60 Minutes report on Divine Intervention

A recent episode of 60 Minutes saw correspondent Bill Whitaker visit the Sanctuary of Our Lady of Lourdes in France. The footage offers inspiring views of the popular pilgrimage site, as well as interviews with faithful visitors seeking to be healed and even one nun whose sudden recovery after visiting Lourdes has been deemed miraculous.

Sr. Bernadette Moriau

The 60 Minutes report goes into great detail on how reported miracles are investigated and authenticated. Whitaker spoke with a team of physicians who examine each case under various criteria, in order to prove that a miracle occurred.The massive size of each case folder is a testament to how deeply they study their cases before coming to their conclusions.

Whitaker even had a chance to interview Sister Bernadette Moriau, the 83-year-old nun who is recognized as the recipient of the 70th miracle said to have occurred at the Lourdes Shrine. Sr. Moriau explained that she had a “dark diagnosis” of full paralysis that was completely healed within three days of visiting the shrine. Sr. Moriau explained that while she was at the shrine she heard a voice in her head:

“I really had that feeling that the Lord was walking with us. And I heard him giving me these words: ‘I see your suffering and that of your sick brothers and sisters. Just give me everything.’”

She said that when she returned home she was in debilitating pain for three days until she suddenly felt the strength to walk to the chapel to pray. While in prayer, she began to feel a great heat inside of her and suddenly she felt urged to remove her foot and back braces, which she previously needed to walk. Suddenly her foot was straightened and her back was no longer in pain.

In order to validate the miracle, Sr. Moriau subjected herself to rounds of testing, both physically and mentally, but no scientific or medical explanation of her sudden recovery was ever identified. Her case was eventually recognized as the 70th instance of a miraculous healing taking place at the Sanctuary of Our Lady of Lourdes.

There’s more packed into the 60 Minutes report than would be possible to cover here, and the expressions of St. Moriau as she explains her miracle are worth a watch on their own.

Source: Aleteia

Semper Fidelis. Always Faithful.

What a man. What a great man of faith.

Jesus Gonzalez

At 6:20 am on January 19, 2023. he went to eternal rest with his maker carrying him to the end and beyond.

Love is based on an intrinsic human quality that one has to help out in times of need. Valor is the by-product of love; the love for humanity to help those who are in need.

Love and Valor

To have finally met this man (Carrington) and brought happiness to him, that is something.

Brothers in Arms

Jesus Gonzalez, left, now 76, is reunited with James Carrington, right, at the Ormond Nursing and Care Center in Destrehan on Monday for the first time since saving his life in 1944.

World War II veteran reunited with man who aided his escape from Japanese prison

This is a bitter sweet reunion between the two friends. Mr. Gonzales is right it’s a dream come true! I shed a tear to their reunion knowing that this kind of situation rarely happen in real life.

Jesus Gonzalez and James Carrington – WW II Heros Meet

I am only a man

He is just another man, a real person that I would have very much wanted to meet personally. Unfortunately, he was born way ahead of me and died 20 years before I was born. If you ask him who he is, the response was “I am only a man, just like you.”

– Trait D’espirit / Drawn by the spirit

“It is with the smallest brushes that the artist paints the most exquisitely
beautiful pictures,” said St. André Bessette.

André Bessette is a native of Canada born frail in a poor family in Quebec. He became an orphan at the age of 12 and had hardly any education at all. In his early twenties, he entered the Holy Cross congregation in Montreal. Nobody wanted him. The main task given to him was menial as a porter, someone who opens the door and greets people who come to visit the Oratory. Yet he did his duty for 40 years accepting the little he had and turning it into a holy act.

One would not think that he lacks formal education when he is an effective teacher of faith by his action, love, kindness, and example.  He used the simplest means.  It is his complete trust with divine providence is what made him an exceptional person.

His dream was to build a church devoted to St. Joseph.  He trusted that if he is really doing the Lord’s will the Lord would bring it to fruition.  And it did happen.

How I would have wanted to see him open the door for me when I visited the Oratory in Mount Royal.   I felt small as an ant standing at the first rung of the steps looking up at the Oratory.

In a world filled with educated minds and an era of countless celebrity, glitz, and glamour, I am amazed at what a simple man can do.

Brother André is what I call him and has left me a legacy to place my trust in Jesus.

Tradition

Happy Three Kings!

Worship by Emma Bonazzi painter and illustrator (1881-1959)

The grandkids were all excited that the Three Kings are coming following Christmas. It means they will get extra gifts. Gifts not under the Christmas tree but in your shoes.

Bring out the shoes and line them up by the doorway, stairs or window.

We follow this tradition and hand it down the generations celebrating the last day of Christmas.

“We three kings of Orient are;
bearing gifts we traverse afar,
field and fountain, moor and mountain,
following yonder star.”

Joy. That’s. It.

