PHILIPPINES: A NATION OF CONSECRATION TO BLESSED MOTHER MARY

What is it about the Philippines that despite the numerous growing pains it had to undergo in its transformation from a Spanish colony to a democratic Republic; makes it a special nation that is consecrated to the Blessed Mother?

As records indicate, from the very first Philippine Easter Mass celebrated by Fray Pedro de Valderrama as ordered by Ferdinand Magellan on March 31, 1521 followed with the baptism of Rajah Kolambu and Rajah Siagu until the installation of the first Cross, it was already a pre-destination of things to come; that this consecrated nation was destined to be the largest bastion of Christianity in the Far East.

To date the Philippines is the world’s second largest Catholic country in terms of population, next only to Brazil. As a concrete testament of its consecration to the Holy Infant Child Jesus (Sto. Nino); annual festivities commemorating the traditional Feast of the Sto. Nino are held annually at Cebu City and other nearby islands.

The Filipinos are themselves family-oriented, deeply religious, and devoutly prayerful with a special devotion to the Blessed Mother. Despite the many hardships brought about by economic difficulties and natural calamities, we persevere and are very much resilient, always exuding a positive outlook in life; with a happy disposition trusting in God that everything will work out well in the end.

Is it any historical coincidence then that the Blessed Mother has always been our Mother of Perpetual Help in times of great need as was seen in Her Maternal Intervention during the 1986 EDSA People Power Peaceful Revolution that was witnessed by the entire world as the handiwork of our Lady of EDSA, also known as the Blessed Mother Mary?

We Filipinos are so intimately fond of and quite demonstrative of our love for the Blessed Mother. We actively display this fondness by way of regular Wednesday Novena Masses at the Redemptorist Church in Baclaran as a sign of Maternal Dependence and Devotion to Our Lady of Perpetual Help.

Even at social networking sites such as Facebook, we happily greet our Dear Blessed Mother on her September 8 Birthday as our own; by registering personal greetings and posting portraits of endearment to demonstrate our acknowledgement of a Spiritual Mother who is faithfully relied upon to provide Divine Assistance in our hour of need.

Following these analogies, it comes as no surprise that the Philippines is thus foretold to be the next Promised Holy Land. In her book, The Modern Temple, which can be downloaded here, Sister Clarice Evelyn Suarez Catipay fully explains why the Philippines is destined to be such: 

The Blessed Virgin Mary said:

“The Holy Trinity has chosen this blessed land, the new Jerusalem of the modern world. Although present conditions tend to becloud my message, what with all the calamities happening again and again, these sufferings are but a part of the tests that your country must undergo as the world’s Cinderella.

Cinderella is best remembered today as a fairy tale, but the truth behind that story is that the Philippines represents Cinderella herself. Viewed from the heavens the map of the Philippines resembles that of a woman washing clothes, a common sight in your countryside. Orphaned, maltreated, abused and mocked by two stepsisters (two rich countries that refuse to help her) who are beautiful and fair of face but vile and black at heart, all she dreams of is to make good in her work as a lavandera. If you seriously contemplate the sound of lavandera, does the sound not also mean the flag? That is why, last week, I gave you the spiritual significance of your national flag.

Cinderella has North Luzon as her head, with the rest of Central and Southern Luzon including the Visayas as her body, and Mindanao as her lower extremity with Zamboanga as her knees. With the island of Palawan as her hands, she appears in a sitting position to be washing a piece of cloth which is a portion of Borneo. Cinderella is not aware whether the piece of clothing she is washing belongs to her or not, hence the current dispute with another country (Malaysia) over possession of that part of Borneo (Sabah).”

Doesn’t it make you wonder after reading such, if the geographical make-up of the Philippine Islands was merely by coincidence or by creation of Divine Intervention? She further reveals:

The Virgin Mary appealed to the Filipino people:

“This is the beautiful story of your country. When physical proofs of St. John’s revelations will take place in this world, you as a people, will finally discover your true identity which you have been searching for but have not found up to the present time. When the mental knowledge of man (humility), and the fascinating discoveries of science will merge with the infinite wisdom of God then and only then will you realize the vital role that you have to play as a people of this blessed archipelago.

My children, I ask you to offer prayers for all those who are now suffering, who are victims of the recent calamities which I have warned you about. Pray that those who are still alive may continue to hope for a better life. Pray that what they have experienced will help them to be better persons that will make them closer and more pleasing to God Almighty. Pray that those who have yet suffered and are to suffer will have enough strength to endure the sufferings to be given to them, for this is for their own good.

