Deeply in Love with Mary

“Why do you look young?” This is the usual question of some people to a 71-year-old widow, Nanay Lourdes “Laclac” Mofar, a Catechist and FLA (Family and Life Apostolate) member of Immaculate Conception Parish, Manolo Fortich, Malaybalay, Bukidnon, and a pious devotee to the Immaculate Heart of Mary.

When she was at her Third Grade, she was then nine or ten years old, she had a beautiful experience with the Blessed Mother in Cawayanon, Manolo Fortich, Bukidnon, which is now already a shrine. According to her, there came out from the Blessed mother a very scented water and she was with her mother that time joyfully wiping with cotton the Stampa of the Blessed Mother. From that experience, which they consider as ‘first miracle’, she became a devotee to the Blessed Mother.

She wanted to become a religious sister and so entered the convent as a postulant. But she is not destined for that kind of life. She is married to a very good husband and have seven children. When her husband met an accident and eventually died, she was deeply sad. But her devotion to the Blessed Mother, especially in the Immaculate Heart of Mary, really helped her to accept the tragedy and thus move on. “I have a biological mother, but Mama Mary is my mother forever. Siya ang akong tigpangama, tigpataliwala, tigabay ug tigpanalipod,” Nanay Laclac said.

Nanay Laclac was very active in their monthly devotion to the Immaculate Heart. But their monthly gathering, every first Saturday of the Month, was stopped during lockdown. It did not stop her devotion to the Blessed Mother though. She is glad to raise her seven children as devout Catholics. Nanay Laclac was very emotional in saying, “Si Mama Mary, part najud na sa akong kinabuhi ug sa akong pamilya. Maguol bitaw ko anang uban natong igsuon nga ilang dauton si Mama Mary. Kung nasayod lang sila sa sakripisyo ni Mama Mary katong sa Krus, mura jud ug gision akong kasingkasing.”

Why do you look young? “Because I am deeply in love”, the answer of Nanay Laclac, “in love with Mama Mary and, of course, Jesus; and I am always happy to be a full-time servant of the Church.” At the age of 71, Nanay Laclac offers and dedicates her time serving the Church without reservation. The more she serves, the stronger and dedicated she is in her devotion to the Blessed Mother. (JEB)