September 15, 2012 - SEDONA, PHOENIX

The much-publicized Family Celebration of EWTN (Eternal Word Television Network) scheduled for September 8th and 9th in Phoenix, Arizona aroused my interest to attend. Since my sister, Beth and Lily, my "balae" (Noel's mother-in-law) have been loyal Catholic channel viewers, too, they gave positive answers to my invitation for the trip. Lily's daughter, Evelyn, joined us for support which came in various shades.

To my pleasant surprise, Lily's nephew, Gilbert with his wife, Jovita and son, Andrew, have been residing in Phoenix for some years. They showered us with the proverbial Filipino hospitality which included a visit to Sedona some two hours away. I am most grateful to them for giving me a chance to see one of the mighty works of God! Seeing the pristine beauty of Mother Nature in this "Red Rock Country," as it is also called, made me understand why it is visited by around three million tourists annually.

Information from the Sedona Chamber of Commerce states that Sedona lies at the mouth of beautiful Oak Creek Canyon, a breathtaking chasm. Rising high above the canyon is the Mongollon Rim, a 2,000 ft encampment formed from ancient deposits of limestone, mud- stone and sandstone millions of years ago. Fanciful red rock monoliths which rise to thousand feet high because of their shapes have names such as Cathedral Rock, The Lovers, Devil's Bridge, Courthouse Butte, The Nuns or Grand Piano. Looking at the gorgeous scenery, I felt, Nature was at her best! The bizarre pinnacles and crested buttes as well as deep small canyons of clear red rocks dazzled my eyes and besieged my mind with wonder and awe. Like the psalmist, my heart cried out, "How magnificent are your works, Oh Lord. All creation bless you!" I learned that the tumbling waters of Oak Creek provide the moisture with green plants here and there and during spring and summer a carpet of flowers abound with a riot of colors. Naturally, Sedona is a favorite place of artists and nature lovers and more recently, by New Age advocates.

The Sedona Metaphysical Association is a resource for the spiritual and metaphysical side of Sedona. The area was inhabited by Indians many centuries ago and their affinity to Mother Nature was distinctly inherent in their religious rites. To this day, Sedona has earned world acclaim as a spiritual mecca because of the presence of power spots called "vortex." 

Pete Sanders, Jr. a scientist, in his book,"Scientific Vortex Information," wrote, "A vortex is a site wherein the energy of its surroundings is concentrated. A person  in this vortex site will have the inner ability to find, feel, measure and tap that energy." Because Sedona as a whole is regarded as a spiritual power spot, what is happening in a vortex is an energy flow of deeper dimensions. Each person may experience a vortex differently. Possibilities include new insights, intense feelings of joy, heightened spiritual awareness, problem- solving or healing of past memories. Overall, a person experiences "well-being and transforming soul nourishment" in a vortex.

To complete the Sedona visit, Gil took us to the Chapel of the Holy Cross on a much higher elevation with a vantage view of the whole area. Looking up to the chapel, one's gaze is held captive by its most prominent feature - a giant cross that seems to support the structure which jutted between two huge red boulders. To me, it seemed that Divine Hands split open the fiery monolith to make room for a sanctuary for those who are heavily laden and from whence He gives rest. True, it offers the necessary respite to anyone who ventures the long, winding climb up the mountain. We were fortunate to have used a courtesy vehicle which brought us near the chapel entrance. More than being a palliative for aching knees and feet, the elegantly simple chapel envelopes one with a certain kind of peace almost within the context of the Biblical passage, " peace beyond human understanding." To some extent, it must be the kind of feeling one experiences while being in a so-called "vortex." It is said that the Chapel of the Holy Cross is located in a vortex!

The Chapel of the Holy Cross was envisioned by Marguerite Brunswig Staude, a religious painter and sculptor, in 1932 but it was  only in 1956 when she was able to build it. The American Institute of Architects gave it an Award of Honor in 1957, stating, " Though Catholic in faith, as a work of art, the chapel has a universal appeal. Its doors will ever be open to one and all, regardless of creed, that God may come to life in the souls of all men and be a living reality."

By the way, inside the chapel is a pedestal with the sculpted Head of Christ. The inscription said that it came from the Chartres Cathedral in France. I was moved by it! I felt some affinity to it not only because of its fine delicate lines and expressive countenance but due to the special privilege of having visited its source. The Chartres Cathedral is known all over the world for its majestic stained-glass windows but more importantly for having in a big side altar, on display, the slightly grayish - blue " Mantle of our Blessed Mother." 

September 1, 2012 - FAMILY REUNION

Family is an all-inclusive term that binds siblings, parents, grandparents, aunts and uncles, cousins of varying degrees into one consanqiuneous or "blood"  relationship.. As such, many individuals become a coherent whole under the banner of  "family." It is no wonder, therefore, that many people put a hefty premium on their family bestowing on it a certain sense of "sacredness" reserved only to the sublime.

Through the encouragement of Cielo who first thought of the idea, I started the wheels rolling on a Family Reunion of the Pablo Calara - Carmen Miranda Clan to be held on September 1, 2012.at the De Souza Hall of the Holy Spirit Church in Fremont, California. 

The celebration started with a Mass, actually a Healing Mass, which happened to be regularly scheduled at that sanctuary.The grace of the Anointing of the Sick was bestowed on us and many of our relatives that day. It marked an auspicious opening - rite for a day filled with fun, music, food and laughter. The hall was a beehive of pleasant chatter of folks not having seen each other for long periods of time.Everywhere I looked, I saw faces beaming with delight and unquestionable happiness, an inner joy of meeting relatives after a long absence.