MANILA, Philippines - My devotion to St. James the Apostle began in July 1993 when Dalisay Jao invited me and Noel Hermogeno to visit Dapitan for the fiesta. Much later, I went to Santiago de Compostela in Spain in July 1997 with the pilgrims of World?s Wonders, travel agency then of Sally Maddatu. In both visits, I was both impressed and awed by the people?s devotion to St. James who is also called St. James the Greater.

In Dapitan, I saw how the people danced the ?sinug? on the eve of the fiesta beside the church. The image of St. James on top of a horse was displayed on church grounds and people danced in front of it as a way of praying. They come to ask for a favor or to thank the saint for answered prayer.

At that time, I asked that one day I would be able to visit Santiago de Compostela in Spain where pilgrims congregate in July. They come from all parts walking with a stick in their hands, also in fulfillment of a vow they made to do so. Mostly young people in groups enter the Basilica to witness the ritual of veneration to St. James. American actress Shirley Maclaine came, too, traveling from the Pyrenees mountains by foot, stopping at pensiones to rest or sleep.

?Sinug?

The ?sinug? is still performed today, together with other old rites such as the ?patunob? and ?loa.? They are performed on the day before the saint?s feast day on July 25. The faithful start converging at the church at 9 a.m. for the ?patunob.? It means to be stepped on by the saint as a sign of humility, infinite devotion and gratitude to St. James the Greater. Queuing in two lines, the people go near the icon of the saint, genuflect, touch and kiss it. At twelve high noon, the saint?s image is brought out of the church door and the ?sinug? begins.

The ?sinug? is a dance procession around the city plaza. It is the devotees? enduring expression of prayer for intercession and gratitude for abundant blessings. Repetitive pealing of church bells and shouts of ?Viva Señor Santiago!? in rhythm with the solid resonance of drums and lively band playing ?Marcha de Cadiz,? the Spanish national anthem.

Briskly waving branches of San Francisco plants, the faithful either dressed in ordinary clothes or dazzling costumes immersed themselves in the crowd joining the procession. There is no clearly identifiable or distinct beat or tune, but of one dancing to his own music.

?Loa?

The ?Loa? entitled ?Viva Señor Santiago!? is declaimed immediately after the ?sinug? by a young boy or girl. It narrates the fear and harassment suffered by Christians. In the latter part, it expresses gratitude and extols the virtues of St. James the Greater. As finale, resounding shouts of ?Viva Señor Santiago!? fill the air and devotees dance to their hearts? delight before the image of the patron saint.

Fiesta Mass

The fiesta Mass on July 25 at 10 a.m. will be celebrated by Msgr. Jose Manguiran, to be assisted by Monsignors Emigio Socias, Virgilio Belleno and Wilson Cadano. Dapitan Mayor Dominador Jalosjos will lead people in the Mass. He also helps the church when there is a need. Thanks to Councilor Apple Marie Agolong and Elena Abad of the Dapitan tourism office for the information on traditions.

Blessed Mary Magdalene Starace

Sister Mary Magdalene Starace, founder of the Compassionist Sisters of the Servants of Mary, was beatified on April 15, 2007 in Rome by Pope Benedict XVI. I first came to know about the miracles wrought by God through her intercession from Sister Lernie Ramilo who belongs to the order. Sister Lernie, a native of Odiongan, Romblon, attended the vocation seminar in Odiongan in 1989 when some Italian sisters came to the Philippines. In 1990, she was sent to the mother house in Italy for studies. Sister Grace Bocita and Sister Divina Familara also joined the order. The Sisters first came to know about the order from Fr. Nestor Watin.

Sister Lernie teaches kindergarten in the convent in Italy, but she told me that branches of the order have opened in Parañaque at 42 Russia St., Better Living; Cavite; and Palawan. The charism of the order is running schools and houses of the elderly. Reading the holy life of Blessed Mary Magdalene Starace inspired me to share it with you. The sick might be cured through her intercession. For prayers, e-mail compassioniste@libere.it

For those interested to join the order, write to Mother General Ermanna Luciano at Generalate, Via Appia Nouva 1009, 00178 Roma, Italy. Those who want to talk to Sister Lernie can call her at the house of Martina Festin 5231355 or text her at 09054636251.

Phil. Leprosy Mission

The board of trustees of the Philippine Leprosy Mission is eagerly awaiting the arrival tomorrow of young American actor Soren Fulton who is going to Cebu to see the projects of PLM. At the age of 9, Soren began helping the American Leprosy Mission giving part of his salary to ALM. Now 17, Soren wants to help more by coming to the Philippines to see what he can do.

St. Mary Magdalene

July 22 is the feast day of St. Mary Magdalene. The church of the saint in Kawit, Cavite will be full of devotees who come from different places to honor her. The image is said to be miraculous with many stories of miraculous healing and solution to financial problems.

I remember going to Kawit upon the invitation of Mila Que, who was the ?hermana mayor? at that time. Mila told me how St. Mary Magdalene helped her provide food for the people after the fiesta Mass. She didn?t have much money then, but somehow she was able to get through the financial need. Mila told me that when she was asked to be ?hermana,? she and her husband Tony Que never said ?no.? Because to say ?no? would be like refusing the saint.

Healing Mass

Charismatic healer priest Fr. Zenki Manabat will hold a Healing Mass on July 25, 7 p.m. at Mary Mother of the Church Parish in BF Resort Village, Las Piñas City. The public is invited.

Need for Christ

Pope Benedict XVI says that the presence of so many pilgrims, especially young people, on World Youth Day in Sydney confirms the need to fill their lives with Christ. The need is felt even among us adults. God bless us all.

San Lorenzo Ruiz

Those who wish to have novenas to San Lorenzo Ruiz can write me care of Philippine Daily Inquirer at Pasong Tamo St., Makati City. Please enclose a self-addressed stamped envelope for easier mailing.