Day 48: (May 18) Run/Walk Across d Philippines (Cordilleras)

It was very cold early this morning, I had to wear my jacket. As I continued to ascend the Cordilleras along the Halsema highway my right knee became a bit painful. I was very worried that this could develop into an injury like what happened when running the Rome marathon 16 years ago. So I decided to walk slowly. I found a stick that I used as a walking staff. It helped, the pain disappeared.

The last time I was here was in 2008 when I went around the country on a mountain bike. That particularly day I biked from Bontoc to Baguio for 15 hours - from 5 am to 10 pm. So it was already dark when I went through this section of the Halsema highway. This would be first time to see it at daytime and appreciate the view.

The view around me and below me was just spectacular. But then in the afternoon the fog came and covered everything. Suddenly a heavy cold rain began to fall and the wind increased its fury. I had to find shelter. After 30 minutes, the rain eased but did not stop. So I continued walking, wearing my sandals, jacket and umbrella. The ascents became more steep and it got colder. The rain finally stopped late in the afternoon.

I reached Sayangan at 6 pm after covering 50 km. It was colder than this morning since we are now over 7000 feet above sea level. Fr. David warmly welcomed me. He lent me a winter jacket and thick jogging pants. He told it would even get colder at night and early morning. I took a warm bath before joining Fr. David and the seminarians for supper.

Total distance covered so far: 1727 km

Day 47: Run/Walk Across the Philippines (Baguio)

It is my rest day here in Baguio. I did my laundry this morning and later went to SM to buy some pairs of socks and a sweater. It's cold here in Baguio and I expect it's going to get colder as I go up higher in the Cordilleras. Tomorrow I continue my trek across the mountains of Benguet, the Mountain Province, Kalinga & Apayao. This will be the most difficult and exciting stage of the journey. I'm not sure if I will be able to update my blog daily. It will depend on whether there will still be strong cellphone signal.

Day 46: Run/Walk Across d Philippines (Baguio)

I was planning to just walk slowly up to Baguio via the Kennon road but after 30 minutes of meditative walking I felt so fresh and alive that I started to run uphill intermittently, with some walking breaks (Galloway method).
For the past weeks I've done more walking and less running because I wanted to conserve energy and prevent injury. But today I threw caution to the wind and did more running even if it was mostly uphill and carrying an 8-kilo pack onmy back. Anyway, I told myself, tomorrow is rest day and I have time for recovery.
I love to run especially in the mountains. This is where I get my runner's high. Running up to Baguio brings back memories of similar runs in past - Busay & Kan-irag mountains in Cebu, Bukidnon-Davao, Pyrennees in France. But I know that I can't overdo it because I risk injury. Even if walking does not really produce a high or ecstasy like running, it is necessary in order to survive and to continue my journey. So there are days when I do more walking and less running, and days when I do more running combined with walking breaks.
The last 8 km to Baguio was mostly on the steep zigzag road. This time I did more walking. I arrived in Baguio at exactly 2 pm after covering 35 km. I stopped by Don Enrico's for pasta & spaghetti before proceeding to the cathedral rectory. Fr. Manny Panayo, the parish priest, welcomed me and provided me with accomodation. Fr. Manny remembered me well because two years ago, I conducted a retreat to the priests of the diocese of Baguio. They all went to Davao for their retreat.
Since tomorrow is his rest day, Fr. Manny went
Home. So, I'm the only priest here, with the cook and the convent boy.

Tomorrow is rest day.

