“The evangelizing power of popular piety”

9 Days of Heaven: Mary’s Piety (Day 6)

In his apostolic exhortation Evangelii Gaudium, Pope Francis says that “underlying popular piety, as a fruit of the inculturated Gospel, is an active evangelizing power which we must not underestimate: to do so would fail to recognize the work of the Holy Spirit. Instead, we are called to promote and strengthen it, in order to deepen the never-ending process of inculturation. Expressions of popular piety have much to teach us; …especially at a time when we are looking to the new evangelization.” (EG, 126)

In the Philippines, “these expressions of popular piety” are very much alive and vibrant in the life of the Filipino faithful through their observances of popular devotions and other religious practices that some may criticize as propensity toward fanaticism.

Filipinos take pride in being called “Pueblo Amante de Maria” – a people in love with Mary. Mary plays an important role in the life of the people, like that of a mother to her children. Hence, it is not strange to hear Filipinos call the Blessed Mother “Mama Mary.” Devotees frequent her shrines, hold novenas and processions during her feast days. Her image or picture is on the altar of almost every home. They invoke her intercession for graces they need in life – anything from the mundane to the spiritual.

Click this link to pray the entire novena:  http://visit.pauline.org/ifollowlight/2014/08/10/9-days-of-heaven-marys-piety-day-6/

Patience is fortified in times of suffering

9 Days of Heaven: Mary's Patience (Day 5)

A survivor praying at church few days after typhoon Haiyan
struck Tacloban. (Photo: Roy Lagarde/CBCPNews)

Filipinos are generally known to be patient, persistent and enduring even in times of adversity. These virtues, which undeniably have been shaped by their Catholic faith, help them look at sufferings they experience in life with the eyes of faith.

That faith was definitely tested beyond endurance when typhoon Haiyan struck Southern Philippines last year and flattened communities in at least six regions. The aftermath of the typhoon was beyond description. What was left along its path was nothing but chaos and destruction.

But even as survivors come to grips with their traumatic experience and grieve over the loss of loved ones and homes, their faith gave them the courage to move on and begin life anew.

When we are left with nothing it is only our faith in God that gives meaning to our existence and keeps us going.

We all have varied experiences in life. At one time or another, you and I have been in a painful situation that calls for patience and endurance.

How about you? How do you react when faced with difficulties in life? Is your faith firm enough to make you patient even in times of adversity?

Pray and reflect the entire novena here: http://visit.pauline.org/ifollowlight/2014/08/10/9-days-of-heaven-marys-patience-day-5/

Tenderness is a balm to the weary heart

9 Days of Heaven: Mary’s Tenderness (Day 4)

When I was a missionary in Australia many years ago, I got a call from a woman asking if I could visit a Filipina lady who was a resident in the nursing facility she was working in. The following weekend after the call, I went to the nursing home to pay the lady a visit. I brought a prayer book and some reading materials with me as requested by the nurse. She knew the woman was catholic and she wanted me to pray with her and to spend some time reading or talking with her.

The woman was wheel chair bound. A multiple stroke had ravaged her tiny body leaving her unable to communicate and half of her body paralyzed. I was not at all prepared to see her in that pitiful situation, drooling while strapped in her wheel chair. But the tears in her eyes spoke volumes. My heart truly went out to her. The nurse was very grateful that I came. She told me that the woman has a family, but has not visited her for a long time.

We all need tenderness, compassion, kindness. Some need them more than we do, like the lady I mentioned above. Sometimes we can be too myopic, concerned only of meeting our personal needs, unable to go out of our boundaries.

How about going out of your comfort zones and allowing others to experience the love of Jesus through acts of kindness on your part?

Would you be generous enough to offer an “extra mile” to a person who is obviously in need of a listening ear and asks to talk to you even as you race to meet a deadline? What would your reaction be?

Upon learning of the situation of her cousin Elizabeth, Mary hastened to be at her side to help her in her time of need. Are you willing to do the same, given the chance?

Click this link for the novena: http://visit.pauline.org/ifollowlight/2014/08/09/9-days-of-heaven-marys-tenderness-day-4/