Divine Mercy and Marian Spirituality

           When I was a child I remember vividly asking Mother Mary to be my mother and that I would be her adoptive daughter. I am not fully sure why I did that maybe I wanted to be like the saints that I read in the books. Now, I understood because I really don't have what you can call a mother. Yes, I have a biological mother but she has not really been a mother to me. She has a mental condition that impedes her to be a "mother" to her children. She is somehow psychologically challenged. I was reared mostly by my aunts, grandma and our helpers. Same with my father, since he was always absent. He was an OFW before and me and my older brother aren't really close to him. So I asked and prayed this week to St. Joseph that he be my spiritual father. 

Last month February 2, 2023. I asked our assistant parish priest from St.Benedict, Fr. Edward Glen Galao, MGL to do the investiture of the Blue Scapular to me. Actually, a Marian priest should be the one to perform the ceremony. If no Marian priest is around then any Roman Catholic priest will do. I got the Blue Scapular from Fr. Mariusz Janiszewski, MIC. He is the Director of the Association of Marian Helpers here in the Philippines. I buy most of the books from Marian Press from them. I came to know them through Fr. Chris Alar, MIC in the United States of America. Fr. Chris is my favorite online priest and speaker. I also have his book, "Understanding the  Divine Mercy." I joined the Friends of Mercy (U.S.A) and just recently the Association of Marian Helpers here in the Philippines. I chose the Marian Fathers because I have a devotion to the Divine Mercy and I have been praying the 3'o clock prayer since I was a child and I also have a devotion to our Blessed Mother. Our Blessed Mother in Guadalupe and in Lourdes is very dear to my heart.

We have a lot of scapulars, the brown scapular of the Carmelites, (I was a former aspirant of the Order of the Discalced Secular Carmelites), I studied in exclusive private school for girls when I was in high school run by the Daughters of Charity, they have the green scapular. There are many more. I chose the Blue Scapular because I love Mother Mary when she told St. Bernadette the she was the Immaculada Concepcion. My husband and I got married at Manila Cathedral which is known as the Basilica of the Immaculate Conception. 

I am now studying my Catholic roots, through Fr. Chris Alar's online teaching, in his Explaining The Faith series, everything has become clearer to me. I thought the Reformation of the Protestants was the legit belief, but I found out that Catholic has always been the true church because there is no division. The church tradition and the Bible goes hand in hand, and we have our Holy Fathers, and saints as our guide.

For those interested in getting the Blue Scapular just visit the Marian Helpers, Philippines Facebook Page.

Karen Kingsbury (Christian writer)

 I have watched a Hallmark movies and mysteries premiere today online. It’s the novel of Karen Kingsbury made into a tv-movie drama. Since yesterday I have been watching Karen Kingsbury’s work. Yesterday, I watched ‘A Time to Dance,’ and it’s another great movie. Just check out my blog post here.

The Bridge is a story about a couple named Charlie and Donna, in opening and running a bookshop in a small town, and about a college student from a well-off family named Molly who is originally from Seattle who moves into this small town, and wherein she meets this guy named Ryan from her university who is a musician, and together they share their dreams, and meet at ‘The Bridge’, the name of the bookstore that a Charlie and Donna set-up, to help them heal and move on  from a painful event in the past. The Bridge, and the patrons of their bookstore will be their family. The reason for setting-up a bookstore, is to help people find solace, and give themselves a time to heal by reading, and buying books, thus the name of the bookshop is ‘The Bridge’.

What I like about this movie is how you can relate to each of the characters. The over possessive and controlling father of the Molly, who wants to have her freedom, and find out what she really wants in life by enrolling in a university from another town, and also about a young man who dreams of becoming a good musician someday.  The lives of the customers of ‘The Bridge’, inspired and guided by these nice couple. Charlie who just knows the right book to recommend to each of the customers, and somehow help them heal through reading. In addition to that for every customer with a sweet tooth, a cupcake will surely make your day, heavenly desserts made by Donna. Can you imagine it? This is every book lover’s safehaven. There’s even a Reading Room, just like the name of my previous blog post.

I really enjoyed watching this movie, and I guess this is by far my most favorite novel by Karen Kingsbury that was turned into a movie. Even if I haven’t read the book yet. I also dream of owning a bookstore someday. A bookstore that sells mostly good Christian books (from reliable Christian authors, and classic and contemporary novels) such as these works by Karen Kingsbury. I want a bookstore wherein adults and young people can hangout, and there will be a special section for kids wherein they can read good stories that has a Reformed and Christian theme especially written for kids  like the ones from Ligonier ministries written by R.C. Sproul (The Prince’s Poison Cup). 

Other novels turned into movies by Karen Kingsbury turned into a movie are Like Dandelion Dust, Every Woman’s Dream, and Gideon’s Gift. These 3 movies are not from Hallmark channel. ‘A Time to Dance.’ and ‘The Bridge’ (Part I and II), were from Hallmark channel.

The Garden - Kari Jobe (album review)

 

 

The Garden – Kari Jobe (album review)

As a long-time fan of Kari Jobe, I was excited for the release of this new album of hers this 2017. I have a collection of some of her albums released in my country. Her Kari Jobe self-titled album which contains the song ‘I’m Singing’, is very upbeat one, and it is the song that made me listen to her music when I sampled it wayback along with a few albums of Christian singers in a Christian music kiosk in one of the city mall here. Her second album, ‘Where I Find You’ is really close to my heart. Most songs in this album,  I shared and wrote down in my devotional/journal, and I also use it personally during my personal prayer time moment. The heart-moving ‘What Love is This’, and another upbeat song, ‘Steady My Heart’ is included in this album. It also has a Christmas release edition which includes the angelic song, ‘When Hope Came Down’, another favorite song of mine from this album. Her next album is a dvd and cd release, called Majestic. The songs here really got a strong message, and it is one of the praise/worship song album that has a powerful impact on its listeners. The performance was shot in a truly grand theatre, in Majestic theatre in Dallas, Texas. Fans of Kari knows she hails from Texas. In the dvd, her old songs are included, like ‘You Are For Me’, another promising track is ‘Forever’, it also has a spoken word/poetry entitled ‘The Word’. The album was packaged beautifully, in gold-colored. This album is a beautiful praise and worship offering, truly fitting to our only Almighty Father God and King.