Total distance so far: 1677 km

Day 45: Run/Walk Across d Philippines

I said the 5:30 morning mass at the parish church of Binalonan. I also preached at the 6:45 am and 8:00 am masses. The parish priest, Fr. Jimmy and his assistant Fr. Irong wanted their pashioners to hear my message of life & peace.
I was able to leave at 10:15 accompanied by Fr. Irong and 3 other young people. They went with me as far as the next town - Pozzorubio, 5 km from Binalonan.
Even if it was very hot, I was glad to see long stretches of tree -lined highway which provided shade. Being a Sunday, I wasn't fasting so I took a lunch break at a roadside restaurant.
I did some intermittent running later in the afternoon. The Cordillera mountain range was looming ahead of me.
Throughout the day I experienced once again the generosity of some people who provided me with material & financial support - from my hosts Rolly & Tita, from the parish, from young girls along the way, poor men with their few pesos. Some asked to pose for a picture with me.
I wasn't too sure where to sleep tonight. I knew there would be no parish on the Kennon road to Baguio. I even wondered if I could find a lodging house. Fr. Jimmy suggested that I sleep in the rectory of the Rosario parish, over 25 km from Binalonan. But when I went there, the girls in the rectory told me that the parish priest was in the US and they couldn't accomodate me. A tricycle driver told me that there is a cheap lodging house near the checkpoint at the beginning of the Kenon road. So here I am after trekking for 27 km. I'm thankful that some people gave me more than enough so I can pay for my overnight stay in Aqua Vida. No need to sleep in the rough.

Total distance so far; 1642 km

Day 44 (May 14): Run/Walk Across d Philippines

The hottest day so far - it felt like 40 degrees celsius especially between 11 am -2 pm. It was still cool when I started at 5 am, but by 9 am it got hotter and hotter that I had to use my umbrella.. I did longer rest stops at around noontime as the heat became unbearable and I felt weak.
After passing Urdaneta, it became cloudy. I felt reinvigorated. I reached Binalonan, Pangasinan by 5 pm after covering 45 km. The parish priest, Fr. Jimmy was out of town but he asked some friends to welcome me and to take care of my accomodation. So after dinner at the rectory, Rolly & Tita Hernandez brought me to their house where I will stay for the night.

Total distance covered: 1615 km

Day 43: Run/Walk Across d Philippines

Early this morning, I felt a slight pain in my big toe and shin so I decided to walk very slowly and leisurely. My priority is to prevent injury - especially shin splint or tendinitis. (This is what I experienced during my pilgrimage in the Camino de Santiago which was miraculously healed).
Along the way I saw slogans painted in red from the NPA (New People's Army). I was passing an area where the communist guerrillas first spread and where they continue to operate.
I reached Hacienda Luisita at 8 am and stopped by Starbucks for cappuccino. After 30 minutes I was back on road. Upon reaching Tarlac City, a group of young people and some members of the Couples for Christ mobilized by Fr. Melvin Castro (executive secretary of the CBCP-family & life commission) welcomed me and walked with me to the Cathedral. They were wearing shirts and caps with anti-RH bill signs. They were glad to hear that one of my advocacies was against the RH bill.

After an hour's rest, I was back on the road alone again by 11:30. I had to bear the heat, hoding an umbrella with my left hand and fingering the rosary beads with my right. I reached Paniqui at 5:30 after covering 40 km. The parish priest, Fr. Fred Dizon, welcomed me and gave me accomodation.

Total distance covered so far: 1570 km.

Day 42: Run/Walk Across d Philippines

It was still dark when left San Fernando. After 20 minutes on the road, I switched to the navigation mode of my GPS watch and discovered that I was heading south instead of North-West. The tricycle drivers confirmed that I was heading back to Apalit instead of Angeles. So I went back and took the opposite direction.
The road to Angeles City was lined with trees on both sides. As the sun came out, I didn't mind the heat as I was trekking under the cool shade.
Upon reaching Angeles at past eight I took an hour's break in an internet cafe. As I continued my trek towards Mabalacat, a young wealthy lady in a parked SUV suddenly handed me a bottle of cold mineral water and tuna sandwiches inside a Starbucks paperbag. Later, a man near a fruit stand pressed some money in my hand and told me this was his expression of support. When I reached Mabalacat, the owner of a military surplus store gave me a head lamp after asking me to pose for a picture with him.
There were no more trees that lined the road between Bamban and Capas. The heat became unbearable I had to use my umbrella while praying the rosary. I was aware that I was walking part of the route of the Bataan Death March.
I finally reached the parish in Capas at 4:15 pm after covering 40 km. The parish priest, Msgr Tanedo welcomed me and granted me hospitality.

