Visit to Thailand, July 1-15, 2007

I visited Thailand from July 1 to 15, 2007, after my sojourn in Europe. Thanks to the Thai confreres (especially Frs. Joe Apisit and David Jieng) I was able to visit quite a number of Redemptorist communities throughout Thailand.
The afternoon of the day I arrived in Thailand, Fr. Joe and I took the flight to Ubon Thani in the northeast. There, Fr. Cook (0ne of the Thai alumni of the St. Alphonsus Theologate in Davao) took charge of my visit in the Nong Khai area where I spent four days.
First visit that Cook arranged was to Salakeaw-koo, a Hindu-Buddhist temple just outside Nong Khai.


Salakeaw-koo has become a tourist spot in this part of Thailand because of the interesting cement-stone sculptures depicting the various Hindu gods and goddesses sculpted only in the last few decades since a "Hindu monk" from Burma arrived in this place. The complex of temples and statues is quite controversial owing to some questions raised by the local police (which have been resolved lately). It is not a typical "monastery" as there are no monks who reside in this place. But the "relics" of the founder can be viewed in the main "temple". Picture below: Cook and I in front of the monastery complex.






A number of giant sculptures of the standing Buddha in the grounds of this monastery complex which is the equivalent of a three-storey building. All sculptures here were made by local artists.



























































Before leaving the temple, we were asked to hit the gong as a sign of a good visit to the temple and our departure.










Above is the parish church
of the CSsRs in Nong Khai.


The tall building is the former Novitiate in Nong Khai, which is now the site of the Postulancy program since the Thai novices go to Lipa for the joint novitiate. The shorter building, also with the blue roof is part of the convent.




One of the shrines of the Buddhist temple which is located across the Redemptorist compound in Nong Khai. Below are photos of the temple and the arch also in this compound. There are monks stationed in this complex.











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Scenes from another temple Cook and I visited near the open market near the Mekong River (separating Thailand and Laos).




























The city of Chang Mai as seen from on top of the hill outside the city.














Images of the Buddhist monastery complex in Wat Phra Thart Doi Suthep on top of a hill just outside the city of Chang Mai.


















Thai bhats (currency) serve as part of decorations inside one of the temples.























Candles, incense and flowers symbolize the Thai Buddhist people's popular religious belief system. Here devotees offer these symbols to Buddha.






The center of the monastery complex.
















The green emerald Buddha which is in one of the side temples.

(Note to the reader: There seems to be a problem I am encountering in writing captions to the photos. So for the moment I will just offer a short description of the sets of photos that you will be seeing:
1. The photos showing wood carvings are those in the Museum of Ngarn Anurak Pueh Muan Chon.

2. The photos showing kids operating a mill, a dormitory school and planting rice were in the village of Patung in the district of Amphoe, Province of Mae Jaem, 3 hours away from Chang Mai. This is the area served by Fr. Simon Tiwa along with some Brothers, sisters and Lay cooperators. The team covers a few schools in the surrounding villages.

3. Next set of photos are those in Bangkok. With Wiboom, I visited the Redeemer Church in Bangkok and the Mercy Centre for oprhans and those with HIV-AIDs, a center founded by Fr. Joe Maier CSsR.

Visit to Assisi, Italy, June 26, 2007

On June 26, 2007, I went on a pilgrimage to Assisi with Neville, a confere from the vice-Province of Ipoh (Malaysia). We took the train from the Termini and got off at Assisi before the Perugia station. We then took a bus that brought us to the top of the mountain of Assisi.

Our first stop was the Cathedral of San Rufino. This church houses the baptismal foundation where Francis was baptized. (The rule in the churches in Assisi: photos are not allowed).

From San Rufino we walked the paths that led to the top of the mountain where one can see the ruins of an old fort.


These are the ruins which we enjoyed from a distance. As our time was limited we decided not to go further up and see the ruins at close-up.



The narrow roads of Assisi.

Across the Basilica of Santa Chiara. One can see the fort at the background.

Inside the Sta. Chiara Basilica is the old crucifix that used to be at San Damiano, which was a witness to Francis' conversion.

Another church at the very heart of Assisi. Unlike Sta. Chaira, this does not close during noontime.

Inside the church is a replica of the statue of Our Lady at Lourdes.

The steps leading to the Basilica of St. Francis where lies his tomb.

The streets below the basilica. One sees a painting of Our Lady and Child on the wall of the buildingon the left.

The Basilica of Santa Maria Degli Angeli which houses the Porziuncala, where Francis loved to pray and where he passed away.

Inside a smaller church we also visited.

Across the Santa Maria degli Angeli is a little park with a fountain.

The train terminal at Assisi.

