The names of the list for the mass has been prepared already. The Souls of Kawasan Falls were included. I wanted to attend the 4pm mass but the weather did not cooperate. It rained when I was about to go. So, I waited for another hour for the weather to improve for the last mass at 5pm.
Who are the Souls of Kawasan Falls? Please allow me to give its background: Mid-June last year was the 25th Silver ROV(Renewal of Vows)/Wedding Anniversary of the younger sister of my wife from America. The grand affair was held in Manila.
The couple chose Cebu for their "honeymoon" together with all the members of the immediate family. For the purpose of enhancing family relationships (we call it "bonding"), the 17-family member-tourist stayed in our humble home. We had sweet chaos during their stay.Hah! Part of the one week itinerary was a visit to the famous Kawasan Falls some 2.5 hours drive from the city to the west side of the island.
Our one-day stay there was pure enjoyment. The two V-Hires (tourist-van type air-conditioned vehicles) were prompt for our return trip to the city by 530pm. The trip seemed normal to my observance except that we arrived home 9pm, that is, 1.5hours more than the normal trip.
At first, I didn't mind the prolonged return trip. But, when the 90% of the group got ill(fever)one by one, the prayer warrior in me started wondering. My eldest sister who visited us the following day was also surprised about the long return trip. My wife who was present during the discussion likewise, couldn't figure out the reason . Both of us felt the trip was in our words, "heavy"...as if we were in a sense "overloaded".
My sister is a prayerful person and she too prays for the Souls in Purgatory regularly. While we were discussing, her eyes widened. She felt a whisper from a "presence". The message she got was: The prolonged return trip was caused by the numerous souls at Kawasan who rode with us back home. These were the souls of the number of people who drowned there. Aside from being a famous tourist destination, the falls was also known for several drowning incidents. Immediately, all three of us had goose-bumps. We realized that our being prayer warriors for the Souls in Purgatory created a big impact during our short visit to that wonderful place. It was a spiritual trip for the neglected Souls...their way of telling us they needed prayers. It took my sister to read their needs. So, we said a prayer and promised to include their group in our family's list of the Souls in Purgatory for prayers and mass offerings. The following day was filled with good news as the sick family members started recovering in a swift manner.
That's the background. My trip last Monday was again prolonged. The distance of the cemetery from my home is only a 30-minute brisk-walk. So, if I take a ride, it will only be 10 to 15 minutes tops, traffic included. I left my home at 425pm. The ride to the cemetery was normal. Yet, I was 5 minutes late for the mass, I can only smile with the Souls of Kawasan in the list that I brought for the mass offering. The altar boy acceded to my request for him to place the list at the altar box for the priest's holy water blessing after the mass.
Friends, may I request again for a short prayer from you for the Souls of Kawasan Falls. May our good Lord bless you and your family...most especially the Souls whom you pray for.
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