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Narrator: (Male)
A self-reflective person asks, ”who am I?”, and “how did I become what I am?” These questions form the Autobiographies of such great men and women, especially the Saints. St. Teresa of Avila wrote her autobiography when she reached her 60th birthday. It was written under the direction of her confessor, Fr. Pedro Ibañez.
She was probably inspired by Saint Augustine, an autobiography of the “Saintliest of the Wise and the Wisest of the Saints”. Saint Augustine began his memoirs when he was 43 years old. They provided significant insight into his sinful youth and his conversion to Christianity.
The jet-powered airliner Boeing 707 made its First Flight in 1954, the year the twins - Maria Luz and Maria Nila -were born.
At the age of 48, the twins went for a Marian Pilgrimage in 2002 to Europe through an inspiration received by Luz, the older twin by 15 minutes and a namesake of Sr. Lucia of Fatima. Fifteen years after, Luz received an inspiration to go back to Fatima to attend the 100th year of the “Miracle of the Sun”. It was exactly 707 days before the October 13, 2017 celebration.
Hence, 84 days around the world was conceived. It is a chronicle of the journeys of the Ortega Twins to 17 countries in the 7 continents of the world.
Song:
Around the world We searched for you
We travelled on
When we’re inspired
To keep a rendezvous
We knew somewhere, sometime, somehow
You look at us
And we would see your smiling face and nod.
In Avila, Spain we gave away your statues
Next we went to Antarctica, and to Fatima
Narrator: It is an adaptation of the 1873 classic adventure novel, “Around the World in Eighty Days”, by Jules Verne. This modern day journey narrates the twins’ travel to Europe, Africa, North America, South America, Antarctica, Oceana, and Asia.
But why 84 days? There are 12 apostles and 72 disciples. It must be heaven-blessed that on the day of our departure on October 5, 2017, the Gospel of Luke 10:1-27 was on “The Mission of the Seventy-Two”. The pairing of the 72 disciples “two by two” was designed by Jesus in order for us to think and face whatever challenges of life that await ahead, together.
The twins see themselves as the so called “other laborers” in our own time. Indeed, all around us, there is so much “harvest” to be done. Are we ready to be part of Jesus’ mission? Maria Luz and Maria Nila’s journey begins at the Ninoy International Airport. Seven statues of St. Teresa of Avila and four sets of Carmelite outfits were packed in four pieces of luggage and one statue in a box were dropped at the Checking area.
Narrator: The twins took a taxi to the house of niece Patricia Ortega with husband Pedro Encarnacao. The couple was out for a trip to Amsterdam leaving the house keys. Home away from home, the twins had a good night’s sleep and in the morning went out to look for Saint Anthony of Padua Church.
Passing by St. Mary of Magdalene Church, then by St. Nicholas Church, and Lisbon Patriarchal Church, still there was no St. Anthony Church in sight.
Luz: St. Anthony intercede for us. As we go to see your shrine you definitely have brought into our lives John and Monica.
Narrator: Truly, after awhile, the twins behold the church of St. Anthony. After long missionary pursuits, St. Anthony settled
in Padua, hence, his name, St. Anthony of Padua. He is the patron saint of lost things.
Luz: St. Anthony intercede for us. As we go to see your shrine you definitely have brought into our lives John and Monica.
Narrator: Truly, after awhile, the twins behold the church of St. Anthony. After long missionary pursuits, St. Anthony settled in Padua, hence, his name, St. Anthony of Padua. He is the patron saint of lost things.
On May 12, 1982, Pope John Paul II stopped at the church on his way to Fatima. The twins knelt where St. John Paul ll prayed. As the twins went out of the Church, they were approached by a group of students and their teacher who asked that they hug each other.
From their bus tour, the twins jumped off at the Belem boat terminal. The Harbor cruise of Lisbon’s waterfront in the Tagus river which goes right under the bridge was such an enjoyable experience!
Luz: You might be wondering where we are. Ania? (What?) Is it at San Francisco or Lisbon.