Last Few Days in Materdomi (June 23-24) and Rome (June 25-30) 2007

Our last two days together in the Spirituality Course were spent in Materdomini so we could have time to appreciate the long period of the people's devotion to St. Gerard.

We had our liturgy together as a group for these two days at the Basilica of St. Gerard where his remains lie in front of the altar. Thoai was the main celebrant and he was assisted by Sebastian and Jimmy.
The statue of Our Lady at the center of the main altar is the original statue of the Basilica since it was built, it is the same statue to whom the early Redemptorist, including Gerard, prayed to.

A statue of the dead Gerard at the museum which is at the side of the basilica.

There are samples of the local people's folk art to honor St. Gerard during his feast day which are exhibited at the museum.

There are also framed testimonies of those who calimed that St. Gerard intervened for them. Some got healed of illnesses, some were left unharmed in accidents while others received special favors like children.

Further signs of gratitude for the saint's miracles in their lives.

The oldest statue of St. Gerard in Materdomini., placed on a chapel beside the main altar. This is the people's favorite, when they come to the basilica, they first approach this statue before his relics which is at the center of the basilica.

The candles form the letters S and G, for St. Gerard.
There are always candles burning and flowers at the foot of this statue.

After June 24, the group dispersed. Some left for home, some went to other places while a few others remained in Rome.

This is the statue of Teresa de Avila sculpted by Bernini, placed on a side altar at the Church of Maria del Victoria (now administered by the Carmelites). Teresa is seen on ecstasy with an angel on her side.



The baroque main altar of the Church of Maria del Victoria.





The church's facade seen from across the road. To its left is a fountain with statues of Moses and other prophets.



Inside the Basilica of St. Paul on his feast day on June 29.


The statue of St. Paul in front of the Basilica.




The facade of the Basilica with its majestic mosaic.




The facade of the church and the statue of St. Paul seen from the entrance.




The main altar and the reliquary of St. Paul.


The Basilica's belltower. Outside the basilica is an open market.

A marble statue of Mary and Child inside the Maria Maggiore Basilica.

The facade of the Basilica at noon.

A Pieta inside the Basilica of Prasedde, which is located just off Via Merulana, near the Redemptorist's place. It is only a tiny statue compared to Michaelangelo's version of the Pieta at St. Peter's, but it has its own beauty. There is no sign as to who sculpted this statue.

The church of Our Mother of Perpetual Help along Via Merulana. The building beside is the home for the Redemptorists in Rome.

A painting of Our Lady of the Mountains (which is quite different from the statue of Our Lady of the Mountains in Scala).

The facade of the Church of Our Lady of the Mountains.

The facade of the museum that had a Chagall exhibition which exhibited 200 works of the renowned Jewish artist.

The facade of the Palazzo Senatorio, the seat of the Mayor of Rome. A banner showing the photo of Fr. Bossi and Aung San Suu Kyi expressed concern for both of them.

The close-up of the banner.

One of the two huge statues of Roman soldiers at the gate leading to the compound of the Palazzo Senatorio.

In front of the Palazzo Senatorio is a huge statue that include the twins Romulus and Remus - the founders of Rome - with the she-wolf who nursed them.

The banner seen from afar. The statue at the center represents Roma.

Another statue of the she-wolf and the twins, Romulus and Remus.

The place where St. Peter was incarcerated which lies in the shadow of the imperial Forum.

The steps of Sagrada Scala where people climb on their knees towards the second floor to join in the experience of Calvary.

The facade of the church that has the Sacred Stairs (sagrada scala), which is administered by the Passionists.

The Basilica of St. John Lateran as seen from the front of Sagrada Scala.

A statue of St. Francis and his first companions in front of the Basilica of St. John Lateran.

The facade of St. John Lateran with the ruins of old Rome by its side.

The relics of Our Lord inside the Church of The Holy Cross of Jerusalem in Rome. The relics include thorns, nails and the a bit of the wooden cross. the relics were brought to Rome by St. Helena and this church was built to connect Jerusalem with Rome.

The main altar of the Holy Cross church.

The facade of the church.

Me and Teodie Holgado CSsR and Adele Ygrubay OSB in front of the church of Our Mother of Perpetual help.

With Norman dela Pena, a St. Paul priest and Adel.

At the ice cream parlor with Adele, Norman and Teods.

The crowd walking towards St. Peter's, on the eve of his fiesta.

In front of St. Peter's.

This time around, owing to 9/11, people

have to go through a checkpoint to enter

St. Peter's located at the right.


Here the "pila" begions to enter the checkpoint.



The main altar of St. Peter's.

Michaelangelo's Pieta, a

masterpiece in marble,

encased inside a thick glass.

The tomb of Blessed

John XIII on one of the side altars of the Basilica.

The Madonna of Perpetual Help inside St. Peter's.

