Devotees flock to Tagbilaran cathedral to celebrate God’s feast

Sister Precy Aseneta-Macasaet, a missionary, visionary, and divine healer, leads the celebration of the feast of the God the Father of All Mankind at the St. Joseph the Worker Cathedral-Shrine in Tagbilaran City on Sunday, Aug. 7, 2022 (Leo Udtohan/Inquirer Visayas)

TAGBILARAN CITY, Bohol — Devotees flocked to the St. Joseph the Worker Cathedral Shrine here to thank God and pray for personal intentions as Catholics celebrated the Feast of the God the Father of All Mankind on Sunday, Aug. 4.

Anna Mae Mino, 28, a businesswoman from Taguig City, said she had severe depression and anxiety that had affected her daily life.

“There’s a feeling of overwhelming sadness or emptiness in my heart,” she said.

It led her to question God because of her suffering when she and her husband separated last July after nine years of marriage. She was also financially affected after a business partner scammed her millions.

When she devoted her time to God the Father, her life became meaningful. She said she found solace and comfort.

“I feel God’s presence and guidance,” she added.

Another devotee, Teodula Pelias, had an eye problem.

While in Canada last year, she was told that her blurry or cloudy vision was caused by a cataract.

Pelias, 61, from Iligan City, went back to the Philippines last May 6. In Cebu, she was introduced to the God the Father and she was miraculously healed.

“I have found my purpose in life and I am willing to follow His will,” Pelias said.

Meanwhile, the oldest devotee in the province, 92-year-old Eufronio Bruñidor, shows no signs of slowing down as he gave God credit for his long life.

“There is no secret. It is good food, good exercise, good rest. And most of all, faith in God the Father of All Mankind,” he said.

Mino, Pelias, and Bruñidor attended the 9 a.m. Mass at St. Joseph Cathedral Shrine in Tagbilaran City to join the celebration of the Feast Day of the God the Father of All Mankind.

At 3 p. m., a Mass was also held at the Birhen sa Barangay Shrine in Barangay Cogon.

After the Mass, a “patunob,” a ritual of touching the heads and shoulders of devotees with the image of the God the Father, was conducted.

A banquet was also held at the convent attended by devotees and candle vendors.

Mino, Pelias, and Bruñidor came to know of God the Father of All Mankind through Sister Precy Aseneta-Macasaet, a missionary.

Macasaet introduced the devotion to God the Father of All Mankind in Bohol when she arrived in 2010 when it was unknown to many Boholanos.

She had no acquaintances, friends, and relatives when she arrived in Bohol.

She brought along with her an image of the God the Father of All Mankind which was given to her by the late Cebu Archbishop Cardinal Ricardo Vidal. She said the image was given to Vidal by Saint Pope John Paul II.

Macasaet’s mission to Bohol was never easy.

She said she was doubted, hated, and humiliated.

“I endured everything for His will. It’s not me whom they persecuted but God the Father,” she added.

The devotion has spread in many towns in Bohol province. It also spread in Cebu, Manila, General Santos, Cagayan de Oro City, Baguio City, Nueva Ecija, and Tuguegarao City.

“I will continue to tell the world of God the Father’s overflowing love and mercy to His children. Let us all remember that what flows out of God’s deepest heart is love,” Macasaet said.