Passengers: (giggling) San Francisco
Luz: Well, that bridge was made by the same person who constructed the
Nila: San Juan … San Francisco bridge.
Luz: San Francisco bridge.
FATIMA
Narrator:
The twin sisters were blessed to have a place to stay in Fatima even without reservation. The Congregation Daughters of St. Mary of Leucato through Sister Andreina Nicoa and Rev. de Madre Laviña Garcia were a big help. As a gesture of appreciation, the twins gave the first of the seven statues of St. Teresa of Avila to a Filipino couple, Walter and his wife, for giving the twins a two-day free accommodation at their residence. Their house is just a 5- minute walk to the Fatima Sanctuary.
There were three apparitions of Our Lady at the mountain of Fatima: Our Lady of Ortiga, Our Lady of Fetal, and Our Lady of Fatima. Indeed, the mountain of Fatima can be called “Our Lady’s Mountain.” Since Fatima is a place of prayer and penance, the twins walked on their knees praying the Rosary as an offering to request favors. It was a great sacrifice. Petitions by the Ortega Twins
Nila: In the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, Amen O Most Holy Virgin Mary, you came to Fatima to reveal the graces that come from praying the Holy Rosary to three little shepherd children. Following the footsteps of the children of Fatima, we want to bring God’s word to others. Give us the strength, O Lord to be messenger of the Gospel. Please grant us our petitions and we will become instruments in letting others know of your great love to us. These are our intentions: World peace; Loving relationship of all family members; Live a balanced life, work, family and recreation;
Good health and happiness of SAS Family; Strong and harmonious relationship of Carmelite family; God fearing and loving children, apos (grandchildren); Fruitful pilgrimage for evangelization; All those who asked for their prayer petitions. We asked these through the intercession of Our Lady of Fatima, St Peter of Cupertino, All Carmelite Saints, and all the Saints whose shrines we are visiting in our pilgrimage dubbed Fatima 100 Pilgrimage to graciously hear and answer our prayers through Christ our Lord. Amen. Grant O Lord that this pilgrimage will bear fruit, that we will be able to implement the SAS TV so that we can bring more people to you. In the name of the Father, and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit. Amen.
Narrator: Denmark is a part of the northern European region known as Scandinavia. The country’s capital, Copenhagen, is the home of a lovely couple, niece Erika Peralta and husband Anders Boenaes, with their three daughters Alexandria, Arianna and Andrea.
After receiving the twins at the turn, the nun met them at the parlor and led them to the chapel to pray. The Ortega twins join a 1-hour water cruise of the Danish capital courtesy of their niece. Aboard the boat, the winding waterways gave a glimpse of the city. One cannot miss the iconic “The Little Mermaid” statue from the famous fairytale by Hans Christian Andersen.
Narrator: God compensated the twins instantly. The next day a man at the vicinity offered to bring them to the apparition site of Our Lady of Ortiga. When God closes a door, he opens a window.
This is how the twins consoled themselves when they were not able to see the tomb of Sr. Lucia. Notice posted on the walls say that the Basilica was closed in preparation for the anniversary activities.
On October 12, 2017, Luz rested at the stairs going to the colonnade. Spending time at the steps, Luz was inspired to join the sick during the healing mass. God gave the twins a better place to be during the ceremonies. On top of the colonnade were seats for the twins. In their Marian Pilgrimage in 2002, they had prayed at the sepulchers of Sr. Lucia’s cousins, Jacinta and Francisco. Next to the tombs of these two saints, was the prepared final resting place for Sr. Lucia of Fatima.
It was misty on the day of the 100th anniversary of the “miracle of the sun” on October 13. The twins felt Mama Mary’s presence during the recitation of the Holy Rosary at the apparition chapel. The “Happy Atmosphere Mist” was exhilarating and exciting. It left the twins in a state of happiness.
