From Apayao
Media
Part of The Little Apostle of the Mountain Province
- Title
- From Apayao
- Language
- English
- Source
- The Little Apostle of the Mountain Province XIX (9) May 1950
- Year
- 1950
- Subject
- Catholic Church
- Christianity and culture
- Rights
-
- Fulltext
- From APAYAO VANDAELE FARAWAY BAYAG A good horse took us to Bayag in exactly two days. The people were celebrating their town-fiesta and doubly rejoiced because the Father had come to visit the Christian community of Bayag. When we left the forest of Langnao, we could see Bayag in the distance. Two buildings attracted my attention: a big schoolbuilding, the most beautiful of Apayao, and the new chapel-the pearl of Bayag (see top picture). We hurriedly crossed the river and were instantly surrounded by the people. Their faces beamed with joy and proudly we -12proceeded to the house of the zealous catechist, Joaquin. San Jose didn't give us fine weather; yet the games and programs were a real success. A good lunch was served to which we did honor Those were four happy days for me. Many children were baptized and I noticed a certain spiritual revival. With the help of San Jose and the prayers of the Christians who daily recite the rosary, a time mav come when the 3756 souls from Bayag will have a Father in their midst. That will be a triumph for Bayag. Andres Vandaele • THE FIRST FRUITS IN MY BARRIO, BALIW ANAN It was a Monday morning, when all the people came down from their scattered hills to the schoolbuilding, where they were waiting for the arrival of the Father. The weather was bad; yet the parents came with their children. In the afternoon, the Father, together with his catechist and his boy, arrived from Kabugao (Apayao). After a good cup of coffee and after the lesson of the Maestra, I entered the classroom to give my religious instruction. A few minutes later the Father too came in. I recommendeel him four boys and three girls for examination. Being very clear and correct in their answers, they were admitted for baptism. The same afternoon two couples were united in holy matrimony. The following morning, the Father said H. Mass in the schoolbuilding. I think that the whole barrio was present. Sixteen of us received Holy Communion. It was the first time that we were so many. Deo Gratias! After the Mass the Father gave a short instruction and congratulated our barrio of Baliwanan for being one of the leading barrios of the Kabugao Mission. Mrs. Cuntapay, our kind teacher, offered the First Communicants a delicious breakfast in her quarters. The children received some pictures from the Father and a small crucifix as a remembrance of their First Holy Communion. All of them were very glad when they received a rosary from their Maestra. That were the first fruits of the religious instruction I have given in my own barrio. With the help of God's grace and the prayers of all Mission Friends, especially the prayers of Sister Michaela-a native of our barrio and the only religious Sister of ILONGOT MAN PHOTO MORICE VANOVERBERGH Kabugao- , I hope to increase the number of Catholics in my barrio so that Baliwanan may soon be called "The Pearl of the Kabugao Mission." VICENTE BINUNAG Catechist Teacher in Baliwanan When speaking about "his boys" who were the raggamuffins he had salvaged from the streets, the homeless boys he always befriended, the many youths facing a moral crisis in their lives, Don Bosco used to speak with a sincerity that came straight from the heart. "I will never shirk a sacrifice for these boys, and I will give every drop of my blood to save them." -" Don Bosco Bulletin" - 13