Her latest album is entitled ‘The Garden’, like all of her album design the album cover is beautiful. Although I don’t have a physical copy of it I was only able to download it online. It contains original 14 tracks. This is the first time that I did an album reflection for all of her songs. In my previous blog posts I just reviewed in summary a few of her albums. Kari Jobe and also her husband Cody, were hands-on with this album. This is a very personal album for Kari. She and her family were in a difficult time, when she’s working on this album. She lost her niece. This album I can say, is for all of us who have experienced brokenness, heartbreak, dark-times in our lives, and also for those with a loved-one going through a tough time. As Christians we are no strangers to pain, and heartbreak. I pray that as you and I listen to the songs here, may it draw us closer to Him, and that we may never forget that He is our strength and comfort, no matter what we are going through. So without further ado, here is my reflections for each of the songs found in this album. Over-all this is another well-thought of album, and worthy to listen to. All praise and glory, to Him!

1.       The Garden – This song speaks of the darkest time in our lives. Then suddenly, it is when our spirit is lifted, and our God works in us our faith is strengthened by God. He is the tireless gardener of our lives, a balm for our soul. When we are at our life’s lowest point, that is when we see a ray of light, of hope. Wherein we realized that there’s a purpose for the grief, and darkness we have experienced. Through those times He is working in us, and we see His faithfulness once again. He never gave up on us, even if we want to give up on everything. This experience is pictured on this song, how we grow, our faith grows through Him.

 

“Faith is rising up like the ivy, reaching for life.” We are refreshed, revived. Given new faith and hope through His perfect love we are healed.

 2.        Let Your Glory Fall – There’s this sudden longing for God, and we want to draw closer to Him. God draws us closer to Him. It is not us who found Him, but He who has found us. Like a Good Shepherd to His lost sheep. God draws us nearer to Him. We worship Him. We ask/pray that His glory fall on us. “Let Your presence fill my life oh Lord!” We ask Lord Jesus to reign in our lives, surrendering everything to Him as we worship.

3.       Heal Our Land – This is another beautiful track from this album. Very timely. We can see nowadays, like in the Bible times, most of the nations and countries has forgotten God. But as believers, we know that God is the one in control and the one who holds our life. Through this song we pray that everyone will know Jesus Christ, the Good news. A song and a prayer for revival, and healing of every nation. “That everyone eye will see, that every heart will know, the one who took over sin, the one who died and rose.”

4.       Lover of My Soul – This is another song of praise for Him, the lover of our soul, Lord Jesus. We acknowledge and affirm that our lives is for Him. A beautiful love song, as the lyrics say, “You’re my one true love, every breath is Yours. Hear my greatest song, I love You Lord.” It’s a song that speaks of giving and entrusting our life, to the lover of our soul, Jesus.

5.       Speak to Me – When we draw closer to Him, when we speak to Him with all our hearts as we pray. We cry out in times of brokenness. This is when we just want to hear His voice. “Speak to me, I’m listening.” Then during this difficult times it is when we hear a small still voice in the deepest part of our hearts. We are again reminded of His faithfulness through His word.

6.       Fall Afresh – We pray that we may be made right as we worship Him, as believers. We pray that through our fellowship with one another we may please Him, so we pray that our hearts may be made right as we come to Him, and worship Him. We ask the power of the Holy Spirit to fill our hearts. “It’s the power of Your presence, that changes us. Your glory all around us…  fall afresh on us.”

7.       I Will Sing – In times of brokenness, we pray and cry out to Him. We remember His faithfulness. “Even in my suffering, I will sing.” That despite of what we are going through we continually trust and praise Him. In times of suffering, and trials it is not a reason not come to Him but even all the more reason that we should seek Him. No matter what we are experiencing the ups and downs in our lives, we should always draw close to Him.

8.       Miracles – This song speaks of how marvellous Christ Jesus is. You can see Him working through Your life. He is the God of miracles. “The One who does the impossible, is reaching out to make me whole.” We are the branch and He is the vine. We are growing in faith day by day through His grace. He is never-changing. The God that brings death to life. He is the God of miracles.

9.       Close to Your Heart – Everyday is an amazing discovery, we see how great and marvellous, our great God is. “Oh! You never cease to amaze me and its only just the start.” Each day is a chance to draw closer to Him.

10.   Oh The Power – Another love song for our King Jesus. This is recalling what He has done for us. His great love and sacrifice us. He won the battle for us. “Redeemer crowned in endless praise. My Savior name above all names, King Jesus take the highest place, oh! The power of the cross.” He came so that we may have life.

11.   The Cause of Christ – This is another beautiful track in this album. Every believer should listen to this. This reminds us of our mission. “The only thing that I want in life is to be known for loving Christ, to build His church, to love His bride, to make His known name far and wide.” This song is a great reminder to what our true mission in life is. I remember what our pastor said before, “God saved us not to fulfil our own personal interest, but rather to fulfil His will for us, for His glory.

12.   Here as in Heaven -   Another powerful praise song in this album. We gather together, in unity because of Him. To worship, praise and honor Him. “So we pray, Your kingdom come, here as in heaven.”

13.   Come Alive – “I come alive in Your presence.” This song speaks of surrendering our life to Him, let His will be done in our lives. He sustains us, we have life, we live because of Him. He is the living water.

14.   On The Throne – This is the last song from this album. “I will walk through the trial, walk through the valley of fear… won’t be overcome.” This song reminds me of Psalm 23. When we go through nay seasons in our lives we are never afraid because of Him. We are already victors through our Lord Jesus. A beautiful reminder that no matter what happens God is with us. He is always worthy of praise.

Hello 2021!

          Thank God! It is the first day of the year 2021. Last year has really been a tough and trying time for all of us!

We thank God for we reached this safe and healthy, despite of the pandemic. Covid-19 has affected, disrupted and even suddenly claimed the lives of many. We have lived in fear. These times has taught, and shown us that everything is temporary. In the years that have gone by, we have immersed ourselves in merry-making, we gave importance to affluence, and socializing especially during the Christmas season. We remember Santa Claus, and have put our Lord Jesus away from the limelight. In reality, our Lord Jesus is the reason for the season!

Today, we are celebrating the Solemnity of the Motherhood of Mary. What can we learn from Mary? Her humility, obedience, and submission to the will of God is what we should imbibe and imitate. As Catholics, we really look up to Mary as our Spiritual Mother. Others will point fingers on us, saying we are worshipping her. We are only honoring her, and giving due to her as the Mother of Our Lord Jesus. Through our devotion to her, we have grown closer to our Lord Jesus and to our Almighty Father. 

These times, also has taught us to be more prayerful and to always trust in God. We may never know what is ahead of us, but we must not be afraid of tomorrows, for our Lord told us not to worry about it! Our Lord God holds tomorrow, and so we should put our trust in Him. Like Mary, who has faith in our Lord God.

