A PILGRIMAGE OF FAITH . . . A WALK THROUGH HISTORY
By Noli C. Gabilo

An atmosphere of piety and reverence pervaded the Batanes landscape as throngs of people paid homage to Our Lady of the Rosary with a nine-day pilgrimage on June 17- 26, 2004.

Taking turns at carrying the images, the Ivatan devotion to The Blessed Virgin Mary reached a highpoint as the procession wound its way from Imnajbu, birthplace of Christianity in Batanes to Basco, the capital town.

Along the way, the procession made overnight stops at every settlement along the National Road: Imnajbu, Itbud, Sungsung, Uyugan, Ivana, San Vicente, Mahatao, Chanarian and Basco. During these interludes mass was celebrated and a cultural presentation was held.

In Barangay San Vicente, the image of the patron saint of Sabtang, San Vicente Ferrer joined the procession. (The area holds historical significance to the Isabtangs. It was the home-away-from-home of half of their ancestors who were exiled from their home island in 1791. The other half was settled in San Felix. Their 50-year diaspora arose from a revolt led by Aman Dangat, the chieftain of Malakdang, who rose in protest over abuses by Filipino agents of Spanish government authorities.)

The image of Itbayat's patron saint, Santa Maria de Mayan awaited the procession as it reached Chanarian. The next day, the pilgrimage almost doubled in size as all images of the patron saints of Basco's barangays joined the grand procession around the capital town. It culminated in a concelebrated mass at the Aquino Grandstand on June 26, Batanes Day.

The pilgrimage was a walk through Ivatan cultural history as well. From Imnajbu, where the first mass and first baptism in the islands was held, to a modest memorial for the ghost settlement that is Sungsung; the procession was an opportunity to reflect on the milestones in the secular and spiritual life of the Ivatans. One of the interesting sidelights to this year's procession highlighted the cooperation of government and the Church by unveiling historical and site markers along the route.

This year's pilgrimage follows its maiden run last year, which was held in celebration of the International Year of the Rosary. A similar thanksgiving and penitential procession for peace was held on Sabtang during the Jubilee Year in 2000. It is hoped that this pilgrimage will become an annual event. ncg