In the small town of Dumalneg, nestled in the Diocese of Laoag, a small community has embarked on a faith journey inspired by the steadfast dedication of St. Hannibal Mary Di Francia, the founder of the Rogationists of the Heart of Jesus and the Daughters of Divine Zeal. What was first as a simple and little chapel has flourished into ‘the St. Hannibal Missionary Station,’ a testament to the faith and perseverance of Dumalneg's residents.
Much like the Israelites who went into a journey as a small caravan towards the promised land, the Catholic faithful, a minority in Dumalneg, walk hand in hand, fully trusting in the Lord - a small caravan of faith. Their challenging faith adventure expresses the reality that God's loving power reaches even the seemingly unrecognized, pierces through few believers and the remote corners of the Diocese of Laoag, touching lives and working wonders. His power and mercy transcend the limitations of humanity, space, and time.
For some years now, the faithful of Dumalneg have walked alongside St. Hannibal Mary in their spiritual pilgrimage, embracing the Rogationist spirituality and inheritance shared by the Rogationist priests. Through their guidance, the community has found nourishment and upliftment, strength and inspiration, solace in prayer, and joy in the sacraments and the command of the Rogate.
The elevation of that small chapel into the ‘St. Hannibal Mary Di Francia Missionary Station’ uniquely reflects the faith journey of Dumalneg's faithful minority, demonstrating their blossoming and growth. They have embraced the Rogationist spirituality with open hearts and minds, striving for holiness. Just as the first caravan that journeyed with St. Hannibal Mary, composed of the poor from the Avignone quarter, was founded on community and faith, so too has the Dumalneg community flourished in communion and faith.
This small caravan, pilgrims with St. Hannibal Mary over the years, serves as a beacon of hope and inspiration for those who seek to encounter and deepen their relationship with the Lord of the Harvest. As pilgrim people of God, Dumalneg’s faithful community stands firm in faith, guided by the light of St. Hannibal Mary, and sharing in his legacy with the Rogationists - hopeful that their status as a Missionary Station will soon be officially elevated to that of a parish community within the Diocese of Laoag.
With continued inspiration and devotion to St. Hannibal Mary, the the faithful of Dumalneg has built a strong, enduring foundation of faith, communion, and love. Their journey, though marked with trials and tribulations, witnesses to God’s power and presence in their lives. As they continue to grow and blossom as a faith community, the faithful of Dumalneg exemplify the transformative power of love and the enduring legacy of St. Hannibal Mary Di Francia.
Fr. Paulo Sambile, RCJ collaborates in pastoral ministry of the Parish of St. Lawrence the Deacon in Bangui, Ilocos Norte, Philippines. He also serves in strengthening the Rogationist presence in the nearby town, Dumalneg, where a small church is already built under the patronage of St. Hannibal Mary Di Francia. It has now been elevated into a Missionary Station.
What a lovely sharing of faith—a journey akin to Saint Hannibal Mary's and the people of Avignone in Messina, Italy. The humble beginnings of this missionary station magnify God's preference to manifest His compassion to the least in society. All the best to the mission and you, Father!