Father Momoy, renowned for his extraordinary gift of healing, particularly among cancer patients, continues to astound many with what he calls "distant healing" via Zoom. These accounts transcend mere medical narratives; they are profound testaments to the boundless grace of God. Father Momoy emphasizes that his work is deeply rooted in intercessory prayer, a call for all to pray for one another.

EARLY SEEDS OF CONNECTION

From the very beginning of his priesthood, Father Momoy displayed a unique ability to connect with people across different faiths. As a young parish priest, he made it a point to consecrate every house in his parish, a practice that quickly garnered attention. He even recalls a Seventh-day Adventist, whom he visited, asking him to bless cherished religious images. This moment hinted at a special charism: a sincere, warm, and unpretentious ability to build bridges with those of other beliefs.

This spirit of ecumenism blossomed further during his assignment in Donsol, Sorsogon. There, he regularly attended a "shepherds' breakfast conference" every second Friday of the month, sharing a table with a Born-Again pastor and a Mormon minister. Together, they embarked on pastoral visits to mountain communities, checking in on families. Even his accompanist for masses was a member of the Iglesia ni Cristo. These weren't organized ecumenical projects; they were genuine friendships born from a desire to accompany people and walk with them in faith, regardless of its specific expression. Father Momoy began to see this as God's way of shaping his ministry.

HEALING WITHOUT BORDERS

When his healing ministry began, Father Momoy's circle expanded even further, transcending boundaries of religion, geography, and belief. Today, his Zoom healing sessions can virtually enter ICUs, albeit reserved for extreme cases, particularly evident during the height of the pandemic. The grace flowing from this ministry doesn't require membership or denomination; it simply meets people where they are.

One particularly impactful encounter occurred in Mindanao during a healing session with the Lumads, an indigenous group. He requested an interpreter, but to his surprise, he and the tribal chief seemed to understand each other deeply, on a level that bypassed the need for translation. Even the interpreter stood by, stunned. Curious, Father Momoy asked the chief, “Where do you worship your God?” The chief replied, “In the river.” Thinking he had misunderstood, Father Momoy asked again. “In the mountains,” the chief answered. Still puzzled, he clarified, “No, I mean your place of worship—your temple.” And the Lumad chief’s profound response resonated deeply: “In nature. For how can we put God—the Creator of all this—into a small container?”

It was a profound moment of realization for Father Momoy: God is indeed boundless, and so are the gifts shared through His grace.

A MUSLIM IMAM'S TESTIMONY

His ministry continued in Mindanao, leading to another unforgettable encounter. One day, a Muslim imam sought healing from him. Half-jokingly, Father Momoy said, “But I’m a Catholic priest! What are you expecting from me?” The imam’s reply was a truth Father Momoy would never forget: “Healing does not belong to any one religion.” And miraculously, the imam was healed.

The very next day, the imam returned, this time with a truckload of family members, all seeking prayers. Father Momoy, with his characteristic kindness, readily agreed. Before beginning, he asked if they could start with prayer. The imam gladly consented, laying down his mat and using a compass to face east. To their astonishment, Father Momoy joined them, reverently following their gestures. Delighted, they laughed, exclaiming, “We have a new convert!” But Father Momoy simply smiled and said, “Well, we pray to the same God.”

Through countless such encounters, Father Momoy came to understand that true healing of the soul is not confined within religious walls. The language of love is spoken through kindness and through friendships that embrace and welcome, rather than exclude.

Perhaps this exemplifies what Pentecost truly represents: the reversal of Babel. Where the confusion and division caused by humanity's attempts to overreach God are healed by His Spirit. In Pentecost, the Spirit restores the original language—not just of speech, but of communion. Love, after all, is our first language, and it is the one language the Spirit teaches best.

As Father Momoy consistently reminds the faithful, it is always God who heals, who touches souls, restores the infirm, and converts sinners. He remains a humble instrument of God's boundless healing.