The massive art work at the back of the Basilica.

Bernini's masterpiece inside St. Peter's, a funerary monument of a Pope with metaphorical figures on the side and the angel of death (a skeleton with wings) holding the marble rug.

St. Peter's reliquary at the crypt.

Visit to Napoli or Naples, South Italy, June 21, 2007

Again, after breakfast of June 21, we took the bus from Materdomini and travelled, this time to Napoli or Naples.

This highway leads to Naples and signs along the road indicate that we were approaching the city.

The modern part of the city with the skyscrapers rising up with new ones being constructed.

This is the old section of the city which were were going to explore, led by the Capo,

Felix Catala here showing with a hat.
We pass by rows of old buildings that are now apartments for the residents who freely hang their laundry from their verandas or windows.

We passed by a church, one of the hundreds in the city.

We stop to wait for the green light to cross the street. Felix talks to Jos.

More laundry including briefs and bras.

Mobile stores dot the streets of the old Naples with vendors claiming the streets for business purposes.

This is the church of Sta. Maria della Virgini where St. Alphonsus was baptized on September 29, 1696.

Inside the church today, there are markers informing the visitor that this baptistry was where the baptism took place. St. Alphonsus was born in Marianella, just outside the downtown area of Naples on September 27, 1698. His parents were Don Joseph Felix de Ligouri and Dona Anna Catherine Cavalieri.

The main altar of the church.

At the entrance of the Hospital for the Incurables which still operates as a General Hospital until today.

These stones are at the entrance of the hospital which was then called Sta. Maria del Popolo. St. Alphonsus began his ministry here around the time of his ordination in 1726. There have been many religious who in their own time served this hospital, and also declared saints like Alphonsus. The current hospital administrators are very proud of this fact, they even produced a video about this

Inside the compound of the hospital, one sees the building that used to be the pharmacy. Now it is closed and needs to be repaired.

The main building leading to the rooms of the hospital. This was how it looked even during the time of St. Alphonsus.

We gathered outside the gate before we were allowed to enter the compound.

The sign board outside the compound.

The coat of arms of the hospital.

We were allowed to see the inside of the old pharmacy. A ceiling painting had caved in.

There are many paintings that are stored inside this pharmacy.

Near the pharmacy is a stairway that goes to a second floor of an adjacent building. This was where convicted prisoners entered before they were executed. St. Alphonsus was a member of an association that journeyed with them to their deaths.

These are the stone stairways that one climbs to go up the rooms of the hospital. The feet of St. Alphonsus would have walked up and down these stairs for countless times.

The pharmacy as seen from the main building.

The lobby of the building where the hospital rooms are.

A statue of Mary at the lobby.

A garden in the middle of the hospital which used to be where the herbal gardens were cultivated.

Frescoes painted on the ceiling of the hospital.

This sign says that all women - no matter what class, background and circumstances - were all welcomed to this hospital.

A frescoe on one of the walls showing how women were cared for in the hospital.

The facade of the cathedral of Naples. We got there at the time when the church was closed for siesta time. Since it would re-open only after we left for Materdomini, we were not able to see the inside of the Church. It was in this church that St. Alphonsus was ordained a priest on December 21, 1726.

One of the main roads of Naples where the cathedral stands.

This is the building across the cathedral. During the time of St. Alphonsus it served as a place for catechisms classes.

This is the beginning of a road leading towards the Tribunal where St. Alphonsus worked as a lawyer.

Today, this road is rather busy with a lot of stores and shops.

Along this road, the young Alphonsus would have walked back and forth as he did his duties as a lawyer.

The obelisk celebrating the Bishop known for the miracle of the blood that can liquidify.

The facade of the building which until today serves as the Tribunal where the lawyer Alphonsus worked. Restoration work is ongoing, thus the green material covering the facade. We were not allowed to enter this building.

Visit to Muro Lucano, Southern Italy, June 20, 2007

Wednesday, June 20, was the date of our visit to Muro Lucano, the village where St. Gerard Meilla was born (April 6, 1726) and where he grew up and worked as tailor before he joined the Redemptorists. Muro Lucano which is a little city today, is located on the foothills as well as the top of a mountain.

This is the road that leads towards the center of the city.

We got off the bus then walked the narrow streets towards the plaza of the city where one has a view of the whole of Muro Lucano.

At the plaza which is at the top of one of the mountains of Muro Lucano.

At the plaza stands a statue of St. Gerard. Gary poses in front of the statue while Anton takes his photo sa Dan looks somewhere else.


Me and Bro. Anton from Vietnam, the only Brothers in the group.

Genaro, a member of the local organization that takes care of looking after pilgrims to Muro Lucano arrives to give Felix a plan for the day. Robert, Witold and Jareck waits for instructions.

Me with Jareck and Robert.

