Love Begins at Home

"Love begins at home, and it is not how much we do --- but how much love we put in that action. " ~ Mother Teresa

Her message was one of radical love — but not that everybody had to be serving the poor in the streets of Calcutta to accomplish it. That would, in fact, be impractical. We are all called to different vocations — and for many of us, we are mothers and wives, brothers and sisters in ordinary circumstances that can still live with radical love.

She saw every one of the people she served as the face of Christ. And as a daughter and a sister, I can serve my loved ones in the same fashion.

And in so many of our homes – our neighborhoods – our states – we may not be in front of many people who are hungry for food. But we are often in front of people who are hungry for peace.

And this is where Mother Teresa’s words are relevant to everyone, no matter who they are or where they live:

The fruit of silence is prayer.

The fruit of prayer is faith.

The fruit of faith is love.

The fruit of love is service.

The fruit of service is peace.

She may not have been a biological mother, but she was Mother to so many — and she reminds me that my greatest purpose is to serve my family with great love.

From my family to yours….

Happy Valentine's Day everyone!!!

I hope everyone had a day filled with love! 

An Answered Prayer

 

My very first time in Tierra de Maria

during school tour when I was in college

Immediately fronting the image of Mama Mary is a “wishing” deep well symbolic of the waters of the “Wedding at Cana” where our Lord was asked to change water into the finest wine even if it was not yet His time to perform miracles; a reminder to all who journey to Tierra de Maria that through the intercession of Mama Mary, Jesus will perform miracles at her behest.

At Tierra de Maria in Tagaytay City for the 2nd time
with my family

The first time I went to Tierra de Maria was when I was in college during our school tour. I have no idea about this place as it was not even in our itinerary. We just had maybe an extra time so that is why we stopped there. But when I saw this place, I really love the serenity of the chapel. So I made a wish on the wishing well that hope the next time I am back in this chapel I will be with my future boyfriend. The one I will love and would love me forever. Then, maybe after 2-3 years my family went to Tagaytay for a picnic lunch. On our way there, I told them I will show them the chapel that I love in Tagaytay but I just couldn't remember the exact location of it as I even forgot the name of the place. So I was really looking left and right of the window as I know it is just near going to the Palace in the Sky. Oh at last, I was really screaming when I saw it. :)) So we stopped there and they love it also. Then, I made a wish again. Same wish. 

Inside Tierra de Maria -2nd time

After 5 years of waiting, finally, I have a boyfriend that I could proudly introduced to Mama Mary. It's my boyfriend Anthony. I waited for that moment. For me, going there with him was really so very special. I know I made a wish there many years ago and it's granted now. But it was Ant who actually became teary-eyed when he saw the chapel. I just couldn't explain but I could really feel how he so much like the place as he held my hand so tight and gave me a quick embrace. This is it! An answered prayer and I feel so much love with my beloved next to me. 

At last! My beloved next to me.

I found the love of my life. I have shared my most happy and sacred memories and moments with him. I would not trade those times for anything in the world. I found the person who saved me, who made me laugh, who with one smile or wink made me melt, when he held me I felt like there was no one in the world but us two, I fell in love with him more and more each and every single day to the point where sometimes I thought my heart would explode.

Ant and Cy at Tierra de Maria

Mama Mary please keep me in his heart while he goes on his everyday life. I love him dearly and want to spend the rest of my life with him. Please give us both strength and courage to face this difficult time ahead so that we may both come out stronger and our relationship is still intact. Please teach us and guide us in the direction that we may go.

Mama Mary has always interceded on our behalf in our prayers to Jesus Christ.
May She continue to pray for us always.

Thank you Mama Mary for this blessing! I made another wish the last time I was there with Ant... I know you have listened to it. Don't worry I will stay strong and be patient. I love you! Please guide me through every stage of our relationship, so that, as we move ever closer to You, we grow closer to each other in Love, in Joy and in Faith. Thank you for hearing my prayer. In Jesus name, Amen!