I’d rather have joy than happiness.

Let me share this poem by Rilke posted by Robin Bates.

Without your simplicity, how could this
have happened — what shines now in the dark of night?
The God who thundered over the nations
makes himself mild and through you enters the world

Were you expecting something greater?

What is greatness? He moves straight through
all measurements we know, dissolving them away. Even the path of a star is not like that.

Behold: these kings standing here are great
and drag into your lap rare treasures
that each believes to be the greatest.

Perhaps you are astonished at their gifts.
But look into the blanket in your arms,
how He already surpasses all of them.

Amber that is traded near and far,
rings of gold and costly spices
that drift for a moment on the air:
these are quickly fading pleasures
and leave behind a vague regret.

The gift He brings — as you will see — is joy.

Nativity Scene. Carved by Arnolfo di Cambio in the late 13th century on display in Santa Maria Maggiore in Rome. Image by Catholic Traveler

I can taste that lasting sweetness what Joy brings. Joy to you all.

Surprised by Joy

What would your reactions be when you found out that the painting you were commissioned to do was gifted to Pope Francis recent visit to Canada?

Surprise by Joy!

Icon of St. Kateri

The painting of the Icon of St. Kateri, below, was gifted to Pope Francis on the occasion of His visit to Our Lady of Seven Sorrows (OLSS) Church, in Maskwacis, Ab. on July 25, 2022. Gratitude for the gift of this painting is extended to Fr. Mario Fernandes, OCD, Susan Hauck, and the Artist, Dan S. Siglos.

The artist, Dan S. Siglos, explained the following: Yellow represents God the Father, Orange represents God the Son, and Red represents God the Holy Spirit. Regarding the Clothes, the Seven ‘Points’ in the design of St. Kateri’s green dress symbolizes protection, the perfection of God and the seven days of Creation; Triangles represent the Trinity, There are Triangles on St. Kateri’s head band, collar, cuffs and orange shawl. The Turtle on her necklace symbolizes St. Kateri’s Tribal Clan, the Turtle Clan. St. Kateri’s love for the celestial realm is represented by the Moon. The Twelve Lilies represent the Twelve Apostles. The White Lily is the symbol of Purity and Virginity. St. Kateri is known as the ‘Lily of the Mohawk’.

Source: http://www.skt4.ca/

Brief background:
Dan S. Siglos was commissioned to paint St Kateri by his sister, Susan Papas Hauck. Dan researched about her and felt a connection. He took his time painting/meditating.

Susan Papas Hauck presented the painting of St. Kateri on her feast day to Fr. Mario in April 15, and was placed in the church in Alberta. She also made prayer cards 3×4 inches, a photo of St. Kateri on front and inside is her prayer, and Infant Jesus with the relic fabric touched by the miraculous Infant Jesus of Prague at His Shrine. At the back is a powerful 9 days or 9 hour prayer. Susan’s intentions was “May St. Kateri intercede for us and Infant Jesus, prayers to stop this pandemic, heal the sick, stop abortions, guide, protect and bless us all abundantly.”

Modesty aside, Dan, Susan and I are siblings. I am so honoured to be affiliated with them. i’m just a story teller.

Post Card to myself

Although i may have travelled all the roads,
crossed mountains and valleys from East to West,
if i haved not discovered the freedom to be my self,
i have arrived nowhere.

Although i may have shared all of my possessions
with people of other languages and cultures;
made friends with pilgrims of thousand paths,
or shared alberque with saints and princes,
if i am not capable of forgiving my neighbor tomorrow,
i have arrived nowhere.

Although i may have carried my pack from beginning to end
and waited for every pilgrim in need of encouragement,
or given my bed to one who arrived later than i,
given my bottle of water in exchange for nothing;
if upon returning to my home and work,
i am not able to create brotherhood
or to make happiness, peace and unity,
i have arrived nowhere.

Although i may have had food and water each day,
and enjoyed a roof and shower every night;
or may have had my injuries well attented,
if i have not discovered all that the love of God,
i have arrived nowhere.

Although i may have seen all the monuments
and contemplated the best sunsets;
although i may have learned a greeting in every lanaguage
or tasted the clean water from every fountain;
if i have discovered who is the author
of so much free beauty and so much peace,
i have arrived nowhere.

If from today i do not continue walking on your path,
searching and living according to what i have learned;
in from today i do not see in every person, friend or foe
a companion on the Camino;
if from today i cannot recognize God,
the God of Jesus of Nazareth
as one God of my life,
i have arrived at nowhere.

This is a postcard titled “Pilgrim’s Prayer” written by Fraydino I bought not as a souvenir but a reminder that I am only a pilgrim on earth.