Totus Bookstore

         I will never forget the Latin word "Totus," for I have a Pope John Paul II t-shirt wayback when I was still  a teen. I remember it well, it is a pink t-shirt with John Paul II's coat of arms. The shirt's design meaning in English was "All yours, Mary!" The shirt was a gift to me by my late aunt which she bought from our parish church in Manila. 

My husband told me that he will just give me a cash gift this Christmas, and I will just buy what I want for myself. As you all know, I love books, and here was I browsing online for a good Catholic bookstore. I really envy the people abroad like in Canada and U.S., because they can buy good books easily. We have Catholic bookstores here but their titles are not that extensive, and most carry the books written by local authors, and very few imported books. So I was really happy when I found out that this bookstore that I have never heard of carries all of the titles that I'm looking for like the book by Joan Carol Cruz, about the incorrupt bodies of the saints. I am also very much interested in Marian apparitions so I also got another of her book which is entitled, "She How She Loves Us." 

I also bought a Catholic for a Reason series book by Scott Hahn, and another author. The store also specialized in Apologetics books. I mean, this is their main goal to be able to provide good Apologetics books for the church people. We should be able to defend our faith like St. Francis de Sales, especially when Non-Catholics target us in dialogues, or have a debate with us. I'm sure not all of us are knowledgeable on how to answer, and have a counter-reply.

The bookstore is located in Greenhills, San Juan. You can also order and pay online to them, and have the books delivered in your doorstep, just like what I did today. It is very helpful especially during this quarantine season. Looking for good Catholic books? Then checkout Totus Bookstore. 

Their website is Totus Bookstore

Our Lady of Guadulupe (Patroness of Life)

           As I am writing this blog, I am watching Fr. Chris Alar's, talk on YouTube about Our Lady of Guadalupe. My birth month is December, and this month is really special for me because I am a devotee of Our Blessed Virgin Mary. When I was a little girl, I asked her to be me my mother, and I to be her adoptive daughter. Because I see her as the role model of mothers, and I long for a perfect mother. I really learned a lot about Our Lady of Guadalupe. I watched a video about the story of Juan Diego, whose feast falls on the 9th of December. 

I had a book before about the eight great apparitions of our Blessed Mother, the story of Our Lady of Guadalupe was included there. My mom gave me a rosary bracelet before with the image of Our Lady of the Rosary, but I disposed it and almost all my Catholic books when I joined a Protestant church. I am remorseful, and I regret my actions, and for setting-aside, not giving the due honor and respect to the mother of our Lord Jesus. When I was stricken with dengue, a decade ago, praying the rosary and using the bracelet rosary with the Guadalupe image, was a part of my healing journey.

To those of you who has not heard of the story of Our Lady of Guadalupe. Here is the story below by Raul Reyes from NBC news. 

According to lore, it was a winter’s day in 1531 when the Virgin Mary first appeared to Juan Diego, a peasant, as he was crossing a hillside near present-day Mexico City. She appeared as a dark-skinned woman who spoke Nahuatl, Juan Diego’s native language. This woman asked Juan Diego to build her a little house, a casita, on the hill. Twice Juan Diego reported this to his local bishop, who didn’t believe him. The second time, the bishop asked for proof of the apparitions.

Early on the morning of December 12th, the lady appeared again to Juan Diego and told him to gather some flowers at the top of the hill – a strange request because flowers were not in season in December. Juan Diego did as he was instructed, and found an array of Castilian roses. The lady helped him arrange them in his tilma (cloak), and he returned to the bishop with them as evidence. As Juan Diego presented the tilma to the bishop, the flowers tumbled out and the two men discovered a life-size image of the Virgin Mary on the inside of the cloak. This image is known as Our Lady of Guadalupe.

Our Lady of Guadalupe, has united us. Not only the whole population of the Americas, namely the Indians, the American Indians, and the Mexicans. She who chose Juan Diego, and all the visionaries to whom she appeared. She is the mother of the humble and poor. She is truly a loving mother to all of us. I am home now to our church, and being close again to our Blessed Mother, and of course to our Lord Jesus. Like a priest said, Mama Mary lead us to Jesus. To Jesus, through Mary. Our Lady of Guadalupe is called the patroness of life, her image shows she is pregnant, and remember how she healed the uncle of Juan Diego, she really values life... human life, so I believe that was the reason she was given that title. If you want to know more about Our Lady of Guadalupe, please do watch the talk of Fr. Chris Alar, MIC on YouTube. 

God is Good! I Got Married!

     Every long lost dream led by me to where you are. Others who broke my heart, they were like Northern stars, pointing me on my way into your loving arms. This much I know is true. That God  blessed the broken road, that led me straight to you. Yes, He did.

  October 11, 2020 was an unforgettable day for me. After waiting impatiently for this month to come, on this day, I tied the knot! I have waited all my life for this moment. 

I was heartbroken because of a person before, it is not because of love that I was heartbroken, because love is a good thing, and it comes from God. It is man that is cruel. Every pain that I felt, and tears that I have shed before was washed away now. Anyway, I thank God that I met someone like my husband. When we conversed a bit longer at work, I already felt a connection between us. He may not be my ideal man physically, (I am more attracted to chinito guys).

This year has been a blessed year for me even if it is not so good for everyone of us because of the pandemic. When he proposed to me this year, on the 28th of May, the day of his elder sister's birthday also, like what he told me, it indeed changed my life. 

Standing in front of the altar, reciting our marriage vows, feels surreal. I thank God for making all of these possible. Even if the first day of our married life as a husband, and wife was not that smooth. 

I would like to take this time to thank the ever supportive family of my husband. Thank you to his parents for supporting, loving, and raising a good, responsible, and a loving son. Someone who is very respectful, and who honors his parents, and very loving to his mom. One character that I look for in a guy is that he should be loving to his mom. Because it will reflect on how he will treat his wife later on. I also would like to thank his siblings for being a good elder, and a younger sister to him. Thank you for accepting me. Thank you for your generosity. May God bless all of you more! I am also proud that he is wise in terms of financial matters, and very orderly in the house. I also love that he loves music. Almost all the positive qualities that he has, I have prayed for in a future husband. I really never thought that I would meet my future partner at work, but like my late aunt said. I did! 

I also would like to thank my immediate family member. To my parents, and especially to my Dad, I know it has been a long time prayer and wish of yours to see your daughter get married someday. Thanks also to my nephew who is the representative of my older brother, and his family. Thank you also to my relatives who greeted me/us.

