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God’s Love, Grace, and Mercy through St. Vincent Ferrer in the Eyes of Bayambangueňos

TESTIMONIALS

God’s Love, Grace, and Mercy through St. Vincent Ferrer in the Eyes of Bayambangueños

by Gerry Ann dela Cruz, Christien Emmanouelle Artacho, Joseph U. Salopagio; edited by Resty S. Odon

          

For Bayambangueños, lifting everything to God through the intercession of their patron saint, St. Vincent Ferrer, has been the bedrock of their everyday living. It is through their unwavering faith and rock-hard devotion that they have surpassed various challenges that have come along the way.

With the celebration of the 400th founding anniversary of Saint Vincent Parish Church and the 600th death anniversary of Saint Vincent Ferrer, here are sample testimonies of some Bayambangueños showing how their faith have played a key role in their lives. 

From these testimonies, we can glean how God’s love, mercy and grace are indeed undeniable, and the intercession of our patron saint is a proof of God's living miracles and impact on the personal lives of those who believe in Him.

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A Spiritual Guide

Marites Lutas, catechist, Brgy. Ataynan

 “Torn by every trial, difficulties, and pain that I experience every day, I find profound joy and comfort by going to church and praying for divine guidance. Whenever I feel weak, I always seek for guidance and strength from Saint Vincent Ferrer, and there he is, making me realize that it is not good to break down and surrender.

I always experience great enlightenment despite the innumerable obstacles in my life. Praying to Saint Vincent makes me realize that giving up on problems is not a characteristic of a child of God, and therefore, I should be strong.”

***

Companion in Life’s Difficulties

Jeanette Dimalanta, teacher

"Based on my experience of intercessory prayer, St. Vincent Ferrer has been very good, responsive, and a great listener to my prayers, not for me personally but for the community.

I remember how it was during the onslaught of Typhoon Pepeng on October 8, 2009 when most parts of Luzon were affected and most of the barangays in our town were heavily flooded except in our purok. Yes except our purok! Our neighboring houses were already flooded, 5 to 6 houses away from our area.

I prayed the rosary that time for more than 15 times, paulit-ulit talaga, and I asked our patron saint (St. Vincent Ferrer) to intercede for us. He heard it. To cut the story short, I was then called "The Prayer Warrior" by our parish priest, Fr. John Palinar.

          

Every time Pangasinan is under Typhoon Signal No.3, I always ask St. Vincent Ferrer to intercede for us, to spare us from the typhoon and other calamities. It's great to share that He really answers the prayer of a sincere heart especially if it is for the good. He delivers us from any disaster and it was proven many times that he really delivers miracles. His love and mercy endures forever.

St. Vincent Ferrer has always been good to me and my family, in particular. He is always our companion in facing life's difficulties. Yes, we experience and feel his love and mercy on us every day of our lives. Without him, we won't be able to surpass all trials and challenges in our journey. Yes, he performs miracles, but only those who believe in him will experience and feel it."

***

Divine Enlightenment

Imelda Cayabyab, teacher, M.H. Del Pilar

"In my six decades of existence, my whole life revolved around Bayambang. I am a living witness to how man-made and natural tragedies tried to ruin our living. I have experienced extreme floods brought about by devastating typhoons. Earthquakes also shook our house and we even came to the point of losing all our properties. But every time, I and my family pray to our Almighty through the intercession of Saint Vincent, and we always feel that we get enlightened about what these catastrophes meant.

A faithless person would readily lose faith and surrender, but our constant prayer and devotion made our faith stronger. We understand that all of these challenges are a wake-up call to stronger faith.

With this, we understand that our faith and devotion is our great refuge against whatever challenge that comes our way, no matter what it is. And we thank our patron saint for his divine enlightenment."

***

The Angel’s Guiding Hand

Mrs. Fe Macaraeg, 86, retired professor, Quezon Blvd.

It was during the Liberation time (Japanese period) when Mrs. Fe Macaraeg experienced the miracle of San Vicente Ferrer. It was the time when most of the Japanese military men who tried to invade the Philippines moved to Pangasinan. The United States instructed to destroy all the churches and bridges in the Philippines because they knew that the Japanese hid in those places.