Let Us Ask Ourselves

Let us not lose the memory preserved by the elderly, for we are children of that history, and without roots, we will wither. They protected us as we grew, and now it is up to us to protect their lives, to alleviate their difficulties, to attend to their needs and to ensure that they are helped in daily life and not feel alone. Let us ask ourselves: “Have I visited my grandparents, my elderly relatives, the older people in my neighbourhood? Have I listened to them? Have I spent time with them?” Let us protect them, so that nothing of their lives and dreams may be lost. May we never regret that we were insufficiently attentive to those who loved us and gave us life.

Source: World Day for Grandparents and Elderlies

Photo: Dear My Friends Korean Show

What We Became

You should be writing!

This is the constant nagging I say to my sister, Susan. No need to write a book. Blog it! As it turns out, I became the secretary taking notes of bits and pieces of her stories. What’s helpful to draw the words from her mouth is to provide her questions.

1. How did your devotion to Sto. Nino start?
2. What about the Infant Jesus made your faith deeper or changed for the better?
3. Can you share 1-2 he has done in your life?
4. How do you share your devotion to Sto. Nino to Others?

In a way, these questions helped and I have to put the story around according to her words. I’m just the record keeper.

How did your devotion to Sto. Nino Start?
I was born and lived in Davao. My devotion started when I was younger, visiting the Shrine of Infant Jesus of Prague in Davao City. I also carry a mini statue of Infant with me to keep Him close to my heart.

What about the Infant Jesus made your faith deeper or changed for the better?
My mother moved us to Manila to further our higher education. As for me, I followed the footsteps of my mother as a professional dressmaker. Even though my hands are busy sewing, my thoughts are with Infant, having a constant conversation with him.

One of my dreams was to go abroad to Canada. I prayed to the Infant to make it possible. And He did. This is how I came to Canada in 1970. In 1972, two years later, I married Larry, a Canadian. On our wedding day, instead of carrying a bouquet, I held the mini Infant in my hand and a bible in my other hand. Soon I became a citizen of Canada.

Second was to bring my mother and my six siblings to Canada. But I can’t without owning a house. My husband and I purchased a house in Burnaby to accommodate them. With a constant prayer to the Infant, it happened. They arrived in Canada in 1976.

Third was to have children, even just one. No matter how much my husband and I tried, it was hard for me to conceive. With the intercession of Infant, my lovely daughter was born after nine years. My only child. My faith in the Infant is so deep and couldn’t be any better. I carry Him in my soul.

Can you share 1-2 he has done in your life?
The events above are already a miracle for me. To come to Canada, married a faithful husband, bring my family, and have a child. Personally, my devotion to Infant made me calm, cool and collected. Joy replaced fear. When one is joyful, no matter how challenging the situation is, it becomes manageable.

For example, I failed my driving test four times. I needed to pass it because I have to help my husband to drive. On the fifth time, I prayed to the Infant to help me pass the driving exam so I can visit Him in Prague. I did! Subsequently, I applied for an international license because we would travel to Europe for the first time. Imagine me driving at the autobahn all over Europe at a lightning speed of 160 km/hour! This is the start of my beautiful journey with Infant Jesus of Prague in 1998.

In Prague, I met Fr. Jerome, assistant of Fr. Anastasio. The nuns are the guardians of the Infant. They are the only ones who can touch and change the garments of the Holy Infant. However, the Holy Spirit touched their hearts and allowed me to touch Infant. The first time I held the Infant, he felt very much alive as a real child. He was glowing. On other occasions, I was allowed to change his clothing.

Holy Infant Jesus of Prague, Susan Papas Hauck and The Guardian

How do you share your devotion to Sto. Nino to Others?
When I returned to Canada, I started a group devotion to Infant Jesus of Prague at Guardian Angels Parish in Vancouver, where we instilled the first Holy Infant Jesus of Prague statue. I travel to Prague two or three times a year to obtain a replica of the Infant for other countries such as the Philippines, Brazil, Mexico, USA, Tobago, Peru, Ecuador, Nicaragua, Malta, Trinidad, Tanzania. Due to Covid restrictions, traveling is on hold. Uganda has to wait. I also bring the statue of Holy Infant to sick people at the hospital and their homes

As a note taker, this helps my sister write personal information for other ministries in promotion faith sharing on Infant Jesus of Prague.

You may also want to visit these posts:

1. I Have A Dream
2. The Power of Tiny
3. Let The Children Play
4. Interview Dec 12/13 2020 Virtual Conference In UK

Blessed Days To All.

Reminder ~ Slow Me Down, Lord

In order for me to live calmly in a fast paced environment, I scheduled a reminder notice on my computer.  It pops up every 30 minutes.  A simple note to myself: “Slow Me Down, Lord.” 

The full meaning of this came from another clipping I know not where it came from.  It’s very old and faded.  Before it will fall into pieces, I wish to share it with you. 

 

 

Whispering Hope

I have written about the c-word here. Some commented on what it means to them.

