LIPA, Batangas, June 11, 2013 – Pilgrims who went to Our Lady of Mt. Carmel Church in Lipa, Batangas for the national consecration last June 8 attest to graces they received from the Blessed Virgin Mary during the event.
Rose petal under his pillow
“I just want to share that I am healed inside and out because that is what I asked from Mama Mary. I thank the Lord,” a 27-year old pilgrim from Makati who declined to be named said.
He explained, he received a rose petal from the Blessed Virgin under his pillow the morning after the pilgrimage, after specifically asking Our Lady for a “petal” to signify his healing from chronic liver disease.
In an interview, he vowed to return to Lipa Carmel to personally thank the Virgin Mary once his lab tests come in.
Spiritually refreshed
Other pilgrims claim being spiritually refreshed from the June 8 experience.
“That one day of ceasing from all activity was a big help to be silent and talk to God. And I found this peace in the arms of Mary,” Oggie Cayetano from Tondo, Manila said.
The 22 year-old Cayetano, who came with his siblings, mother and friends, said the past days have been particulary “noisy days” for him because of personal and family concerns, making him welcome the grace of consecrating himself and the country in a place believed by many to have been visited by the Blessed Virgin in 1948.
Philippines’ timely consecration
He added, the consecration of the Philippines is timely, since the country is beleaguered by such a high degree of evil, manifested through corruption in government, injustice and discord.
“When people are sad and suffering, we always look for motherly care. We need the love and nurturing of a mother and we find this in the heart of Mary,” Cayetano explained in an interview.
The delegation of 38 pilgrims from Metro Manila and Cavite also listened to talks on the Immaculate Heart of Mary, one of which was given by renowned Mariologist Fr. Catalino Arevalo, SJ.
An estimated 500 people were present at Our Lady of Mt. Carmel Church for the 10 a.m. holy mass and consecration rite. [Nirva’ana Ella Delacruz]
