Merry Month of Mother Mary

 Come Oh Holy Spirit, please fill the hearts of thy faithful, please enkindle in us the fire of Your Divine love, send forth Your Spirit Oh Lord, and it shall be created, and You shall renew the face of the earth.

** **

This morning and yesterday  is what my daughters and I would call, Crash Landing on You kind of a day.

Big snow flurries.

Visions of Yun Seri and Captain Ri Jeong Hyeok walking with their thick coats while the snow was falling on them so romantically!!!!

Swoon time!

After last Sunday's noon day double digit summer heat, the snow is upon us again.

You can just imagine our dismay, seeing our garage roof covered in white!

But, again, you try to quickly recalibrate and not allow the doom and gloom get the better of you.

***

My first born celebrated a birthday yesterday.

She just pops out of her door just a second ago informing me of her phone conversation.

Yes!!!

I love her french macarons too.

She promised her 10am appointment that she would bake her those heavenly delicacy when they meet.

Mari had some friends over yesterday.

My cooking skills were put to a test again.

I prepared, lumpia shanghai, corn with malunggay soup, pork liempo, chicken adobo, salted egg salad and the star of the show, my banana turon!!!

By 4th hour of food prep, I could barely walk.

My back was giving me problems again!!!

I just finished talking to my GP's secretary about it.

Goodness gracious! Great balls of fire!!!

** ***

There are so many things to share. So many activities. So many blessings and answered prayers that the dark days and agonizing aches and pains are nothing compared to the joy of the morning filled with God's choicest blessings!!!

We were able to start our day with the Holy Mass.

There was no mass in the 5 minute away, Our Lady of  Perpetual.

We had to rush to St Emile instead for the 930am.

Father Vincent's  booming voice was a match for the technical glitches of their sound system interrupting his sermon many many times.

He switched them off and we could hear him just fine!!!

** ***

Manitoba Band Association Honor Band Concert.

I had a double treat!

I was in 7th heaven as  Lilli played so many percussion instruments for this event.

It is her 3rd exposure.

She thoroughly enjoys it as much as we get so much consolation and healing from the music they play.

I am so proud of my M&M daughters! Praise You Lord Jesus for this extra special grace after a period of struggles.

They are achieving their own milestones now.

Mari is going to start her internship with Sugar Blooms as she is on her final leg of her Professional Baking course at The Red River College.

I have to do a lot of internal work to prepare for the day that they decide to fly out of the nest.

May God grant me that grace to be ready.

** **

Today's gospel readings: 

https://kerygmafamily.com/modules/dailyreadings/read.php?date=2026-05-06

Reflection questions:

What are steps you take, or the habits you maintain, that helps you remain in God’s love?

Do you see sin as a disconnection from your relationship with God? Do you experience its devastating effect on you? Do you immediately address your disconnection from God?

Reading His word daily or as often as I can helps me hear and recognize His voice.

Yes, yes yes.

Sin separates me from God.

I  quickly reset.

Reconnect.

Reconcile.

Contrition.

Bask in God's best graces and blessings.

Final prayers and thoughts:

Recall all the answers to your prayers that God has given you and realize He is truly alive in your life.

Father, may I never forget that if I give my life to You, You will always work for my  good. God our Father, we thank You for the gift of the Lord Jesus. May we never be disconnected from You. May we always strive, through Your grace, to avoid sin. Amen. 

P.S. Happy 23rd Birthday again to my first born. Thank you for helping me become a better mom and person. You are such an amazing and beautiful young lady!

May 2, 2026 Maples Collegiate

The Clue, Sturgeon Heaights Collegiate, May 1, 2026

April 30, 2026 Pop Up Bakery, The Red River College, Main St.

Soli Deo Gloria.

Totus Tuus Maria.

Spring is Here!

 Come Oh Holy Spirit, please fill the hearts of thy faithful, please enkindle in us the fire of Divine Love, please send us Your Holy Spirit Oh Lord, and it shall be created, and You Oh Lord, shall renew the face of the earth.

** **

It was thunder and lightning kind of night last night.

Today, there is still a strong wind blowing, but the sun is shinning gloriously! Hopefully, spring is here despite the notice of plummeting temperatures maybe in the early morning or late evening today and tomorrow.

A have noticed a lot of people walking pass by the front road since yesterday. So interesting to watch. Walking with their dogs and my neighbors toddler going to daycare in his cute little wagon!!

Young mom and their baby. The exact symbol of spring.

This morning, my soon to be fifteen year old, had to ask me twice how her outfit of the day looks like.

I am learning to stop and admire when it is required and to not show a look of dismay when the choice being presented is not to my liking.

For some reason, my reaction does not elicit a positive response especially when I feel I need to show my disapproval.

Teenagers!!!

And rebellious young adults!

Many times this week, my youngest has expressed her longing for our young guests aged 8,7 and 3.

She kept looking for their noise and antics.

She is glad that for a short while she has experienced how it is to have younger siblings.

My heart is full!

I am so glad that she saw the value in welcoming these little ones in our home for one week.