The orientation begins at the foot of the statue of St. Gerard.

A view of Muro Lucano that embraces the side of mountains.

Felix translates what Genaro has to say about Muro Lucano.

Members of the pilrimage group listen attentively to Genaro.

Brian looks out to the part of Muro Lucano where the village sprung up. This part which is at the plains was fortified to protect the place from raiders like Hannibal and his troupe. Thus the name Muro (fortified) Lucano.

A focused view of where Muro Lucano originated and where the village expanded as the people transferred their homes to the side of the mountains where they would be better protected from invaders.

The awesome cliffs of Muro Lucano on the other side of the mountain range.

New settlements have sprung up through the years beyond the cliffs.

A view from the plaza on top of the mountain to the new settlements. Frank and John enjoy the view.

From the top of the mountain, we climbed down the stairway that takes us to an old castle which now serves as part of the tourist complex. It is a castello mediovale.

Beside the castle is a bronze statue of St. Gerard. The group gathers in front of the statue for Genearo's explanations.

It is a beautiful statue with St. Gerard looking more robust and less pious. Note that he holds the crucifix so that it jots out, rather than placed on his bosom. Genaro says that it is considered one of the best sculpture of St. Gerard.

George and Witold gaze at the statue as the others gazed elsewhere.

The group then went to see the archaeological museum.

A sign outside the museum.

A section of the museum shows the manner of digging conducted in this area.

A view of Muro Lucano from a window inside the museum.

This exhibit shows the different layers of archaeological diggings conducted in Muro Lucano through the centuries from the early years to the Roman times and to the present.

The potteries excavated in these diggings, showing that the making of ceremics go back many centuries before.

These jars were used as burial jars for small children.

Genaro explains a part of the fortified walls around Muro Lucano as Felix translates.

Heads of statues of gods and goddesses during the Roman period which were retrieved from the diggings.

These were burial monuments also retrived from the diggings and brought to this museum for viewing.

The mosaics that have been retrieved are quite impressive.

So also the remnants of ceremics and jewelry used by women of that era.

From the higher ground, one can look down on the first section of Muro Lucano on this side of the mountain. Note the bell tower. Near to the church was the house where St. Gerard was born and grew up. As a young boy he would walk down this road towars the hill across where he had a playmate who gave him bread. That playmate was Jesus.

Later, St. Gerard's family moved to the other side of the village which is this spot now. There, his playmate came again to play with him.

This is the place where St. Gerard worked as a tailor. The marker on the wall gives this information.

The door leading to the tailoring shop which has been converted into a chapel.

Inside the chapel.

On the ceiling of this chapel is a painting of the family who owned the tailoring shop and Gerard as a young boy. He was maltreated by most of the members of this family. However, he forgave them.

It was a very hot day when we visited this place, but inside the chapel, it was quite cool.

New houses have been built in this part of Muro Locano.

Outside the church of the parish in Muro Lucano.

Across the church are shops and newly constructed homes going up the hill.

Inside the church.

Another side of Muro Lucano that shows the castle on top of the mountain and the statue of St. Gerard.

We then visited the chapel which is located in the site where St. Gerard played with Jesus. This painting shows the child giving bread to Gerard. Note that the painting shows Mary no longer holding Jesus.

This is the statue of Our Lady with Jesus which appears in the painting. This statue has always been in this chapel since the time when Gerard was just a young boy.

The woman in charge of this chapel prepares for the Mass that we were all going to attend.

A statue of Gerard inside the chapel.

Ives catches up with everyone as we went to the convent of the Gerardine Sisters for lunch. The Gerardine Sisters were founded by a diocesan priest.

A last pose in front of the chapel before we returned to Materdomini. It is a hot day!

Visit to Pagani, South Italy, June 19, 2007

After breakfast on June 19, the group gathered at the parking lot across the Basilica for the bus that would take them to Pagani.

A big painting of St. Gerard at the front of the Basilica of the Redeemer.

As we arrived in Pagani, just as the bus turned left to take the road down to where the Redemptorist place was, we encountered a funeral procession.
The people just left another church and were walking down this road before breaking up.

Later, we gathered in front of the Basilica of St. Alphonsus in Pagani as our host opened the door which leads to the museum and the convent.

At the lobby of the museum, Felix gives an orientation.

A bronze statue of St. Alphonsus at the lobby.

A bronze statue of St. Gerard also at the lobby.

The inner couryard with a numbeer of lemon trees with lots of fruits.

The church tower dominates over the inner courtyard. During the time of St. Alphonsus, these buildings were used for retreats including ones for the laity.

At a side chapel of the Basilica where the reliquary containing the remains of St. Alphonsus is, the group gathered for Mass. Anton was the celebrant and preacher at this Mass.