Thank you also to our wedding suppliers namely,

Ivory and White Bridal Store (for my gown, the groom's suit, and other bridal accessories, veil, arrhae and cord.)

Erin Shop PH and Micka Fabulosa online shop (for our wedding souvenirs)

April's Cup-Cakes and Muffins (for our lovely powdered blue, 3 tiered-layer wedding cake, and for our post-nuptial single-layer naked cake.)

The New Albergus, Inc. (for our family, and wedding sponsors food)

Studio Namu (for our pre-nup, and wedding photos and video)

To our dear aunt, Mrs. Jane San Diego, for the engagement and our wedding rings. 

Thank you also to The Minor Basilica and Metropolitan Cathedral of the Immaculate Conception, also known as The Manila Cathedral, Mother of all Churches, Cathedrals and Basilicas of the Philippines. To Fr. Kali Llamado for interviewing us in our canonical interview, and to Fr. Junbim Torres, OSA, for officiating the mass of our wedding. Also, to the head of the office section services Ms. Donna. 

Last but not the least, to our Almighty God the Father, for making this day possible. For this match was written by you. We ask that you continually guide, us, bless and protect our marriage, this we ask in Jesus name. Amen.

I almost gave up in finding the one meant for me. As they say, good things happen when you least expect it. Also, be nice to everyone. For you may never know he or she could be the angel in your life. In our Pre-Cana seminar, we have learned that married life is not that all bed of roses and smooth sailing. We will have fights and arguments, but one thing is for sure no matter what we should always stick together as one! 

This is just the start of my journey, and I know God will be always on our side, with the intercession of our Blessed Mother Mary. I came back home, and He has given me more than what I deserve. A loving God, who loves his prodigal son, and daughter unconditionally. 

Diary of St. Faustina: Divine Mercy in My Soul

         I first read the diary of St. Faustina when I was still in my teen years. I got her diary from the store of a local Divine Mercy  promoter here in my country. When I was young, the Divine Mercy prayer, called "the 3'o clock habit," was often aired in a few local channels. Now, only one local tv channel remains in airing the Divine Mercy prayer, but the airing was halted in that lone local network because they were not granted the permission to renew their franchise. Anyway, I'm still saying the prayer, and even playing the video prayer at work. As they say old habits die hard, and this is one habit that I don't want to stop. 

Maybe, most of you dear readers of this blog of mine knew that I got sidetracked for once in my life. I left our church for quite a while, and joined a Baptist (Protestant) gathering before. But do not worry I already returned to our church, and had a reconciliation with the help of a priest through confession. The devotion to the Divine Mercy helped me the most. Most of my collections of Catholic books were gone but there were a few I have kept. Among those that were gone was the diary of St. Faustina. She was still not a saint when I got that diary of hers. I just bought another one, a new edition of her diary, and in this diary we can see that she's already a saint! Time really flies fast! The cover of her diary was also changed. Before, the cover was her photo (painting version), now, we can see the image of the Divine Mercy, aside from St. Faustina's whole image. 

I bought this diary of hers from the Marian Fathers here in the Philippines. That is where I got the beautiful original Divine Mercy painting poster that I posted in our door post, and the Divine Mercy laminated prayer cards. I gave away the laminated card to my office mates, boss, and to the family of my fiance.

I have read a bit of St. Gemma Galgani, St. Margaret Mary Alacoque, and St. Therese of the Child Jesus, diary. Those diaries that I mentioned above (diary of St. Gemma and St. Margaret Mary), were a bit hard for me to digest because of the writing style, it's in old English. If you're like me, maybe you will prefer to read St. Faustina's diary. I admit that the written numbers on the side of every diary entry of hers is not that appealing. Anyway, the important thing is the message of her diary, and that is the love and mercy of our Lord Jesus for us. I was reminded by the late Msgr. Severino G. Casas, H.P. message to me before. He said that in reading diaries or autobiographies of Saints, the church grants an indulgence. So it is a good practice to read wholesome, and good books that is not only enriching to our mind, and heart, but also to our soul. Let us pray, that through this we may learn to draw near to God, and love Him more, and more each day. 

+ Ad Majorem Dei Gloriam!

Movie Review: Divine Mercy No Escape

           After watching the docudrama movie about St. Faustina, and the Divine Mercy. I suddenly remembered this film that I have seen on tv during my teen years. It was an earlier film by the Marian Fathers, entitled Divine Mercy, No Escape. I was glad to have discovered that someone uploaded that movie on YouTube this week. I immediately watched it. I just finished watching it today. 

The movie was sort of a docudrama also. The narrator was the late American actress Ms. Helen Hayes. In the beginning of the film, we were shown a large copy of the Diary of Faustina Kowalska. I remember I also have the same copy of diary, it was the time when Faustina was not yet a saint. I bought the new edition of her diary from the Marian Fathers, and it has a new cover design. The movie was 50 minutes long. If you are just new to the Divine Mercy, or it's your first time hearing about it, then this short movie is for you.

The movie tells about the life of St. Faustina, the secretary of the Divine Mercy. My favorite scenes in the movie is about Pope John Paul II, being awarded by Marian priests. From the beginning of his ministry in Rome, Pope John Paul II has considered the message of the Divine Mercy his special task. He published it on his second encyclical (a kind of letter concerning Catholic doctrine), Dives in Misericordia, God who is rich in mercy. This movie is very timely. We can see God's great love and mercy for us. If you have not seen this movie, I suggest you must. 

Movie Review: Therese (2004)

           I have wanted to see this movie eversince I saw a preview of it on YouTube, more than a decade ago. St. Therese of the Child Jesus, and of the Holy Face, also known as St. Therese of Lisieux, was very influential to me. When I first read her story, in a book (Lives of Saints) given to me by my late aunt, she made an impression on me. At a young age, she already knew her vocation, and that was to become a Carmelite, a religious cloistered nun. So, I too had a desire to be a nun someday. Yes, I tried contacting religious orders, and I became a Carmelite not a religious but a lay Carmelite. More than a decade ago I was a former aspirant, was able to profess promises (not vows) in a Carmelite convent within the city where I live. 

Why do people feel drawn, and many love St. Therese. There are no miraculous events that took place when she was still alive, yet many people pray to her and ask for her intercession. Why? Because of her simplicity, and humility. After her death, there were many numerous reports of miracles and healings, and up to now still many miracles are attributed to her. Like her promise, she said, "When I die, I will send down a shower of roses from the heavens,I will spend my heaven by doing good on earth."

