Journal notes
I remember three features of our journey to the Marian site Regina RICA: the grand image of the blessed Mother, the sprawling ground, and the church that was being built.
The religious sisters managing the contemplation center gave a briefing, at the foot of the colossal image. Here, the fringe of the Blessed Mother’s mantle peeked, creating a nestling sensation from her. My attention was also drawn by the serene surroundings, reminding any pilgrim that this was a contemplation haven and not a tourist site. After the briefing, the pilgrims were allowed up the staircase within the image, and on the platform where the Blessed Mother stands, was a glass-walled contemplation room. Here, my fellow DNFI pilgrims and I sat on the floor for quiet personal prayers. Having the contemplation center’s highlight by the entrance (with just a bit of walking) was effective – it sets the spiritual tone of the visit.
The estate was so huge and was still undergoing development. The DNFI pilgrims embarked on a walk, with some inclining paths, imagining the flowers that would bloom, the trees that would stand, and the structures that would emerge to make the contemplation center an awesomely enchanting sight. The long winding, up and down trek, was quite enjoyable and not tiring. I think it was because of the calming air of the place.
At the time of our visit in 2012, the church was just going to be built. There was a donation system – purchase a floor tile. The donors could actually write their names on the tiles. I thought that was a bit awkward to have your name on the church floor – either it was a bit of self-advertising or it might be like tombstones you would see inside the very old Spanish-built churches in old Philippine towns. Instead, I donated the tile in honor of my favorite saint, my guiding saint – Saint Alphonsus Maria de Liguori. When we revisit the center, I shall look for this tile.
Like my usual practice when we are visiting pilgrimage sites, I wandered away from the group to take photos of the religious icons as well as sceneries that I found interesting in the vast property where the Regina Rosarii was located. In my purposeless walk, I chanced upon a religious figure whose pose I found interesting because it was different from the usual way saints or holy ones were depicted. There was no identification on the statue so I have no way of knowing who she was. She was bent to the right as if whispering to somebody. Her right hand which was up formed an OK gesture. She held in her left hand a sign that says “All Shall Be Well”. I totally agree with her even if we were strangers to each other. All shall be well when one has total and absolute faith in God. God is always here for me though I have many shortcomings. Every day, I am in awe of the love and goodness of God’s heart. After eight years, I found out that the statue was of Saint Juliana of Norwich, mystic and author of the book “Revelations of Divine Love”. By the way, I also chanced upon Ailyn, whom I asked to take a photo of me and the saint.
I can vividly remember that I cried while praying inside the chapel of Regina Rosarii. I felt that I was under the mantle of protection of our Mother as I pour out my emotions in my prayers. Thereafter, a photo was taken with Saint Juliana of Norwich. It was quite reassuring because it has a quote, which says: “All shall be well”.