The reliquary containing St. Alphonsus' remains. Pope Clement XIII made him a bishop in 1762 (concecrated on June 21, 1762). St. Alphonsus died here at Nocera di Pagani on august 1, 1787. He was 90 years old. He was beatified on September 1816, canonized on May 26, 1839 and declared Doctor of the Church on March 23, 1871.

The painting on the ceiling of the dome of the Basilica showing various saints of the Congregation as well as the Redemptoristines. A figure of St. Francis Assisi is also in the painting.

A stainedglass window with St. Alphonsus' image.

The main painting behind the main altar is that of St. Michael the Archangel.

The image of Mary which was already in the house during the time of St. Alphonsus.

The things he used as bishop are kept in the museum in Pagani.

So are his clothing, including a cloak and a short habit (it is short, to make it easy to ride a horse).

The museum guide, a laywoman, explains to the group the significance of the things exhibited in the museum. At the backdrop are the soutanas used by St. Alphonsus.

Other clothing items and the things he used for self-flagellation.

The room used by St. Alphonsus which has a window opening to the next room. Frank and Jimmy inspect the window.

An old portrait of St. Alphonsus by an anonymous painter.

An intricate scene of Bethlehem during the birth of Christ which goes back to the time of St. Alphonsus. Ives inspect the rare antique.

The organ used by St. Alphonsus for composing his songs.

Another protrait of St. Alphonsus by an anonymous painter.

One of the paintings (left) was painted by St. Alphonsus while the other one was done by a painter who was his friend.

The wheelchair used by St. Alphonsus during the time of his illness.

His death mask.

His shirt when he was already quite sick, the opening is assymetrical as the left part had to be cut off so that it would allow his head to rest on his bosom. To the left of the guide is an old clock.

A fresco painting on the ceiling of the room meant for St. Alphonsus.

Glass cases have original copies of the books he wrote. Dan takes a photo of these.

Original writings with his own handwriting are also exhibited.

The wood shown here made up the original coffin used for the burial of St. Alphonsus.

The scene of downtown Pagani from the second floor of the Basilica which used to be a choir loft but is now used for storage.

The same wood which was the coffin.

A previous funerary statue of St. Alphonsus which is now at the museum.

Other items in the museum.

This is a painting that shows the eruption of Mt. Vesuvius on July 29, 1770. Legend says that St. Alphonsus prayed to ask that the volcano eruption stop. It did which saved the people from what could have been a major catastrophe.

A painting showing St. Alphonsus receving the approved Rule from those who facilitated it. Actually, only two did, Fr. Villani and Bro. Francesco. However, the painting has 4 figures. The Rule was approved by Pope Benedict XIV on February 25, 1749. At that time there were already four communities: Ciorani, Deliceto, Materdomini and Pagani.

A modern sculpture of St. Alphonsus at the square in front of the Basilica.

Me and Barrie in front of the sculpture.

A unique painting of St. Alphonsus that is seen in the refectory of the Pagani house. Here, he smiles.

And the colors of the painting are bright.

Visit to Scala, Southern Italy, June 17, 2007

At 8:00 AM on June 17, 2007, the participants of the Spirituality Course and Fr. Felix left St. Severa for the trip to Scala, in southern Italy.
Fr. Felix says goodbye tot eh Sisters as we boarded the bus.

Jos and Jimmy prepare for the trip.

Roughly four hours later we reached the area at the slope of Mt. Vesuvias, encompassing Napoli, Pagani and other cities. This place is suppowsed to have the highest density in terms of the ratio of the population to the area in the whole of Europe.

Mt. Vesuvious looms above this entire area which has the highest density. And take note that this volcano remains active.

The mountainous area of this part of Italy. Our bus steadily climbs the mountains as we travel to Scala.

The bus takes a turn as we followed the road towards Ravelo before reaching Scala.

The awesome view of the Bay of Naples and Amalfi. Before St. Alphonsus founded the Redemptorists, he was a priest based in the city of Naples. He went off for a vacation, but because of the bad weather, their boat was forced to dock here. Taking advantage of this situation, he decided to take his break in this place. This eventually led him to Scala which is a mountain area above this city. He came to Scala in 1730 (he had been earlier ordained on Dec. 21, 1726).

The road going down to the coast but which also connects to Scala.

We arrived at Scala and I accompanied Felix to visit our confreres who live in this house. The rest of the participants had proceeded up the hill, we needed to stop by the house to get the key to the grotto where St. Alphonsus spent time in prayer.

This is the facade of the Redemptorist house in Scala. Note the two signs on the side of the door: one sign says Padri, the other says Redemptorist!

We went up the narrow road and caught up with the rest of the participants. Here Felix gives an orientation to the place as we gathered in front of the main church in Scala.

