A Family’s War Story: The Supernatural Encounter and the Symbol of Protection
A Family’s War Story: The Supernatural Encounter and the Symbol of Protection
Walking through the narrow streets of a Barrio in the Philippines, one can be captivated by the rich history and the strong sense of community. Many barrios in this archipelago are named after saints, and even when there are no saints directly associated, they often have a patron saint.[1] Our Barrio, like many others, is dedicated to Santiago or St. James, the apostle and son of Zebedee. He is often revered as Santiago Matamoros, a legendary warrior who rides a white horse, embodying protection and valor.
The Japanese Occupation and the Legend of Santiago Matamoros
During the Japanese Occupation of the Philippines, from 1942 to 1945, the impact on local life was profound. My mother, who was just seven years old when the occupation began, remembers a unique and perhaps supernatural encounter that occurred in our Barrio. One day, a unit of Japanese soldiers arrived in town, ostensibly to gather provisions and scout for women. The soldiers quickly confiscated eggs, chickens, and rice from the local residents, but their leader, particularly, was captivated by the sight of Santiago Matamoros on the altar at our church.
In the chapel, Santiago is depicted as a formidable warrior, wielded with a sword, astride a white warhorse with wide-open eyes and bared teeth. According to my relatives, the officer’s reaction to seeing this statue was telling. He reportedly exclaimed, “These people have a mighty ancestor; let’s get out of here before he haunts us.”[2]
This story is a testament to the resilience and the belief in local protection, even in times of war and occupation. Over the subsequent three years, the Japanese returned to our Barrio often but always remained on the fringes, never entering homes. Instead, they would wait at the gates with bags in hand, never molesting a single woman from our community. This, in stark contrast to the neighboring barrios where the Japanese were more aggressive.[3]
Verification and the Power of Stories
While my mother’s story cannot be verified, it speaks to the power of such tales. In the context of the war, these stories often serve as a reminder of the fear and courage that characterized a time marked by unimaginable conflict and loss. The belief in divine protection and intervention is a universal human experience, crossing cultural and temporal boundaries.
Combat Engineer's Experiences: Monte Casino and Frozen Corpses
My father, a combat engineer, was involved in various battles across Europe, including Africa, Sicily, Italy, France, Belgium, and Germany. When asked about his experiences, one of the most recurring themes was the bombing of Monte Casino.
The bombing of Monte Casino was indeed a monumental tactical error, as it not only destroyed a significant historical site but also inadvertently fortified German positions. The ancient monastery, once a place of peaceful contemplation, became a defensive stronghold, greatly delaying the Allied advance. Many soldiers like my father, who witnessed this atrocity, felt the destruction of Monte Casino was a mistake that should not have occurred.
Another story from my father's military service was his encounter with the frozen German corpses on Northern Italy's roads. These bodies were placed there deliberately to prevent tracked vehicles from slipping on the icy and muddy terrain, ensuring the Allies' progress remained hampered by the challenging weather conditions.[4]
Conclusion: The Impact of These Stories
These stories, both from my mother and my father, offer a poignant reflection on the reality of war, the fears that gripped everyday people, and the resilience of the human spirit. They also remind us of the importance of retaining stories and the valuable insights they offer into historical events. These narratives are the threads that weave together the complex tapestry of World War II and its lasting impacts.