The ‘C’ word is synonymous with another ‘C’ word, I believe…and it’s a Catalyst for change….. personally and collectively. In the long run, humanity as a whole may evolve to a higher level of consciousness, I opine. But Change can also be Crippling if one is unable to adapt.

Catalyst. Change. Collectively. Consciousness.Crippling. Profound c words from the passion for truths.

For me, there is one c-word that controls my whole being for it has been known by many other people before me how their life changed amidst suffering.

Quora asked this question and what it means?

 ” I am the way, the truth, and the light, nobody can come to my Father except through me” in John 14:6

“ricercare et trovatà,” one answered.

Search and you will find.

A Man and His Donkey

In my pilgrimage to the Holy Land, we walked down the narrow streets to enter Jerusalem, reenacting the Palm Sunday Walk; the heat was sweltering.  I saw a man and his donkey sheltering from the heat. Being today is Palm … Continue reading →

Pilgrim Progress: The Road I Travelled

Little do I know that the road I travelled in 2017 will become the theme for unity in the Christian world this year. Malta. Photos taken were stored, collecting dust. Now, I am revisiting the pictures I’ve made and reflect … Continue reading →

Stations of Life ~ As I See It

Viewer discretion is advised.  Graphic Contents.

Lent commemorates the passion and death of Jesus Christ.  In a Catholic world, meditating the Way of the Cross, the last moments on the life of Jesus Christ, is part of the tradition.  The Way of the Cross has fourteen stations.  The Passion, Mel Gibson’s movie made millions of dollars.  It’s very graphic.

Catholic means universal. One doesn’t have to be a Catholic to understand these Stations of the Cross.   These stations include all religions and belief system on Earth.  How would you as a person or organization or leader build a better world, a caring place, and a safe environment. 

In a more global view, the fourteen stations could be depicted as follows: 

The First Station: Jesus Is Condemned To Death
~ Kevin Carter

   The Second Station:  Jesus Carries His Cross
~ Homelessness 

 The Third Station:  Jesus Falls the First Time
~ The Fall of Saigon

  The Fourth Station:  Jesus Meets His Afflicted Mother
~ World Press

 The Fifth Station: Simon Helps Jesus Carry His Cross
~ Doctors Without Boarders

  The Sixth Station:  Veronica Wipes the Face of Jesus
~ Haiti Earthquake Response

 The Seventh Station: Jesus Falls A Second Time
~ World Trade Centre 9/11

 The Eighth Station: Jesus Speaks to the Holy Women
~ Desmond Tutu

 The Ninth Station: Jesus Falls the Third Time
~ Global Warming

 The Tenth Station: Jesus is Stripped of His Garments
~ Israel Occupation

  The Eleventh Station: Jesus is Nailed to the Cross
~ Child prostitution

  The Twelfth Station:  Jesus Dies on the Cross
~ Abortion

  The Thirteenth Station: Jesus is Taken Down From the Cross
~ Japan earthquake

  The Fourteenth Station:  Jesus is Laid in the Sepulcher
~ Lest We Forget 

 

The world is in your hands, the future depends on you.  The choice is yours. 

Kýrie, eléison

 

Related article:

• Stations of the Cross

On Friendship

Pleasant speech multiplies friends, and a gracious tongue multiplies courtesies. Let those who are friendly with you be many, but let your advisers be one in a thousand. When you gain friends, gain them through testing, and do not trust … Continue reading →

“I asked my reflection, How did you get there?”

“The Gift-Wrap & The Jewel” by Wanda B. Goines

I looked in the mirror and what did I see,
but a little old lady peering back at me
With bags and sags and wrinkles and wispy white hair,
and I asked my reflection,
How did you get there?”

You once were straight and vigorous and now you’re stooped and weak,
when I tried so hard to keep you from becoming an antique.

My reflection’s eyes twinkled as she solemnly replied,
you’re looking at the gift wrap and not the jewel inside
A living gem and precious, of unimagined worth
Unique and true, the real you, the only you on earth.

The years that spoil your gift-wrap with other things more cruel,
should purify and strengthen, and polish up that jewel.

So focus your attention on the inside, not the out
On being kinder, wiser, more content and more devout
Then, when your gift-wrap’s stripped away your jewel will be set free,
to radiate God’s glory throughout eternity.

 

Original news you may read here.

Black Mother

Someone told me to read the lives of the saints to help me in times of the dark night of the soul.  Not just the saints but as well as people who had the courage to come back.  These are … Continue reading →

As Painter Paints the Language of Sphere, Color, Line and Form

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To see what a painter paints, one has to look at the unexpected form that jumps out of the canvas and not to look into his mind. Art is not escape, but a way of finding order in chaos, a … Continue reading →

Garabandal

  Please note that this is a scary story of my pilgrimage to Garabandal. One has to be social when on a pilgrimage. I saw a woman sitting in the garden from the bedroom window where I was staying for … Continue reading →

This is where it ends. This is where it begins.

