Our Lady of Guadalupe (Mother of the Civilization of Love)

I remember watching a documentary about Our Lady of Guadalupe before. I was amazed by its story; there is more to the image. I was wondering why the image of Our Blessed Mother Mary was different in every apparition and in every place she appeared. Now, I understand that Our Blessed Mother wants the seer to feel close and be moved, that she is one with them, regardless of their nationality or the place where she appears. 

The second most visited Catholic site in the world is in Mexico: the Basilica of Our Lady of Guadalupe. Our Blessed Mother appeared to Juan Diego on the 9th of December. This day is special to me; aside from being the feast day of St. Juan Diego, it is also the day of my birth! She requested that a church be erected at the site in her honor. Our Blessed Mother cured Juan Diego's sick uncle, and the miracle of the roses in winter, along with the image of Our Blessed Mother on Juan Diego's "tilma," or the cape worn by Juan Diego, was the proof of the apparition. A lot of miracles has happened attributed to Our Lady of Guadalupe's image.

I am very thankful that I was able to get the  lone copy from Fully Booked. I have a book before, about the many apparitions of our Blessed Mother (the ones that were approved by the Catholic church). This book about Our Lady of Guadalupe is comprehensive and a must-buy for all her devotees! 

Our Lady of Guadalupe, pray for us! 🌹

A Blessed Birthday Indeed

          Last Monday, the 9th of December, I was able to celebrate my birthday simply. We went to SM Marilao and ate at David's Tea House. We were able to hear mass that evening but we were late because of the traffic. I am very happy because our Blessed Mother's feast day was moved on the day of my birthday! Before I wished that my birthday is on the 8th of December! The celebration of the Feast of the Immaculate Conception was moved to December 9, because the Feast coincided with the Sunday mass and we are in the Season of Advent. Our parish priest said that the Advent more important compared to the Feast of the Immaculate Conception. 

After the mass we were serenaded by the seminarians from Immaculate Conception Major Seminary in Guiguinto, Bulacan. They sang a beautiful rendition of "Aba Ginoong Maria." They were the ones who produced the melody. This day was really a blessing! I thank our Almighty Father for everything and for letting me feel how to be truly a spiritual daughter of our Blessed Mother Mary! Like the motto of saint Pope John Paul II, I am totally yours, our Blessed Mother Mary!

Christine Watkins and The Warning Book

           I am a follower of Adrian Milag, a Catholic vlogger and a YouTuber. He has interviewed a lot of guests who from lay people to priests mostly exorcists and informs us the reality about the devil and about the spiritual warfare. Recently, he interviewed my favorite Dominican priest, Fr. Winston Cabading, O.P. He is a professor in University of Santo Tomas and an exorcist. He also has videos online, answering questions from the public about our Catholic faith. In my experience, one of the reasons that contributed to me leaving the Catholic church is my weak faith. I am questioning things and I thought God has left me when I experienced a heartbreak. I am familiar with the Catholic bible but I never read it like how the Protestants would do it. We have a rich tradition and even the Church Fathers like St. Augustine, his teachings was studies by Protestants. 

The episode with Ms. Christine Watkins, her life story is also inspiring. She lives a wayward life and then she became sick of ovarian cancer. She was an atheist, her friend's prayer has helped her have faith especially to our Blessed Mother Mary. Her cancer was cured and now she is an active speaker from the Queen of Peace media. I have her book about The Miraculous Medal. You can know about it in one of my blog posts here. My question was also featured in the show. My former handle in Youtube was The Pilgrims Pen but now I changed it to LVictoria. The @ sign is pilgrimspen still. 