This is the interior of this church. Ollie looks to the main altar.

On the floor one can see the coat of arms related to the noble family who built the church, it has a lion climbing the stairs. Thus the name, Scala or stairs. This coat of arms could be seen in many parts of the church.

A statue of St. Alphonsus inside the church.

The pulpit inside the church.

One of the major old paintings inside the church showing Jesus and the cross.

We left the church to move on to other places of interest in Scala.

We gathered in front of a building which housed the first members of the congregation who came together with St. Alphonsus in 1732. Alphonsus had found an old building and an abandoned hermitage with a chapel. His first companions were Sportelli, Mazzini, Romano, Donato, Mannarine, Tosquez and Vito Curzio.
Here they had their first meetings after all arrived on November 3, 1732. They were to be the first members of the Congregation of the Most Holy Saviour. In fact, the group did not prosper.



The marker on the wall of the building informs the visitor of the significance of this place.



From this place, one sees the higher levels of the mountain range.

Then we proceeded to the grotto. Gary, Anton, Witold, Mark and Lawrence are all busy getting their cameras ready as I pose at the gate that leads to the grotto below.

From the gate, we followed the stairs below towards a chapel. One can see the Bay from this vantage point.

The group wait for the chapel to be opened.

Across the ridge, there are lots of buildings built through the years.
The zigzag road completes this awesome view.

Felix continues to orient the group as to the events that took place in this spot during the first years of the Congregation. Dan, James and Jos listen intently.

Inside the chapel is the grotto where St. Alphonsus spent time to pray and meditate during the first years of rthe founding of the congregation. The grotto is now enclosed by this chapel. The group, with Robert at the foreground, listen intently to Felix as he translates quotations which are on the walls.

An icon of St. Alponsus has been placed at the base of the grotto.

This is a painting on the ceiling of the chapel. It is perhaps the only painting showing Alphonsus as a young man. Here, it is suggested that Mary "appeared" to him as he reflected on what he needed to do at that time. However, this scene was only imagined by Alphonsus.

The group celebrated the Eucharist inside the chapel at this very important site of the Congregation's history.

The three Pinoys in the delegation posed in front of the chapel after the Mass.

The building where St. Alphonsus and the first members lived is now a restaurant. We had lunch there that day.

After lunch, we proceeded to the monastery of the Redemptoristine Sisters in Scala to visit them. This is the gate leading to the monastery which is at the upper floor. As the others started to enter the gate, Barrie and Mung seem distracted.

This is a relief-statue of St. Alphonsus encased by glass placed on the wall of the Redemptoristines' monastery.

A close up of the image.

Inside the chapel of the sisters' monastery.

A statue of St. Alphonsus inside the chapel.

In the sacristy of the chapel, one sees this marble relief showing the Redemptoristines and Redemptorists who have died and are in union with God.

The group gathered in the gardens of the Sisters to share drinks and biscuits. Note the topmost window of the building. Here Sr. Celeste Crostarosa was detained during a difficult stage of her congregation's history.

The Sisters chat with Felix. The sister to the right of Felix is someone from Madagascar.

Before we left their place, the group posed with the Sisters for a souvenir photo. A statue of Jesus served as backdrop.

The Sisters say goodbye.

The statue of Our Lady of the Mountains which is inside the chapel of the CSsRs' convent in Scala. This was the statue that St. Alphonsus saw when he arrived in Scala. He was quite taken by this statue that shows Mary holding Jesus on one hand and the Bible on the other hand. St. Alphonsus felt quite close to this statue.

On the side of the chapel are stained glass windows of Blessed Sarnelli and St. Alphonsus.

As we returned back to the lowlands, the awesome view continued to impress us.

On our way to Materdomini, we passed by Salerno, another city by the sea.

A town perched on top of a mountain can be seen by commuters who travel from Napoli towards Materdomini.
It is summer time so the landscape is quite green as the agricultural fields show bountiful crops.

As the shadows lengthen on that day, we found ourselves getting nearer to Materdomini. One can already see the tower of the Basilica from the road that goes around the mountain.

The sign indicates that we had reached the road that leads towards the Basilica of San Gerardo de Maiella. Just down this road is Hotel San Gerardo where we would be staying for the next week.

Visit to Ciorani, Southern Italy - June 18, 2007

This is the front view of the Basilica of the Redeemer in Materdomi with the tower at the center. Behind this building is the older Basilica of San Gerardo. On the foreground is the statue of St. Gerard. Abundant water, considered miraculous, flow out of the fountains on the side of the statue.

From Materdomini that morning of June 18, the group took the bus and then travelled towards Ciorani.

We were met by a few members of the CSsR Ciorani community and welcomed us. This is the inner courtyard of the convent grounds.