Mrs. Fe was six years old at the time, and their parents always reminded them to keep an eye on their surroundings and to be alert on the possibility that bombs could be thrown anytime in their residential area. Since they lived near the church, they were very scared of the possibility.

Every day, she observed something flying in the sky. It was like a big bird with big wings flying around their area. She took it as a warning that something would happen to the church.

Indeed, soon enough, a bomb unexpectedly exploded at the back of the church. The people felt devastated. Another bomb was thrown inside the church, and that bomb hit the hand of the statue of San Vicente Ferrer. That’s why, today, if one looks at the original statue of San Vicente Ferrer hidden in the convent, the saint has a missing hand. But that bomb did not explode. After that, another two bombs were thrown inside the church, and fortunately the bombs again did not explode. The bombing continued, and one of the bombs fell in front of the church, and that one exploded. Bombs were also thrown at the Calvo Bridge, and all the bombs exploded, destroying the bridge. How does one explain the unlikely scenario of bombs being thrown inside the church and not exploding?

Mrs. Macaraeg believes, to this day, that the creature flying in the sky before the bombing was San Vicente Ferrer himself. She believes that the patron saint had saved the church from the bombing. Even though the hand of the original statue of San Vicente Ferrer was hit and got destroyed, she firmly holds that the missing hand is no less than the winged saint’s guiding hand.

***

Rescued from Hopelessness

Dr. Henry J. Fernandez, physician, 2019 Pista’y Baley Hermano Mayor, Brgy. Bical Sur

Perhaps more painful than any injury or illness is the feeling of utter hopelessness and despair of the soul. Dr. Henry J. Fernandez knew this pain as he was going through deep misery for his first-born son. His son was born with congenital heart disease, specifically ventricular septal defect. It meant the child had a big hole in the heart.

The child was having a hard time breathing. All doctors all over the country were already visited by Dr. Henry and his child, so the doctor got tired of even trying and felt hopeless, especially with the ironic thought that even though he was a doctor himself, he could not do anything for his own son.

But one afternoon of stormy darkness, Dr. Henry was given renewed hope: “Inawit kod simbaan may anako, tan nandasal ak ed San Vicente Ferrer. Agaylay simuon man ya panagdasal. Kunin mo na if it’s your will; kung mabubuhay siya, I promise that he will serve his fellowmen.”

After that, they went home and decided to go to Manila to visit his siblings. At 6 p.m., Dr. Henry together with his wife Julie brought the child to Manila Children’s Hospital, which was owned by Dr. Del Mundo, to see Dr. Bienvenido Abesamis, a pediatric cardiologist trained by Dr. Denton Pulley, a cardiovascular surgeon from Houston, Texas.

The doctor checked the child and was given some medications. After three days, they went back to the hospital and the doctor said that the child’s heart suddenly was doing well. Dr. Henry and Ms. Julie believed that this was the start of the miracle.

The child did fine even up until it was time for his surgery in Houston, Texas. After the surgery, everything was history. He grew up normal just like any other children.

At present, that child is one of the best doctors and a world-renowned neurologist in America. He is an international lecturer on Parkinson’s disease and the head of the Abnormal Movement Department in one of the best hospitals in the world. He has published 290 articles in North America Neurological Society magazines and has authored nine books, the first of which is being used by medical students in America to this day.

The strong faith and devotion of Dr. Henry and Mrs. Julie Fernandez to San Vicente Ferrer saved their child from sickness. This is a big miracle that happened to their family, giving a second lease on life to Dr. Hubert Henry Fernandez, who is now serving the world.

***

Saved by the Miraculous Wings

Dr. Henry J. Fernandez, physician, 2019 Pista’y Baley Hermano Mayor, Brgy. Bical Sur

Paralyzed with grief, Dr. Henry and Mrs. Julie Fernandez somehow managed to give praises and thanks to San Vicente Ferrer after receiving a call that their second son, together with his secretary, were fired with 11 gunshots by unidentified men in Pasay.

Earlier, the son had gone to Metrobank and withdrew P500,000 to buy stocks and to pay for the salary of his people who were working under him. While driving, he noticed that a motorbike and a car were following them. He decided to go to Pasay City Hall to ask his friends to escort him along the way going back to their house.