In the U.S of A, another very relevant topic was being shown in movie theaters. I hope that this movie will also be shown here in the Philippines. We need this so much now. Nowadays, we have seen wars, famine, our society and the character of youths today has declined, most of them resorting the the New Age or the occult, so addicted to social media and most of their time were consumed by it, most of them also don't give time to their spiritual life. As Christine has mentioned according to Saint John Paul II, we should call things as they are. For example, the occult it is wicked so we should call all these things as wicked! Do now water down things. There is this book also by Christine Watkins, entitled The Warning, this book is about the illumination of souls. In this book were testimonies from people who were shown the state of their souls. In the Bible, we were warned about the end times and now the things that was mentioned there is coming true. Many of us are bound to damnation but the mercies of God and his love for us will not allow that to happen. This book, I believe is one of our wake-up call to repent and change. Because if the second coming of our Lord Jesus would happen now we are all in danger. I am listening to an audiobook of this posted freely in YouTube. I plan to buy this book someday but I need to save up for it. It is quite expensive. It costs a thousand pesos here. To those interested in buying it, it is available online in Lazada and Shopee. We must act now before its not too late!

A Vist to St. Pauls Religious Store

           Yesterday, during lunch I went to SM North Edsa to buy a few things. My husband wants to buy goblets and we needed a cross for the upcoming house blessing. We moved in our new house June of this year. The blessing has long been postponed we haven't put in order the things in our house and we have been very busy, and my mom was recently diagnosed with breast cancer. So last week my husband accompanied me to the hospital and I had my mammogram done. 

I was able to buy the things that we need. I was able to buy a simple dress that I will wear tomorrow, I also bought the goblets that my husband wanted and lastly I was able to buy a few religious items. All of these of course, was permitted by my husband because he is in charge of our finances. He also handles my money (salary). Our set-up is different from other couples. I think I was able to mention it in one of my previous posts before.

Going to St. Pauls religious store evoked a lot of good memories. I remember my childhood days, when its my birthday I would buy nothing but religious items and books. My favorite aunt, the one I grew up with would give me money as birthday presents and I would go to the religious store to buy books. I remember going home happily. I would go into my room and I browse at the things or books that I bought. Sadly, all of my religious books collection when I was still young, I disposed them when I became a Protestant. Those were really precious books. Because among them were my aunts books. I lost the book, Bernadette and Lourdes by Michael De Saint-Pierre. It was a very good book about St. Bernadette and her life as a religious sister. Also, books given to me by the late Msgr. Severino G. Casas, H.P., former parish priest of Our Lady of Fatima Church was also lost..He gave me a St. Therese of Lisiuex book with dedication from him. I really regretted deeply what I did. Those were valuable books. I also have books about Christ passion, the Stigmata and a lot more. If given a chance I would like to study more about the lives of saints, the Catholic faith and everything related to our faith. I pray that my joining the Third Order Carmelite will be an instrument for me to be able to accomplish that. 

I was able to buy a beautiful rosary. Actually, I don't believe now in birthstone rosary. Believe in charms and crystals is part of the occult. But I admire the gemstones and that's it. It is only a precious stone and nothing more. One particular reason why I bought this rosary its because it reminded me of my wedding in the Minor Basilica of the Immaculate Conception Metropolitan Manila Cathedral, or simply known as the Manila Cathedral. Our Blessed Mother Mary, the Immaculate Conception is the patroness of that church. So between St. Benedict rosary and the Immaculate Conception rosary, I chose the latter one. It is such a beautiful rosary it has a rose in each bead which is a gemstone zircon. In the middle part of the rosary there's the beautiful image of the Immaculate Conception. I also recently, have a devotion to St. Michael and all the holy angels. Our Blessed Mother Mary is known as the Queen of Angels too! She has supreme dignity as the mother of God, that's why she's superior to them and she reigns over all the angels! Satan is afraid of her! So we should also have a special devotion to our Blessed Mother Mary, that she will protect us and cover us with her blue mantle. The case of the rosary has a month of December marked and title of our Blessed Mother. This rosary if supposed to be for those born in December. It is actually my birth month and also my husband. This rosary is a bit expensive and I told my husband my previous rosary which is the Divine Mercy was destroyed by our daughter who is a toddler when she played with it.

Did you know that the rosary means "crown of roses". Our Lady has revealed to several people that each time they say a Hail Mary they are giving her a beautiful rose and that each complete Rosary makes her a crown of roses. I also bought a stampita, of the holy name of our Lord Jesus to be put inside the house. I thank God for the a beautiful yesterday. I pray our Almighty Father will bless me and my family everyday and keep us safe from evil. Amen!