A Moment Like This - Kelly Clarkson

Some Photos with Our Lady of Lourdes Grotto

I have just realized lately that I have so many photos with Our Lady of Lourdes Grotto. Everytime I see a nice grotto of Her, I will take a photo of it. I know I have more photos but these are only a few of what I found in my photo albums and online albums.

Our Lady of Lourdes Grotto, Boracay

Lourdes Grotto, Baguio City
About 252 steps lead to this shrine where pilgrims brave the steep climb to offer sacrifices, devotion and  prayers.

Lourdes Grotto, Baguio City

Lourdes Grotto, Baguio City

One is rewarded with a panoramic view of the city... this is the Summer Capital of the Philippines as it's cold here.

Lourdes Grotto at Dhio Endheka Spring Resort, Tabaco City

Lourdes Grotto at Dhio Endheka Spring Resort, Tabaco City
I love the waterfalls here.

Our Lady of Lourdes Grotto, St. Jude Church, Bacacay, Albay

Our Lady of Lourdes Grotto, St. John the Baptist Church, Tabaco City

Lourdes Grotto at St. Anthony de Padua Church, Tabaco City

Our Lady of Lourdes Grotto, St. John the Baptist Church, Tabaco City
Mama Mary's Birthday

Our Lady of Lourdes Grotto, St. John the Baptist Church
Tabaco City
Feast of Our Lady of Lourdes, Feb. 11

Lourdes Grotto at Saint Mary of the Angels Church
Cardiff, UK

Our Lady of Lourdes Grotto, St. John the Baptist Church
Tabaco City
Feast of Our Lady of Lourdes, Feb. 11

Our Very Own Little Grotto in our garden

I offered this to Our Lady for her feast

*****************************************

The Grotto

To the west of Lourdes, beyond the river Gave, is an old rock promontory, jutting up from the ground. This rock was known locally as the 'Big Rock', or Massabieille as it is called in the local patois. In those days, it was a dark and deserted place, always quiet and used as the local dumping ground. The path to Massabieille was a winding one, going from Rue de Baous (now Rue de la Grotte) toward the Gave, across the Pont Vieux and passing the field which belonged to Monsieur.

Photograph Of Bernadette Taken At The Grotto

1862 - Three Years After Apparitions

The huge old rock has an excavation at its base, eight metres deep and twelve across. This is the grotto itself. Above it, and a little to the right, is another opening, a small niche. There is a small tunnel joining the little niche to the main opening, but this is partly blocked by a marble cube. Beneath the niche, a wild rose bush hangs low down and sweeps across the floor of the grotto.

Trees and bushes surmount the rock, and in front of it rushes the waters of the Gave, combined with the water from the Savy mill. The locals tended to avoid the place, due to its quiet desolation and wild appearance. Bernadette knew the place existed, but she had never been there in all her life.

Neither did she have any plans to visit it, but, she did, and when she did, the first Apparition took place.

A tribute to Whitney Houston

Thank you for the amazing music you brought into the world. Hopefully, you're singing with angels now. You will be missed dearly. May you rest in peace.

GREATEST LOVE OF ALL

Gifs, messages, love poems

A Reflection on the Feast of Our Lady of Lourdes

Feast of Our Lady of Lourdes
February 11

One of the most renowned apparitions of Mary began on February 11, 1858. The Blessed Mother appeared to a girl named Bernadette Soubrious.

Bernadette, a 14 year-old peasant girl and was the oldest daughter among the six children of Francois Soubrious and Louise Casterot. Her family was one of the poorest in town. Her father had no work so she had to exert extra effort for her family even though she was sickly.

One day her family allowed her to collect firewood, along with her two friends. During that time, the people cooked their food and heated their house with firewood. Bernadette and her friends passed by the rock of Massabielle a rocky outcropping in a wild and isolated part of the countryside. After a little while, her friends decided to cross the river that ran near the rock. Bernadette wanted to go with them but the water was too cold and she didn’t want her feet to get wet. But she didn’t want to be left behind by her friends so she went to the other side and removed her shoes. All of a sudden, Bernadette heard a loud noise. And when she turned her back she caught sight of a very beautiful Lady clothed in white with a rosary hanging on her arm standing in a grotto in the rock. The beautiful Lady smiled at her and summoned her to pray the rosary and they prayed together.