Total distance covered: 1530 km.

Day 41: Run/Walk Across d Philippines

When I came out from the Balagtas parish rectory early this morning, a young woman in running attire approached me and greeted me: good morning, father!
She introduced herself as Juvy Pagtalunan, a member of the runners' internet forum (takbo.ph) who had been following my blog & who wanted to run with me from Balagtas to Malolos - her hometown. So I spent the first hour & a half running intermittently and talking with Juvy. When we reached Malolos, Juvy said goodbye and went home, she had to report for work later.
So I was once again alone. When I passed by a small roadside eatery, the owner greeted me and asked me to stop by for coffee. He told me that he had just seen me in the TV 5 morning news and was surprised to see me outside his place. So after the free coffee, I was off again mixing running and walking.
There were several people who greeted me. I received a bottle of cold mineral water from a passing motorcycle rider. I received some crushed ice from a passing ice-truck. A peanut vendor named TJ asked for my autograph and walked with me for a while.
I arrived in San Fernando, Pampanga at 3:30 pm after covering 36 km. Unfortunately the parish priest was not around and the staff were not very helpful. I waited for two hours in the lobby and finally, the secretary told me that she contacted the parish priest who told her that I could not be accomodated. He instructed that I go to the home of the elderly priests. When I got there the security guard told me that the priest in charge went out and he didn't know when he will return, meanwhile I could wait in the guard house. Hungry and tired I decided to look for a cheap hotel and I finally found one. I went out for supper at Jollibees.

So today, for the first time, I didn't get any welcome and hospitality from the parish priest. I don't feel bad about it. A pilgrim does not demand hospitality, nor can he expect everyone to be welcoming and generous. Most of the parish priests, especially in poor parishes, are very hospitable - even if I am unexpected. That's life. Not everything will go smoothly, not everyone will be nice. So I will always be grateful for the blessings.

Next time I don't receive hospitality, I won't look for cheap hotel. I'll just sleep like the homeless - on the side of the church, under the stars, or a waiting shed. That's what I did when I walked from Rome to Assisi.

Total distance covered: 1490 km

Day 40: Run/Walk Across d Philippines

I wasn't alone when I left Baclaran at 5 am. Fr. Robert Reyes (aka Running Priest), 7 Baclaran boys and 2 members of the internet forum for ultrarunners (Mar & Richard accompanied me. We were followed by an ABS-CBN TV patrol car.
After over an hour we were already in Luneta park where we posed for pictures infront of the Rizal monument.
We arrived in Malacanang at 7 am and proceeded to the gate which was closed. The guards were wary as we approached and I explained to them that I just wanted to deliver a letter to the president. After a police officert assured me that the letter will be given to the president we the went on our way. The 7 from Baclaran went home by train, and there were only four of us heading towards Bulacan- Robert, the 2 ultrarunners and I.
Another runner joined us when when we reached Monumento. Robert and I had plenty of time to talk. He shared with me about his present involvements and future plans.
We made several stops at sari-sari stores for rest and hydration. These were opportunities to talk to the local people. An elderly woman was very excited to see us and invited us to drop by for noodle soup and cold soft-drinks near lunch-time. We couldn't say no even if we were supposed to be fasting.
It became very hot by noontime, so we used our umbrellas. By then there were only three of us left - Robert, Richard & I. We reached Balagtas at almost 4 pm after covering 40 km. The parish priest of Balagtas was out of town but the parish secretary - Mario- welcomed us. After taking snacks, Robert went back to Manila by bus. Richard continued on for another 10 km before taking the bus home.
I'm very grateful for the company of an old friend and for new friends. Being with them made today's trek easy and faster.
The new running shoes I bought has been most comfortable - a Puma LIFT racer.