Post-Wedding Anniversary

           Yesterday, was our 4th wedding anniversary. I thank God for giving me this family even if its not the perfect family that I have dreamed of. We had a lot of fights and many times I have expressed that I want to give up on this marriage if not for our daughter. Yes, ours is not a smooth- sailing marriage. So I am reminded of the life of Saint Rita. Her married life was a lot worse than mine but she persevered. 

My advice to those who wanted to get married. Do not rush. Pray for your future spouse. Do not marry a non-Roman Catholic guy even if that person is kind. There are things that are negotiable and non-negotiables. One thing that I am thankful for, because of my husband I really became firm in being Catholic. You know I gradually came back to church. I am not the only one who is Catholic and became a Protestant and then returned to the Catholic faith again. Recently I came to know the story of Fr. Winston Cabading, O.P (exorcist priest and a Dominican) who also became a Protestant but returned back to the Catholic faith.

I will post a prayer here for all couples. Do not forget to pray with your spouse everyday. Remember love is more than just a feeling, it is a choice and decision that you make everyday. So no matter how hard the problem is with your marriage, never stop praying, keep the faith!

Thankful

           I am simply thankful now to our Lord God. He has given me a lot of things to be thankful for. I know I am contented in this state of life I am now but a lot of things still troubles me. My marital life is not that blissful but I know the downs that I am experiencing, my husband tribulations in his job and family life, everything has a reason.

         As I am writing this down, I realize God's goodness toward me. He led me to the married life because He knows if I become single, I will be burdened even more with my family problems. My older brother and I, we are not really okay. He has been discouraging me in having a boyfriend, getting married and even having a child (during the pandemic season, saying it is difficult). I don't and will not ever regret getting married. I also thank God for giving me a cute and lovely daughter even if she's very naughty. When I see my husband and child and our beautiful and simple house in the province, I am thankful to Him. I am thankful that He gave me a religious family through my husband, his parents are church servers and religious. They are also church goers. 

        Before I dreamed of having my own laptop. My late aunt whom I call Mama Nitz gave me one. But that one was already broken a long  time ago. Now, I bought my own tablet, reasonably price and it works well. I can do this simple typing and watch from YouTube. My guardian angel is a witness to this. I also will  try to be faithful to Him as a Carmelite. In the end, My Lord Jesus is the only One, the One who can fill the empty void in my heart. Always, I will be thankful to Him, even if I don't say it often, He knows my heart more than I do.

Carmel is Where My Heart Is

            A blessed day today! I thank our Lord God for letting me return to my religious and spiritual family, the Carmelites. I also thank Bro. Ioannes Laurentius, OCarm, for referring me to this Carmelite community that I am fit to be. I was a former aspirant in the Order of the Secular Discalced Carmelite wayback, and if you have read my blog, I desire to study the Carmelite life and works of great saints and doctors of the church. I am accepted as an aspirant now in the Carmelite Order of the Ancient Observance, O'Carm. The OCDS is the community that was reformed by St. Teresa of Avila. This may be two different communities but they all belong to the Carmelite family.

My devotion to our Blessed mother and the saints that I look up to from Carmel and their way of life is the reason why Carmel is close to my heart. My community's patron saint is St. Telesphorus. This is our coat of arms. 

I was also able to get a beautiful 3rd class relic with all of our Carmelite family there. It is framed and I put in it my religious books cabinet in our master's bedroom at home. I could not ask for more. Even if it took a long time, I found the place where I should be. My heart is joyful and contented now. May my footsteps always follow our Lord Jesus.As our coat of arms motto, "To Live in Obedience to Christ Jesus!" To Jesus, through Mary! 

A Visit to the Franciscan Secular Order

            Last Sunday, I was able to attend the Secular Franciscan monthly meeting. It is every 3rd Sunday of the month. Sr. Precy Cruz, SFO invited and welcomed me. I am not fully 100% made up that I will join their order. It is hard to forget my Carmelite family. I was an Order of the Discalced Carmelites aspirant before. I was accepted in the Carmelites convent in Gilmore, Quezon City. Every month I attended our meeting at Carmel House of Prayer in New Manila, Quezon City. Many years ago has passed and even if I did not become a religious nun, there is still an empty space in my heart, that I know only God can fill. Maybe, this is God put me. To be a mother and a wife. Still my desire to be closer with God and learn more of him did not die. 