But before he could reach City Hall, another car blocked their way and the motorbike and the other car began to fire gunshots at them. Screams and shouts were heard in the area, but fortunately no one got hurt. The son and his secretary did not sustain even a single wound.

The son explained later on that when he saw the gunmen firing shots towards their direction, he mentioned the name of San Vicente Ferrer and prayed, “Ilaban mo kami, San Vicente Ferrer.” He believed that the miraculous saint had saved him from that tragic incident. He thought that he was saved by the patron’s wings.

“If you are in the midst of tragedy or turmoil, remember that as a die-hard devotee and a child of God, you can look to the ultimate miracle whenever you need a dose of hope,” Dr. Henry said.

***

Silver Lining Amid Ashes of House Fire

Wenchie Artacho, photographer/barangay councilor, M.H. del Pilar St.

Watching a family’s home going up in flames is heartbreaking, but miracles do happen anytime, anywhere, if we have strong faith.

On January 26, 1966, an unexpected fire burned the house of the Artacho family to ashes. The fire started from a candle that was left burning, causing the entire house made of wood to blaze intensely.

Since there were no fire stations yet in the municipality, people had a hard time preventing the angry blaze from spreading. The house was near other houses and located just beside the church, so the fire started to spread out to the neighboring houses and the church walls as well. The birds’ nests on the church eaves started to flare up and caused more tension and fear among the people working in the church.

To make matters worse, the roof of the church was so high, so the people found it hard to douse pails of water to the burning birds’ nests. Two sacristans got an idea and bravely carried the statue of San Vicente Ferrer and brought it down from the altar to face the burning house.

Surprisingly, a strong gust of wind suddenly blew the fire out of the burning house and the church’s roof. Everyone was shocked with what happened. They believed that San Vicente used his wings to blow the wind and stop the fire.

After the fire was put out, the two sacristans were surprised to find that they could no longer carry the statue back to its place in the altar. They had to call some help to bring back the statue. It took seven people to carry the statue back to its place.

***

Miracles Never Cease to Exist

Rev. Fr. Allen O. Romero, parish priest, Saint Vincent Ferrer Parish Church

The world that we live in is packed full of God’s miracles that we might easily take for granted. If we really take a pause to ponder how magnificent His creation is, we will find ourselves in awe and amazement.

Rev. Fr. Allen Romero believes that miracles of our patron saint, San Vicente Ferrer, have brought the church to the limelight. The significant changes that happened to our church – its massive roof, its beautiful retablo, the giant chandeliers, the refurbished church façade, and its newly opened Jubilee door – can be considered as astonishing miracles if we take into account the odds faced by the priest and parishioners at the time these changes were made.

Moreover, we have seen the splendid launching of the Saint Vincent Ferrer Prayer Park last April 5 in celebration of the 400 years of the SVF Parish Church and the 600th year death anniversary of Saint Vincent Ferrer. We have set another record for Bayambang as the Guinness World Record holder for the newly created official category of “Tallest and Highest Bamboo Sculpture (Supported).” This alone is another miracle for Bayambang!

With the collaborative efforts of the Local Government Unit of Bayambang and the Saint Vincent Ferrer Parish, we are carrying the name of our town to the world stage. Also, with the help and support of the townspeople of Bayambang, especially the parishioners, donors, and major sponsors, miracles are continuously happening in our town.

For Fr. Romero, these are considered miracles of our patron saint for our town, Bayambang. He said that miracles don’t just come from ancient stories and myths but everyday miracles that are all around us, if only we keep our spiritual eyes open.

History of Barangay Beleng

How Barangay Beleng Got Its Name

In 1788, when the Philippines was under Spanish rule, the “Comidian,” a popular drama or stage show in this remote barrio of the municipality, was shown before the barrio people on the occasion of the celebration of the barrio fiesta which coincided with the “Santa Cruz de Mayo.” Although the drama used only the sword as weapon and the “kutibeng” for musical background, the show was so spectacular that people watched wholeheartedly and never left till morning.

The principal characters in the drama were Prince Pergenio and Princess Esmeralda. In real life, the man who acted as Prince Pergenio was Augusto Lozana, a young Spanish constable assigned by the Spanish General to keep peace and order in this barrio. He was a handsome and bohemian bachelor.

