Faith, Healing, and Tragedy: The Story of Suling and Milagros in San Fernando, Cebu
Five years have passed since the tragic death of their parents in a devastating landslide that struck the mining site where they worked in Naga. This event left a deep scar on the siblings, Milagros and Suling, who now reside in a village in San Fernando, Cebu. However, their lives are further complicated by the growing resentment from their community due to their unconventional healing practices.
Community Backlash and Spiritual Conflict
The pagan healing methods employed by Milagros have caused a significant rift among the faithful, disrupting the unity of the church congregation. This has drawn strong opposition from Father Emmanuel and other church elders, who view such practices as a threat to Christian doctrine. "Padre, is it a great sin to heal the sick, especially when it is done with good intentions to save those who are suffering?" Suling questioned Father Emmanuel, seeking clarity in her moral dilemma.
Father Emmanuel responded firmly, "Only the power of God can cure all illnesses, Suling. Any power not from God is a force created by evil. It is black magic. This is forbidden because it brings great calamity to society." Suling, feeling trapped by her circumstances, explained, "We are but humble servants of God, Padre. We perform these healings so that my sister and I can have food to eat each day. People who come to us for healing provide us with sustenance. If we stop, we will have nothing to eat."
The priest, while sympathetic to their poverty, insisted, "I understand your hardship, Suling. But that is no reason to sell your soul to the devil. Enough of this, and return to the house of your Creator. There lies your salvation." This exchange left Suling in a state of profound confusion, a major conflict now dominating her world.
A Fateful Day at the River
One day, as Suling and Milagros headed to the river to bathe, Suling sensed an eerie presence following them. Upon reaching the water, they began to wash. While helping her older sister bathe, Suling heard a child's voice calling her name repeatedly. "Suling! Suling!" she heard, prompting her to call out, "Who are you? Show yourself to me!"
In the distance, near the bamboo groves, she spotted a child smiling at her. The child stared intently before hiding behind the bamboo. Suling followed, searching for the mysterious figure but found nothing. Bewildered by the incident, she returned to the river only to discover Milagros lying motionless in the water—drowned.
Grief and Descent into Despair
Suling wailed by the river, unable to comprehend the loss of her sister. Her cries echoed throughout the village, a haunting sound of sorrow. After the tragedy, she went to the church and recounted the events to Father Emmanuel, who expressed his condolences. "My condolences to you, day Suling. Now, what are your plans?" he asked.
Overwhelmed by grief, Suling became paralyzed with despair. Each day, she would visit the river to bathe and converse with herself, feeling isolated and hopeless. She feared she might never see the light of dawn again. As she stepped into the water, creating gentle ripples in the quiet pond, she reflected on her pain. "There is no peace, only the painful memories. The intense suffering endured by a mortal. Memories filled with the wounds and scars of yesterday." With these words, she submerged herself into the depths, marking a tragic end to her story.