Total distance so far: 1456 km.

Day 39: Run/Walk Across the Philippines (Letter to the President)

Today is another rest day. Good timing, since the winds are still strong and the storm signal in neighboring provinces are still up. The storm is moving ahead of me to the North - so I will be following its effect tomorrow.

Before leaving for my pilgrimage I wrote a letter to the President of the Philippines - Benigno Aquino III. I saved it in my USB thumb drive which I carried in my back pack. I printed it today and tomorrow I will deliver it to the guard house of Malacanang Palace. Here is the content of the letter:

March 31, 2011


President Benigno Aquino III
Malacanang Palace

Dear Mr. President,

Greetings of Peace!

I am a 56-year old Catholic priest belonging to the Redemptorist Congregation, who is running and walking alone across the Philippines – from Davao City to Aparri via the Cordilleras.. This is a 2000+ km journey starting on April 1, 2011 up to May 28, 2011.

During my pilgrimage on foot, I intend to preach the Gospel of Life & Peace to ordinary people I meet on the way – in sari-sari stores, waiting sheds and parish churches where I stay for the night, and to the media. There are four pro-life concerns that I bring with me:

(1) The armed conflict in the countryside that has caused the loss of so many lives and the need to support the ongoing peace process between the government and the revolutionary groups (e.g. NDF and MILF)
(2) The destruction of the environment and the threat to the way of life and cultures of the indigenous peoples – due to mining and logging.
(3) The extra-judicial killings carried out by death squads, allegedly inspired or abetted by some local government officials and police personnel in many cities in the Philippines.
(4) The RH bill being debated in congress which promotes an aggressive population control program which is based on a questionable if not false assumptions that there is a crisis of overpopulation which perpetuates poverty and is a hindrance to sustainable economic development.

On my journey, I bring with me this letter of appeal to you and will leave it with the guards as I pass by Malacanang on my way to Aparri. I hope this letter will reach you and not end in the waste basket. This is special delivery – not through e-mail or air-mail. I carry it myself in my backpack on foot – from Mindanao, through Visayas and Luzon.

I dare to write this letter to you because I believe that you listen to the voices of the people whom you consider as your Boss and whom you pledged to serve. My voice is only one small voice among many. But it deserves serious consideration because I walk my talk.

So let me express to you my appeal:

I am very thankful that you have revived the peace negotiations with the NDF and the MILF. I express my support for the peace process and ask people to do the same. I appeal to you to use your political will to see to it that a peace agreement is reached which addresses the roots of the armed conflict. Let is be peace based on justice and socio-economic and political reforms that will truly alleviate poverty. I ask that the process be transparent and consultative so that it will be accepted and owned by the people. Meanwhile, I appeal for a ceasefire while the negotiations are going on.

I am grateful that you have ordered a total log ban which I hope will be fully implemented. Besides logging, mining is also destroying the environment and the cultures and way of life of the indigenous peoples and peasants – especially in Palawan, Mindoro, Mindanao, Samar, Bicol and the Cordilleras. It has only benefited the foreign companies and their local counterparts while these regions remain the poorest. I appeal to you listen to the cry of the ordinary people in these areas and to order a moratorium and consider repealing the Mining Act. I also appeal to stop the construction or operation of Coal-Fired Power Plants which contributes to global warming and which depend on coal mining.

I appeal to you to order the Commission on Human Rights and the Department of Justice to continue conducting investigation on the extra-judicial killings and hold accountable those behind these. The UN has already conducted initial investigation under Philip Allston, so has the Human Rights Watch. Three years ago, the Commission of Human Rights started its own investigation and until now there has been no report. Meanwhile the killings continue and have spread to other cities.