Inside the church is a statue of St. Alphonsus. Ciorani was the first mission of St. Alphonsus who came here for the first time on January 3, 1734 and stayed till January 17.

Ciorani is known as St. Alphonsus' "Cenacle."



There is also a statue of St. Gerard inside the church.

One of the paintings in Ciorani.

Upstairs, on the second floor of the building is a very significant room. This was the room where St. Alphonsus and the next batch of members gathered together for a General Assembly on May 6, 1743. Today, in this room, one can see the paintings of this group including: Sportelli, Rossi, Mazzini, Villani, Gioradana, Cafaro and Vito.

The members of the group got busy taking photos of the paintings of the original group at Ciorani.

This is the corridor leading the room where the 1743 assembly took place. Me with Anton, Thoai and Witold.

This door leads to the room of St. Alphonsus in Ciorani.

Across is a room that now serves as the place to exhibit some of the important religious articles during the time of St. Alphonsus. The statues were those given to him by his father, whereas the painting was done by him.

Inside ther oom of St. Alphonsus, one can see the things that were in this room when he was still alive: the cross, the self-flagellation whip, a skull and others.

From the second floor of the building, one looks down on the courtyard where lemon and orange trees grow.

Blessed Sarnelli also lived in this house. In fact, this property was donated by his family. This room has memorabilia of B. Sarnelli.

A painting of St. Gerard in Ciorani.

At a chapel in Ciorani which has the reamins of B. Sarnelli.

The group prepares to celebrate the Eucharist as Felix

gives some explanation.


The reliquary that holds the remains of B. Sarnelli.

The building adjacent to the church-convent of the Redemptorists. It is now the place for a group of sisters. In front is a statue of St. Alphonsus.

Then we returned to Materdomini.
There, I visited the two Basilicas.

This is the main altar of the Basilica of the Redeemer,

with a mosaic showing the Apostles.

The figure of the Risen Christ is at the very top

looking down on the altar.



The famous painting of St. Gerard with the poor waiting for him outside the church. This painting hangs at the Basilica of the Redeemer.



The baptistry of the church with a statue of the Risen Lord. Water flows out of this fountain.


The reliquary at the Basilica of St. Gerard. The reliquary peeks out as it is almost covered by a marble relief of St. Gerard and the people of his times. This is at the main altar of the Basilica.


St. Gerard died here in Materdomini on October 16, 1755. He first heard about the Redemptorists in May 1746, was accepted to the congregation on May 17, 1749 and was professed on July 16, 1752. He died at the age of 29. He was beatified by Pope Leo XIII on January 29, 1893 and canonized by Pope Pius X on December 11, 1904.


Beside the Basilica is a Museum on St. Gerard. There are a number of antique religious items like this Risen Christ.

In the museum, a room has been arranged in such a way as to approximate the room of St. Gerard in Materdomini. One sees a very simple bed and some items including one he used for self-flagellation.

One of the paintings about St. Gerard in the museum.

The famous painting showing the "encounter" between the two saints, Alphonsus and Gerard.

A painting of Gerard at his deathbed.

This is the convergence of the roads that go towards the two Basilicas.

A marker at this spot showing maps of the adjacent town.

Spirituality Course, II- Part at St. Severa and visit to nearby places

The Spirituality Course for Redemptorists throughout the world took place at the Center run by nuns at St. Severa,named Casa Ferfierie, near Marianella north of Rome, roughly a hundred kms. away.

Me and Fr. Felix Catala, the main in-charge of the program.

Me and Mung, a participant from Vietnam, he works among the ethnic communities in the uplands of Vietnam.

Felix chats with Eddie, richard, Toos and Ives at the front of the retreat house.

Me and Robert from Slovakia and Peter from the Caribbean.

Me and Sebastian from Indonesia.

Me and James Narisma and

James Gaspar from India.

Me and James Gaspar and Anton from Sri Lanka.

In an Indian ethnic costume.

The Mediterranean Sea seen from the second floor of the retreat house at St. Severa.

The front of the retreat house.

The sign along the road.

The main building of Casa Ferferie.

The statue of Mary by the sea.

The port city near Marianelli, 20-minute ride from St. Severa.

The ruins of the city were restored and here is a wall along the port with papal coat-of-arms.

The ruins restored. Richard and James survey the place.

The port as viewed from the site of the restored ruins.

A statue of a Japanese trader to came to this place during the Middle Ages.



Me with Isaac and James, both from India.

Anton with the three confreres from India.

The fort that has been restored by the port.

A church can be seen from the ruins.

Another church seen from the ruins.

Photo taken of a reflection on a glass door with me and James.

At the bus stop in front of the local church. We checked the schedule of the bus returning to St. Severa.

The facade of the church.

Inside the chapel at Casa Fermierie during our course at St. Severa.