I sat with the Secular Franciscans. The meeting was held at the Multi-Purpose Hall of St. Francis Parish Church in Meycauayan, Bulacan. It is considered one of the oldest church if I'm not mistaken. After praying the Franciscan rosary (this is different with the regular rosary that we are familiar with), bible readings, they also shared personal stories, a lot of the members were flooded, most of the members houses and things were submerged in floodwaters. They were all teary eyed and a few cried recounting their stories. 

Most of the members were in their senior already. Only three of us were the young ones in the group. I don't want to join this order half-heartedly. I just felt that I don't belong in their community. 

There are many Franciscans well-loved saints by everyone, I like St. Anthony of Padua who is a Franciscan is one of my favorite saint, I have a 3rd class relic of his, piece of cloth that touched his tongue. As an observer in this community I thank the Lord for the opportunity to experience being with another spiritual family. Still, I pray that I might go back to Carmel. 

Rebuilding My Collection of Books

I was thinking of what should I post next here in my blog. Two weeks ago I was able to put my collection of Catholic books in my cabinet. We moved here in Bulacan about 2 months ago. Little by little we are able to organize and put our things in their proper place. During the pandemic I was able to buy a few Catholic books that are hard to find in a local bookstore. I am rebuilding my collection again. I am regretting that I disposed my collection of Roman Catholic books when I joined a Protestant (Independent Baptist) group in 2011. 

 started collecting those books when I was still a young girl. I got interested in religious books when my aunt gave me a Lives of Saints book from St. Paul's Bookstore. I also love the magazines of my aunt, The Life of St. Agnes, St. Thomas More, and St. Rita of Cascia. They were all bought from St. Paul Bookstore by the Daughters of St. Paul and Society of St. Paul (priests).

Here are some of the titles that I have collected again since the pandemic. I also included my journals which I wrote when I was still a teenager. 

List of My Collections: 