I know that you feel strongly about passing a bill on Responsible Parenthood and Reproductive Health. I am grateful that you have not treated it as a priority bill as you still want to engage in dialogue with the Catholic Church. It seems to me that you have taken the side of those pushing for the RH bill in Congress and shares their viewpoint on why this bill is urgent. What is the logic behind this bill? That there is a crisis of population explosion which perpetuates the poverty of our people and a hindrance to economic development. Therefore, an aggressive population control program is necessary which includes promoting contraception and sex education. What is the message your are promoting? Walang mahirap kung konti lang ang bata. Para sa ikaaunlad ng bayan, contraception at sex education ang kailangan. You know very well that the cause of poverty is not overpopulation and it is even questionable whether we are facing a crisis of overpopulation. The population growth rate and total fertility rate have gone down and continues to go down. The crisis that the world is facing is the demographic winter – an aging population, with less young people. This is why other countries need our OFWs. It would be better if you focus on poverty-alleviation, quality education for all, and universal health program (not just reproductive health). I agree with you that we need to promote Responsible Parenthood which includes sex-education taught within the context of religious and cultural values but it cannot be legislated and funded by billions coming from our taxes.

The Catholic Church is not a hindrance to progress and development. The Church is not your enemy. You don’t have to worry about the threat of excommunication from the CBCP – which was a false report. Please consider the Church as a partner for the achievement of common good, for poverty-alleviation, for justice and peace, and for the defense of life and the environment. When the Church criticizes the policies and behavior of those in government it is always in line with her prophetic mission and in defense of the values of life, peace and justice. Your late mother and father (whose memory I too venerate) appreciated the historic contribution of the Church in transforming society. It would be sad and a great disservice to our people if the remaining years of your presidency is spent in an adversarial and conflictive relationship with the Catholic Church.

As a young man, I fought against a dictator and I was tortured and imprisoned for seven months. Soon I will be a senior citizen and I don’t want to spend it fighting against a government and a president whose candidacy I fully supported and whose anti-corruption and peace program I continue to support.

Last year, when I walked across France and Spain on the Camino de Santiago, I was praying for the success of your new administration – especially in your fight against corruption and for achieving peace, justice and progress in our land. As I continue my journey on foot across the Philippines, I continue to pray for you that you will be a great president and lead us to a better future. I hope and pray that I will not end up in disappointment.


Sincerely,

Fr. Amado L. Picardal, CSsR

Day 38: Run/Walk Across d Philippines

Rest day in Baclaran, Manila. I had a sleep- in until 7 am and joined the confreres for breakfast.
At 9 am, I said the Mass in the large church attended by a big crowd. As usual I preached about my run/walk for life & peace advocacy. I linked it to today's gospel reading which relates the story of the disciples walking to Emmaus accompanied by the risen Lord whom they did not recognize until after the breaking bread with Jesus.

In my journey on foot for the last 5 weeks from Davao to Manila, I have been blessed by the awareness of the Lord's invisible presence. Although I trekked alone most of the time, I did not feel alone because I know there is Someone who accompanies me.
The Holy Eucharist is the recognition and l celebration of the Lord's presence in our life-journey.
_
It's a very wet & windy day here.Storm signal has been declared here and nearby provinces. I heard the news that storm signal no. 2 has been hoisted and some flooding in the places that I passed in Samar and the Bicol region. I just feel fortunate that I am resting for two days while the storm rages. I pray for those who have been severely hit by Typhoon Bebing. I hope that by Tuesday, this will be over so that I can continue my journey to the North.

Day 37: Run/Walk Across d Philippines

Finally I have reached Manila after 37 days of running & walking (well, mostly walking) !

I felt great when I woke up. The diarrhea was gone and I was able to rehydrate with the Oral Rehydration Salt that Cyrus sent me.