Her autobiography is a classic, and still a bestseller. If you have not read her diary, entitled in English, "The Story of a Soul," you should!

I really love this movie. The film director Leonardo Defilippis has done a great job with this film. St. Luke productions, their company, continues to make good, relevant and inspiring movies of Saints. He starred in this movie along with his wife, as the parents of St. Therese. The music used in the movie was also good. I was able to watch the whole movie yesterday. I'm thankful to the one who uploaded it on Facebook. This is another addition to my favorite religious movies. Let us not forget to love, for God is love. Like what St. Therese said, her vocation is love. 

Explaining The Faith Series: Fr. Chris Alar, MIC

          Do you believe in the saying love is lovelier the second time around? Well, I can say that I am a believer in that saying now. I returned to our church, after being sidetracked for quite awhile. I have this new passion, and enthusiasm to study more about our Catholic faith. I have learned a lot of good Roman Catholic teachers and speakers, like Dr. Scott Hahn, our very own local Dominican preachers, and Fr. Chris Alar, who hosts a series on YouTube called, "Explaining the Faith." It is aired in the U.S at around 11 a.m., every Saturday. I get to listen to the replay on Sunday, here in the Philippines. Fr. Chris is the Director, of the Association of Marian Helpers The Divine Mercy National Shrine, in Stockbridge, MA. 

I have finished his talks regarding the Shroud of Turin, and the Image of the Divine Mercy. In this talk, I have learned the amazing connection of the Divine Mercy image, and the Shroud of Turin. If you have seen the docudrama of St. Faustina entitled Love and Mercy, you already have an idea of what I am talking about. You will also learn about the veil of  Oviedo, this is not the veil of Veronica. 

The next series that I watched was about the Angels: The Forgotten Army. I was still a teenager when I became curious, and fascinated by the angels. I am familiar with the nine choirs of angels, guardian angel, and the archangels. 

I really enjoyed watching, and also taking down notes on Fr. Alar's lectures. I really learned a lot and I am looking forwars to his next talk. I am very much grateful to their congregation, because I am a devotee of our Lord Jesus, Divine Mercy. I am an official member of the Friends of Mercy. If you want to learn more about our faith, I suggest, you watch Fr. Chris Alar's talks in YouTube, Divine Mercy channel. You can also like their fb page.

Road to Forever: Pre-Cana

        Praise God! Last week we successfully finished our Pre-Cana seminar, but before that we had our Canonical interview. Our interviewer was Fr. Kali Llamado of Manila Cathedral. We learned a lot from our speakers, Bro. Egay and Sis. Vivian Cabuello, and Bro. Rene and Sis. Lily Perez, from the Commission on Life and Family.

We talked about lots of topics. Love languages of couples, financial matters, family planning, plans after the wedding, etc. Due to pandemic we had to do video conferencing. There were seven couples, including us who attended. We also practiced the marriage ceremony, we had a role-play. We also learned about the things that is used in weddings like the cord, veil and arrhae. It is good to have a talk like this before the wedding because, this is really helpful to every couple. 

I also love it that the speakers encouraged us to compose and make our own couple prayer. My fiance and I are saying our prayers every night. He edited the couple prayer that I composed before. I think it's good that couples are spiritually inclined, and it's a must that they put God in the center of their relationship. I'm counting the days to our wedding. May God watch over us always! To God be the glory!

Aquinas 101 - Thomistic Institute

      I have always been interested in studying things pertaining to God. I almost took up a Master's degree before at Maryhill School of Theology, but I did not pursue it. When I was still a student, I always look forward to our Religion class, not all students are very fond of it, I am an exception he!he!he!

Studying Distance Learning is expensive. I took two courses in English before, at Thompson Education Direct formerly known as International Correspondence School. Right now, I want to study Theology, apologetics, anything about the Roman Catholic faith. I asked a group online, Catholic Apologetics Geek, if they can recommend a free Distance learning course. They suggested a few, and one that caught my interest is the free course by the Dominicans from the Thomistic Institute. I enrolled within the same day, and I started my first course this week. I studied about the life of St. Thomas Aquinas. I also like the course offered by St. Paul website, the one by Dr. Scott Hahn, but it is not entirely free. 

I chose this Distance learning course because, I admire the Dominicans. As a teenager, and up to now I always listen to their 7 Last Words sermon, and my family is devotee of Our Lady of the Holy Rosary. We also hear mass at Sto. Domingo church on feast days. 

I have two days off since the pandemic, and I like to partly spend it in studying. During these difficult times our mind can be polluted with negative thoughts, as St. Paul has mentioned in his letter to the Philippians chapter 4:8, "Finally, brothers, whatever is true, whatever is honorable, whatever is just, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is gracious, if there is any excellence, and if there is anything worthy of praise, think of all these things."

The Lamb's Supper - Dr. Scott Hahn(Audio Review)

          I first heard about Scott Hahn through my priest friend, Fr. Steve Tynan. He served for a long time in our parish chapel, and was transferred in our parish, St. Benedict. He recommended the book to me after having a discussion with me with regard to the Protestant claim of the things that they found to be not right in the Roman Catholic church. 

I just finished last Wednesday, around past 12 in the morning, the audio recording of The Lamb's Supper by Scott Hahn. During this pandemic times I was not able to go to bookstores because for safety reasons. Anyway, if you want to purchase his books, a lot of his titles are available in Google Play Books.

Just a short information about the author. Scott Hahn, was a Presbyterian pastor who realized that the true church founded by Christ, and faithful to the early Church worship, and teaching is the Catholic church. He went to a Presbyterian college, he mastered Greek with an Oxford tutor. Translated the book of Revelation from Greek to English. According to his study, the word rapture does not appear a single time from the book of Revelation. The Battle of Armageddon occurs once in the end, and the anti-Christ doesn't occur but in the opening chapter. 

I have attended for a long time Protestant services. I noticed that there was indeed a connection of the Old Testament, with the New Testament. A lot of parallelism. Just like what Scott Hahn noticed in the book of Revelation. 

One thing that was favorable, when I attended a Protestant church is their eagerness to read the Bible. As a Catholic, I didn't really read the Bible much. But still, there is a caution. The Bible interpretation of the Protestant is of course different from the Catholic Bible, aside from the number of books included. According to one of our church fathers, St. Augustine, the New Testament is concealed in the old, and the old was revealed in the new. The pastor in the Protestant church that I went to before, studied in a Catholic university, I'm not sure if that was for his Masters or Doctorate, but that was the reason why he knows St. Augustine, and often quotes him too. 