Now that you have known who is Cinderella and have fallen in love with her, will you continue your quest for her hand in spite of the trials and difficulties which she has asked you to hurdle?”

As additional proof of the Blessed Mother’s consecration and love for the Philippines, the author further reveals an in-depth explanation of the spiritual significance of the Philippine Flag.

The Blessed Virgin Mary disclosed that:

“The Philippines will not only survive her present economic difficulties but will emerge a greater nation from this period of trials and tribulations because of the unique spiritual significance of your national flag which in the future will be respected around the world.”

People of this blessed country do not realize it but your national flag was divinely inspired. I ask that you respect and truly love it and avoid doing anything foolish to destroy the country it represents.

The color blue in your flag is the color of Infant Jesus, and the white is that of the Father. The three stars are the symbol of the Holy Trinity, while the sun in the middle is the symbol of the omniscient, omnipresent and omnipotent God.

The triangle is the symbol of perfection in the spiritual world. The color blue is the highest spiritual color. It stands for “peace and serenity.” Red stands for justice and courage, white stands for purity, pure knowledge and wisdom which comes only from God the Father.

The gold in the stars and the sun stands for the innumerable blessings, both spiritual and material, that will come forth to this nation if only you will learn to love one another and put an end to all these petty bickering which will only lead you to the brink of despair.

Do you see the two sides of the white triangle and the line in the middle which divides the red and the blue? That is the letter ‘Y’ which stands for Yahweh. And if you trace the three sides of the triangle and follow the same line in the middle and lower half of the edge of the flag, do you not see a key? This is the key that will unlock all wisdom, both God’s and man’s, both spiritual and material, that mystics and searchers all over the world will find only in this country. And if you remove the triangle and point the flag downwards, you will clearly see the letter ‘M’ which stands for Mary or Maria.

Is it any wonder to you then why this country has been especially consecrated in my name and the patron saint of this nation is none other than my Infant Son whom you lovingly call the Santo Niño?

This is the reason I am appealing to all of you not to desecrate this sacred symbol and the blessed country it represents for truly, I say to you, you have a special place in the bosom of God the Father.

My children, God’s love for you is within you, it is in you. Cultivate it, develop it, for God created all things good. It is only human beings who make things bad. Cultivate God’s love in you. The awareness that God loves you will also help you. Be aware of your own love for Him.

How then can you reciprocate the Divine Love of God?  Learn to suffer. Learn to accept the difficulties of life. Learn to see the beauty in every suffering that He has given you. Learn and be aware of others suffering around you. The awareness will help you to help others in their own sufferings.

Your country will undergo more difficulties in the future for God has a strange way of instilling discipline among his loved ones but if your people will accept these difficulties with resignation and patience in the same manner that I suffered quietly and without complaint as I watched my only begotten Son suffer in the Cross, the Philippines will be one of the most blessed countries in the whole world for you Filipinos want to believe in God and the people want to change their lives.

But more prayers and sacrifices are still necessary for the things I have promised, a beautiful and better country, unsurpassed in both spiritual and material wealth.”

After having read the context of the Blessed Mother’s revelations for the Philippines, I now begin to understand and better appreciate the historical perspective of the development of our Christian Faith; as to why we as a deeply spiritual and faithful people have evolved to be the only predominantly Catholic Christian nation in Asia.

Thus, our continued trials and tribulations confronting us as a nation is not by mere coincidence but a confluence of events designed by Divine Intervention. It is meant to be our spiritual purification as a people who despite our own limitations and weaknesses; equipped only with our human traits of patience, resignation and resiliency, we are able to transform ourselves to be God's chosen people. And hopefully worthy enough to be considered as His inheritors of this predestined Promised Land that is the Philippines.

We thank you Blessed Mother Virgin Mary for showering us with your Divine Maternal Love and for consecrating us to You and to Your Holy Son, Jesus Christ. Viva la Immaculada Concepcion! Viva Senor Sto. Nino! Praise be to God the Father Almighty! Praise be to our Lord Jesus Christ and Praise be the Holy Trinity! Long live the Filipino People! Honor to the Philippine Flag! Viva Las Islas Filipinas!

Edwin L. Yap

Makati City, Philippines

     

LEARNING FROM THE HEART OF MARY

THE IMMACULATE HEART OF MARY

May is traditionally a Marian month. As small children, many of us began participating in Flores De Mayo festivities, offering songs and flowers to the Blessed Virgin Mary.

Depicted in various beautiful images and honored under many titles, Mary is a woman unlike any other. We call her the Immaculate Conception, Our Lady of the Rosary, Our Mother of Perpetual Help ... and rightfully so, for she is certainly all these.