I. CATHOLIC DOCTRINE, CATECHISM & THEOLOGY 

1. Catechism of the Catholic Church 

2. The Student's Catholic Doctrine 

3. The Catholic Church Has the Answer 

4. The Seven Sacraments 

5. Practical Theology: Spiritual Direction from St. Thomas Aquinas — Peter Kreeft 

II. SCRIPTURE & BIBLICAL STUDIES 

6. Understanding the Scriptures — Scott Hahn 

7. The Bible from a Scratch 

8. The Family of God — Scott Hahn

 9. The New American Bible 

10. The Parables of Jesus 

11. Hark the Herald: How the Bible Tells Us When Jesus Was Born — Fr. Gerardo R. Tapiador

12. Hark the Herald 2: The Story of the Manger of Jesus Christ — Fr. Gerardo R. Tapiador 

13. Bible Diary 2026

III. CATHOLIC APOLOGETICS & DEFENSE OF THE FAITH 

14. Reasons to Believe — Scott Hahn 

15. Rome Sweet Home — Scott and Kimberly Hahn 

16. The Catholic Guide to Miracles: Separating the Authentic from the Counterfeit — Adam Blai 

17. The True Icon: From the Shroud of Turin to the Veil of Manoppello

 IV. CHRISTIAN & CATHOLIC SPIRITUALITY 

18. The Imitation of Christ 

19. The Way, The Furrow, The Forge — St. Josemaría Escrivá 

20. Healing Moments — Fr. Jerry M. Orbos, SVD 

21. Moments — Fr. Jerry M. Orbos, SVD 

22. Strength in Darkness: Wisdom from St. John of the Cross 

23. The Gospel of Love According to Juan/a 

24. No Moment Too Small — Norvene Vest 

25. Thoughts Matter — Mary Margaret Funk, OSB 

26. The Steps of Humility and Pride — St. Bernard of Clairvaux 

V. MARIAN SPIRITUALITY & MARIOLOGY 

27. 33 Days to Morning Glory 

28. See How She Loves Us: 50 Approved Apparitions of Mary

29. The Blue Scapular: Scapular of the Immaculate Conception 

30. 10 Wonders of the Rosary 

31. The Secret of the Rosary 

32. Miraculous Medal: Pendant of Power 

33. The Meaning of Akita 

34. The Life of Mary as Seen by the Mystics — Raphael Brown 

35. True Devotion to Mary — St. Louis de Montfort 

36. Our Lady of Guadalupe: Mother of the Civilization of Love 

37. The Life of the Blessed Virgin Mary: From the Visions of Ven. Anne Catherine Emmerich 

VI. ST. JOSEPH SPIRITUALITY 

38. Consecration to St. Joseph 

VII. DIVINE MERCY 

39. Divine Mercy in My Soul: Diary of St. Faustina 

40. 33 Days to Merciful Love 

41. Understanding the Divine Mercy — Fr. Chris Alar 

VIII. SPIRITUAL WARFARE, EXORCISM & DELIVERANCE 

42. Deliverance Prayers — Fr. Chad Ripperger 

43. Exorcist, Volumes 1, 2 & 3 — Fr. Jose Francisco Syquia 

44. The Exorcist Files — Joy Cuadrante 

45. An Exorcist Explains the Demonic — Fr. Gabriele Amorth 

46. The Exorcist Files II — Joy Cuadrante 

47. Catholic Handbook of Deliverance Prayer — Fr. Jose Francisco C. Syquia 

48. Father Amorth: My Battle Against Satan — Fr. Gabriele Amorth 

49. The Exorcist Files — Fr. Carlos Martins

 50. Dominion — Fr. Chad Ripperger 

51. The Diary of an American Exorcist — Msgr. Stephen Rossetti 

52. The Liber Christo Method: A Field Manual for Spiritual Combat 

IX. SAINTS' LIVES & HAGIOGRAPHY 

53. Saint Stanislaus Papczyński 

54. Lives of Saints 

55. God's Great Miracle and Worker: St. Anthony of Padua 

56. Blesseds and Saints Carmelites 

57. St. John Mary Vianney, the Curé of Ars: A Parish Priest for All the World 

58. Catherine of Siena: A Life of Passion and Purpose 

59. 101 Questions and Answers on Saints

 60. Bernadette 

61. St. Carlo Acutis: The Cyber Apostle of the Eucharist 

X. SAINTS' DIARIES, AUTOBIOGRAPHIES & SPIRITUAL MEMOIRS 

62. Story of a Soul — St. Thérèse of Lisieux 

63. The Diary of St. Gemma Galgani 

64. Hope: The Autobiography — Pope Francis 

65. The Seven Storey Mountain — Thomas Merton 

XI. MYSTICISM, VISIONS & PRIVATE REVELATION 

66. Mga Tula ni Sta. Teresa de Jesús — Poems of St. Teresa of Ávila 

67. Hildegard of Bingen: Mystical Writings

68. The Visions of Saint Frances of Rome: Hell, Purgatory, and Heaven Revealed 

XII. BENEDICTINE & OBLATE SPIRITUALITY 

69. The Rule of St. Benedict 

70. Nun Sense — Sr. Mary John Mananzan, OSB 

71. Thoughts Matter — Mary Margaret Funk, OSB 

72. The Cross and Medal of St. Benedict: A Mystical Sign of Divine Power 

73. Oblate Formation Booklet and Other Oblate Resources from St. Vincent Archabbey 

74. Benedict in the World: Portrait of Monastic Oblates

XIII. DOMINICAN HISTORY, SPIRITUALITY & PREACHING 

75. Beginnings of the Filipino Dominicans — Fr. Rolando dela Rosa, OP 

76. Talambuhay ni Sto. Domingo de Guzman — Fray Jigs Villaflores 

77. St. Dominic: A Saint for Impossible Causes — Fray Jigs Villaflores 