Nila is happy for having spent seven years talking about the lives of Saints in her radio program over DZNS at the Archdiocese of Nueva Segovia, Vigan City, Ilocos Sur from 2004 to 2011. She remembers sharing to her listeners the life of St. Elizabeth. When she was widowed, Elizabeth withdrew to a small house near the Convent of the Poor Clares which she had founded in Coimbra. Her incorrupt body is enshrined in a silver coffin at the Convent of the Poor Clares which the twins visited.
Narrator: Glasgow is the largest city in Scotland, and third largest in the United Kingdom. After breakfast at Glasgow Airport Hotel, the twins went to the Discalced Carmelite Monastery. The mother prioress was dressed without the usual big scapular. She received the twins at their parlor and served chocolates and tea. She led the twins to the chapel adorned with stained glasses by the Artist Shona McInnes. On the windows were portraits of St. Therese, St. Teresa Benedicta, St. Teresa, the Story of Carmel, and St. John of the Cross. The green carpet inspired Luz to prostrate. Twin Nila followed. Prostration is a Higher Gesture of Reverence.
The Ortega twins took a taxi to the Dunfernline Abbey or Holy Trinity Church founded by St. Margaret of Scotland and her husband Malcolm. Luz went inside to visit the tomb of St. Margaret while Nila watched their luggage. God knows all of our heart’s desires. He did not want the twins to feel disappointed leaving Scotland, not seeing the statue of St. Margaret. With a little help, the twins came upon the building in red bricks.
Luz realized that she forgot to bring their veil. With God’s providence, she saw a white veil inside the church, and “borrowed” it for photo ops.
Who is St. Margaret of Scotland? She is the wife of the Scottish king Malcolm III. One of the first things Margaret began to do as queen was to read the Bible to her husband. It is said that the daily readings and stories she read to him helped “civilize” the king, setting in place the conditions for the growth of the Catholic faith in Scotland. Two of her eight children are Saints.
Edinburgh
Narrator: The Ortega twins joined the Edinburgh City Tour with “Rabbie's Small Group Tours”. Surprise! Just the Ortega twins inside the tour bus. Edinburgh Castle is one of the most evocative castles in the whole of Britain and has dominated the Edinburgh skyline for centuries.
Narrator: Novosibirsk is the third most populous city in Russia after Moscow and St. Petersburg. The mass at the Carmel of Resurrection of Christ Monastery had just ended when the twins arrived. The mother prioress welcomed them and led them to the chapel. Once inside, the twins took videos and photos. Inside were some relics of St. Martirii, one of the early monks in the Kiev-Pechersk monastery. His relic has been reserved in the Carmelite altar alongside those of St. Teresa and St. Raphael Kalinowski. Carmel, hidden in the middle of Russia, is dedicated to prayer for Unity.
Three nuns received the twins at the parlor and offered tea and cookies. Taking pictures of the nuns was prohibited. So the twins recorded the beautiful songs they rendered for them.
Song: voice of nuns
Personalized Christmas Cards which the nuns produce were also given to the twins as souvenir. The twins were too early for the evening mass at the Cathedral. While waiting, they prayed and made their documentation of their past travels. Luz was sitting on a bench beside the image of Our Lady when Nila left her to buy groceries near the Cathedral. When Nila arrived, Luz happily reported that she was lent a blanket.
The Trans-Siberian Railway is a network of railways connecting Moscow to the Russian Far East. It is the longest railway in the world. The tour ended at the marketplace where the twins bought boots and gloves. Their guide said it will snow the next day. True enough, Novosibirsk’s first snow fall happened on the day the twins were to leave for the airport. Luz and Nila enjoyed themselves in the snow at the playground.
Narrator: The twins visited Istanbul, the largest city in Turkey and the fifth-largest city in the world by population. It is considered European, yet it occupies two different continents. One part of Istanbul lies in Europe and the other part lies in Asia.
Cappadocia
Narrator: St. Paul was looking for a secure place after being expelled from Jerusalem. He came to Cappadocia, the first Christian colony in this region with his followers. Religious cave paintings display evidence of early Christianity. This is the most unique natural environment in Turkey with its magical, fairy like landscape. Camels were first brought to Turkey during the Ottoman times and used as draft animals.
