Philippine Mission by J. L. McELHANY

Review and Herald Publishing Association · Takoma Park Station, Washington, D. C. · Dec 12, 1907

Philippine Mission

By J. L. McELHANY

On the afternoon of October 5 an event took place in Manila which for pageantry and pomp has not been surpassed here, it is said, for the last three hundred years. The occasion was the crowning of the patron saint of the Philippines, Nuestra Señora del Rosario (Our Lady of the Rosary). On a large open space near the church of Santo Domingo a platform was erected, on which the ceremonies were carried out. The arches of this platform were gaily decorated with flowers and flags; the stars and stripes—the emblem of civil and religious liberty—and the papal flag were chiefly in evidence. In the center of the platform was a raised stand with steps leading up from either side. Seated on the platform were many dignitaries, both civil and ecclesiastical. In solemn procession from the near-by church the image that was to be crowned was carried, followed by the papal delegate, Monsignor Agius, and a number of visiting prelates. The image was backed up to the stand, and Monsignor Agius mounted the steps from one side, and Gen. Jas. F. Smith, the American governor-general of the Philippines, from the other. When all was in readiness, the governor-general handed the papal delegate a small crown, which was, after making the sign of the cross, placed on the head of the image of the child held in the arms of the virgin, and then a larger crown, which was in the same manner placed upon the head of the image of the virgin. Both crowns were screwed to the wooden heads of these images to keep them in place, while the blind devotees of such abject idolatry cheered heartily. A Protestant standing near me exclaimed, “Great is Diana of the Ephesians,” while through my own mind was passing the scene of Israel’s worshiping the golden calf.

We were astonished to see the governor-general and other men who should have known better, taking part in the idolatrous work of crowning wooden images. To the ignorant Filipinos this could mean nothing else than a representative of the government taking an official part in these ceremonies, and the most painful impression left on the mind was concerning the effect this scene

made on the thousands of Filipinos who witnessed it. To the Filipino such a spectacular display is religion. There is nothing deeper, no vital experience that takes hold on his entire life. He simply bows down and worships the idol, and goes away to gamble in the booths erected around the church during the fiesta, or to commit any sin that a depraved nature suggests. Little indeed do they know about Christ and his work of love and mercy, but every child can relate the wonderful miracles ascribed to these images.

Gold and jewels to the value of about twenty-five thousand dollars were used in making the crowns for this occasion. This material was obtained in exactly the same manner as the gold for making the golden calf when Israel forgot God and turned to idols.

Let no one think that Rome is any different to-day than she was during the Dark Ages. “Semper Idem,” always the same, is her proud boast. The Catholic Church is stronger in the Philippines to-day than she has been for a long time, notwithstanding opposing elements. She is using every means to strengthen her forces.

Recently a commission was appointed to assess the amount of damages done to church property during the war here. The United States government is to pay a good price for all buildings damaged or destroyed. It is evident that these claims are greatly overdrawn, but that they will be paid is certain as a matter of political expediency. The Catholic vote is a very potent factor in deciding elections, and it must be secured even at the price of paying for buildings that some claim were burned by the friars themselves. Thus rulers and statesmen are going to Canossa, and of their weakness Rome adds to her own strength.

May God lay on many hearts the burden of giving the last saving message to these needy people, is our earnest prayer.

J. L. McELHANY.