old are invited to join the Apostles of Mary in proclaiming the Truth and in restoring the True Faith in the Catholic Church.