Luz: Praise God for a wonderful hot air balloon here at Cappadocia.
Nila: Praying for a fruitful 84 days around the world tour with twins Luz and Nila.
Narrator: The twins were able to see Mary's stone house in Ephesus.
Narrator: AFRICA comprises 54 countries. It is the hottest continent and home of the world's largest desert, the Sahara, occupying 25% of its total area. During the Avila 2015 pilgrimage of the Ortega twins, they visited Cape Town. In their Fatima 100 pilgrimage, they visited three countries: Ghana, Uganda and Tanzania.
What is unique in their visit to Africa is that they visited the Discalced Carmelite Nuns in the three countries. For this pilgrimage, they could not help but acknowledge God’s providence.
The monastery in Tamale, Ghana is the first missionary foundation of Carmel in the Philippines and the first Carmelite monastery in Ghana founded on August 8, 2002. Very Rev. Fr. Yitiereh mentioned that he witnessed the coming of the nuns to Africa, and was present during the inauguration of the Convent.
The twins had an authentic experience at Ghana as they accompanied a sister and the driver in delivering bread and juice to their customers in the community. Ghana has given a unique dimension of their travel to Africa.
Before their pilgrimage, the twins watched the life of St. Cupertino, the flying saint, while at the University of Santo Tomas Hospital where they took care of Danny, Luz’s husband, after his operation.
Narrator: Arriving at the Entebbe airport on November 9, 2017, the twins booked for a Mityana Town Tour where they had an encounter with the Uganda Martyrs.
Emmanuel Obong, in-charge of the pilgrims office led the twins in walking “where the first Christian missionaries passed and preached from”, and where some of the Uganda Martyrs were killed before their bodies were taken to be buried at Namugongo near Kampal.
Mother Prioress, Sr. Mary Helen of the Trinity, welcomed the twins. Tired from the trip, they slept until around 6:30 in the evening, waking from a knock at the door.
Meeting the nine nuns at the parlor was a great joy. They shared their experiences in their just concluded visit to Europe and to Ghana.
Narrator: On their way to the Discalced Carmelite Nun Monastery in Tanzania, the twins dropped by Victoria Lake for a short dip. Victoria Lake, the world's largest tropical lake, is named after Queen Victoria.
The twins proceeded to the Monastery at Mont Bunda Nare Region. The mother prioress had just arrived from the fields. The twins were moved with her words of welcome - “Welcome as it is the right thing to do, just as Jesus welcomes us all.”
Tanzania Carmelite monastery gave the twins a glimpse of their activities inside the cloister, such as gardening, sewing vestments, and making host.
Song:
Nun’s Voice: “She guide, protect us all our way… Sweet Virgin Mother, pray for us”
Luz: Hello students
Sister: Say I love You
Students: I love You
Luz: I’m glad Father and Sister brought us here. So, I can again have a video with all of you.
Father: Thank you.
Students: Thank you.
Luz: This would make our trip to Africa a very, very memorable one.
Narrator: It is the continent which is home to the largest Christian population in the world. Almost 80% of the people in Canada, the USA and Mexico consider themselves as Christians. Nicaragua’s president’s name is a fusion of the people closest to twin Luz’ heart - Daniel Ortega, the reason for including this country in this Pilgrimage.
Checking out from the hotel, the twins took a taxi to the bus station, then a tricycle from the highway to the Carmelite Monastery doorstep. The mother prioress welcomed them at the turn and later at the parlor, serving them with good pasta. Secular Carmelite Councilor Rodrigo Vivas Chamorro served as interpreter.
OCDS National President Maria Martha Salomzano, Councilor Chamorro, and other members showed Nicaragua’s great hospitality to the twins. Their hotel stay and tour driver were provided for by the OCDS community.
Councilor Chamorro came to the hotel to say goodbye before the twins left for the airport.
Luz :The dove represents the Holy Spirit. So we are being guided by the Holy Spirit to go to mass at the Carmelite Monastery.
