OUR LADY OF LOURDES MINISTRY

OVERVIEW  OF THE  2013  SPIRITUAL  JOURNEY - 1ST PILGRIMAGE TO MT. CARMEL

On May 15, 2013, a group of twelve pilgrims, residents of the USA from various states (California, Philadelphia, and Georgia) embarked on a Spiritual Journey to the Philippines. Foremost in their minds is to spread the Word of God, through the Holy Cross of Jesus and the Sacred Hearts of Jesus and Mary. Furthermore, they would like to see Mt. Carmel in Liloan, Southern Leyte and other places of spirituality and wellness.

The Holy Cross of Jesus was erected on top of Mt. Carmel on October 13, 1995 by the townspeople of Liloan. It was the realization of the vision of Our Blessed Virgin Mary, as manifested to Carmelita Maamo Canoy; through spiritual mediums. For the detailed account of the vision/message of Our Blessed Virgin Mary, click on "About Us"

Since then, additional structures have been built, namely:

(1) Chapel of the Sacred Hearts of Jesus and Mary
(2) Tomb of Jesus
(3) Retreat House
(4) Stations of the Cross starting from the Chapel grounds culminating at the Holy Cross of Jesus
(5) Benches,pathways, and safety grills for the stairways
(6) The Resurrection of Jesus
(7)  Grotto of Our Lady of Lourdes
(8) The installation of the Holy Cross Prayer on the base of the Holy Cross
(9) Ramp/pathway from the chapel area to the Retreat House

The outpouring of love, commitment, and donations made it all possible for the establishment of Mt. Carmel. It is a place of love and worship for Our Lord Jesus Christ. The most sorrowful passion, death on the cross, and resurrection of Our Lord Jesus Christ have opened a pathway for the forgiveness of sins, conversion of sinners, redemption of souls in purgatory, and the salvation of mankind; through the intercession of Our Blessed Virgin Mary.

With hearts full of love, joy, and humility, the pilgrims were overwhelmed each time they felt the presence of God in their midst, as they visited places of spirituality and wellness. The strong faith and trust in God of one particular pilgrim has resulted in the healing of his bad knee. Dr. Magno Guerrero has been walking with the aid of a cane for sometime now. But he insisted on going up the 380 steps leading to the Holy Cross on top of Mt. Carmel, knowing in heart that he will be cured. Two volunteers carried him on a hammock. The day after visiting Mt. Carmel, Dr. Magno Guerrero was walking without a cane! Praise, honor, and glory to God the Father, God the Son, God the Holy Spirit, Holy Trinity One God! Blessed be the Sacred Hearts of Jesus and Mary! Blessed be Our Lady of Mt. Carmel, now and forever. Amen.

As you view the many beautiful photos of the pilgrimage, we wish to thank the following individuals for their love and support of the mission and goals of the Sacred Hearts of Jesus and Mary International Foundation and the Our Lady of Lourdes Ministry:

PILGRIMS:
1) Carmelita Maamo Canoy – Overall Pilgrimage Coordinator
2) Alex Canoy
3) Maria Sheets
4) Dr. Tita Lim
5) Lita Natividad
6) Naty Cabebe
7) Ching Maamo Harvey
8) Liz Miller
9) Vangie Vives
10) Dennis Vives
11) Nora Guerrero
12) Dr. Magno Guerrero

SPIRITUAL DIRECTOR:
Sr. Eva Fidela Maamo, SPC, M.D.
Staff and crew of Foundation of Our Lady of Peace Mission, Inc.

TOUR COORDINATOR:                                                                        
Yvonne Y. Pascual – Avian Travel & Tours, Inc.
Staff & crew in Manila, Cebu, and Tacloban

PHILIPPINE DEPARTMENT OF TOURISM:
Cynthia Lazo, Director of Marketing & Development
Staff & crew in Manila, Cebu, and Tacloban

LILOAN, SOUTHERN LEYTE:
Vice-Governor Miguel “Mike” Maamo and wife Gilda & Family
Pennie Maamo & Family
Dr. Simeon Maamo, Jr. and wife Zenny & Family
Elizabeth Maamo and Lyn Maceda
Sacred Hearts of Jesus and Mary Foundation, Philippines - Officers & Members
St. Ignatius Church - Fr. Kilat and Fr. Nono Lago

Stairway to Mt. Carmel from the street level.  Vice-Governor Mike Maamo warmly 

welcomed the pilgrims from the USA by placing a signage at the entrance.

From top to bottom: Lynn, Dr. Tita Lim, Carmelita Maamo, Naty Cabebe, Nora Guerrero, Lita Nativida, Ching Maamo Harvey, Maria Sheets,Yvonne Pascual (partly hidden) Vangie Vives, Dr. Magno Guerrero, Liz Miller, Cynthia Lazo, Dennis Vives, and Alex Canoy.

Dr. Magno Guerro is carried up the path to Mt. Carmel in a hammock

View of Sogod Bay from the chapel area.

1st row-seated (L-R): Alex Canoy, Carmelita Maamo Canoy, Fr. Kilat, Sr. Eva
2nd row (L-R): Ching Maamo Harvey, Dr. Magno Guerrero, Nora Guerrero, Lita Natividad, Maria Sheets, Cynthia Lazo, Yvonne Pascual
3rd row (L-R): Dennis Vives, Vangie Vives, Naty Cabebe, Dr. Tita Lim, Liz Mille