But what makes Mary great? More than being the Mother of Jesus Christ, She was His first and, above all, His most faithful disciple. As the Lord said, "Blessed are those who hear the word of God and observe it." (Lk 11:28). These words of Scripture describe Mary in a nutshell.

MARY'S TOTAL OBEDIENCE

None of God's creatures, both human or angelic, resembles Christ as closely as She does. Like Her Son, Mary, who was overshadowed by the Holy Spirit, submitted Herself fully to the Father's Will. Her FIAT, Her YES to God, was so total that She followed Him even to Calvary.

"The Blessed Virgin advanced in Her pilgrimage of faith, and faithfully persevered in Her union with Her Son unto the Cross, where She stood, in keeping with the Divine Plan, enduring with Her only Begotten Son the intensity of His suffering, associated Herself with His Sacrifice in Her Mother's Heart, and lovingly consenting to the immolation of this Victim which was born of Her" (Lumen Gentium 58).

In obedience to the Father, Jesus laid down His life to redeem the world. Although He was God, Jesus was also human. And so to be obedient even unto death was not an easy prospect for Him. Indeed, what the Father had asked of Him was a great sacrifice. This is why He agonized in the Garden of Gethsemane on the eve of His Passion.

As His Mother, Mary has a special share on Her Son's work of salvation (CF. LG 57). For any mother, watching her child suffer and die is unbearable. So much more for Mary, who loved Her Son not only as Her Child but also as Lord. She know Him more than anyone else, loved Him in the fullest sense. To watch Him humiliated and unjustly condemned to death, to walk with Him on the way of the Cross and watch Him die a most violent death, to received His lifeless body, to bury Him, to have to endure life without Him ... all these were asked of Her. She could have refused and spared Herself from the unimaginable pain. She could have hidden Herself with the other disciples and apostles. But She did not. She chose to do the Father's will even in moments when She did not understand.

A MEEK AND HUMBLE HEART

Only a few of Mary's spoken words are in the Bible. But through Her example of silent obedience, She speaks volumes. She shows us with utmost clarity that to be truly Christ-like does not consists in being able to perform great works, heal the sick, or preach eloquently. While these are all good, they would mean noting without humility. And true humility consists in recognizing that God's ways are better than ours. Thus, the truly humble are also truly obedient.

In His Heart, Christ is truly humble. "Learn from me, for I am meek and humble of heart" (Mt 11:29). He never claimed greatness for Himself and instead attributed it to His Father. Mary does the same thing. After being chosen to be the Mother of God, she calls herself a lowly handmaid of the Lord (CF. Lk 1:38) and glorifies God in the Magnificat (Lk 1:46-55). Mary never calls attention to Herself. She always points us to Jesus Christ. She draws us all under Her maternal protection for the sole purpose of bringing us to Her Son. As She told the servers at the wedding at Cana, "Do whatever He tells you" (Jn 2:5).

Indeed true devotion to Mary always leads to Jesus. "The Church does not hesitate to profess its subordinate role of Mary, which it constantly experiences and recommends to the heartfelt attention of the faithful, so that encouraged by this maternal help they may the more closely adhere to the Mediator and Redeemer (Jesus Christ)" (LG 62).

Jesus, who was the first to entrust Himself to Mary in the Incarnation, did not hesitate to entrust each and everyone of us to Her before He died. "Behold your Mother" (Jn 19:27). He knows how much we need our Heavenly Mother in our pilgrimage here on earth. She, who was His first teacher, continues to speak to each and everyone of us today, "Do whatever He tells you!" Follow Her example, live the Gospel of Love.

In entrusting ourselves to Her Most Holy and Immaculate Heart, we can be absolutely certain that Mary will help us to become more and more conformed to the Heart of Her Beloved Son.


MARIA DIVINA SOLANO
The Messenger of Divine Love
Volume II Number 4
April-June 2008

SEVEN GRACES OF THE BLESSED VIRGIN MARY

SEVEN PROMISES OF THE BLESSED VIRGIN MARY TO ST. BRIDGET:

The Blessed Virgin Mary grants seven graces to the souls who honor Her daily by meditating on her tears and sorrows. The Hail Mary is prayed seven times, once after each meditation. This devotion was passed on by St. Bridget.

1. I will grant peace to their families.

2. They will be enlightened about the Divine Mysteries.

3. I will console them in their pains and I will accompany them in their work.

4. I will give them as much as they ask for as long as it does not oppose the Adorable Will of My Divine Son or the sanctification of their souls.

5. I will defend them in their spiritual battles with the infernal enemy and I will protect them at every instant of their lives.

