Rather than resenting God, they turned to both him and Mother Mary during their struggles. I admire how he and the parishioners at Santísimo Rosario, even in the face of adversity, always held firm in their faith. My dad shows me how we can turn to Mary even during the roughest parts in our lives. He prayed with Mary after he passed the medical board exams.Īnd he prays with Mary each and every day, giving thanks or asking for guidance. He prayed with Mary as our family immigrated to the United States. He prayed with Mary when he couldn’t afford his education. As he grew up, he often visited Santísimo Rosario and prayed the rosary. Despite the many changes and setbacks in his life, Mary was always his constant theme. No matter what happened, for both good and bad, my dad always had the rosary by his side. My father is an incredible witness of trust in Mary’s intercessory power and the power found in praying the Rosary.
And when he was growing up, my father was one of them. They unfortunately do not have the luxuries of running water, food security and electricity. Many in the Philippines do not have the same privileges that we take for granted every single day. Yet as we were gathered under the loving presence of Mary, we were all truly one, united body. When I sat in the seats of Santísimo Rosario and looked around, I would see people from many different walks of life. And before each Mass, without fail, everyone would pray the rosary together. Even if all the seats were taken, many would stand by the doors and listen, despite the heat and humidity upon them. Guerrero delivering her reflection (in person and via video livestream) on October 7, 2021.Įvery single Sunday, these parishioners would pack the church hoping to hear the word of God. And although I did not fully understand their words, when I heard them pray with utmost confidence, reverence and devotion, I felt the Holy Presence of Mary with all of us. Ngayon at Kung kami’y mamamatay Amen.” I didn’t know at the time, but the churchgoers were saying “The Hail Mary” in the Filipino Language, Tagalog. “Santa Maria, Ina ng Diyos, Ipanalangin mo kaming makasalanan. Their eyes were glued to the portrait of Mary lovingly looking down upon them.
I scanned the room, and everyone, from the priests, to the grandmothers, to the children, firmly held a rosary in their hand. “At pinagpala rin naman ang anak mong si Hesus.” All the seats were taken, yet people of all ages continued to pour in. The church was filled to the brim with what felt like thousands. “Bukod kang pinagpala sa babaeng lahat.” Like any typical five-year-old, I whined as my mom took my hand and brought me to Mass. The Filipino Church was across the street, yet somehow I could still hear the parishioners loud and clear.
Ang panginoong Diyos ay sumasaiyo.” Devoted voices rang throughout Santísmo Rosario praying in unison. “Aba Ginoong Maria, napupuno ka ng grasiya. During Mass this week celebrating Our Lady of the Holy Rosary (Our Lady of Victory), a Fenwick student preacher reflected on the importance of the Blessed Mother in her family’s life.īy Charlize Norielle Guerrero ’22 (Elmwood Park, IL)