78. A Preacher's Calling — Fr. Quirico Pedregosa, OP 

79. For the Sake of Preaching the Gospel — Fr. Quirico Pedregosa, OP 

XIV. CHRISTOLOGY, THE PASSION & THE EUCHARIST 

80. Through the Mysteries of Light 

81. The Greatest Treasure: Considerations on the Daily Mass 

82. Yeshua, Son of Man 

83. 100 Eucharistic Miracles 

84. The Wisdom of the Saints on the Eucharist 

85. A Guide to the Passion: 100 Questions About the Passion of Christ 

86. The Dolorous Passion of Our Lord Jesus Christ: From the Visions of Anne Catherine Emmerich 

XV. LITURGY & PRAYER 

87. 30 Favorite Novenas 

88. The Catholic Assembly Book 

89. Christian Prayer: The Liturgy of the Hours 

90. Pieta Prayer Booklet 

XVI. CHURCH HISTORY & CATHOLIC HISTORY 

91. My First History of the Church 

92. Church Fathers — Pope Benedict XVI 

93. A Vatican Journey: Fifty Milestones — Pope Francis 

XVII. RELICS & CATHOLIC SACRED OBJECTS 

94. More Precious Than Gold — Book about Relics 

XVIII. FAMILY & CHRISTIAN RELATIONSHIPS 

95. Relationships: A Mess Worth Making 

(Protestant Self-Help book)

XIX. CATHOLIC PERIODICALS 

96. Old Catholic Digest 

XX. CHRISTIAN PARENTING & FAMILY LIFE 

97. Children and Parents: Wisdom and Guidance for Parents — Venerable Fulton J. Sheen 

XXI. CANON LAW

98. Canonical Issues Related to Religious Life

99. Code of Canon Law (New Amendments) Paulines Publishing House

(Updated list: October 1, 2026)

St. Michael and his Relic Rock

         Apparition of St. Michael the Archangel at Mt. Gargano in Italy. 

 In the year 492 a man named Gargan was pasturing his large herds in the countryside. One day a bull fled to the mountain, where at first it could not be found. When its refuge in a cave was discovered, an arrow was shot into the cave, but the arrow returned to wound the one who had sent it. Faced with so mysterious an occurrence, the persons concerned decided to consult the bishop of the region. He ordered three days of fasting and prayers. After three days, the Archangel Saint Michael appeared to the bishop and declared that the cavern where the bull had taken refuge was under his protection, and that God wanted it to be consecrated under his name and in honor of all the Holy Angels.

Accompanied by his clergy and people, the pontiff went to that cavern, which he found already disposed in the form of a church. The divine mysteries were celebrated there, and there arose in this same place a magnificent temple where the divine Power has wrought great miracles. To thank God's adorable goodness for the protection of the holy Archangel, the effect of His merciful Providence, this feast day was instituted by the Church in his honor.

It is said of this special guardian and protector of the Church that, during the final persecution of Antichrist, he will powerfully defend it: At that time shall Michael rise up, the great prince who protects the children of thy people. (Dan. 12:1) Compare this text with Chapter 10 of the Apocalypse of Saint John.

St. Michael is depicted as a warrior angel with breastplate and sword, vanquishing the evil one. He is also depicted as an angel holding the scales. It is said that he weighs souls on his perfectly balanced scales.

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I was blessed to finally have this rock from Mt. Gargano in Italy. I thank the Lord for letting me be connected with people that I don't even know who has been instrumental with me obtaining this rock. I am not that rich to be able to travel to Italy but I hope that I will be able to visit these holy sites in Europe and the Holy Land while I'm here on earth.  I just started having a devotion to St. Michael and the archangels. I just feel the need to ask for their intercession. I also bought a fancy bracelet with St. Michael engraved on it. Just had it blessed by a priest before. 

During these dark times. We must have the friendly companions of our angelic friends. For they help us get close to God and they also offer their protection. 

Catholic Saints Relics

            I have known about relics when I attended the feast day of St. Rita de Cascia's feast day and St. Anthony de Padua after attending the holy mass. We were allowed to kiss the relic. 

What are relics. They are the mortal remains of a saint or someone you considered to be a holy person. For us Roman Catholics, they are a source of inspiration especially to our faith. They have been a source of miracles and an advancement of faith. 

