Forever with Mama Mary

My Mom is a devotee of Mama Mary and she developed our love for Mama Mary too. I was so proud when I was invited to contribute to the book "Mama Mary and Her Children" (book 6). I took a leave and flew home to Manila to attend the launch. Fr. James Reuter, S.J. was the one who started the book. I was really so grateful I was invited to contribute by my friend, Rowie Matti, because Fr. Reuter was my Dad's mentor and basketball coach. And the book being a tribute for Mama Mary made my Mom so happy. (We also got my Kuya to contribute in the same book).

I always run to Mama Mary whenever I have problems and whenever I have a request. When I was growing up my Mom would tell me the prayers she's been granted. One story she's told over and over again was her prayer for Ate to pass the chemical engineering board exam. She passed and was the topnotcher (#1!). I would also always see Mom with her rosary at hand -- usually by her bedside. She has one favorite rosary that I gnawed on when I was a toddler. She still has it and the odd colored bead is still there.

When I think of Mama Mary, I naturally think about my Mom because of her devotion to her. When I finally got to visit Rome, I cried when I saw the Pieta. It's my Mom's favorite image and it's always been her wish to see it. I was hoping we could bring Mom to Rome (and the Holy Land), hopefully after the pandemic. I brought home an image of the Pieta for her from Rome. She was so happy she handcarried it back home form Singapore (it was quite heavy!).

I must admit, I have been amiss with my spiritual wellbeing in the last few months. I was crushed when we couldn't go hear mass. It's what makes me feel complete every week. What has helped me the last few months is reading Didache every night before I sleep. It's a good guide for praying, reflecting and it provides reminders on what is more important. Tonight I shall say a prayer of thanks to Mama Mary and ask for her guidance on something I have been thinking about for almost a year already.
Happy birthday Mama Mary! Love you forever!

CB//154 #StuckAtHomeDay/184  #StayHome #BeKind   

Forty Two and the Mama Mary Book

I started this post almost two months ago and things just got really busy since I celebrated my birthday. I've been zipping back and forth across Asia and other family trips so I haven't had time to sit down and blog.

After my birthday I managed to go home for an important occasion - the launch of Fr. James Reuter, SJ's book "Mama Mary and Her Children, Book 5". My good friend Rowie who is one of the editors of the book pinged me last year and asked for me to contribute a story for the book. Inspired I immediately wrote a story and sent it to her. They were hoping to launch it last year, but due to some unavoidable circumstances they were only able to launch it on Mama Mary's birthday this year.

It was my Mom who first cultivated my relationship with Mama Mary. She was the one who taught me the set of prayers that I use until today. During the launch I shared to the audience the best thing I learned from Mama Mary - obedience. I shared that I always had trouble in my life until the day that I gave up and just told God to lead me to where He wants me to be. I remember very clearly when that happened - late September in 2007 on a plane ride back from the US to Manila. I just gave up and told God to take over my life.

 With the other story contributors, Tita Cherry and Rowie.

And He did. Right after that things just started to fall into place. Whenever I had doubts I always just raise the issues with Him and always get clear answers on where I should go and what I should do. He's the best life compass.

The Mama Mary book is now available in National Bookstore. Rowie and Tita Cherry are also accepting stories for book 6. I'm happy to forward it to them if you are interested to submit.

Thank you Rowie and Tita Cherry for the opportunity to contribute my story (and my Kuya's). Our parents are really thrilled. I'm sure my Dad is dancing for joy with Fr. Reuter in heaven. <3