Some examples of parallelism in the Bible that was discussed in the book was Moises and Jesus. Moises had the 12 tribes of Israel, and Jesus had 12 disciples. There were 72 elders from both of them. Moises was the giver of the law, and Jesus gave the sermon on the Mount, law of the New covenant. This is called typology. You can find a chart online describing the parallelism between the two of them. Jesus is the new Moises.

There are 2 parts of the mass (Liturgy of the Word, and the Eucharist) just like, there are two parts in the book of Revelation. 

Dr. Hahn mentioned that the greatest most significant event for Jews is the Passover, just like Thanksgiving and Christmas were for Christians. Jesus was the new Lamb of the Passover. You have to look back to the Old Testament in order to understand this. Moises gave the law, the law was to slaughter an unblemished lamb, sprinkle the blood of lamb, and you have to eat the lamb, this is non-negotiable. Just like when we eat the Body of Christ, at mass! I never really appreciated what we have before, and now I am very glad because of the realization of the precious gift that we have in mass. 

Dr. Hahn's wife told him that he needs to write down a book someday so that Catholics would appreciate what they have, because in the Protestant services, it isn't this deep, it isn't biblical, it isn't what they have, like what he has shown in the book of Revelation. 

As Dr. Hahn have said, "We all want to go to heaven, we just don't wanna die first. Well, the good news for Catholics, you don't need to die in order to go to heaven. All you have to do is go to mass, and heaven is where you are!... And the saints, and angels are who you were with, and when you read the book of Revelation, that their songs and prayers are identical to ours, and those songs, and those prayers, and that sacrifice of the Lamb is what releases God's power to vindicate His people, to rescue us, to give us the help that we need whenever we have hard times, and persecution. "

Jesus gave these visions to John when he was an old man. It is hard to take everything in, so Jesus told John to write down everything. John's vision of marriage Supper and the lamb, is the mass. The early church Father's were unanimous in the meaning of the great marriage, that Jesus is the bridegroom, as the groom gives himself to the bride. Jesus gave Himself to us, His church! In the book of Revelation, John called Jesus as the Lamb of God (Agnus Dei), 28 times! 

If you have not listened to the recorded audio online, you must! May God bless us all always! 

---

I dedicated this post of mine, to my Lord Jesus. My Lord, and my God! Ad Majorem Dei Gloriam! 

Waiting on God's Promises

          It has been almost 5 months now, since our country has been on quarantine. We are on Modified Enhanced Community Quarantine now or MECQ, due to the plight of our dear health workers who are also the most affected in this pandemic that has hit the entire global community. I can relate to them because I am also a frontliner in my work assignment in the public sector.

Right now, we are on skeletal work force. I'm off duty so, I have the time to write again. If you have read my previous blog, you know that I'll be getting married soon. The challenge nowadays for most couples, sweethearts, and lovers is that we need to do social distancing. It is so difficult because we, as human beings were made for physical interaction, and connection. The only consolation that we have is that, we are on a very modern-age, and communication is not that difficult, compared in the olden days, wherein, we wait impatiently for the snail-mails to arrive, and as well as long distance-phone calls. Now, everything is within reach, thanks to these smart phones, wherein we can send messages instantly, and use video call. Still, for me this arrangement is very hard. I'm even worried because there are a lot of scenarios running on my mind now, and one, is that our wedding might be cancelled. I also worry that I might get sick, and that is one of my main concern that I told to the priest whom I spoke to during our canonical interview yesterday. Because, we may never know since the Covid cases here in the Philippines are still climbing-up. He said we are all experiencing difficulties during this pandemic, and we should unceasingly pray.

There are a lot of Bible characters that has taught us to wait on the Lord, especially in difficult, and trying times. One was Job who was afflicted with a skin disease, and whose family, tragically died, Joseph who was sold and was taken as a slave to Egypt, Sarah who longed to have a child, and many more. I was searching for the right Bible verse to incorporate into this writing of mine, and I have discovered among the few, from the Song of Songs. It says that "Deep waters cannot quench love, nor rivers sweep it away." It means that true love can overcome any trials.

Love also conquers fear. It says on 1 John 4:17-19, "There is no fear in LOVE, but perfect love drives out fear because fear has to do with punishment, and so one who fears is not yet perfect in love. We love because He first loved us." In these trying times, the more we need to have more faith in God. The more we should call upon Him. As we recall, last Sunday's gospel. We know that if we get carried away by the heavy wind, and the crushing waves, we can rely on our Lord Jesus, that He will lift us up, and help us to rise again. We will be able to pass through any storms in our lives, through His guidance, help and protection.

... And I will wait with hope for our Lord's promises. I trust that HE will never fail me. I pray for my beloved, and I, that we will be safely together soon, in each other's arms, for He has brought the two of us together. What God has joined let no one separate. 

My Boaz, My Other Half.

     “Therefore a man shall leave his father and his mother and hold fast to his wife, and they shall become one flesh." Genesis 2:24

 “Two are better than one, because they have a good return for their labor: If either of them falls down, one can help the other up. But pity anyone who falls and has no one to help them up. Also, if two lie down together, they will keep warm. But how can one keep warm alone?" Ecclesiastes 4:9

"For husbands, this means love your wives, just as Christ loved the church. He gave up his life for her." Ephesians 5:25

   Yes! I have found Mi Media Naranja, that is a sweet Spanish term for my husband, my wife. In English, it means my other half. I have been long contemplating when is the right time to write about the most important person in my life, and I've decided now is the right time! Since, I'm off from work now due to MECQ, more strict quarantine measures are implemented now. I'm pretty sure that now is a good time to write about this. Most of the closest people I know, knew that it has been a decade since my last relationship. In between those years, I met a few guys but its either I like them, and obviously they are not interested in me, like the way I am interested in them. They just see me as a friend, or just a girl who likes them and nothing more. I even confessed my feelings before, and I've been friendzoned a lot of times. When I got brokenhearted from my first relationship, I even had bitterness towards God. That's why I met a lot of Protestant people, and pastors. Most of them are good people, and even if their beliefs aren't the same as ours. I thought I would find the right man for me in that place, but the answer is still "no!".

Then in 2018, I decided to withdraw from the Protestant church that I attend to, and return to the Roman Catholic church. I spoke to a priest (Fr. Matt, a foreigner priest probably from India), and made a confession, I told him of my long absence in the Roman Catholic church, and my desire to return again. I was forgiven, and welcomed again. Like I said, I felt like I was the prodigal daughter.