6. I will visibly help them at the moment of their death; they will see the face of their Mother.

7. I have obtained (This Grace) from my Divine Son, that those who propagate this Devotion to my tears and sorrows, will be taken directly from this earthly life to eternal happiness since all their sins will be forgiven and my Son and I will be their eternal consolation and joy.

MEDITATION AND PRAYERS

I. Prophecy of Simeon

Luke 3:25-35

Now there was a man in Jerusalem, whose name was Simeon, and this man was righteous and devout, looking for the consolation of Israel, and the Holy Spirit was upon him. And it had been revealed to him by the Holy Spirit that he should not see death before he had seen the Lord's Christ. And inspired by the Spirit he came into the temple; and when the parents brought in the child Jesus, to do for him according to the custom of the law, he took him up in his arms and blessed God and said, "Lord, now lettest thou thy servant depart in peace, according to thy word; for mine eyes have seen thy salvation which thou hast prepared in the presence of all peoples, a light for revelation to the Gentiles, and for glory to thy people Israel." And his father and his mother marveled at what was said about him; and Simeon blessed them and said to Mary his mother, "Behold, this child is set for the fall and rising of many in Israel, and for a sign that is spoken against (and a sword will pierce through your own soul also), that thoughts out of many hearts may be revealed."

Let us Pray:

Sorrowful and Immaculate Heart of Mary, Pray for us.

Hail Mary, full of grace, the Lord is with you. Blessed art thou amongst women, and blessed is the Fruit of thy womb Jesus. Holy Mary, Mother of God, pray for us sinners now and at the hour of our death. Amen.

II. Flight of The Holy Family Into Egypt

Matthew 2:13-18

...Behold, an angel of the Lord appeared to Joseph in a dream and said, "Rise, take the child and his mother, and flee to Egypt, and remain there till I tell you; for Herod is about to search for the child, to destroy him." And he rose and took the child and his mother by night, and departed to Egypt, and remained there until the death of Herod. This was to fulfill what the Lord had spoken by the prophet, "Out of Egypt have I called my son." Then Herod, when he saw that he had been tricked by the wise men, was in a furious rage, and he sent and killed all the male children in Bethlehem and in all that region who were two years old or under, according to the time which he had ascertained from the wise men.

Then was fulfilled what was spoken by the prophet Jeremiah: "A voice was heard in Ramah, wailing and loud lamentation, Rachel weeping for her children; she refused to be consoled, because they were no more."

Let us Pray:

Sorrowful and Immaculate Heart of Mary, Pray for us.

Hail Mary, full of grace, the Lord is with you. Blessed art thou amongst women, and blessed is the Fruit of thy womb Jesus. Holy Mary, Mother of God, pray for us sinners now and at the hour of our death. Amen.

III. The Child Jesus is Lost in the Temple

Luke 2:41-52

Now his parents went to Jerusalem every year at the feast of the Passover. And when he was twelve years old, they went up according to custom; and when the feast was ended, as they were returning, the boy Jesus stayed behind in Jerusalem. His parents did not know it, but supposing him to be in the company they went a day's journey, and they sought him among their kinsfolk and acquaintances; and when they did not find him, they returned to Jerusalem, seeking him. After three days they found him in the temple, sitting among the teachers, listening to them and asking them questions; and all who heard him were amazed at his understanding and his answers. And when they saw him they were astonished; and his mother said to him, "Son, why have you treated us so? Behold, your father and I have been looking for you anxiously." And he said to them, "How is is that you sought me? Did you not know that I must be in my Father's house?" And they did not understand the saying which He spoke to them. And He went down with them and came to Nazareth, and was obedient to them; and His Mother kept all these things in Her heart. And Jesus increased in wisdom and stature, and in favor with God and man.

Let us Pray:

Sorrowful and Immaculate Heart of Mary, Pray for us.

Hail Mary, full of grace, the Lord is with you. Blessed art thou amongst women, and blessed is the Fruit of thy womb Jesus. Holy Mary, Mother of God, pray for us sinners now and at the hour of our death. Amen

IV. The Meeting of Jesus and Mary on the Way of the Cross

Jesus, our Savior, meets Mary, the Our Lady of Sorrows. Oceans of grief deluge the Sacred Heart of Jesus and the Immaculate Heart of Mary as they face each other. They suffer thus for my sins. O Jesus, O Mary, bathe my sinful soul in a sea of true sorrow for my past offenses. In all temptation let us say: "Jesus, Mary, help me!"

Let us Pray:

Sorrowful and Immaculate Heart of Mary, Pray for us.