The woman who acted as Princess Esmeralda was Belen Mirasol, the only daughter of a poor Filipino couple in the barrio. She was beautiful, modest, and admired by the barrio people especially the single men and women. Because of her extraordinary beauty – like that of Venus – she was fondly called “Kabuntatala ed Letakan” or “Shining Star of the East” or “Morning Star of the East.”

One day while Belen was sitting on her haunches while washing clothes under the blooming madre de cacao tree on the bank of the Pantabuyan Creek, Augusto approached the surprised and blushing Belen, and began to reveal his growing love for her. He proposed that if Belen would reciprocate his ardent love, he would start performing the customs of the people on marriage. First, Augusto and Belen would exchange love letters. Second, they would carry on their heads twelve “bilaos” of lechon which would be eaten by six single men and six single women. Next, they would register in the “Presidencia” now Municipal Hall, then to the Church. Then, they would be united in the holy sacrament of matrimony, or marriage.

Because Belen, at 18, had never been in love, she could not help the throbbing of her heart and could not resist the love of Augusto, her first love. So this feeling was mutual. Augusto promised that he would respect her chastity so that she would be pure before the altar of Immaculada Concepcion.

The next day, one Sunday morning, the two lovers went to the Immaculada Concepcion Church in Barrio Basista in the nearby town of San Carlos. They lighted two candles on the altar and made their vows that only death could sever their bond.

The intimate relationship of the two lovers became well-known in the entire barrio. Upon learning of the relationship, Belen’s parents expressed their objections in no time. They did not want to have a Spanish son-in-law because they believed that the Spaniards were arrogant, domineering, and oppressive. Spaniards, on the other hand, considered the Filipinos as “indios” and treated them like slaves.

Likewise, upon knowing of the relationship, Augusto’s parents immediately expressed their opposition because they did not want to have a Filipina daughter-in-law. They considered Filipinos as ignorant, lowly, and mean. To ensure the amorous relationship between the two would not prosper, Augusto was immediately sent back to Spain against his will by his parents.

The sudden departure of Augusto to Spain without even bidding goodbye to Belen meant agonizing pain, bitterness, and traumatic experience to her. She was nostalgic and melancholic. The young men and women tried to cheer and solace her but they tried in vain. They could not make her happy or at least make her smile. Every night the young men tried to sing “kundiman” songs in a “harana” (serenade), but they could not convince her to come out from her bedroom. She was always lying on her bed, holding dearly the picture of Augusto while tears welled up in her eyes.

She had not eaten for a week. She had only drunk water. Her body was emaciated and weak. Belen’s parents became worried and brought her to a well-known doctor. To his surprise, the doctor found no illness, only lack of vitamins and other food nutrients.

Belen’s parents became more worried about their daughter’s declining health condition. They brought her to a well-known “herbolario” from Ilocos Sur. She was an old woman who was allegedly given a power to heal by the “Virgin Mary.” Upon looking at Belen, the old woman shook her head. She asked for a plate, a glass of water, and an egg. Then she made a sign of the cross on Belen’s forehead using the egg on her hand, she uttered the name of Belen Mirasol, broke the egg a little, dropped the egg yolk and albumen into the plate of water, read the figure formed by the egg in the water and said, “You are affected by love poison.”

The “herbolario” asked Belen’s parents to come with her outside the house to tell them what would happen to Belen. In the Ilocano language, she said, “Naliday ak a mangikuna nga haang nga mabayagen ket mai-benleng idiay sementerio.”

She told them that was what would happen to Augusto to fulfill their vow before the altar of Immaculada Concepcion.

After almost a week, at six o’clock in the morning on Saturday on the month of May, the day and time when they made their love vow, Belen passed away. In the delirium of death, she uttered…”Nanay, Tatay, sinamalan yo ak,” which means, “Mother, Father, you poisoned me.”

The ancient tradition in the barrio is to let the remains of the dead lie in state of only 24 hours before interment because embalming was not yet a part of their culture. At 12:00 o’clock midnight, during the vigil, the Kapitan Heneral, who was the father of Augusto arrived in a horse-drawn carriage. He brought with him the letter of Augusto to his beloved Belen. He was surprised to see, however, that Belen joined her Creator, and the barrio people were having a wake.