Early this morning, Cyrus (a runner who communicated with me in the runner's forum) was waiting for me in front of the church. After walking together for less than an hour, the vehicle of the Baclaran Redemptorist community arrived bringing some young members of the Baclaran church community who came to join me in this leg. So it was indeed a time of merriment and conversation as we walked together crossing from the province of Laguna to MetroManila. The weather was perfect for walking most of the - cloudy and windy. We dropped by at the St. Andrew Cathedral to say hello to my friend Msgr. Manny Gabriel.
We arrived at the Baclaran Shrine of the Mother of Perpetual Help where Frs. Ino & Willy and a crowd with the media were waiting. It was indeed a grand welcome with a brief liturgy followed by interviews.

So finally I can have my much needed rest after covering 1416 km.

Day 36: Run/Walk Across d Philippines

I felt much better early this morning as I left San Pablo and took the road towards Cabuyao via Calauan, Los Banos and Calamba. As I descended towards Calauan I could see Lake Laguna from afar. I ran slowly and gently and thought I had recovered from diarrhea. But after coffee break in Calauan I had to make several pit stops - a total of seven the whole day (in the toilets of 6 gas stations & 1 barangay hall). Luckily, I only had to cover 40 km today, so it was not as exhausting as the last 2 days. But the last 7 km was still very, very hard. I reached the parish rectory in Cabuyao at 4:30 pm. The parish priest - Fr. Leonardo - welcomed me. I concelebrated with him at the 5:30 mass.
Tommorow I will reach Manila. I hope I can fully recover tomorrow.

Day 35: Run/Walk Across d Philippines

Walking 49 km with diarrhea was very exhausting. The pills I took were not effective. I made so many pitstops in roadside restaurants and gas stations that I felt weak and wasted. I suspected the onset of dehydration. The last ten kilometers was like experiencing the dreaded runner's wall - every step was agonizing and all I could rely on was my sheer will and prayer.

Along the way some nurses recognized me and called me asking for my blessing and to pose for picture with them.

I was also greatly encouraged when a busload of priests, 2 bishops (Bishops Tumulak & Velasco) and some lay people (all belonging to the Franciscan Secular order) stopped, alighted and greeted me. Among them was Fr. Robert Reyes - the running priest - who texted me earlier asking for my location since he knew they would be passing me. After picture taking and receiving their blessing they went on their way to Manila and I was alone once again.

I arrived in the San Pablo cathedral rectory at 6:15 pm. The rector of the cathedral whom I had written was out of town. He instructed his assistant to bring me to the bishop's residence where I was served a hearty dinner. I did not meet the bishop since had already finished eating and had gone to his room to rest.

Total distance covered so far : 1340 km

Day 34: Run/Walk Across d Philippines

At 4:15 this morning Fr. Misael Hernandez was waiting in front of the church with his hydration pack and head lamp. He accompanied me as far as the foot of zigzag road of the Quezon Forest Park. After stopping for coffee at a gas station, he headed back to Atimonan, I was once again all alone walking the uphill section and running the longwinding downhill stretches. It was cloudy and cool until I reached level ground. I continued to running intermittently until it got so hot that I had to walk most of the time.

I haven't ran out of 'angels' on the road. There were two motorbike riders who stopped one after another to give me cold mineral water. Two other men gave some money for my expenses.

By around noon time the heat became unbearable and I felt weak, dizzy and exhausted that I had to take some naps in the waiting shed along the highway. I was also afflicted by upset stomach & LBM.

I should have reached Lucena by 2 pm but due to frequent long rest stops I reached the cathedral rectory by 5 pm after covering 40 km. Msgr. Leandro was out of town without telling his assistant about my coming so I was an unexpected guest. Nevertheless, they welcomed me all the same.

Total km covered so star - 1291 km.

