Zamboanga City has always been Catholic. The city was made a fortress against the Moro pirates and the influx of Islamized Tausugs. There were manoy Subanen there when the conquistadores ‘discover’ the Philippines for the Spanish king.
But Muslims influx from Sulu and nearby places continued to pour on . The Archibishops of that city made sure that evangelization continues while continuing a precarious balance amongst the Muslims in their archdiocese.
Usually the mass was given by the Archbishop…and this day was not different. Immaculate Concepcion Cathedral was full, for it is its feast day.
Packed with 300 parishioners or so …the 9 o’clock mass was always ecpected by the masses.
While Archibishop Romero is in his homily – about the faith of Mary and how we should emulate her …the ground moved.
It was intensity 7. Epicenter is in the sea – just near the city.
This happened during the end of the rainy season. After Typhoon Helen had ravaged Davao, Cotabato and Pagadian cities.
It is both a howler with heavy rains. And most people scathed by the typhoon are still in the evacuation centers.
INCOMPLETE
Walk by Grace thru Faith 