Mary, come to our rescue… come to our aid!

“Mary, our Mother, sustain us in moments of darkness, difficulty and apparent defeat.” – Pope Francis

One early morning, a strange sound interrupted my dream. I turned on the light and saw a big stone on the floor and pieces of broken window glass scattered on my bed. I peeped on the hole of my window; the street was quiet, and no one was in sight. I started to feel terrified as I checked myself, not a single piece of broken glass touched any part of my body. As I sat down on my bed and calmed myself, I recalled that dream of the beautiful lady, robed in white as she covered me with her mantle and with her gentle voice as she said, “I protect you and no one will ever harm you”.

This incident happened in 2012 where I was assigned in a challenging mission. Illegal drugs were found inside the comfort rooms and other areas of the school campus. Tensions were felt in the entire academic community as investigation was going on. Students and parents were recalled; the municipal mayor, Police force, Philippine Drug Enforcement Agency (PDEA) and the Parish were also involved in the process. It took me sometime and my Community to resolve the issue with the challenge to balance between sanction and compassion.

Though the entire school experienced darkness and difficulty, it was the assurance of Mama Mary that guided and inspired me to protect the welfare of the students in whatever the cost. The consequence of my “yes” during my vowed day was even tested when my Superior asked me if I want to be transferred to another mission area for security and safety. I courageously decided to stay even with the presence of threats in my life. For one thing, my missionary spirit and my strength was attributed to our Lady.

This experience of maternal care was indeed a test of faith that strengthened my relationship with her Son, Jesus. Such encounter of her, I truly defined my life now as this: Mary believed the Word of the Lord, and treasured everything in her heart. For me, this believing and treasuring brought me back to my daily choices in life as witness to what Mary is. She was very aware that the Word was incarnated not only in her womb but also the way she lived her life. She reminded me that each day I encounter joys and pains in life, I also meet God. Therefore, in whatever decision I may undertake, it is not only to believe His Words, but also an invitation to put them into flesh through my daily choices. The more I pondered on Mary, I renewed my commitment to selflessly love, serve and follow her Son, Jesus in whatever the cost of such discipleship because she will always be present to “sustain us in moments of darkness, difficulty and apparent defeat”. Viva Maria! Viva Hesus! (S. Leah Zozobrado, RVM)