Communion time.

Fr. Barrie O'Toole from England presides at the Mass.
He is the oldest of the group, but truly young at heart.

The group of Luyen, Mung, and Scott did a role play in one of the sessions.

The participants from Africa did an impromptu dance in one of the evening sessions.

Visit to Venice, Italy - May 21-26, 2007

I visited Venice May 21-26, 2007. Jimmy Narisma CSsR also visited Venice on the same dates. I came from Milan, while he came from Rome, having arrived from the Philippines a few days earlier. We were guests of the CSsR community in Venice, made up of 4 confreres. An Italian confere, Luigi Mazzotti CSsR, was our tour guide as we visited the various spots of Venice.

At Venice, one sees the winged lion, the symbol of St. Mark, the patron saint of this "floating city".

Jimmy poses in front of the lagoon at the back of St. Mark's where gondolas wait to be hired by tourists.

Tourist shops along the side of the lagoon, selling postcards and other souvenir items.

The awesome and magnificent Basilica of St. Mark's with tens of thousands of tourists coming to see it throughout the year. Even at winter time, Venice has a lot of visitors. It is said that there are less than 3,000 people who are the permanent residents of the center of the city, but that more than 20 million visitors arrive here each year.

A symphony orchestra maintained by one of the restaurants play to the tourists during the day and night in the summer.

The interior of the Redemptorist church in Venice.

Me and Jimmy pose inside the church.

The icon of the Mother of Perpetual Help inside the church. Note the Filipino flag beside the icon. The Pinoys come here for services. Most Pinoys work as domestic workers or in hotels.

An image of Mary outside a church in Venice showing her with a big cloak protecting children. It reminds me of the image of Mebuyan, the goddess who takes care of the souls of dead children, an element of the Bagobo indigenous belief system.

A statue of one of the emperors of this kingdom in the past.

Luigi and Jimmy in front of one of the main churches.

One of the ancient buildings in Venice influenced by architecture coming from the East, a unique feature of Venice architecture.

At the main terminal, Jimmy and I went to meet Fr. Rico of the Diocese of Pagadian. We spent the night in one of the Pinoy families living near this terminal.

One of the canals where the gondola can cruise around to the delight of the tourists.

Improvisational artists dress up in various costumes to "earn a livelihood", that is, while they pose they ask for contributions from the tourists. This guy stands like a statue all day long.

Supper with OFWs who work in Venice. Most are women who stay at home in the houses of their employers, although in this case, the couple rented an apartment.

We went on a tour to the islands nearby. This is the island which is used as cemetery. One can see the tall cypresses that cover the entire island.

This is one of the shops in the island of Murano where the glass ceramics are made.

The church of Sta. Fosca in the original settlement.

The ruins of the early settlement of Venice.

A post-modern sculpture in the island of Burano which is near the ferry boat terminal, which is across a children's playground.

The colorful houses of Burano. Compared to the other parts of Venice, the houses in this island are painted to bright colors - yellow, green, pnk, red, blue and violet in their various shades.

Burano's colorful houses by the canal.

An OFW dancing at the house of a family we visited in

Trevisto.



Jimmy and OFWS in Venice.










Dancing the swing at the party.












More interior of Basilicas which we visited as pilgrims.

Visit to Florence, Italy - May 27-31, 2007

I was in Florence from May 27 until 31, 2007. Jimmy Narisma CSsR also visited Florence but stayed only for a few days. Here he poses in front of the statue of Nepture at the city hall of Florence.

Michaelangelo's world-famous statue of David stands at the city hall. However, this is a copy. The original is inside a museum and no one is allowed to take a photo inside the museum.

Another famous sculpture done by Giambologna from 1581 to 1583, titled - The Rape of the Sabine Women.

The facade of the Duomo of Florence, the Santa Maria del

Fiore, designed by Arnolfo di Cambio built from 1296. It is 107 meters long.

The bridge of Ponte Vecchio that traverses the Arno River that flows through the center of Florence. Attach to this bridge on both sides are stores that sell jewelry from the cheap junk ones to diamonds. It was built in 1345.

The Republica, a more contempotary building. In the

plaza are all sorts of sculptures and the merry-go-round for kids.


Jimmy and I shared dinner with Ruby Soyosa who works with the PNB branch in Florence. He used to be a seminarian of SACFH.








On May 29, Jimmy and I took a one-day trip to Pisa to view the leaning tower.

Florence on top of the hill near the Piazzale Michaelangelo. One can see the Duomo and other churches on the lower levels of Florence.

At the museum on the side of the Church olf Sta. Maria Nouvelle.

The Duomo's dome and bell tower as seen from the hill.

The paintings inside the dome of the Duomo.
It is supposed to be inspired by Dante's poem of The Divine Comedy.