Those who are close to me know how long I have been praying for the right man to come to my life.  There was even a time when I asked myself if I will find the right guy for me, and there were so many nights that I've cried myself to sleep out of frustration. I really didn't expect that the love of my life now, would be the one for me. Yes, when we first met, we somehow started on the wrong foot. Firstly, I wasn't that attracted to him physically, and I hate it when people would make a joke, and pair me everytime with a single guy in our office. I was different back then. I was even sort of rude to him. As they say, I was like a regular cranky office employee. But I was changed by love. I was changed by him. I thought that it only happens in movies. I woke up one day, and I just realized that I like him!

I thank God for my love. For sending him, and giving him to me. Even before the time when he and I, are not in a serious relationship, before we became a couple, I promised our Lord, that I will love, and care for him deeply. He is the gift that I have been waiting, and praying for my whole life! I am now engaged, and we will get married hopefully this year.

My love, Mahal, if you are reading this I promise (I know some people make their promises but break it soon after, that's why I will write this entry as a reminder, lest I forget) to be faithful, to you and love you as long as I exist here on earth. Thank you for coming into my life, for giving me the chance to love you, for accepting me, for wanting me to be a part of your life. I promise, to be a loving and dutiful wife to you, as well as to be always your best friend, and confidant, to whom you can always tell and disclose all your cares, and concerns, and I promise to be here for you no matter what. We will be a good team, and I know we will be good partners who support each other, together for life, through ups and downs, in joy and in sorrow, through sickness and health, that's for sure! Like how faithful is Ruth to Boaz, I will be the same with you. Let me quote a Bible verse from the book of Ruth. "Do not urge me to leave you or turn back from following you; for where you go, I will go, and you lodge, I will lodge." Ruth 1:15

     Yes, it took a long time for me to find the one, but I know it has been worth the wait. It is not really about finding the right one, but it is learning to love the one you've found. Like what our parish priest said in one of his homilies, Love is a decision! Yes, I agree that love is not just a feeling, but a decision, and a commitment. Never give up on love, pray always, and keep the faith!

"Love is patient, love is kind. It does not envy, it does not boast, it is not proud. It does not dishonor others, it is not self-seeking, it is not easily angered, it keeps no record of wrongs." 1 Corinthians 13:4

New American Bible Revised

  I previously posted on this blog, my only copy of a Roman Catholic Bible which is the Christian Community Bible. I posted it in our Catholic Apologetics group online, and I did not get a positive comment. Someone said that the commentaries are too liberal. Also, that the translation is not that good. A lot commented about the New American Bible. So I planned to get one. My bf's Bible is NAB, it was a gift from his dad. It was a good choice because the NAB, is the version used in the lectionary. I remember, it was also recommended to me before by the staff of St. Paul Bookstore.

I recently purchased mine just this week from my ever reliable Roman Catholic bookstore which is the St. Paul Bookstore. Even if it's a quarantine period they accept deliveries. I ordered this together with my mother's day gift for the mom of my bf.

The one that I got was the Millenials edition. The colors of the Bible's jacket is not the usual we always see so maybe that's the reason why it was named like that. The available colors are Turquoise green, Burnt Sienna, Blue and Purple. I chose the Purple one. It is a personal size. A bit thick, it has Bible tabs included. I am glad that this Bible has 2 ribbon markers, so you can go back to where you stopped reading, and mark that important page or section.

The Roman Catholic Bible has 73 books. Compared to the Protestant Bible. Because the Protestants removed the Deuterocanonical they call it Apocryphal which means forbidden or secret because the author of these writings are unknown or the origin is doubtful.

Let me share this story that I read online. In 393 A.D. St. Jerome was given a task by the Pope to translate all the Bible books in Latin. St. Jerome then asked the helped of rabbis, to help him translate Hebrew to Latin. The rabbis think that the Deuterocanical books were uninspired because they said they don't have them in Hebrew only in Greek. The Pope still ordered St. Jerome to translate because the church has traditions wayback, and these books were read in churches, therefore they are inspired writings. So, St. Jerome translated them anyway. Fast forward to later times, in 1947 a young boy looking for a lost goat in a cave near the Dead Sea found an amazing archeological find, and that is the 7 Deuterocanonical books all written in Hebrew!

So that's the story why us Roman Catholics have more books in the Bible than the Protestants. As you can see from the photo posted here. I also put the original Divine Mercy image in front of my new NAB revised Bible. Isn't the story amazing?! No wonder even until now, Jesus is always telling us to trust in Him! Because He will always be a wonderworker.

Love and Mercy Discussion - Marians of the Immaculate Conception

    Today was a very meaningful day for me, even if I'm just staying at home, I was able to hear mass, and the message of God's word is to love one another as the way God loves His only son Jesus, and just as how Jesus loves us. I also rented the LOVE AND MERCY, movie about the Divine Mercy, and St. Faustina. It has been a week when I saw the movie but it has left a lasting impression on me. I also shared it again to others.

 I also joined one of the Association of Marian Helpers, FRIENDS OF MERCY. Even if I am not from the U.S or Canada, I was able to join. One mission of a "friend of mercy," is sharing the message of our Lord Jesus, His love and mercy for us. Also, to pray the Chaplet of Mercy, and of course helping the Marian Fathers, and the Divine Mercy organization in the U.S through donations. You get a monthly FRIENDS OF MERCY newsletter. Mine is electronic newsletter. If you are interested just visit their website.

Just click here ->   Divine Mercy Website

I really learned a lot from this discussion by Rev.Fr. Kaz and Fr.Chris Alar. I really don't mind spending a little because I'm thinking of the great blessing of the Divine Mercy that is shared to others. One interesting information that I learned is that the Diary of St. Faustina was banned for a time, due to the error in translations. It was Pope Paul VI who lifted the ban and not Pope John Paul II.

Many are suffering now because of the virus, Covid19. We can look up at St. Faustina, because she also suffered a lot.

The message of the Divine Mercy, through St. Faustina, also known as the Secretary of the Divine Mercy was given 5 channels of grace in which we could have hope and trust. Here is a good acronym mentioned by Fr. Chris Alar. Like a little bird.

F east of the Divine Mercy
I mage of the Divine Mercy
N ovena of the Divine Mercy
C haplet of the Divine Mercy
H our of Mercy (3 o'clock)

According to Fr. Kaz, the Chaplet of the Divine Mercy prayer. It is asking the Father through the atoning death of His Son to have mercy upon us, and upon the whole world. We are begging God the Father through the death of His Son to have mercy on us because we know we are in great need. The chaplet, we know from the life of St. Faustina, is a prayer from every occasion, in preparation for death, to overcome natural disasters, the effectiveness and efficaciousness of this prayer, and also praying for those who have passed away. This is the extension of the Eucharist because we offer, we surrender Jesus to the Father. A powerful prayer, and the movie talks about the image.