Bernadette told her mother what she saw. Her mother didn’t believe her and prevented Bernadette to visit the place again. Bernadette obeyed her mother. When news about the incident spread, some of Bernadette’s friends asked Madame Soubrious if Bernadette could go back to the grotto. This time her mother allowed her.

The Lady appeared again to Bernadette and asked her to come for 15 days. The Lady appeared to her every time she was there. Many people who came with Bernadette could not see the Lady but they knew that Bernadette saw something so special and beautiful because she would look very happy.

Bernadette repeated to the people what the Lady told her. She was told to tell people to pray and do penance. All must pray especially for the conversion of the sinners. The Lady wanted them to strengthen their faith in the Lord, and have a pure heart as a dwelling place of the Holy Spirit. The Lady also told Bernadette to tell the priests to have a procession and to build a chapel in the place where she had appeared. The Lady of the grotto made a new spring of water and told Bernadette to drink and wash herself in it.

After 18 appearances of the Lady to Bernadette, the lady finally told her that she is the Immaculate Conception. Bernadette was confused about what she heard and kept on asking herself what those words meant? But as she walked through the road going to the priest’s house, she kept on remembering them and repeated it to herself many times so she would remember them correctly. The village priest knew what those words meant and was very surprised after hearing Bernadette.

The Lady in the grotto who appeared to Bernadette was the Blessed Virgin Mary herself. She is the Immaculate Conception because she was created in her mother’s womb without original sin because she was going to be the Mother of Jesus.

The little village of Lourdes had been greatly honored by the appearances of the Blessed Mother. Millions of people go to visit the Shrine of Our Lady of Lourdes. Because of great faith to the Blessed Mother many people of different illness were miraculously healed and testimonies of renewed faith fill many books.

What is the message of Lourdes?

First, we are called to look at the grace and holiness of Christ in Mary, become converted, and be healed spiritually. It is a call to enter fully into the mystery of the redemption. 

The second message was that of prayer. In order to be more fully conformed to the will of God, we must pray without ceasing. Prayer leads us to the Spirit of God.

The third part of the message was Bernadette herself – simple Bernadette. She was humble and poor. She could not explain things very well. But, she had a pure heart. And, it was this purity of heart that opened her up to receive the grace of the Holy Spirit and to experience the fruits of the redemption.

Our Lady made some rather bizzare requests of Bernadette – to eat grass like salad, to dig in the dirt and mud with her hands to find a healing stream. Though humbling, Bernadette willingly performed these tasks despite the fact that she was laughed at and mocked by the townspeople. Mary’s appearance and Bernadette’s response present a picture of what it means to love God with our whole heart, mind, and strength and to love our neighbor as ourselves. It is a visible expression of purity of heart that calls us "Be it done unto me completely and fully according to your word. Accomplish in my life fully what you want to accomplish." This is in contrast to our culture where one’s own will, pleasures, desires, and interests take precedence. In our self-centered culture, the motto is, "Be it done according to my will."

Thus, the message of Lourdes is a call to personal conversion, prayer, and charity.

Let us follow the example of Bernadette in her purity of heart, obedience to God's will, and love for God and neighbor. May our hearts be purified by the Holy Spirit, as we follow in the footsteps of Our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ.

a humble 14-year-old French girl in a grotto near the town of Lourdes in France asking for, among other things, prayer and penance for sinners.

A PRAYER TO OUR LADY OF LOURDES

Blessed Virgin Mary

♥ Our prayer time today will include the Rosary (of course) and a special prayer for this feast day.

