Retired Judge Norma Chionglo-Sia from Lucena City reminds us of  the apparition of  the Blessed Mother to eight children in Cabra islet 47 years ago, in December 1966.   The children were pupils  at the Cabra Elementary School in Lubang, Occidental Mindoro.

Judge Sia wrote: “To date, I understand that Bishop Antonio Palang of the Vicariate of San Jose, Occidental Mindoro, which has jurisdiction over Cabra Islet, has allowed Mass to be said in the little chapel on the hill. The village is  raising funds for the completion of the convent for a resident priest.”

Bishop Palang is also asking for written testimonies from devotees of Our Lady of Cabra about their experiences during the period from 1966 to 1972.

Those willing to share their experiences may send them to Bishop Palang in San Jose, Occidental Mindoro, or to retired Judge Norma Chionglo-Sia, San Jose St., Marilag Village, Lucena City.  Or text her daughter Grace Sia-Llamas at 0917-5608109.

‘Build a church for me’

One of the requests of the Blessed Mother to the principal seer Belinda Villas  was “to have a church built” on the apparition hill “30 meters wide.”

When asked about the purpose of her earthly visitation, the vision had said: “Ang mundo ay nasa kasalanan at ibig ko na ang mga tao ay magbalik sa kabanalan (the world is in sin and I want the people to return to the path of holiness).”

In 1966, eight girls, aged 10-12, claimed to have seen the Virgin  in Cabra while  on their way home from school, on a hill called Burol.  They told their Religion teacher,  Paraluman Roque, what they saw. The teacher told them to bring holy water to protect themselves against bad spirits as they passed the hill.

What struck the teacher was the account of the girls that the “nun” seemed to be afloat two feet above the ground, wore a blue veil, and was in white.

That same afternoon after class, they told Roque that when the “nun” appeared, they threw the bottle of holy water at her, but the image did not go away. She even seemed to play a game with them, covering their eyes with her mantle.

The next day,  Dec. 7, 1966, Roque decided to hold her religion  class in Burol, with the other teachers as the news  had spread like wildfire in school. They sang hymns and prayed the three mysteries of  the rosary.

At the end of the last mystery, the vision appeared, but only to the girls. Belinda Villas, the principal seer, spoke first.

“Kayo po ba ang Ina ni Hesus na pinag-aaralan namin sa Religion?” (Are you the mother of Jesus being taught us in Religion class?)

“Oo, Nene,” (Yes, child) came the answer.

For the full story of the apparition, please text Grace Sia-Llamas,  0917-5608109.

The presence of the Virgin Mary was felt in the islet of Cabra until 1972.  When the children asked her who she was, the Virgin answered:  “Ako ang Imaculada Concepcion” (I am the Immaculate Conception).

New bishop of Imus

The  Diocese of Imus will see the installation of its fifth bishop, Reynaldo G. Evangelista, on June 5, 9:30 a.m., at the Cathedral-Parish of Our Lady of the Pillar (Imus Cathedral).  The parish priest is Rev. Fr. Alan Valero.

The diocese has been without a bishop since Luis Antonio Cardinal Tagle was appointed archbishop of Manila on Dec. 11, 2011. During its sede vacante period, the diocese was administered by Fr. Sharkey Brown who eventually resigned due to health reasons, He  was succeeded by Fr. George Morales, who, up to the installation of the  bishop, will continue to serve as  administrator.

Bishops from around the Philippines, and the clergy of the diocese of Boac, Marinduque, and of the archdiocese of Lipa will attend the installation Mass.

Pilgrimage to Holy Land

As the Year of Faith continues to strengthen people,  pilgrims from around the globe are flocking to famous holy sites. This  second semester, Adams Travel holds a pilgrimage again to  the Holy Land, Egypt and Jordan with extensions to Dubai or Abu Dhabi, on Oct. 6, 19, 22 and Nov. 4; Eastern Europe with Switzerland, Sept. 3 and 22; Marian Pilgrimage, Oct. 7 and 14; Holy Land, Turkey and Greece on Oct. 6.

These pilgrimage tours are escorted by very wonderful priests. Interested parties may call 5223876 or text Anna Ayo at 0908-5919908.

Appeal for help

May we request our kindhearted readers to help the parents of little Czaira Capate, 10,  who  recently passed away after a tough struggle with cancer. The cost of hospitalization and chemotherapy to keep little Czaira alive has left her parents in debt, with hospital bills still to be paid in addition to funeral expenses.

Those who wish to help may send their kind donations through Brother Ramon Moreno at  Banco de Oro savings account no. 5400072934, Karrivin Plaza Branch, Pasong Tamo Extension, Makati City. May God bless and reward you!  May  Czaira pray for you in Heaven!