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Vienna, Austria, 25 November 2024— Members and friends of the Bikol Society Austria (BSA), including Marizel Rojas, Ning Lobrigo, Lolit Kaszuba, and Cherry Faller, embarked on a profound journey to Picinisco and Rome, Italy, from 21 to 24 November 2024. This visit reflected BSA’s enduring commitment to celebrating the Filipino-Bikolano identity while forging meaningful connections with cultural and spiritual advocates.
A Cultural Exchange in Picinisco
In the picturesque town of Picinisco, the group was warmly welcomed by Fr. Edmer Erongo, a Filipino-Bikolano priest serving the community, along with Mr. Giorgio Marcelli and Mr. Cesidio Di Ciacca, a Scottish businessman renowned for his preservation of Picinisco’s heritage.
The dialogue between the BSA delegation and their Italian hosts revolved around the shared values of family, faith, and tradition, exploring parallels between Filipino-Bikolano and Italian customs. BSA shared their advocacy for preserving Filipino cultural heritage within the diaspora while their hosts introduced them to Picinisco’s rich history and traditions.
This cultural exchange underscored the universal heritage and community language, bridging distances and fostering a deeper understanding of shared values.
The group visited the National Park of Abruzzo, Lazio, and Molise, a stunning natural gem nestled in the heart of the central Apennines. Spanning 50,000 hectares across these three regions, it is among Italy’s oldest national parks.
The group also visited the Shrine of the Holy Face, which houses the Veil of Manoppello, which is believed to bear the miraculous image of Christ. The veil, a relic of great significance to Catholics worldwide, is said to display Jesus’s serene visage, radiating peace and compassion.
A Spiritual Pilgrimage in Rome
The next leg of the journey took the group to Rome, the heart of Catholicism. They met with Fr. Eric G. Velandria, SJ, a senior education specialist in the Programmes and Innovation division of the Jesuit Refugee Service (JRS)’s International Office in Rome, and Fr. Albert Alejo, SJ, a renowned Filipino Jesuit priest, anthropologist, and advocate for social justice and interfaith dialogue (Albert Alejo – Wikipedia)
The group’s visit to the Cathedral of Santa Pudentiana held profound significance. Within this sacred space stands an image of St. Pedro Calungsod, a young Filipino saint whose life and martyrdom inspire courage and faith. His image in this historic cathedral serves as a poignant bridge between Filipino and universal Catholic devotion, inviting reflection on his extraordinary example of sacrifice and unwavering belief.
The group also marvelled at the Basilica of Santa Maria Maggiore, one of Rome’s oldest Marian churches. Its golden mosaics, intricate marble floors, and sacred chapels provided an awe-inspiring setting for quiet prayer and reflection. This magnificent basilica, steeped in history and spirituality, left a lasting impression of divine serenity and artistic grandeur.
A highlight of the trip was joining pilgrims from around the globe in St. Peter’s Square on 24 November for the Angelus prayer with Pope Francis. The Pope’s message of hope and unity resonated deeply with the group, reaffirming the shared faith that transcends borders and cultures.
Strengthening Bonds Across Borders
The journey to Picinisco and Rome was more than a cultural and spiritual exploration—it was a testament to BSA’s dedication to building bridges between the Filipino community in Austria and kindred spirits worldwide.
BSA extended heartfelt gratitude to Fr. Erongo, Mr. Marcelli, Mr. Di Ciacca, Fr. Velandria, and Fr. Alejo for their warm hospitality and enriching exchanges. This journey reinforced BSA’s mission of preserving Bikolano traditions, celebrating faith, and fostering global connections that inspire unity and understanding.
As they returned to Vienna, the BSA members carried with them renewed inspiration and a deeper appreciation for the shared values that bind communities together, no matter how distant. This journey is a shining example of cultural diplomacy and spiritual solidarity.
For more information about the Bikol Society Austria and its initiatives, visit bikolsociety-austria.org
About the Author
Maria Zelda “Marizel” Rojas is the President of the Bikol Society Austria (BSA) a Board Member of the United Nations Correspondents Association Vienna (UNCAV), Chairperson of the European Network of Filipino Diaspora-Austria (ENFiD-Austria) and a current Board Member of ENFiD, 1st Vice President-Elect of the United Nations Women’s Guild (UNWG), Founding Member and former President of the Philippine Austrian Cultural and Educational Society (PACES), Adviser and former President of the Vienna International Centre Club Filipino (VIC CF), Auditor for the Vienna International Centre Gastronomy Club (VIC GC), Liaison for the Philippines and Councillor in the European Police Association (EPA), and a member of the Filipina Women’s Network (FWN), which honoured her with the prestigious “Most Influential Filipina Women in the World” (Global FWN100™) award in 2019.
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