Blessed Presents

I was surprised last Friday when I got home to a big package from my friends at The Attic Yarn and Craftery. The ladies behind my favorite yarn store have recently been on a pilgrimage to the Holy Land and Egypt.

For Christmas, they sent me this care package filled with goodies from Jesus’ part of the world:

• A magnet from Egypt, which is perfect since I collect magnets!

• A papyrus scroll of the Ten Commandments

• A box of dates

• An olive wood rosary

• A sterling silver cross necklace

• A Mother of Perpetual Help keychain

• Small crucifix with bottles of earthen elements from the Holy Land

The author poses with her gifts from the Holy Land

Religious items and sweets from the Holy Land

This present makes me feel so giddy. The religious articles have already been blessed, and they are ready to be used in prayer.

I can’t wait to have a more rewarding year ahead, knowing that I have friends who kept me in their hearts whilst they were in the Holy Land.

May we all be filled with blessings this year, and beyond!

Hail Mary!

Yesterday, I got to attend the launch of Mama Mary and Her Children Book Six. It was a packed event at National Bookstore Glorietta, where the book’s contributors and friends of the late Fr. James B. Reuter, SJ gathered to witness this event. I got to see faith in action during the party as one of the authors, Rowie Matti, personally welcomed me. It was quite awkward for me to be there as Fr. Reuter was a friend and mentor to my ex. We would even visit his grave at Novaliches, to pay respects and to recharge amidst the trees planted on Jesuit property. While it was a blessing to have discovered the Mama Mary book series in 2017, I had to let go of this relationship as it was no longer serving me as a person.

Since then, I focused on myself and rebuilt my faith. I was genuinely surprised when Rowie messaged me a few weeks ago to invite me to the book launch. I explained to her my hesitation, but she reassured me that she will see me there. And she told me, it’s Mama Mary’s birthday after all.

And so, armed with courage, I attended the event. My ex was not there! But Rowie, who is now my friend, was there to welcome me. So was an army of fellow Marian devotees! I received a rainbow rosary and a Divine Mercy stampita, which is bittersweet as it was my late father’s devotion.

I bought the signed copy of the book, which is a compilation of personal stories of people who were blessed through Mama Mary’s intercession. Not all of these stories can be considered miracles. Most of them in fact were about everyday breakthroughs and challenges which were overcome through prayer. In an age where technology is overtaking our lives, it is refreshing to read ordinary stories of faith, hope, and love.

I highly recommend this book, as it is a reminder for everyone that when God closes a window, He sends us his Mother to help us pass through the door He has opened.

‘Til the next book launch! Ave Maria!

Kindness and Direction

Yesterday, my car had a flat tire. Luckily, I was able to drive to the mall and park properly. 

I was assisted by the guards at Vertis North. They expertly changed my flat tire and assured me that everything will be alright. They even refused the tip that I was giving. They were polite, professional, and kind. My faith in humanity has been restored. 

I then proceeded to the Ayala Museum for the Insulae Indiae Orientalis exhibit of antique maps and prints. 

I was so excited for this as I am a map nerd at heart! I simply had to catch it on its first day of exhibition. 

I was greeted by the rarest maps which stirred my feelings of nationalism. 

Finally, I was able to reach the Murillo Room, which showcased an assortment of extremely rare Murillo Velarde Philippine maps from the 18th century. 

It was a beautiful exhibition! The maps were breathtaking, and the corresponding materials were interesting companions to the stars of the show. I am fascinated with antique maps mainly for their beauty, but now, I also see them as significant tools for nation-building. I hope that you will also be able to appreciate antique maps, and get the chance to view them whenever they are exhibited to the public.