Belen's family was placated and the animosity subsided when they read the contents of Augusto’s farewell letter, saying:

Dearest Love, Belen,

            I could no longer endure the sorrow, pain, agony, and bitterness, so I ended my life by drinking poison to fulfill our vow that “Only death can serve us apart.” Wherever my soul will be destined, I’ll be waiting for you. Farewell, my dearest Belen.

Love, Augusto Lozano


            The next day, Sunday, was the interment of Belen at the Roman Catholic Cemetery. The funeral procession was accompanied by a cumparza or string band, and all the barrio people, especially the young men and women, were in black clothes, mourning, or in the Pangasinan language, “mabeleng.”

            On the third day, after the interment of Belen, the Pista del Barrio with the Santa Cruz de Mayo was held and the Alcalde Mayor was invited. He was surprised with what he saw. Instead of merrymaking and revelry, the barrio people were all “mabeleng” and all attired in black clothes. Before long, the Teniente del Barrio related to the Alcalde Mayor what happened to Belen that made the people sad.

            In response, the Alcalde Mayor told the barrio people: "It will be written in the municipal record that from this day forward, this barrio will be called Beleng.”

            Perhaps, the Alcalde Mayor added the letter G to Belen to perpetuate her memory and that the word “Beleng” denotes the sorrow of the barrio people caused by the untimely death of the beautiful young lady named Belen.

Source: 2019 Brgy. Beleng Fiesta Souvenir Program

Bayambang Does It Again!

by Patricia M. Espino

Progress in Bayambang is truly well underway as a record-breaking 50.23-meter high statue of the town’s patron, Saint Vincent Ferrer, was unveiled on April 5, 2019 just in time for the 405th founding anniversary of the town, 400th year of the Saint Vincent Ferrer Parish in Bayambang, and the 600th year of martyrdom of the Dominican preacher. The colossal structure made of engineered bamboo with steel frame is the centerpiece of the Saint Vincent Ferrer Prayer Park, a haven currently being completed as part of the first phase of the proposed 67-hectare new town center based on the Comprehensive Land Use Plan for Bayambang which was earlier updated in collaboration with renowned architectural and urban planning firm Palafox Associates.

Bayambang was first recognized globally after being hailed as the Guinness World Record holder for the longest barbecue on April 4, 2014 but the feat did not leave a lasting evidence, and now, five years later, it has taken the world stage once again to give thanksgiving to Saint Vincent Ferrer and to create something lasting, a landmark for everyone to visit.

Overwhelming emotions filled the venue when Guinness adjudicator Swapnil Dangarikar formally announced that the Saint Vincent Ferrer statue is officially the Guinness World Record holder for the category of Tallest Bamboo Sculpture (Supported). Thousands of Bayambangueños and visitors from all over the globe rejoiced with the thought that the town now has a symbol of devotion, unity and collaboration that will stand firmly to guide the people of the municipality in the years to come. The unveiling rites began with a holy mass followed by a grand procession, with parishioners, streetdancers, motorcycle riders, Local Government Unit officials and employees, students, different organizations, Bayambangueño devotees and visitors, from the Saint Vincent Ferrer Parish church to Barangay Bani where the Prayer Park is located. This incredible act of unity will be marked in the history of Bayambang as one of the greatest feats that Bayambangueños have ever accomplished through the bold leadership of Mayor Cezar T. Quiambao, with the help of his wife Niña Jose-Quiambao, Vice Mayor Raul R. Sabangan, members of the Sangguniang Bayan, and Hermano and Hermana Mayor Dr. Henry and Mrs. Julie Fernandez, and the collaborative efforts of the Saint Vincent Ferrer Parish, led by Rev. Fr. Allen O. Romero, and the Kasama Kita sa Barangay Foundation, Inc.

This global recognition comes with great opportunities for Bayambangueños. Soon, establishments will rise and hundreds, or even thousands, of jobs will be created to accommodate the needs of tourists and spark a massive economic boost to the town. The construction itself required the employment of more than 600 workers, and the houses nearby have already started their small businesses in anticipation of the need of the workers and the tourists who are sure to crowd the Prayer Park.

Architect Jerry Suratos, one of the project managers from JQS Builders, said that once finished, the SVFPP will be able to accommodate 15,000 people at a time. It will include a chapel and a pathway for the Stations of the Cross, an ideal destination for devotees especially during Holy Week. It is expected to be one of the top pilgrimage spots in Pangasinan along with the Minor Basilica of Our Lady of the Most Holy Rosary of Manaoag.

