By: Ma. Nila Ortega-Argel, ocds

What we need in churches are ways to bring back Roman Catholics to the fold; More candles that burn; Incense that sweetens the air; Ringing bells at Angelus; Vestments of rich designs; And more saints!

The key point is that we need saints as models. When we see the saints and their response to God—it is a challenge to our own
lives. There is a path to holiness that lies within ourselves. The province of Ilocos Sur is my second home, is blessed for its 32 municipalities and 2 cities. Twelve are named after saints: San Emilio, San Esteban, San Ildefonso, San Juan, San Vicente, Santa, Santa Lucia, Santa Maria, Santiago and Santo Domingo.

Twins often share the same interests and ideas with an equal intensity. Therefore, it is no surprise that my twin Maria Luz Bolong and I work for the greater honor and glory of God. I attended a one-day convention in Manila on May 30, 2003 as part of my work at the Philippine Information Agency. Then I proceeded to Baguio arriving on time for my twin’s class at Maryknolls. I would have wanted to sit-in on their Journey in Life last session but her professor told me to wait at the library.

There I saw and read the book written by June Keithley. In his message, Fr. James B. Reuter, S.J., Director, National Office of Mass Media said: Years ago, the Catholic Hierarchy of the Philippines investigated the strange events that occurred at Lipa, and came to the official conclusion that there was in them no evidence of the supernatural.

June Keithley feels that there was evidence of the supernatural in the things that happened at Lipa. She is asking the Catholic Church to re-consider the decision that was made many years ago. “Lipa”: The book contains the events at Lipa Carmel in 1948. Mother Mary Cecilia of Jesus, O.C.D., wrote on the apparitions of Our Lady Mediatrix of All Grace to Teresita Castillo, or “Teresing”, a Carmelite postulate and the showers of petals she witnessed together with the sisters and the people who went to Lipa.

Our Lady who at the same time holds the title Queen of All Saints, is an added push to our prayers. Saints are avenues to Christ. Having read and shared on the lives of countless Saints in my radio program at DZNS, the diocesan radio station from July 2004 up to the present, the life of Bishop Verzosa brings up high hopes for a new Saint. I firmly believe that God sends the

Church the Saints it needs at the time it needs them. Give us Saints,” we pray _ Saints in our times and in our country and in our province of Ilocos Sur. Give us San Verzosa, we pray! 

June 27, 2007- It was a triple celebration: a) the Eucharistic Celebration presided over by the Most Rev Ernesto A. Salgado, Archbishop of Nueva Segovia; with the Most Rev. Ramon C. Arguelles, Archbishop of Lipa as the Homilist, b) Blessing of the Tomb of the late Bishop Verzosa and c) Launching of the Book on the Life of Bishop Verzosa. Also present were the Bishop Sergio Utleg of Laoag, Bishop Leopoldo Jaucian of Bangued, Bishop Reynaldo G. Evangelista of Boac and Bishop Salvador Q. Quizon, Auxiliary Bishop-Emeritus of Lipa, the entire presbyterium of Lipa, together with several religious women congregations.

Archbishop Arguelles in his homily talked about “Pilgrimage in history” in connection with Lipa archdiocesan pilgrimage to the tomb of the late Bishop. He enjoined the faithful to also come and journey with them, to come and pray with them, to learn from the life of a holy, obedient, humble and disciplined churchman.

Most Rev. Ramon C. Arguelles

A lady from abroad allowed us to kiss a preserved rose petal which she claims was one of the reported shower of petals in 1948.

Powerful Prayer to Our Lady of Grace

O my Mother, treasurer of all graces, refuge of poor sinners, consolation of the afflicted, hope of those who despair and most powerful help of Christians, I place all my confidence in you, being sure that you will obtain for me from Jesus the graces which I so much desire, if they are for the good of my soul. Amen.