Litany of our Lady of Lourdes
Lord have mercy; Lord have mercy.
Christ have mercy; Christ have mercy.
Lord have mercy; Lord have mercy.
Christ hear us; Christ graciously hear us.
God the Father of Heaven; Have mercy on us.
God the Son, Redeemer of the world; Have mercy on us.
God the Holy Spirit; Have mercy on us.
Holy Trinity, one God; Have mercy on us.
Holy Mary; Pray for us.
Holy Mother of God; Pray for us.
Mother of Christ; Pray for us.
Mother of our Savior; Pray for us.
Our Lady of Lourdes, help of Christians; Pray for us.
Our Lady of Lourdes, source of love; Pray for us.
Our Lady of Lourdes, mother of the poor; Pray for us.
Our Lady of Lourdes, mother of the handicapped; Pray for us.
Our Lady of Lourdes, mother of orphans; Pray for us.
Our Lady of Lourdes, mother of all children; Pray for us.
Our Lady of Lourdes, mother of all nations; Pray for us.
Our Lady of Lourdes, mother of the Church; Pray for us.
Our Lady of Lourdes, friend of the lonely; Pray for us.
Our Lady of Lourdes, comforter of those who mourn; Pray for us.
Our Lady of Lourdes, shelter of the homeless; Pray for us.
Our Lady of Lourdes, guide of travelers; Pray for us.
Our Lady of Lourdes, strength of the weak; Pray for us.
Our Lady of Lourdes, refuge of sinners; Pray for us.
Our Lady of Lourdes, comforter of the suffering; Pray for us.
Our Lady of Lourdes, help of the dying; Pray for us.
Queen of heaven; Pray for us.
Queen of peace; Pray for us.
Lamb of God, you take away the sins of the world; Spare us O Lord.
Lamb of God, you take away the sins of the world; Graciously hear us, O Lord.
Lamb of God, you take away the sins of the world; Have mercy on us.
Christ hear us; Christ graciously hear us.

Let us pray: Grant us, your servants, we pray you, Lord God, to enjoy perpetual health of mind and body. By the glorious intercession of Blessed Mary ever Virgin, may we be delivered from present sorrows, and enjoy everlasting happiness. Through Christ our Lord. Amen.


♥ As well as this beautiful novena prayer to Our Lady of Lourdes:

O ever Immaculate Virgin, Mother of Mercy, Health of the Sick, Refuge of Sinners, Comfort to the Afflicted,

you know my wants, my troubles, my sufferings. Deign to cast upon me a look of mercy. By appearing in the Grotto of Lourdes, you were pleased to make it a privileged sanctuary, whence you dispense your favors; and already many sufferers have obtained the cure of their infirmities, both spiritual and corporal.

I come, therefore, with the most unbounded confidence to implore your maternal intercession. Obtain, O loving Mother, the granting of my requests.

Through gratitude for favors, I will endeavor to imitate your virtues that I may one day share your glory.

Our Lady of Lourdes, pray for us. Amen.

(Our Father, Hail Mary, Glory Be.)

LINKS

Feasts of the Blessed Virgin Mary

Feast of Our Lady throughout the Year

Happy 60th Birthday Mama!!!

Fearless. Motivated. Loving. Optimistic. Generous. Caring.

That’s my mother.

Helen at 60
born February  10, 1952

A mother loves her children even when they least deserve to be loved. 

- Kate Samperi, "Mothers"

Happy Birthday!!! Mama you don’t look a day over 50, and you get even more beautiful with each passing year. There is so much I want to say but honestly I do not know where to begin, you have gone through so much in years. I know there was good and bad and many sufferings when you were in your younger years and when your mother(my grandma) passed away, you have to live with your siblings and work for them just for you to continue with your studies. I know those experiences made you strong and that's the mother I have known. A mum with a very strong personality but with a soft caring heart for her children. I would have to say you did an excellent job with raising all of us.The love that a mother has for her children is the most powerful, protective, caring, emotional, sacrificing love that will ever exist on this earth. I am truly blessed to have you as my mother. Your fervent prayers have kept me safe from harm or sickness. I admire you so much not just being a mother to me but I have witness your generosity  and your kindness in those in need. I got that from you. You have made our house a home.

Me with my Mama and Papa

Mama made this big lovely cake for my 1st Birthday. I so much love cakes until now maybe because of my mum's influence as I always licked the icings and scraped it using my finger when she was baking. I  surely got the passion for baking from her.