Studying in public school, our creed has no bearings. We are unified as human beings in singing daily our national anthem out in the courtyard, rain or shine before we start our regiment of learning academics. Religion is not a … Continue reading →

I can’t do the math.

I have to ask the QOTD on my Facebook.  “Who’s birthday is it today?” I am having a senior moment. Thank goodness, someone in my family has more memory than I do. My oldest sibling Myrna is turning a year … Continue reading →

On Writing

I am pleased to say that some of my posts became useful to others particularly to my sister, Susan Papas Hauck. It provided links to other seekers who are in their journey to a path beyond comprehension. Unbeknownst to me, … Continue reading →

I have a dream

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As a young girl, her devotion to the Infant Jesus of Prague started. She dreamt of visiting Prague one day to honor Him for the many prayers and wishes granted to her. Finally, the dream came true. She found herself … Continue reading →

How do we reconcile? We hope…

“We hope that your faith inspires you to be just, loving, humble and merciful. We hope that your faith inspires you to encourage the church to be more just, more loving, more humble and more merciful.” “We hope you find … Continue reading →

Fruit Of Our Lives

“Let’s go visit Granny.” That’s what the kids used to say when Granny was alive. Some of these children were not able to experience the love of their grandmother nor Mother would see how fruitful we have become. Mother instilled … Continue reading →

Focus on Canada

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From coast to coast, there are thousands of new Canadians on July 1st. I am one of them. For this, we are filled with gratitude and proud to be Canadian citizens. “Each year on Canada Day, thousands of immigrants across … Continue reading →

Sacred Ordinary

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… simple prayers are sacred acts. They’re tender and profound. They aren’t the formal prayers of the institutional church. They aren’t the ecstatic utterances of a miraculous vision. They are dignified, homely and eloquent, the ordinary and yet sacred stuff … Continue reading →

Call to Service Mea Culpa

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In the homily at Mass for the Ordination of Deacons on June 2, Archbishop Robert J. Carlson quoted the Prayer of Consecration, which he would use in ordaining each of 25 men to the permanent diaconate. “May (these men) excel … Continue reading →

The Source

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  To be a mother is to be a Touchstone and the Source, Bestower of names, Influencer of identities; Life giver, Life shaper, Empath, Healer, and Original Love. Poem: God Our Mother by Allison Woodward Art by: Dan S. Siglos … Continue reading →

Human Soul

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Just before I woke up from a deep sleep, I dreamt of a single red rose. I can’t remember what the dream was, but the rose stayed with me. The night before, I watched a video of Aokigahara Documentary.The narrator has the … Continue reading →

Passage to Infinity

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    Last night, I watched the movie The Book of Eli. In this movie, it painted an apocalyptic world. The future is morbid, brutal and violent. In a harsh world, there is the only thing that can change the world, … Continue reading →

Trip of a Lifetime

 I would like to stay longer and soak up the three world’s religion: Islāmic, Judaism, and Christianity.  I want to be with the Muslims, Jews, and Christians: and have interfaith dialogue. At the hotel in Jordan, waiting to leave for Canada, I … Continue reading →

Reaping the rewards

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  “Blessed are they that have not seen, and have believed” – John 20:29 It is with his scientific mind that he has proven black holes, gravity, and wrote the book a Brief History of Time, Steven Hawkings absolute cannot reason … Continue reading →

Setting the record straight

Women play an essential role in the world. For without the woman’s womb, we are not born. Rejoice and be thankful. – Perpetua

Perpetua and Felicity

We celebrate the lives of some remarkable female saints this week, and today, we remember saints Perpetua and Felicity. These remarkable women were early third-century, African martyrs were of great significance in the life of the early Church. They were condemned as Christians by the Roman authorities and sent to the public arena, to be mauled by wild animals. However, they survived and were then taken to be executed by the sword. Their story was widely circulated secretly throughout the early Christian congregations, giving encouragement in the face of adversity. They were martyred for their faith on this day in the year 203.  – Pray As You Go

Painted Prayers

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The primary emphasis in this work is based on evolution distinctively a combination of three persons, one God: God the Father, God the Son, God the Holy Spirit. He is drawn and inspired by The Trinity. The Prayer of St. Augustine … Continue reading →

Sophie’s Choice

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Making a choice in cutting off ties in any situation is difficult when it’s a no-win situation, an unbearable option that one is forced to choose. Even thinking that it is the lesser of two evils, it can still remain … Continue reading →

Aging is a good one.