Day 33: Run-Walk Philippines

Like yesterday, I had another short and easy 24-km walk this morning - from Gumaca to Atimonan along a beautiful coast with cool breeze. I stopped several times to rest and savor the view. I think it is a good idea to have a back-to-back short easy days in lieu of a complete day off.
I arrived in the parish of Atimonan shortly before lunch and was welcomed by the parish priest - Msgr. Verastigue. I had lunch with him and the other priests and seminarians assigned in the parish. Since there was no available accommodation for me in the rectory, he brought me to his aunt's place near the church where I have a luxurious accommodation - an airconditioned suite room.

I will be concelebrating at the 5 pm mass and once again speak about my pro-life & peace advocacy.

Total distance covered so far: 1251 km. 4 more days to go before I arrive in Manila.

Day 32: Run/Walk Philippines

Fr. Felix was waiting in front of the church at 5:15 am to see me off. He gave me an envelop with money and told me: we are right behind you.
No running today, just a 20 km leisurely walk from Lopez to Gumaca. Instead of scheduling an off-day I decided to just have 2 successive short & easy days.

Midway to Gumaca it was a joy to see the sea once again. The sea breeze was just exhilirating.
Upon reaching the city, I came across the youth delegation whom I met yesterday in Lopez. They are on their way to Lukban to attend the regional youth camp. They accompanied me to the cathedral. The parish priest was away but the seminarians who were left behind let me in and prepared the room for me.
I had lunch with Fr. Tony & Fr. JB who are joining the youth camp. I met Mgr. Del, the parish priest, after lunch.
I have already washed my clothes and the rest of the afternoon relaxing. I will be concelebrating at the 5 pm mass.

Total distance covered: 1227 km

Day 31: Run/Walk Philippines

I am now in Lopez, Quezon province after an easy 32 km leisurely walk mixed with some downhill running. I left Tabugon at 5 am and arrived here shortly before 2 pm. No fasting today, since it is Sunday, so I stopped for breakfast at a place before Calauag and for lunch near Lopez. No problem with my feet, I hope it stays that way the following days. Anyway, this will be an easy week - only 20 km tomorrow, 28 km after that and then back to the mid40-50km. I didnt plan any off day this week, only a series of easy days. The next off day will be when I arrive in Manila next week.

I was not really a total stranger on the road today. After leaving Tabugon, a man in his 30s suddenly approached me, took my hand and asked for my blessing while addressing me Father. Much later, a vehicle passed by and the inhabitants waved at me and addressed me as Father. When I entered a store and ordered an energy drink, the owner told me it was free. When I arrived in Lopez, a girl approached me took my hand and asked for my blessing and gave me a bottle of cold green tea. She told me that she saw me on TV while she was in Manila and was in Lopez for vacation.

As I walked and ran, my thoughts turned to the late Pope John Paul II who is being beatified in Rome today. I only met him once when I attended his early morning mass in Vatican and had a private audience with him. But his teaching and example has been a source of inspiration for me. In fact, the message of life and peace that I proclaim during this pilgrimage is based on his encyclical Evangelium Vitae (the Gospel of Life). According to John Paul II, there is a culture of death that reigns in the world. There are many manifestations of this culture of death - abortion, contraception, war, environmental destruction, poverty, capital punishment, etc. We therefore need to proclaim and promote the value and sanctity of life as we struggle against the culture of death. My stand in support of the peace process and against mining, extrajudicial killings and the RH bill is part of this broad pro-life agenda. To be pro-life it is not enough to be against the RH bill, we have to be against war and the destruction of the environment and to work for peace, justice and the integrity of creation. I hope that pro-life advocates should not only narrowly focus on the RH bill but should broadened their pro-life agenda. The late Cardinal Bernardin often talked about the consistent ethic of life which is similar to the position of John Paul II.

As I continue my journey for life and peace, I pray for the intercession of Blessed John Paul II.

Got to go now, I will be concelebrating at the 6 pm mass. Thanks to the hospitality of Fr. Felix Zoleta - the parish priest.

p.s. Distance covered so far: 1207 km.

I am in an internet cafe and cant upload my pictures