Because He answers prayers...

...in ways most beautiful.
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by PAM

Not too long ago, I embarked on a pilgrimage with 'my kids' who were reviewing for the chemical engineers licensure examination then.  They thought it was a good idea to start their review process by seeking the mercy of God, the inspiration of the Holy Spirit, the assurance of good outcomes from conscious sacrifices as mankind's salvation through Christ's sacrifices, and the intercession of the Blessed Mother who cradles the baby Jesus in her loving arms. I supported their plan as I imagined them putting order in their psyche to enhance reception to knowledge through spiritual renewal.  In spite of the five grueling

Visiting the Pink Sisters Convent - to offer

prayers and to seek the Sisters' assistance as their

prayer warriors. 

years of topnotch education in chemical engineering, they are humble enough to let their faith lead them in their quest to obtain professional license - the crowning glory of their education.  That cause, I believe, is worth investing time on, not to mention getting an opportunity to enjoy their company that always inspires good vibes.    

And so, we traveled south to Tagaytay to the Adoration Convent of the Divine Mercy, more commonly known to devotees in the Philippines as the Convent of the Pink Sisters.  It is managed by the Sister-Servants of the Holy Spirit of Perpetual Adoration, or the "Pink Sisters".  The small convent is nestled among luscious trees and colorful flowers that the hills of Tagaytay are known for.  But, more than the peaceful surrounding that spells serenity, the beautiful sound of the sisters' soft singing in adoration and prayer was the most distinctive attribute of this place of worship that draws faithfuls to it.  And so, we set out early morning of a Sunday to visit the Convent.  The kids offered their prayers, and they wrote their petitions on small sheets of paper to seek the assistance of the sisters in praying for their fruition.  It was the first time for most of them to visit the convent, and so, like adorable little children, they excitedly made their wishes and hoped from the bottom of their hearts for the wishes to come true.

From the Convent of the Pink Sisters, we stopped to eat lunch in a local Tagaytay favorite - Green ATS, where we ate with relish some of the best of Tagaytay's cuisine, such as

Stopping for food and a little sightseeing.

bulalo and the tasty tawilis - deep fried to perfect crunchiness, served on a bed of vegetable garnish and a mildly spicy dip of fermented coconut water.  It was a very satisfying lunch, eaten in a hut on a hill amid the luscious green vegetation of Tagaytay, overlooking Taal Lake and the Taal Volcano.  More than the food and the surrounding, we were happy to enjoy each other's company.  We enjoyed the calm and assurance from visiting the Pink Sisters Convent as we did some catching up, talked about their plans, and exchanged many jokes.  Ah, it was amazing how a simple meal can be worth a king's banquet when eaten in celebration of spiritual renewal!  

After lunch, we drove farther south to Nasugbu, Batangas to visit the Caleruega Church, where their friends happened to be holding their Retreat.  The beautiful little church stands atop a hill, overlooking the beautiful mountains of Tagaytay and the nearby

Praying for God's mercy with friends.

Batangas towns.  The climb to the hill was some work out... but not without a satisfying feast for the eyes - from the lovely Spanish-style villas whose mossy outer walls were covered with luscious vines, the lamp posts with dim lights encased in multi-colored glass casings that add to the dramatic serenity of the place, and the beautifully manicured gardens that invite one to pause, breathe, and take the whole place in from one's nostrils straight to one's soul.  So beautiful!  

The kids enjoyed the company of their friends as they lift their bare souls in prayer, invoking the Holy Spirit to give them the much-needed clarity of mind and thought process... asking the Lord to bless their plans and dreams, praying for direction that is inspired by love and faith.  More than the beautiful surroundings, it was heart-warming to see them lift their plans and dreams as an offering to God.  

Less than a couple of weeks before their licensure examination, they decided to visit the Shrine of our Lady of Manaoag in Manaoag, Pangasinan.  While they poured all their

Traveling to lay eyes on the face of
the Blessed Mother of God and seek
her kindest intercession.

efforts in reviewing for the examination, they wanted to pray for more reassurance, and have their examination materials, including the clothes they plan to wear, be blessed.  It was a beautiful gesture of doing their very best, and leaving the rest to God.  Notwithstanding the limited time they had for their review, they allocated substantial time and effort to take the three-hour trip to Manaoag to lay their eyes upon the gentle face of the image of the Blessed Mother of God, to seek her intercession in continuously praying for God's mercy, and to lay their dreams and aspiration upon the feet of God - for His blessings.  

And so, armed with their examination materials and gears, we cramped ourselves in my wagon one early Sunday morning - off to Manaoag!  We heard the Mass, they squeezed themselves through the thick crowd of worshippers to be blessed in front of the altar; joined the throng of faithful to have their materials and gears blessed; and joined the long queue of devotees to climb the altar to touch the edges of Our Lady of Manaoag's garments while they whispered their petitions to her, including the petitions of the whole UST Chemical Engineering Class of 2019 that were entrusted to them.

I walked with them in silent admiration.  In this day and age of instant gratification and entitlement, they are full of patience and humility, prostrating in full trust to God, surrendering their hopes and aspirations to His kindest mercy and love.  I prayed for nothing but for God's granting of their prayers.

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Photo credits:  While I only took one of the photos, I own all of them.

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