Narrator: The mother prioress and an English speaking nun from the Dominican Republic welcomed the twins at the small parlor before mass, and served them coffee. Ushered to the big parlor, the nuns were eager to listen to the twins’ stories. The nuns gave the twins a wooden wall display with St. Teresa’s saying engraved - “Nade de Turbe”. Unfortunately, the gift was confiscated at the airport.
The twins rode on a Funicular going up to Montserrat Monastery.
Luz: Those doves brought us to the Carmelite Monastery. Those doves, beautiful!!
Narrator: Once at the top, there were plenty of walks, both long and short, on well-marked paths. From above - the scene was just spectacular. Luz was disappointed that the tour was in Spanish. But after the tour, the twins were satisfied.
Luz: Hello Nila ….
Nila: Hello Kambal.
Luz: Are you enjoying?
Nila: Yes, really.
Luz: Tremendously!
Narrator: It is impossible not to notice the amount of graffiti that occupies the walls of the city. Graffiti and street art painting helps promote a new form of artistic and cultural expression.
Despite having the same genetic makeup, identical twins have their differences. For the identical Ortega twins, Luz gets inspiration from the Holy Spirit - feeling anything is possible.
The inspiration is acted upon with the cooperation of twin Nila. Like this movie, Luz was inspired to go around the world, doing a very detailed itinerary while Nila does documentation being knowledgeable and skilled in computer.
They get along well sharing the tasks that are critical for the success of their project. Nila does household work while Luz checks on the itinerary.
The twins went back to the Carmelite Monastery before leaving Colombia. Luz wanted to check if the Monastery is really a 15-minutes walk.
Narrator: Luz wants unique poses, even climbing the structure at the side of the Escadaria Selarón, also known as the 'Selaron Steps', a set of world-famous steps in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil. Brazil, a vast South American country, is where the famous Christ the Redeemer statue is. It stands atop Corcovado peak and boasts incredible views of Rio de Janeiro.
Luz :Today is Feast of Christ the King. And what a marvelous day to visit Christ the Redeemer here at Rio de Janeiro. The weather is fine and so we will always remember this day, very symbolic and memorable.
Narrator: At the statue’s base sits a chapel, dedicated in 2006 to Our Lady of Aparecida , the patron saint of Brazil. No video was allowed inside the Chapel.
Narrator:Arriving at the Carmelite Monastery at Porto, Alegre, the twins did not expect that it is a Friars’ Monastery. However, the friars were very helpful. Fr. Joseph Natal, OCD brought the twins to the Carmelite Nuns Monastery. The mother prioress and an English speaking nun welcomed them at the parlor. After their 2-day stay, the twins bid the nuns goodbye and were touched by their gifts given to them after mass. Mother Prioress, Sr. Susana, gave words of encouragement –
May the joy of the Lord be your strength. We wish you a good and holy pilgrimage! May all objectives be achieved and add to the Mystical Body numerous graces for your lives and those of the souls entrusted to you. Our Holy Mother Teresa of Jesus protect you!
Narrator: Arriving noon time at the Carmelite Monastery, the mother prioress and her nuns served lunch to the twins. The nuns could not speak English. Nevertheless, they let the twins stay at an annex room of the monastery. Upstairs were three bedrooms and at the ground floor was a parlor where the nuns served coffee and some food.
Overlooking the city of Sucre from the top of Calle Polanco, La Recoleta was established by the Franciscan Order in 1601. It has served not only as a convent and museum, but also as a barracks and prison. Its highlight is the church choir.
And its magnificent wood carvings dating back to the 1870s, each one intricate and unique, representing the martyrs who were crucified in 1595 in Nagasaki. The twins joined other tourists at the audio visual room to watch a BBC documentary, “Caminando con Dinosaurs” or “Walking with Dinosaurs”, which preceded a 30-minute guided tour of the Cretácico Park. Ferocious roaring of dinosaurs sounded so real. Any one would believe they may in fact be walking amongst us. Wanting more of dinosaurs, imagine senior citizen-twins, walking a long distance, then climbing up a very steep hill to sit next to dinosaur footprints!
