The Virgin Mary, listening

From Agnes G. Gamolo, who lives in New Frontier Subdivision, in Iligan City 9200, I received this beautiful letter, sent to me through the Philippine STAR.

“I am a devotee of Mama Mary. Aside from Sundays I hear Mass every Wednesday at the Mother of Perpetual Help Redemptorist Church in Iligan City.

“Long ago, in February of 2001, I was able to get the address of Our Lady of Lourdes in France, which you published in the STAR.

“In August of 2006, my endocrinologist advised me to undergo thyroidectomy. I had two thyroid cysts in my esophagus. The tests showed a colored liquid which made her suspect that I have a tumor in my throat. I really worried over this, because I was not prepared financially and I was afraid that the result of the biopsy would be malignant.

“I remembered the address of Our Lady of Lourdes which I had kept in my wallet for five long years. Last September 2006 I wrote a letter, asking her to intercede with her Son for three things:

That God would provide money for my medical expenses;

That the thyroidectomy would be successful.

That the result of the biopsy would be benign.

“True enough, God answered my prayers through the intercession of Mama Mary.

My sister, who works as a caregiver in New York, called me up and pledged P50,000. I didn’t even ask for help from her, because I knew she was helping some of my siblings who are unemployed. And — if ever she should help me — I thought she could only afford a maximum of P20,000. She told me that it was her turn to receive money from their ‘Paluwagan’ among her OFW co-workers. I know God touched her heart.

My thyroidectomy was successful.

The result of the biopsy is benign.

“Before I was wheeled into the operating room I requested my siblings and sister-in-law to conduct an intercessory prayer in my hospital room while the operation was going on.

“The day before checking out from the hospital, my surgeon told me that during the operation my blood pressure shot up, which made them panic. My situation was critical. But again I know that God was watching over me and my four physicians during the whole process.

“I really thanked the Lord for saving my life for the third time!

The first was when I was only six years old. My mother, who is also a devotee of Mama Mary, told me that I was dead for 30 minutes. She offered me to the Mother of Perpetual Help, whose image was on the altar of our house. After that I regained consciousness and came back to life.

The second time was when I had undergone a total hysterectomy, due to bleeding, because of my myoma. The operation was successful and the result of the biopsy was benign.

“I know that God has a mission for me. I am active as a member of Couples For Christ. I love doing community outreach programs for the less fortunate, especially building homes with Gawad Kalinga. In the office where I work I serve as chairman for the Eucharistic Celebration every third Friday of the month.

“Thank you very much for publishing the address of Lourdes, and all the testimonies of those who have experienced the miracles of God through the intercession of Mama Mary.

“God bless you. Agnes J. Gamalo.”

There are so many good people in the Philippines — like the author of this letter. That is why priests pray that they may be worthy of the souls that God sends to them!

For those who might be interested, the mailing address of Our Lady of Lourdes is:

Monsieur L’Econome de L’oevre de la Grotte

65100 Lourdes cedes

Lourdes, France.

Or your prayers can be sent through Internet, to www.lourdes-france.com

An average of 393 intentions a day arrive at Lourdes through the shrine’s electronic mail. Every year, six million pilgrims visit the shrine.

*   *   *

There is a daily texting service called “One Minute With God”

You can reach it on Globe by texting: “Reuter@2978”

You can reach it on Smart by texting: “Reuter@326”.