IT'S THE SMALL THINGS

It is no surprise that Mother’s Day which we celebrated last Sunday falls in the month of May. After all, if you are Catholic, May is the month the church has set aside to honor Mama Mary. Although no words would suffice or do justice in truly giving her the honor that she deserves, I write this piece in my attempt to do so. After much reflection and events that have transpired in my life thus far, I now believe more than ever that she has been a significant part of not only getting me over many hurdles, but also in just being a constant pillar of my faith. I have prayed to her many titles. At times, asking for something specific, while during others, just to soothe anxious nerves, or give thanks. To say the least, while not all prayers were answered in ways I had anticipated, they turned out for the better. And many miracles, most especially in the recent years have come out of it.

I would always hear about Our Lady of Guadalupe. I knew many devotees and staunch believers, but it was not until I lived in Mexico the last two years that I found comfort and refuge in her presence. Every visit to the basilica renewed my energy instantly. Many times I would go to hear mass, light candles and visit her image without any specific intention in prayer, except to pray for those who are near and dear to me; for general guidance and protection, especially as expats in a foreign land. But perhaps she was instrumental in the fruition of many of God’s plans for me. Many times over, she knew what was in my heart without me asking outright. Many times she healed relationships and myself without me even being aware that it was necessary. It is because of her that I now believe when you pray on a regular basis just to strengthen your faith, those who you pray to, Our Lady most especially, will make sure the best for you will manifest.

Out of all Her titles, perhaps it was that of Our Lady of Lourdes I was most familiar with growing up. My grandparents were devotees; my mom would always tell me tales of how she heals the sick. I have heard of miracles left and right, and have been to Her grotto in Lourdes multiple times, yet in every single visit, there is always this solemn, inexplicable but powerful divine energy that comes about my being – the kind that reminds me to humble myself, and that I am but a tiny fleck of dust in the greater spectrum of things. It goes without saying that my son’s bout in the neonatal intensive care unit after being born premature has perhaps been one of the most trying times in my life. A true test of faith to say the very least. However, in the midst of all that distress and anxiety, knowing that he was born (unexpectedly) on Her feast day gave me a spark of hope and promise that with her intercession he would pull through. And perhaps her greatest miracle for me to date, my little boy did not only get out alive and kicking, he emerged stronger than I would have ever hoped for. That, in and of itself, is a gift I will never forget, and that I will hold close to my heart for as long as I live.