Sucre is endowed with a waterfall known as the “throat of the devil” with a natural cavern of stalactites and stalagmites. At a distance, the twins saw the waterfalls, but the more adventurous twin, Luz, wanted to go near it. With the guide, Luz ably reached her destination.
On the rocky ridge top at Chataquila, is a lovely stone chapel dedicated to the Virgin de Chataquila. The Virgin-shaped stone dressed in a gown is placed on the altar.
We have seen God’s mighty hand to work in our lives, and for this we give Him glory and praise. We are very grateful for all that has shaped our lives so far. Avila 2015 Pilgrimage, a two-month spiritual journey of us twins that has brought us to Europe and Africa, was in honor to La Madre’s 5th Birth Centenary. Sr. Mary Lucy of Jesus and of the Immaculate Heart, OCD, formerly Sr. Lucia of Fatima led us to attend the 100th Anniversary of the Miracle of the Sun. Fatima 100 Pilgrimage 2017 is an “84 days around the world” that brought us to the seven continents of the world.
Our holy parents, St. Teresa of Jesus and St. John of the Cross through their lived experiences have contributed to the deepening of our own experience of the Carmelite life. “They acknowledge Mary as ‘Lady’ and ‘Mother’ of Carmel and propose her to us as model of prayer and surrender of self on our pilgrimage of faith” (Discalced Carmelite Constitutions, 48). We see our lives as a tapestry made from different pieces, woven by the loving hand of God to make a beautiful whole.
Narrator:Lima is the capital of Peru and its largest city. The twins visited the Carmelite Monastery in Lima. Video is not allowed. They learned that the Nazarene Discalced Carmelites wear a purple habit. A staff at their souvenir shop assisted the twins in checking-in at Europa Hotel which is adjacent to San Francisco Basilica, and nearby the Monastery of St. Dominic.
The Monastery of St. Dominic houses three of Peru’s five saints - St. Martin the Porres, St. John Macias, and St. Rose of Lima. Luz was attracted with the stained glass depicting the three saints’ images. Three separate rooms were allotted for each of the saints. After watching the life of St. Martin de Porres, the twins tried lying down on his bed. Luz sat on the chair reading St. John Macias’ prayer. Then the twins went down to the crypt where St. Rose was buried. The Dominican convent is recognized by its pink bell tower which marks an easily visible landmark from the top of Cerro San Cristobal.
Luz was counting the steps again! See how the Ortega twins differ! At the catacombs down the Church, one can see the skeletons and skulls. The excellent tour guide said that pictures were not allowed inside but a video was shown at the lobby.
Guide: speaks in Spanish
Luz:Take my picture. Picture it.
Tour Guide: Providencia...This avenue...
Luz: Immaculate Conception?
Tour Guide: You find the Providencia…. A church in this area.
Narrator: Discalced Carmelite nun is the first fruits of the holiness of the Teresian Carmelites in Latin America. St. Teresa de Los Andes is the first Chilean and the first Discalced Carmelite nun outside Europe to be declared a saint. She asserts that “Jesus is our infinite happiness.”
On December 9, the twins had a surprise visit to a huge statue of the Immaculate Conception on top of San Cristobal Hill. It was a day after Her Solemnity. The visit made their afternoon a glorious one. Luz proclaimed December 8 as a school holy day in Sea and Sky College, San Fernando City, La Union, Philippines. It is a school she founded in 1994 on top of a hill overlooking the West Philippine Sea.
Santa Lucia Hill is a small hill in the centre of Santiago, Chile. It has an altitude of 629 meters and a height of 69 meters over the surrounding area. It is the remnant of a volcano 15 million years ago.
Narrator: It is the expression of brotherly love that the twins cherish with their brother Steve. He sponsored the twins’ immigration to Canada.
After spending two and a half fruitful years working and travelling there, the twins visited 10 European countries on their way back home to the Philippines in 1977, again sponsored by their brother.