The incredible superstructure of Saint Vincent Ferrer can withstand even a magnitude 8 earthquake and was intricately designed using engineered bamboo panels that can last up to 25 to 30 years. It faces the east, symbolizing the promise of a brighter future that awaits every Bayambangueño, and it can be seen even in the neighboring towns of Basista, Bautista, and Alcala, its height a perfect representation of the love that Bayambangueños have for the patron saint of builders.

Saint Vincent Ferrer has guided and will continue to guide Bayambangueños in their endeavor to overcome even the biggest challenges that may come their way, even in their current endeavor to fight poverty. Bayambang’s Revolution against Poverty, initiated by Mayor Quiambao, is expected to be another success through the continuous collaboration of the townspeople and the unending guidance of the venerable Saint Vincent Ferrer.

(Photos by Eddxer Valenzuela, Revo Lazo, and James Marc Aquino)

A 2nd World Record for Bayambang

by Resty S. Odon

BAYAMBANG, PANGASINAN -- "Bayambang, you're now officially awesome!"

Guinness World Records adjudicator Swapnil Dangarikar exclaimed in jubilation after he announced that the town of Bayambang made a new world record -- that of the tallest bamboo sculpture (supported), and one measuring 50.23 meters and depicting the town's patron saint, Vincent Ferrer, in a modernist, 3D-modeling-aided design.

"It is a new category," Dangarikar clarified, unlike the one this central Pangasinan town made in 2014 which broke the record for the world's longest barbecue by snatching it from Turkey.

The new world record category set by "the Philippines' fifth capital" is a colossal structure made of engineered bamboo supported by a steel frame. It is meant to be a gift of the incumbent mayor, Dr. Cezar T. Quiambao, to the townspeople on the occasion of the 400th founding anniversary of the local Catholic church, or the St. Vincent Ferrer Parish, and the 600th death anniversary of the patron saint worldwide. The idea of having the tallest statue was conceived by the mayor's wife, Niña Jose-Quiambao, together with Dr. Henry and Julie Fernandez, Fr. Carmelo Carreon, Ayen Garcia, Jimmy Siybauco and the mayor himself over a dinner on December 2017. 

The building process took more than 600 workers to build over 10 months, 22,626 bamboo panels, 3,470  polygons, and 60 tons of bamboo panels to create a remarkable wooden icon.

The project's team leader, Architect Jerry Suratos, said that the sculptural feat is a superstructure, meaning it can stand an intensity 10 earthquake and  typhoon. "The engineered bamboo will last for at least 25 years," he said.

The project contractor is FEISCO, the builder of Manila's first-ever skyway.

"This is our gift to the you, people of Bayambang!" exulted the former Pinoy Big Brother star-turned-actress, during a superb opening ceremony at what will soon be the St. Vincent Ferrer Prayer Park, in which the brown behemoth is the centerpiece.

Prior to the program, which featured the talented LED dance group Buganda and local balladeer Erik Santos, the crowd of thousands which flocked to the construction site attended a thanksgiving mass at 3:00 PM at the old church presided over by Bishop Elmer Macalinao. They then joined a 3.2-kilometer-long procession to Barangay Bani behind 42 carrozas or carriages, 39 from barangay chapels and three from the parishes of Carungay, Sapang, and Wawa under the auspices of the St. Vincent Ferrer Parish church, plus three floats from "Balon Bayambang" or the local government unit, Kasama Kita sa Barangay Foundation, Inc., and Rotary Club of Bayambang.

Mayor Quiambao, known to be a philanthropist and a successful businessman, credited the intercession of the patron saint known to work miracles for his decision to return from abroad in order to serve his people at home. He could not hide his elation on the occasion of a dream -- in fact, a shot in the dark -- that actually hit the mark and came true. With characteristic terseness in speech and joined by his entire clan on the stage, he said, "Use it. Benefit from it. Share it to the world."

The Vincentian devotee ended his message with a prayer: "May God, through St. Vincent Ferrer, help us become the kind of people He wants us to be."  

          (Photos by Eddxer Valenzuela)