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I like getting older. The increasing aches, pains, memory failures—sure, I could do without those. But as for the actual adventure of aging, in and of itself? It’s a good one. Skeptical? Ask anyone who might not have the chance. … Continue reading →

These Nuns are out of Order #SuperbowlinTheConvent

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Between Layla and I, to keep us entertained, we followed what the nuns were tweeting. Reading their tweets were more exciting than the game itself. Hilarious! Sister Bethany, fsp‏ @SrBethanyFSP Feb 4 Nun 1: Did you see that player? He made the … Continue reading →

The Unbearable Lightness

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Who says we have no sense of humor?  We are the first one that poke jokes on what we believe in to have fun and lighten up. When we were trying to open this door, no matter how much we … Continue reading →

Yes, Mother.

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What the Silence Says I know that you think you already know but— Wait Longer than that. ** “What the Silence Says” by Marie Howe in MAGDALENE:POEMS

So, Here I am, Lighting a Candle.

Lighting a candle in prayer living it behind to stay alight, kindling in the hearts and minds of others the prayers I have already offered for the people present here, for our loved ones at home, for saints and sinners, … Continue reading →

Not Just for Today

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Finally, a summary of code Just for Today in living a happy life daily. The text came from a faded clipping of Dear Abby pasted on my wall as a reminder that we can do so many good things in our … Continue reading →

Welcome to Bethlehem

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Regardless of travel advisory, people from all over the world wants to see where it happened. Regardless of personal belief, they want to visit where it all began. Regardless of culture, pilgrims and tourist mix together. Regardless where they came … Continue reading →

Lead Us Not Into Temptation

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  Books. My brain is salivating looking at these books. It’s so tempting to buy at least three: One Day We’ll All Be Dead and None Of This Will Matter, All The Lives I Want and Depression and Other Magic … Continue reading →

In Praise of Books

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  It was a stormy windy night that I ended at Vancouver Public Library for shelter and kill time on my way to a concert. I am not the only one seeking refuge here. From the main floor, the children’s … Continue reading →

Unlikely Friendship. Forgiveness. Miracle.

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Eventually, Ms. Van Sluytman decided it was time to look into his eyes. “We shared really wonderful e-mails. His words helped to heal me, but I finally said, ‘I have to meet you, I need to see your eyes,’” she … Continue reading →

Unshakable Faith

From the distance, I could see the green hill with something erected on the mound. The site is open to the elements that nothing can shield me from the cold wind. The expansive cloudy sky is threatening that rain is … Continue reading →

Pause and Remember

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Silenced

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Remembering the dead. Lest We Forget

Last Words

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“Grace is nothing else but a certain beginning of glory within us.” – St. Thomas Aquinas He writes the way he speaks. With kindness. With love. With compassion. I will miss him.  

A Divine Comedy

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A fool I was doing my very first pilgrimage on my own, wearing open toed sandals walking the plains of Assisi in a little town called Porziuncola all the way to top of the hill of Assisi where the Basilica … Continue reading →

Generation to the 5th degree

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We have kinsman in our family whose name cannot be named. This is how I would like to start the story of our generation. Or better yet: Why have I found favour in your sight that you should take notice … Continue reading →

I am a Pilgrim, not a Tourist!

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It is a challenge and a hair-raising experience to go on a pilgrimage. It’s not an ordinary travel just because we paid an enormous amount of money to travel in luxury and be catered to. I join a pilgrimage because … Continue reading →

On Gardening: Preparing the soil

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Parables make me think especially the parable of the seeds. It’s focused on the seeds scattered and sown. Some grew, some withered, some died, some bear fruit. The seeds are us. I beg to differ. We are the soil. We … Continue reading →

Skin texture

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Flawless skin is soft, smooth, glowing, hydrated, firm and elastin support. This is normal when we are young. However, there are events in life that could change this. And this is exactly what happened to her. The first time I’ve … Continue reading →

The Person and The Saint

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Historically, Birgitta and Saint Birgitta are not really the same person. It is difficult at times to know what parts are historically accurate and which part is the image of the saint. As a person, Birgitta was born in 1303 … Continue reading →

Count Yourself In

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When we arrived In the country side of Sweden, we had a good feeling that we indeed arrived in place of peace. The first thing that welcomes us is a table with flowers, candle and a saying. Being on the … Continue reading →

We are not made of sugar. We are the salt of the earth.

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The rain came when we visited the ruins of Cistercian Alvastra Abbey in Östergötland. We are the salt of the Earth. We are not made of sugar. We will not melt. With high winds and strong rain, we aborted the walk … Continue reading →

High Spirits

We just have to make do with what we have in a given place at a given moment as we travel along as pilgrims celebrating mass. There are times that mass is performed out in an open space and we were … Continue reading →

Last Impression

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The Empty Chair spoken by Tyrone Siglos for Josh Siglos So strange to hear this spoken at the church service tonight. Beside my bed is an empty chair. Lucy my cat and I were in bed, suddenly something fell from the … Continue reading →

What is it about Mary?