That travel that brought them to Rome ignited their desire to go back again and again, bringing themselves to the Eternal City five times. Perhaps the long standing tradition of standing with your back to the Trevi fountain and tossing a coin over your left shoulder guarantees a return trip to Rome.
Antarctica was included in the twins’ Fatima 100 Pilgrimage upon their brother’s suggestion. King George Island is located at the northern end of the Antarctic Peninsula. This is one of the most remote places on earth; therefore, it is hard to reach. This unique and fascinating destination presents special challenges; it is difficult to find modern life comforts and the weather is highly unpredictable.
On the day of their departure to King George, the group was advised that their flight was postponed. The airline offered an alternative program free of charge. The visit to Cerro Condor was a great relief from the disappointment of the postponed trip.
The following day, the weather was fine and the twins’ “unique adventure at the End of the World, a special area of planet Earth, was an unforgettable and magical journey, a place where few people have ever set foot” set off.
Two tour guides brought the group to Villa Las Estrellas, then to Ardley Island on a zodiac boat coming close to penguins going in and out of the sea onto rocky shores, and around the Collins glacier.
The twins were guided to St. Mary Queen of Peace, a Catholic Chapel at King George Island where the twins left a statue of St. Teresa de Jesus of Avila. They were awarded a Certificate and Luz’ passport now bears the stamp of Antarctica.
Luz: This is the blessing card we prepared for our pilgrimage. And we are now on the fifth continent, Antarctica. We are here at King George Island and at Las Estrellas Villas. We thank very much our guide for bringing us here to the chapel.
Narrator: Twins admired the palace, and the staircase brought back memories of the Don Joaquin Ortega—Francisca Lacsamana Ancestral Home in San Fernando, La Union. Along the way to the airport, the twins pass by places of interest and get to see a replica of Magellan’s Noa Victoria. A replica of the Spanish ship La Victoria sits grounded in Punta Arenas.
Narrator: New Zealand is a country in the southwestern Pacific Ocean consisting of two main islands, both marked by volcanoes and glaciation.
The twins are grateful to Eleanor, a worker at the Discalced Carmelite Monastery at Christchurch for arranging their stay with the Sisters of the Sacred Heart.
At her house, the twins were impressed with the beautiful garden and they enjoyed looking and singing along with her unique Christmas decors.
Rare Maori artefacts and the stories behind them fascinated the twins. It brought them back in time with the sights and sounds of pioneering days.
Nila: Very nice.
Narrator: It is a Southeast Asian nation made up of thousands of volcanic islands, and home to hundreds of ethnic groups speaking many different languages. Kupang, Indonesia
The twins were glad with the unexpected welcome of an OCD friar. Fr. Aloysius Deeney, OCD, in-charge of Secular Carmelites in East Asia including the Philippines, received the 7th and last statue the twins brought for their Fatima 100 Pilgrimage at the monastery of Kupang, Indonesia. Luz was so thrilled that in a gesture of respect had a blessing by the hand or “mano” to Fr. Deeney. The twins successfully fulfilled their mission of giving the 7 Pilgrim statues of St. Teresa of Avila in each of the 7 continents of the world.
Indeed, it was a Journey of “Great Faith”. The statue is a symbol of their love to St. Teresa. Sr. Redempta, OCD, the mother prioress and a nun of Dutch origin at the monastery received the twins on December 24, at the parlor and offered breakfast. At 5 pm, they attended the Christmas mass with Fr. Nando, OCD. Again, the following day, December 25, after the Christmas mass, they had breakfast with the mass celebrant, Fr. Jacob, ocd and two policemen.
Faith in God is very evident in Indonesia, just like in the Philippines. The twins were glad to have witnessed the flock of the faithful in the Church to pay homage to Jesus. The twins were waiting for a ride to bring them to Church. A lady told them to ride on a motorcycle. Unmindful, the driver took them to a Muslim Church. A couple saw them who brought them to the Cathedral. The 7 a.m. mass was officiated by the Bishop of Ende-Flores, Indonesia. It was a great celebration in commemoration of the Feast of St. Stephen. After mass, Luz kissed the ring of the Bishop. The twins spent Christmas morning in the home of their tour guide’s family friend. The family has a grocery store in front of the hotel where the twins stayed.