It is forbidden to buy 1st and 2nd class relics as states in the Canon law. If you mistakenly bought one without the knowledge that it is it is forbidden. You should immediately talk to your parish priest. I read that you can give these relics to the church for safekeeping, for it really belongs to them, not for individuals like us. We are allowed to have 3rd class relics (items that has been placed and has touched a first or a second class relic) and mementos from the place of saints or the place that the Holy Family has trod upon. For example it is not wrong to have a piece of soil rock. I also have a St. Michael rock from Mount Gargano in Italy which I obtained from a seller who was referred to me by a brother tied to a religious store in the U.S.A who brings relics to the faithful. The relic is free according to him. Only the case of the relic and the material of it is the one that you need to pay.

I thank God for these tangible things that has been left by his holy and faithful men and women. These things brings us more closer to Him and has helped us experience his love and miracle.

The Miraculous Medal

            I enrolled my family in the Miraculous Medal Association (Perpetual membership). The Vincentian priests also known as the order of Congregation of the Mission will pray for my family always. I already mentioned that I studied in an all girls school run by the Daughters of Charity. I am proud of it because it is a good private school and those who go there are mostly from a well to do family. I thank my aunts for they helped me study in a good school since my father who is an OFW, his earnings are not enough for my older brother and I. My mother's side family are all comfortably living. My mom's siblings, one is a pediatrician, a pharmacist and all are working in for the government. Same with 

my husband and I who are also working in the government. I thank God for it. 

So much so for telling you my family background. As a former Carmelite aspirant. I have a devotion to our Blessed Mother eversince I was a young girl. I told her before that she be my mother. I really don't remember what made me say that to her even if my biological mother is living with us. Maybe, I just don't feel my mother is always there for me. I just don't feel her motherly support. 

I recommend Christine Watkins book The Miraculous Medal: Pendant of Power. It is a great wealth of information about the Miraculous Medal, how it came to be and those people whose lives were touched by it. 

I bought a medal recently, I disposed the previous medal that I bought because the stars are not designed like this. I read that the stars should not be on top of the cross. I was really anxious because the medal that I bought before was fake. There were rumors that masons give out and distributes fake medal, same with the rosary. What I suggest is that just scrutinized any religious items design. Make sure its not a counterfeit. You might notice that in the back of my recently purchased miraculous medal there is a CF mark. I inquired from where I purchased it and the seller told me its Italy's manufacturing stamp. Of course, I am skeptical thinking the medal might be one of the fake ones distributed by the masons. (I bought the medal from Saints and Sacramentals store in Lazada online).

I already gave a few of my officemates this medal before. I want them to know our Blessed Mother and all the graces that they will receive through her intercession. Knowing our Blessed Mother, their prayer life will improve. To those who are not familiar with the medal I included a brief explanation about it here. Please see the posted images.

The Miraculous Medal: Pendant of Power

           This month I was able to purchase Christine Watkins book, The Miraculous Medal: Pendant of Power. I really wanted to buy this book before when I first saw it being featured in YouTube. It seems a very good book to read. I am familiar with the Miraculous Medal testimonies because when I was still a kid we get the MMA newsletter mailed at home. My aunt was enrolled and was a member of the Miraculous Medal if I am not mistaken. I also got my family and my in-laws enrolled in the association perpetually. I know the Miraculous Medal because I went to an exclusive all girls private school during my high-school days which was run by the Daughters of Charity. 

I am also familiar with the miraculous medal because my late aunt was a Marian devotee. My mother's side family are devout Catholics. I was able to buy this book online from Lazada, the name of the store is Saints and Sacramentals. They sell a lot of religious items and religious book that is hard to find.

I was able to buy a blue enamel miraculous medal. In some of the medals the image is not as clear as the one that I saw in the pendant that I bought which is also from the same store. I used to have a miraculous medal but I threw it away because I saw a YouTube video that talks about fake miraculous medals. (example: the star should not be in the middle). Today, my family heard mass in our parish. I had my religious items blessed. I bought a St. Michael gold plated bracelet, miraculous medal pendant and my St. Michael chaplet rosary. I pray that these religious items will lead me closer to Him. "To Jesus, Through Mary!"

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.