Full of grace

I just feel so blessed that 3 important symbols of my faith was recently here on island, and that we were able to share in the festivities for them.

Sometime December 2006, the image of Our Lady of Fatima was here. Unfortunately, we were still on our vacation when Our Lady visited our parish. Fortunately, she was here long enough for us to see her in one of the other parishes. She truly is one of the most beautiful images of our dear mama mary.

Then, early March, the World Youth Day cross was here. Hubby and I can't stop reminiscing when 12 years ago, we were very active in the WYD celebrations in Manila. And we were one of the first people who were able to touch the cross, since our Rover Scout group (college boy scouts - yes, I was a boy scout!) was part of the infrastructure, sites and layouts committee. Our team was there when the cross was brought in. And we had our picture taken too. (i'll have to scan it and show it later, but you probably won't recognize us, ang papayat pa namin sa picture!) Our team was even featured in one of the newspapers in the Philippines, as the writer is the father of one of the guys in our team.

So going back, on March 8, I was able to see, touch and kiss the WYD cross again. And what made it extra special was my daughter was with me to share the event. She may be too young to really understand the significance of this cross that the late Pope John Paul II gave to the youth of the world, but I know someday we will cherish this time together. (again, i don't have the picture, will post it soon)

Then last night, we were blessed again to be able to see the relics of the passion. They are 8 relics that are believed to be part of the passion of our Lord. There was one that is a sliver of wood of the original cross. Then a replica of the nails that was used to crucify Christ. Also an effigy of the veil that Veronica used to wipe the face of Jesus. A piece of wood from the table of the last supper. A relic from the crown of thorns. A relic from the shroud that Jesus was buried in. And... oops, I forgot the other 2. But anyway, I know some of these will not be the original, but they still symbolize Christ's love for us that He died on the cross for us to save us from sin.

Holy week is coming soon. Such perfect timing that we are reminded of the things during Christ's passion to remember Jesus' sacrifice... a perfect time for us to reflect on how God has truly touched our lives... how He truly loves us to His death... and how we should strive to stay closer to Jesus and be true Christians.