EPILOGUE
Personally, I have no doubt that the Spirit is also breathing among ourselves in our own Carmelite family. There are desires, unrests, dreams that want to become an experienced reality. I believe that we should favour such experiences, even at the risk of making mistakes. By far the worst mistake would be to remain static and closed to the future... This is precisely what we too must do: listen to the voice of the Spirit and draw very concrete consequences for today, in obedience to the Word of God which, for us, is the word of our vocation. Very Rev. Fr. Saverio Cannistra, OCD, Superior General of the Carmelites (2009-2020)
Twin Luz was amazed at how similar she and Lucia, the visionary, looked alike in their childhood. Lucia’s picture was taken when she was 9, while Luz was 12 years old. Through divine intervention, during the twins’ Marian Pilgrimage 2002 to Europe, they were able to enter the Coimbra monastery where Sr. Lucia lived. Although they were not able to see her, they spoke to Mother Maria Celina of Jesus Crucified, the present day Prioress of the Carmelite Convent of Coimbra. In an article written about Sr. Lucia, Mother Celina had described her as a woman religious who “emanated joy.”
I lived with her for 28 years and I saw a person who, the older she got, the more she developed an evangelical childhood. She seemed again to be the child who had the apparitions in the Cova de Ira. The heavier her body became, the lighter her spirit became.
In the Fatima 100 Pilgrimage, upon setting foot at the colonnade, Luz received a personal revelation from God.
Narrator: (Female) There were people moving towards my direction. Someone was pointing at me with a joyous greeting saying – “I knew that lady is somebody special… I took a portrait of her.” Then there were flashes of cameras.”
This memorable encounter at Fatima is a manifestation of what Luz claims that since 2002 or 15 years ago, she looks like Sr. Lucia. Coincidentally, at the airport in Greece, a copassenger sketched Luz’ face and later gave the portrait to her before embarking for Turkey. It is a great gift which Luz treasures a lot. Sr. Lucia, ocd, truly led us in attending the Centennial Anniversary on October 13, 2017.
St. Teresa of Avila as a teacher, does not want us to stick to her words, nor with her experiences. She encourages us to have our own unique experience of God. God, eternally new, challenges us to give Him our lives. 84 days around the world, is a Journey of Faith.
On the road, in the air, on a water adventure, it is not something theoretical or imaginary, it is an experience of the Lord’s favor. St. Teresa sums it up - You pay God a compliment, by asking great things from Him. Indeed, the faith stories of their Pilgrimage, Sightseeing has turned to a Journey of Joy. How awesome God is – only if we have eyes to see. Let our lives be a manifestation of Christ’s life to others. For the Ortega twins’ their Evangelization work continues.
The documentary is not only for religious pilgrimage to view particularly those who are devotees to the Blessed Virgin Mary under her different titles but as I was translating the script, as an educator, I saw the value and various utilization of the documentary.
First, simply viewing one have a feeling like having gone there by themselves, perhaps even identifying themselves being with the Second, for arts, here the architectural designs of churches and buildings reflect the Byzantine and Greek influences. Seeing part of historical European countries enriches ones appreciation of culture and knowledge of other countries.
Third, the documentation is a very good material in teaching world history as well as climate on the other parts of the world. Fourth, since Sea and Sky College offers Tourism and Hotel Management, again, the documentary serves its purpose. The documentary also presents the financial aspects, coordination with travel agencies and other connections like relatives and friends.
Lastly, the documentary can be viewed by general public, across levels as well as school children. This inspires children to study, to dream, to appreciate the importance of travelling, and the experiences shared by the travelers themselves.
Sincerely,
Ely G. Lumdang
Freelance Social Development Consultant