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Between Time and National Geographic, these magazines are constantly in search for Mary featuring the many images of her face. It sells. I must admit I bought the Time special reissue of Life’s Classic edition not that I am searching … Continue reading →

Wandering Wonders

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Somewhere in Canada, I was given four glorious days to spend time at Victoria, BC. It was a gift for being part of belonging in a delegation to make a better British Columbia for the working class. The timing was … Continue reading →

Canticle for Earth

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When I celebrate Earth day, I think of St. Francis as the person that is truly connected to earth’s creation, a lover of all sentient beings. He is way ahead of his time even before the usage of the word … Continue reading →

Financial Advice: Do the math

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Financial advice according to Myrna P. Valdez, oldest sibling.  

Life is full of surprises

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Who would know where life would take you. We make plans, we check it twice, we cross our t’s and dot our i’s, we invest all our energy and yet, we could never be sure. My mother said many times … Continue reading →

Rough edges of security

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Do think that I am weird and uncouth. I give you permission. I allow you to talk and discuss about me with others even in front of me Or pull the rug underneath me Hoping that I will fall flat and … Continue reading →

Amber Alert

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When a child is missing, we can make a difference by sending out Amber Alert to secure the child’s safety as quickly as we can. Meanwhile in Vancouver, BC, an infant is venerated by thousands of people at the Cathedral, the image … Continue reading →

This makes me feel better

Just what I need. Thank you, Chatter Master.
There are more in this source: Make Life Better.

Chunks of Dense Matter

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I pray that each one of us stays awake as we fall. I pray that we choose to go into the abyss willingly and that our fall is cushioned by faith–faith that at the bottom we will be caught and … Continue reading →

Thank Goodness for Spike

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Just what I need. After mass one Sunday, a little boy unexpectedly announced to his mom, “Mom, I’ve decided to become a priest when I grow up.” “That’s ok with us if you want to do that,” she said, “but … Continue reading →

White roses and gloves

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They look so handsome wearing suit and tie to serve their mom, Lorena. Lorena’s three sons wore a rose boutonniere and white gloves as pallbearers to bring her casket to the church, then back to the funeral parlor for the … Continue reading →

The Gift of Prayer

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We have just finished our third night of prayer for our dearly beloved, Lorena when her sister’s mother-in-law followed Lorena’s footsteps. Now, we have to remember the mother-in-law in our prayers as well. Tonight will be the sixth evening that is extra … Continue reading →

In The City

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In the city, there are more wants than wishes, I supposed want is more concrete, and wishing is more a pipe dream. As a starter, a bulletin board for wants appeared at Starbucks. Naming a real thing such as benches, trees, … Continue reading →

The Last Word

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For years I dreamt of being in a company of a local news icon with strong roots in the community reporting uplifting stories of ordinary events and people from garbage to gardening, from the old and the new, from ashes … Continue reading →

Markings

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I don’t know who – or what – put the question, I don’t know when it was put. I don’t even remember answering. But at some moment I did answer yes to Someone – Or something _ and from that … Continue reading →

Border Security

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With heightened awareness on the growing tension crossing the border to USA, we make sure that we bring all proper identification. Canadian passport might not be enough because our passport states our country of origin, Philippines. Should we ever get … Continue reading →

Words

What is prayer?

You take words,
everyday words,
and all of a sudden they become holy.

Why?

Because there is something
that separates one word from
another and then you try to fill
the vacuum.

With what?
With whom?
With what memory?
With what aspiration?

So when words bring you closer
to the prisoner in his cell,
to the patient who is dying on his bed alone,
to the starving child,

then it’s a prayer.

words by Elie Wiesel

A Reason For Living

A photo of a rose from the convent’s garden made into a card and two words that I still keep as a transcript of sincerity.

I care. 

To know someone cares was good enough to fight for my life.

Let the children play

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Children nowadays play with technology. It’s quiet this way. Only the adults are noisy from telling stories, asking too many questions, laughing and plenty of dark jokes targeted at you.  One has to have broad shoulders to deflect shady puns … Continue reading →

Shot by an arrow

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Maybe if I call myself a traveler, it would be more acceptable. But I am not a traveler. I travel because of pilgrimage. On a pilgrimage, we call ourselves pilgrims. As a pilgrim, I go because someone asked me because … Continue reading →

I have faith in the light

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Sitting in the dark, I allowed darkness to be my teacher. I am used to sitting in the dark at the chapel of Lions Gate. There I spent many days in the quite darkness of the hospital chapel instead of … Continue reading →

Bringing back fond memories

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Today marks the first day of advent. A day of excitement filed with hope and grief. But hope trumps! It’s Not This Time of Year Without… a message of hope, everlasting hope. The message is to step out of our head … Continue reading →

