You should be writing!
This is the constant nagging I say to my sister, Susan. No need to write a book. Blog it! As it turns out, I became the secretary taking notes of bits and pieces of her stories. What’s helpful to draw the words from her mouth is to provide her questions.
- How did your devotion to Sto. Nino start?
- What about the Infant Jesus made your faith deeper or changed for the better?
- Can you share 1-2 he has done in your life?
- How do you share your devotion to Sto. Nino to Others?
In a way, these questions helped and I have to put the story around according to her words. I’m just the record keeper.
How did your devotion to Sto. Nino Start?
I was born and lived in Davao. My devotion started when I was younger, visiting the Shrine of Infant Jesus of Prague in Davao City. I also carry a mini statue of Infant with me to keep Him close to my heart.
What about the Infant Jesus made your faith deeper or changed for the better?
My mother moved us to Manila to further our higher education. As for me, I followed the footsteps of my mother as a professional dressmaker. Even though my hands are busy sewing, my thoughts are with Infant, having a constant conversation with him.
One of my dreams was to go abroad to Canada. I prayed to the Infant to make it possible. And He did. This is how I came to Canada in 1970. In 1972, two years later, I married Larry, a Canadian. On our wedding day, instead of carrying a bouquet, I held the mini Infant in my hand and a bible in my other hand. Soon I became a citizen of Canada.
Second was to bring my mother and my six siblings to Canada. But I can’t without owning a house. My husband and I purchased a house in Burnaby to accommodate them. With a constant prayer to the Infant, it happened. They arrived in Canada in 1976.
Third was to have children, even just one. No matter how much my husband and I tried, it was hard for me to conceive. With the intercession of Infant, my lovely daughter was born after nine years. My only child. My faith in the Infant is so deep and couldn’t be any better. I carry Him in my soul.
Can you share 1-2 he has done in your life?
The events above are already a miracle for me. To come to Canada, married a faithful husband, bring my family, and have a child. Personally, my devotion to Infant made me calm, cool and collected. Joy replaced fear. When one is joyful, no matter how challenging the situation is, it becomes manageable.
For example, I failed my driving test four times. I needed to pass it because I have to help my husband to drive. On the fifth time, I prayed to the Infant to help me pass the driving exam so I can visit Him in Prague. I did! Subsequently, I applied for an international license because we would travel to Europe for the first time. Imagine me driving at the autobahn all over Europe at a lightning speed of 160 km/hour! This is the start of my beautiful journey with Infant Jesus of Prague in 1998.
In Prague, I met Fr. Jerome, assistant of Fr. Anastasio. The nuns are the guardians of the Infant. They are the only ones who can touch and change the garments of the Holy Infant. However, the Holy Spirit touched their hearts and allowed me to touch Infant. The first time I held the Infant, he felt very much alive as a real child. He was glowing. On other occasions, I was allowed to change his clothing.
How do you share your devotion to Sto. Nino to Others?
When I returned to Canada, I started a group devotion to Infant Jesus of Prague at Guardian Angels Parish in Vancouver, where we instilled the first Holy Infant Jesus of Prague statue. I travel to Prague two or three times a year to obtain a replica of the Infant for other countries such as the Philippines, Brazil, Mexico, USA, Tobago, Peru, Ecuador, Nicaragua, Malta, Trinidad, Tanzania. Due to Covid restrictions, traveling is on hold. Uganda has to wait. I also bring the statue of Holy Infant to sick people at the hospital and their homes
As a note taker, this helps my sister write personal information for other ministries in promotion faith sharing on Infant Jesus of Prague.
You may also want to visit these posts:
- I Have A Dream
- The Power of Tiny
- Let The Children Play
- Interview Dec 12/13 2020 Virtual Conference In UK
Blessed Days To All.
Photographs and Memories 