I have to thank you for all you have done in my life. Though no amount of thanks can compensate or equal the cares, worries, love and resources you expended on me. This is why it has been difficult to write this blog in the first instance. I am just expressing here how I love you so as you know me I'm only good in writing unlike my sister who can open up to you. 

Adam and Me with Mama at my grandmother's house

You and papa have cuddled me from my first cry. You gave me water and the milk of life. You continued caring for me day and night. You were sleepless all through your life as I would never be an adult before you but your baby. When I was sick you were more worried than any other person. Thank God we all survived the hazards of life. I can fully remember how we sleep together in one bed with my brother Adam in just a very simple small house. Even it was just me and my brother that time, I know now that it was so hard to raise two kids already, what more raising four kids with different personalities and being a wife to papa. You have given us so much. I remember you told me I always have the lion share. When I was in school since in kindergarten, even you and papa are still struggling that time but still I always have new bag, a new pair of shoes, pens, a nice umbrella, crayons and a lot of paper as I love drawing dresses before. You don't want me to be left behind with my classmates. I always have a new dress on Christmas and you never miss any special occasion in school even a PTA (Parent Teacher Association) meeting. You were always there and will get worried if I am still not at home by 5pm. Though I am not an achiever in school but still you never get tired of supporting me. You always have the nice praises for me to tell your friends and office mates. I have enjoyed my childhood so much. Thank you for letting me fall asleep on your shoulder or lap when we are travelling even until now that I am not a baby anymore. Thank you for being on the wet market early in the morning just to buy the fresh meat, fish and vegetables for us and even we are not that rich, you always make sure we have a nice special meals that me and siblings would love to eat in the table. I have cherished our many family memories we have shared together, especially the family vacations and the one-of-a-kind experiences. I am so thankful for our family lunch and dinners where we could all be together especially on Christmas, New year and birthdays, to share a delicious home-cooked meal. I truly appreciate all your undying love, time, sacrifices and care for us your children over the years.

Our Family

I know I should have given you more love, make you a proud mom like your other friends with their successful sons and daughters now and should be helping you to have a better life but I am really sorry for disappointing you for so many times. I am really trying and praying for it. I just hope someday I can really make you happy. I am sorry that I am still giving you worries, shame and burden in your heart as you said the other day. At your age, I know you deserve all the happiness and the contentment in life.  How could I hurt you of all people? You, who never gave up on me, you who always have the nice words for me. You, who always made me realize how special I am. Your smile still tells me that no matter what, you are always happy to see me, your eyes are enough to show the love that you have for me and I feel I am a bad daughter for bringing tears to those eyes. I love you mama. I promise that I will try to be the daughter you deserve to have. I know I am not saying sorry but I always feel you always have forgiven me already that I don't even have to say it. Just to see me, you feel okay already even if we have to argue over and over again. :)) There was even a time when you were like almost two weeks gone from us that I started to miss you scolding me. I realized I am so lucky to be scolded as it means you still recognize me. You always make sure that no one can maltreat us, you have fought for our rights and will always be there to protect us. I know I am not thankful to you always and been complaining for your anger and too much attention but mama you are a gem... a rare gem. I love you so much. I am such a lucky daughter to have you in my life.

One of my favorite photos with mama. I love her smile here.

I also have to thank you for naming me, Ma. (Maria) Cylen. I so much love my name now, and I like that I’m named after you and papa, combined. I thank you for bringing me into this world on the special feast of the Immaculate Conception which I truly love my birth date as I feel more closer to Mama Mary now. I am so grateful for you staying at home with all of us kids throughout our school years and beyond. Your influence has been extraordinary. I appreciate all of the time you invested into my life. Even before I realized it, you were praying for me. Prayers for everything from my health to school to career to a future husband. Only in heaven will you and I know the impact of those prayers in my life. You have given of yourself time and time again. You placed me before yourself even when I was not loveable. You have been a picture of Mama Mary's unconditional love to Jesus.

Equally beautiful ladies :))

Thank you for all your kisses and embraces. Thank you for all of the things that are not on this letter that helped shape who I am today. Thank you for loving me. Thank you for being my mama. 

With All of My Love and Respect a Daughter Could Ever Give to Her Mother,