Hail Mary, full of grace, the Lord is with you. Blessed art thou amongst women, and blessed is the Fruit of thy womb Jesus. Holy Mary, Mother of God, pray for us sinners now and at the hour of our death. Amen.

V. The Crucifixion

Matthew 27:33-50

And when they came to a place called Gol'gotha (which means the place of a skull), they offered him wine to drink, mingled with gall; but when he tasted it, he would not drink it. And when they had crucified him, they divided his garments among them by casting lots; then they sat down and kept watch over him there. And over his head they put the charge against him, which read, "This is Jesus the King of the Jews."

Then two robbers were crucified with him, one on the right and one on the left. And those who passed by derided him, wagging their heads and saying, "You who would destroy the temple and build it in three days, save yourself! If you are the Son of God, come down from the cross." So also the chief priests, with the scribes and elders, mocked him, saying, "He saved others; he cannot save himself. He is the King of Israel; let him come down now from the cross, and we will believe in him. He trusts in God; let God deliver him now, if he desires him; for he said, `I am the Son of God." And the robbers who were crucified with him also reviled him in the same way.

Now from the sixth hour there was darkness over all the land until the ninth hour. And about the ninth hour Jesus cried with a loud voice, "Eli, Eli, la'ma sabach-tha'ni?" that is, "My God, my God, why hast thou forsaken me?" And some of the bystanders hearing it said, "This man is calling Elijah." And one of them at once ran and took a sponge, filled it with vinegar, and put it on a reed, and gave it to him to drink. But the others said, "Wait, let us see whether Elijah will come to save him." And Jesus cried again with a loud voice and yielded up his spirit.

John 19:25-30

But standing by the cross of Jesus were his mother, and his mother's sister, Mary the wife of Clopas, and Mary Magdalene. When Jesus saw his mother, and the disciple whom he loved standing near, he said to his mother, "Woman, behold, your son!" Then he said to the disciple, "Behold, your mother!" And from that hour the disciple took her to his own home. After this Jesus, knowing that all was now finished, said (to fulfill the scripture), "I thirst." A bowl full of vinegar stood there; so they put a sponge full of the vinegar on hyssop and held it to his mouth. When Jesus had received the vinegar, he said, "It is finished"; and he bowed his head and gave up his spirit.

Let us Pray:

Sorrowful and Immaculate Heart of Mary, Pray for us.

Hail Mary, full of grace, the Lord is with you. Blessed art thou amongst women, and blessed is the Fruit of thy womb Jesus. Holy Mary, Mother of God, pray for us sinners now and at the hour of our death. Amen.

VI. Jesus Is Taken Down From The Cross

John 19:31-37

Since it was the day of Preparation, in order to prevent the bodies from remaining on the cross on the sabbath (for that sabbath was a high day), the Jews asked Pilate that their legs might be broken, and that they might be taken away. So the soldiers came and broke the legs of the first, and of the other who had been crucified with him; but when they came to Jesus and saw that he was already dead, they did not break his legs. But one of the soldiers pierced his side with a spear, and at once there came out blood and water. He who saw it has borne witness -- his testimony is true, and he knows that he tells the truth -- that you also may believe. For these things took place that the scripture might be fulfilled, "Not a bone of him shall be broken." And again another scripture says, "They shall look on him whom they have pierced."

Let us Pray:

Sorrowful and Immaculate Heart of Mary, Pray for us.

Hail Mary, full of grace, the Lord is with you. Blessed art thou amongst women, and blessed is the Fruit of thy womb Jesus. Holy Mary, Mother of God, pray for us sinners now and at the hour of our death. Amen.

VII. The Burial of Jesus

John 19:38-42

After this Joseph of Arimathea, who was a disciple of Jesus, but secretly, for fear of the Jews, asked Pilate that he might take away the body of Jesus, and Pilate gave him leave. So he came and took away his body. Nicodemus also, who had at first come to him by night, came bringing a mixture of myrrh and aloes, about a hundred pounds' weight. They took the body of Jesus, and bound it in linen cloths with the spices, as is the burial custom of the Jews. Now in the place where he was crucified there was a garden, and in the garden a new tomb where no one had ever been laid. So because of the Jewish day of Preparation, as the tomb was close at hand, they laid Jesus there.

Let us Pray:

Sorrowful and Immaculate Heart of Mary, Pray for us.

Hail Mary, full of grace, the Lord is with you. Blessed art thou amongst women, and blessed is the Fruit of thy womb Jesus. Holy Mary, Mother of God, pray for us sinners now and at the hour of our death. Amen.