Sunday Miracles: The Journey with Mama Mary

The other day I had the privilege to be part of the launch of the Mama Mary and Her Children Book 7. I was very nervous because I didn't know if my stamina would last that long. What made it worse was I woke up with severe back pain. It took a few moments before I could stand up from bed (Sweetie had to support me). 

I immediately went to the bathroom to take a shower. Our call time was 45 minutes before the start of the launch. I prayed to Mama Mary to give me strength since I was assigned to host the post-launch socials (still online, of course). I was running late and I had to squeeze in grabbing a bite because I had meds to take. Finished taking my meds just as we went live. 

Fr. Dennis Paez, SDB, said in his sharing that Mama Mary calls on those she wants to serve. I've been having a difficult time health-wise, but when Rowie asked me to help with last minute editing I immediately said yes. I was called to help for a Mama Mary project over ten years ago, but I wasn't ready. Through the years though I've felt the gap of not being able to serve. We tried to volunteer in a church in SG, but our application was passed over. I guess it wasn't the right time too. 

When I was reflecting on my next steps early last year after being diagnosed with a PE. I asked God what is my next mission. I have a lot of physical limitations, so I wasn't really sure what I could do to serve. It was through a lot of prayer and faith that I managed to finish reviewing the book in 72 hours (minus 24 hours because I got sick within that 72 hours). 

And I felt everything will be alright with Mama Mary by my side. 

#BeKind #StaySafe 

Sunday Miracles: New Mama Mary Book is Coming

The new edition of "Mama Mary and Her Children" book is going to be launched on December 8, 2022. I wrote about helping out for the seventh installment of the book last August and I'm ecstatic that it will be available soon. If you are a Mama Mary devotee or curious to learn more about her, you would find great stories on how she has helped and worked through many people. 

I read the whole book to help edit it. There were so many heart warming stories that made me smile. The stories are also a reflection of what's been happening to families because of the pandemic. One story I liked was how people from different cultures became closer after discovering their devotion to Mama Mary. 

After going through all the stories, I just felt grateful that I went through life with Mama Mary by my side. I was a child when my Mom taught me how to pray. I grew up seeing her devoted to Mama Mary and that's what helped cultivate my relationship with Mama Mary too. The book reminded me about all the times I found comfort in Mama Mary. It's a great book to read for your soul. 

Join the launch on December 8, 2022 by registering here, https://bit.ly/AnvilMM7Launch.

#BeKind #StaySafe

Miracle Sundays: For Mama Mary

I just realized it's been five years since I contributed to Book 5 of Fr. James B. Reuter, S.J.'s book "Mama Mary and Her Children". I flew home for the launch which was held at National Bookstore. I met Tita Cherry (Castro Aquino) and got to see my friend, Rowie Matti, again. It was a special occasion for our family because my Kuya also contributed a story for the book. I took a leave and flew home so I could attend the launch. Of course, I brought my Mom with me. 

I knew Rowie and Tita Cherry were preparing for a new edition of the book because they asked if I could contribute or have my Mom contribute to the book. I tried to convince my Mom to write, but there were pressing matters at home which prevented us from meeting the deadline. Little did I know that God had other plans for me to contribute. 

In early July, I heard about the passing of Tita Cherry. I reached out to Rowie to send my condolences and for some strange reason I offered to help edit the book if she needed it. Fast forward to early August, my boys were in quarantine due to COVID-19. Rowie messaged me five days before her editing deadline with the publisher, she needed my help. 

Mama Mary and Her Children Book 5 launch, September 2017.

It was really a bad time. My boys were still in quarantine. I was taking care of them full time and I was exhausted from doing everything at home. To top that off, my right arm was constantly in pain. I could barely lift anything and typing on my laptop caused more pain. But, I said yes. I did not hesitate to give my help even though I knew it would be challenging. 

After Rowie sent the manuscript, I immediately worked on it. Finished 40 pages on the first day. I told myself, I would do 40 per day and I should be finished by Sunday. It took me about two hours to cover 40 pages. Told myself, easy peasy. I ended up not editing anything on day 2 because I was in so much pain. I did exercises, put on salonpas, tried different pain relievers and oils. I was avoiding taking meds because I already have a lot of maintenance meds which I take. Day 2 was really bad I had to take a pain reliever. 

I made up on day 3 and finished 60 pages. My arm was so painful by the time I finished. I prayed to Mama Mary to heal me so I could finish editing the book so Rowie could meet her deadline. I woke up in the wee hours of the morning in so much pain, I took another pain reliever and prayed harder. I was feeling a bit hopeless on Day 4 because I was once again in pain. Told myself I'd just work through it and again said a little prayer to Mama Mary. I even took off the wrist brace because it was getting in the way of typing in my comments. 

Going through the last 60 pages was somewhat a breeze. There were just a few typographical errors, spacing issues. I felt like I was actually reading a published book already. Halfway through the 60 pages the pain in my arm dissipated and I was able to focus on reading the stories word for word, period to period. And it was truly a joy to go through all the stories. It was a good reminder to me that I am Mama Mary's child and that she would always be there for me. 

God really works in mysterious ways. I hope Rowie meets the deadline and that the book will be out by Mama Mary's birthday. 

Have a blessed Sunday everyone!

#BeKind #StaySafe

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