The Power of Tiny

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When I was a tiny girl, everyone looks gigantic. But this story is not about me. The story started when I was a tiny girl watching my sister sew clothes for a living. I remember she kept a little statuette tucked … Continue reading →

Whatever you do, don’t look at your phone, instead…

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“My mind echoes a chant: Don’t look at your phone. Whatever you do, don’t look at your phone. I sit alone on the bench, outside of a café as I wait for a friend. The lines on each passing face, … Continue reading →

Theology of Dylan’s Songs

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I was only seven years old when Mr. Tambourine man played a song for me. Didn’t really pay too much attention to his music until yesterday. All day, I listened intently to the lyrics of his music, realized he is drawn … Continue reading →

Focus

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The world of dew Is a world of dew, and yet And yet… I believe in God thinking that my life is preordained and yet a Buddhist priest can make me believe that there is more to life in three … Continue reading →

White Space

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I spend many times staring into space as much as I can whenever I can. It’s an important activity that disconnects me from the busyness of work during coffee and lunch breaks. It is a luxury to be able to do this … Continue reading →

…anyway. One tough act to follow.

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This is the original version of Mother Teresa’s “Do it anyway” posted here written by Dr. Kent M. Keith. It is surprising to know that it was part of booklet for student leaders. Mother Teresa’s was re-written for spiritual purposes. In the real world, this is … Continue reading →

Through the little things

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He asked a question: How come you never become a nun? Thoughtfully I responded: I did not hear the call. We were discussing about Mother Teresa when she a heard call on the train on her way to Calcutta, “I … Continue reading →

Transformation of Malcom Muggeridge

Unknown woman at Taj Mahal, India

Malcom Muggeridge, an agnostic British journalist met and filmed Mother Teresa doing her work catering to the poorest of the poor in India.

He wrote a book “Something Beautiful for God.”

“This Home for the Dying is dimly lit by small windows high up in the walls, and Ken was adamant that filming was quite impossible there. We had only one small light with us, and to get the place adequately lighted in the time at our disposal was quite impossible. It was decided that, nonetheless, Ken should have a go, but by way of insurance we took, as well, some film in an outside courtyard where some of the inmates were sitting in the sun. In the processed film, the part taken inside was bathed in a particularly beautiful soft light, whereas the part taken outside was rather dim and confused…Mother Teresa’s Home for the Dying is overflowing with love, as one senses immediately on entering it. This love is luminous, like the halos artists have seen and made visible round the heads of the saints. I find it not at all surprising that the luminosity should register on a photographic film ”

Influenced by his experience with Mother Teresa, he received the Catholic faith at the age of 79 together with his wife.

Mother T. How I met her.

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It was a warm afternoon when I suddenly came out of my meditation hearing the voice “Mother T died.” Mother T? Who is Mother T? Where did that voice come from? Perplexed, I ended the meditation and continued the daily … Continue reading →

Connection

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The hummingbird’s delicate grace reminds us that life is rich, beauty is everywhere, every personal connection has meaning and that laughter is life’s sweetest creation. Legends say that hummingbirds float free of time, carrying our hopes for love, joy and … Continue reading →

Making the most of it.

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Cleaning up my bedroom, I have this pasted on my closet as a reminder that life is always a blessing. There are countless ways to feel the gratitude what life provides to us. Our job is to be able to … Continue reading →

The Moment After: Me and My Cat, Maurice

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I am finding ways to go through the gift of grief as best I can. The only way I can, for now, is to think of all the kindness of family and friends who shared their love for my cat, … Continue reading →

Paws and a Prayer

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Well, Maurice, do pray that cats go to heaven. A movie was made that dogs go to heaven and I am still waiting for Disney to make a movie that cats go to heaven. This is how I speak to … Continue reading →

Claims

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Buddha never claimed to be God. Moses never claimed to be Jehovah. Mohammed never claimed to be Allah. Yet Jesus Christ claimed to be the true and living God. Buddha simply said, “I am a teacher in search of the … Continue reading →

A Task At Hand

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A task at hand What am I really doing When I am doing What I am doing. Here I am. I have a task a task at hand. I pray. Guide me further on this journey to provide comfort for … Continue reading →

Countless

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Who is counting? I for one, not. It is enough for me to see the numbers of thank you notes left here. One. One is the best number. It only takes one to be touched by many filled with gratitude. … Continue reading →

Unforgettable Face

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No artist can ever draw this face for her maker created her perfectly and thus became incorruptible. This is the incorruptible Face of Bernadette of Lourdes. Song of Bernadette Songwriters: COHEN, LEONARD/ELLIOTT, BILL/WARNES, JENNIFER  There was a child named Bernadette I heard the story … Continue reading →

Face(d) with a dilemma

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I’ve never seen his face Nor anybody around this day But He touched me For this I traced every bone of his face Guided by my hands, heart and soul. Face of John the Baptist on a platter.