In addition Fr. Chris Alar said that the promises that Jesus gives to those who venerate this image. The facial feature of our Lord matches the actual shroud. So this image is a living icon. When the Lord appeared to Faustina, it is the actual feast of the holy icon. We know the Easter tradition is a window to eternity, in it we see the face of the Father's mercy. With it came many promises. Blessed Fr. Michael Sopocko had written down the word of St. Faustina, that when chastisment for sins come upon your nation and the whole world   and it seems there is utter degragation there is hope and protection in this image. Those who hold this image of mercy, in reverence. Jesus said He will shield and He will protect, and He will give graces to the homes and the family that have this image. As I was saying its not a magic wand, its not a rabbit's foot but we have hope in what it represents, and that is Jesus the Divine Mercy. I recently bought the Chaplet of Mercy which includes the Chaplet Rosary. Even before I was a devotee of the Divine Mercy. I use to say the Chaplet of Mercy and the novena. I even have a double cassette tape of the Holy Rosary and the Divine Mercy set to music by Jim Cowan which was given to me by my late aunt.

Fr. Kaz tells us this account from St. Faustina's diary. There is a nun who asked Faustina did God forgive me my sins? (She was afraid that she was not forgiven.) Faustina then asked the Lord, and he answered. "Her lack of trust, wounds me more deeply than her sins." We also have to be merciful to ourselves, not only to others.

Dr. Scott Hahn said, mercy is actually greater than forgiveness. Mercy is divine because mercy is beyond letting go. Mercy is reconciling.

The message that we have from St. Faustina, death is not the end, the cross is not the final word. The resurrection of Christ is the final word.

There are a lot of wisdom and wonderful messages you can pick up in the discussion video. So if you have not seen it you can still rent at fanforcetv.com

Remembering my Late Aunt Rosario

  I want to dedicate this post of mine to my late aunt Rosario, we fondly call her Auntie Charito, or Chato for short. She would use that nickname when we would play scrabble. I love playing scrabble with her because we would bet on real money, even if I rarely win. She passed away a decade ago. Our life in Manila when aunt was living used to appear in my dreams back then. I still miss her, and grandma (her mom).

I just remember her again when I posted something on my social networking page. It is about the works of Msgr. Josemaria Escriva, now a saint, and founder of Opus Dei. Yes, Opus Dei is not some kind of mysterious evil organization, or a secret society as depicted in the movie "Da Vinci Code." My aunt has a lot of religious books. Among them is my favorite novel, entitled "Bernadette and Lourdes," by Michael de Saint Pierre, "Prayer of the Warrior," a book about St. Michael the Archangel by Michael Brown, and "The Way," quotes and sayings by Msgr. Josemaria Escriva.

My aunt spurred my interest in Catholic books, and our first picture bible was, "My Bible Friends," by Etta B. Degering. She bought us books regularly and even subscribed  to Reader's Digest. My first book of Saints came from her, "Lives of Saints." I also like to read the movie like magazine from St. Paul's bookstore because of her. I used to own, The Life of St. Rita of Cascia. I also grew up attending mass with her, most often if my mom didn't join us or my other aunt. The two of us would always hear the anticipated mass at Our Lady of Lourdes chapel officiated by SVD priests, that's where I met my late nun friend Sr. Cyrilda Ferriols. Before that hospital was partly run by religious, but now that hospital was privatized already. If we are very early she would treat me to the hospital canteen. I would always order noodles soup, paired with fried lumpiang tongue (bean sprouts). Other times we would hear children's anticipated mass at Our Lady of Fatima, and after that I will rent a movie at VHS shop near the church, or she would buy me ice cream, or macaroni, spaghetti sauce, and sausage. That would be my food for Sunday. She also enrolled in an Bible correspondence school which she finished. I think I got my love of reading from her.

I learned many things from her, like my OC behavior attitude when it comes to cleanliness. She was also good cook. I loved her adobong pata, beefsteak, chicken with mushroom afritada, sinigang sa miso, and many more. She even taught me a no bake dessert. Even if she's also strict, and a bit conservative to us, especially to me. She has shown me, and let me feel that she loves me as if I were her own daughter. She didn't marry, by the way. Those whom I knew say, too bad my aunt didn't marry, it was a waste because she's pretty!

I hope and pray she's in a better place right now. I'm thankful to God that she, "Auntie Charito," became my aunt. For I learned a lot about life from her.

Happy Mother's Day!

  Today we are celebrating Mother's day.
I just posted a greeting for my mom on my Facebook wall. We didn't celebrate, and we didn't order food today because my aunt doesn't want any food delivery, she thinks it is still not safe. The whole day we ate nothing but fish, sardines and milkfish. Still thankful because we have enough to eat during this quarantine/lockdown due to the virus, Covid19. I pray that God would continue to protect us all His children, for us to get through this crisis. That this will be over soon.

Every Mother's day, and especially during this month of May, we Roman Catholics honor, and remember our Blessed Mother Mary. After every Mass during the month of May we offer flowers to her. It has been a tradition.

 I admit that before, I was afraid that I might have displeased our Lord Jesus for honoring her mother. But as St. Maximilian Kolbe said, no one can greatly love Mary, than her Son, our Lord Jesus. So I, we should not be afraid of showing how much we love her. We can't simply put the Blessed Virgin Mary aside, because she is the Mother of our Lord Jesus. I remember before, I told our dear Blessed Mother, that she would be my mother, and I would be her adoptive daughter. I long for a loving mother like her, wise, humble, kind, and pious. I told our Lord Jesus, about that memory of mine in the past. I remember praying the Rosary with an image of Our Lady of Guadalupe medal before, that has kept me comfort during the time I was sick because of Dengue, I was confined in the hospital. That was more than a decade ago. Praying the Rosary for others meant

I want to share this post of mine to be a testament, of how dear the mother of Our Lord Jesus was to me, and I also believe for all of us. One popular priest here in my country always say to his listeners, "Jesus, loves you. Mama Mary, loves you!" I'd like to end this post of mine by sharing a beautiful song, by Himig Heswita sung by Fr. RB Hizon. This song best describes our love for our mother, and for our Blessed Mother Mary. Shalom!