Almost a year after one of the worst mining accidents in Asia, which trapped 13 miners when part of the wall of Panian mine caved in, the Daughters of St. Paul visited the Island of Semirara and brought them the joy and comfort of the Word of God. From February 3 to 10, 2014, Sisters Erlinda Escoto, Clothilde delas Llagas, Yolanda Dionisio, Mennen Alarcon, Ann Marie Nemenzo, Maricar Andamon and Amelyne Paglinawan visited their schools and homes to the surprise and delight of the residents, many of whom have never seen a religious sister in their entire life.
Semirara Island is a part of the Caluya group of islands in Caluya, Antique. Located in Region VI – Western Visayas – under the province of Antique, it is approximately 280 kilometers south of Manila. It is composed of three barangays, namely Semirara, Tinogboc, and Alegria with a population of 12,000. The main livelihood apart from mining is fishing and farming. Semirara Island is the country’s biggest coal producer. The people are simple and poor but their enthusiasm to learn about God and his Word are inspiring.
This mission was part of the 75th anniversary of FSP foundation project: “Biblia sa Bawat Pamilya.” The Sisters gave Bible animation in the barangay chapels of Tinogboc, Alegria and in the parish church of Semirara. The same animation were also conducted in the sitio chapels of Villaresis, Sabang, Bunlao and Poocan, and in the multi-purpose halls of phases 1, 2, 3, and 4 of the Housing the Semirara Mining Corporation. The Enthronement of Bible in the respective homes of the participants was carried out.
The Sisters also conducted a vocation talk, book displays, and media awareness sessions for students and parents of Divine Word School of Semirara Island Inc., Tinogboc High School, Tinogboc Elementary School, Semirara National High School, Semirara Elementary School and Alegria Elementary School. The Sisters also took the opportunity to give animation to the catechists of the parish. But the highlight of the mission was the home visit. In the privacy of their homes the Sisters were able to listen to the people’s stories – their tears and pains, their faith and prayer, their doubts and fears, their hopes and dreams for their future and their children,
Rev. Fr. Ramon Navallasca, the parish priest of Our Lady of Guadalupe in Semirara, was very supportive of our mission. He did all the coordination for the transportation, board and lodging and he mobilized the catechists of the different places to inform the people that the Sisters were coming. Fr. Navallasca and his parishioners were very grateful for the mission and visit of the Sisters. They asked the sisters’ help to continue the formation of the catechists (the parish has only 15 catechists who are not adequately prepared) and other parish workers on the liturgy. Majority of them expressed their longing to have a copy of the Bible in their homes and they were so happy that the Lord has finally granted their desire. 500 copies of the Bible were distributed together with other inspiring and formative books and materials.
Mr. Victor Consunji, the president of the Semirara Mining Company was also grateful and has invited the Sisters to likewise visit the nearby island of Caluya.
