Blind Faith

Maxima Orpilla, 66, is clutching the hands of her son Renato, 48, as she guides him up to the stage. The mother and son are about to speak in front of a small congregation of “spiritualists” in Barangay Urayong, Bauang, La Union. Renato begins by sharing his recent experience of seeing white light passing through his hands on several occasions. His face is devoid of emotion but his voice abounds with hope. He has been blind for nearly five months now, the cause of which is still medically undetermined.

His mother then takes to the makeshift pulpit. In a few moments she is in tears, speaking softly of her child’s sins and uttering forgiveness for her son who had apparently “gone astray from the lord’s teachings.” Both are full-fledged members of the Union Espiritista Cristiana de Filipinas. It is their hope that through repentance and the promise of healing that soon Renato will regain his sight.

Founded in February 9, 1905 and developed in the United States during the 1800s, Espiriristas (Spiritualists) believe that spirits can be contacted through “mediums.” Contrary to notions their name must evoke, the spiritualists worship the same Christian god and believe in the Holy Trinity. The group offers weekly prayer and worship services to its members but its promise of healing from physical illnesses through divine and spiritual measures is what draws residents from far-flung villages to the religion. During my visit to the group, a boy who was having severe abdominal pains was brought to the healing session for a “spiritual injection” to rid him of his pain. He was diagnosed in a local health center with appendicitis but because his parents could not afford the price of an operation, they opted for the Espiritista’s methods.

The Spiritualists offer more than cures.They offer a chance at salvation from problems modern medicine nor modern society cannot solve.