Composed of 7,107 islands, the Philippines counts on The Philippine Coast Guard, an armed and uniformed service to enforce laws within Philippine waters, conduct maritime security operations, safeguard life and property at sea, and protect marine environment and resources. In like measure, the Philippine Air Force is the aerial warfare service branch of the Armed Forces of the Philippines. The Daughters of St Paul in Legazpi presented the powerful Word of God to the men and women from these two branches of military service last month.
On April 6, Sr. Susan gave an introductory presentation explaining how to read, study and pray the Bible at the Air Force Command Chapel in Legazpi City. The residents of the camp hail from the different parts of the country: Zamboanga, Pampanga, Camarines Norte, Camarines Sur, and Albay. Speaking in English, Tagalog, and Bicol in a simple and practical way, Sr. Susan stressed that this sacred book needs to have a special place in their homes and accessible to all members of their family.
Two days after, on April 8, 2013, Sr. Susan visited the Naval Base Southern Luzon Command and Coast Guards. Despite the intense summer heat (37°C or 98.6°F) the coast guards gathered in one room, like bread in an oven, and listened to the Word of God and its importance in their daily life.
A coast guard officer commented: “Your mission Sister is very beautiful and relevant! We are always encountering various temptations, and reading the Holy Bible will be of great help to counteract them. How I wish all our coast guards throughout the country can avail of your Diamond Jubilee Project, Biblia sa Bawat Pamilya.”
Rev. Fr. Denis Bulanday (the Naval Base chaplain) blessed the bibles and the servicemen were filled with gratitude, upon receiving a copy of “An Banal na Biblia.” Concerned about the spiritual well-being of his beloved flock, Fr. Denis was very grateful and acknowledged the significance of our Pauline mission. Moreover, he said that it is very important that these officers and members of the Coast Guard and Air Force Command may be inspired and guided by the Word of God to have an upright and moral way of life.