Praise and thank You Lord Jesus for this grace.

** ***

Today, I remember two good friends, Tita Edna and Josie, who are celebrating their birthdays today. I also remember my sibling number 5, who is celebrating her birthday tomorrow.

I prayed the complete rosary earlier for their intentions.

Thank You Lord Jesus Thank You.

** ***

Today's gospel readings:

https://kerygmafamily.com/modules/dailyreadings/read.php?date=2026-04-23

Reflection questions:

How can a person learn about faith without someone instructing him? This question prompts us to reflect on our duty and responsibility in proclaiming the Gospel. What does God ask each of us to do?

Among the many titles of Jesus, which one is the most important to you? Why?

When was the last time you shared the Gospel with someone who was far away from the Lord? Are there times when you failed to respond to the prompting of the Holy Spirit to do this?

I believe, God is asking each one of us, baptized Catholics/Christians, to continue spreading His word through our actions.

He asks us to continue ministering and praying for one another.

For me, the Jesus is the Good Shepherd. He is the Living Bread that came down from heaven. If we eat Him, we will have eternal life.

Last Sunday, by God's grace, I shared to a declared non-believer, the gospel of Christ regarding the covenant of marriage.

The virtue and grace of  forgiveness and patience and forbearance.

I remember two people now, who showed me in the past of this same example.

Their names are Ely and Nimfa.

Thank You Lord Jesus for the grace of this memory and the grace to keep on responding to the promptings of the Holy Spirit.

Praise to You Oh Lord Jesus Christ.

Ave Maria!

Totus Tuus.

I Surrender All

 Come Oh Holy Spirit, please fill the hearts of Thy faithful, please enkindle in us the Fire of Your Divine Love, please send us forth Your Spirit Oh Lord and it shall be created and You shall renew the face of the earth.

** **

Hi!

Welcome back to reading my thoughts and reflections.

The temperature now in Winnipeg is +14*C. Lovely to start working  in the front and back lawn and plants.

But, wait, not too fast! Forcasts say it will hit a low of +1 by Thursday.

For the budding vegetable garden enthusiast, planting outdoors will have to wait until a nice mini green house structure will be prepared. If not, I will just have to resort to sturdy, less care flowering plants like my Zinnias and Marigolds.

I eagerly await the resurgence of my Asiatic Lilies, Hydrangeas, 4^th of July sunburst flowers and my Catnip mints.

Ruel has not checked on our baby Apple shrub.

My indoor lemon shrub of almost 5 years is  in Intensive Care right now.

My Ikea Ficus is history. So sad!

Today, marks  my dad’s 94^th birthday.

I look out the windows right now and admire the overcast skies in the west windows, and the east, show pale blue and puffy clouds.

The 1pm sun is indeed bright.

I send kisses to dad.

I thank him for the devotion of the Divine Mercy.

I thank him for loving my mom for 41 years.

I offered my  complete rosary earlier for the repose of his soul and continue to pray that our Great God’s eternal light shine upon him.

I continue to thank him for the memories of him being my father.

One of our last conversations  in  2015,  a few months before he died was he had no fear of dying.  He tells me that our faith in God, His Son Jesus, the King of Divine Mercy should assure us of that promise that we will enjoy the afterlife with Him.

We must simply trust.

We must continue to seek Him out, to know Him more deeply,  love Him enough to serve His purpose in our lives.

For His greater glory and the good of our souls.

Today also marks more than a month of journeying up close and personal a young  mom of three children ages, 8,7 and 3.

Husband of 17 years has filed divorce proceedings from her.

I surrender every prayer, every conversation, every counseling attempt to the  Sacred Heart of Our Lord Jesus Christ.

Lord, I let go and let You take over.

We did our part in trying to work for the preservation of the marriage, the healing of the hurts, the spot lighting of Your presence in their family life, the wellbeing of their children.

All may fall short.

Take over Lord.

I surrender.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=j04Bx9pKwpU 

** ***

Today's Kerygma Daily Reflections link:

https://kerygmafamily.com/modules/dailyreadings/read.php?date=2026-04-21

My reflections based on the proposed reflection questions:

Do you seek the Bread of Life daily, or are you more focused on temporary rewards?

Which among Jesus’ deeds and traits is the most life-giving to you? Why?

Are you ready to get out of your comfort zone and allow the Spirit to lead you into new places and experiences? 

I try my best to seek God, The Father, The Son and The Holy Spirit before I start my day and before I end my day.

Seeking Jesus in the Blessed Sacrament of the Holy Eucharist during the celebration of the mass is something we try to do each Sunday.

To be a daily mass goer is the target even online for now.

I wish to make good this resolve if I will claim that His Last Supper deeds and words are very important for me.

The power of His Resurrection is what I try to remember more often especially when I feel my prayers are not being answered in a timely manner since I am surely focused on a lot of distractions and temporal rewards.

As I surrender to Him, His Holy Will, His purpose in my life...it is an act of bravery and full trust just like the time I did paragliding in Gudauri, Georgia.

I try to always be ready for His Holy Spirit's workings and leadings in my life.

Praise to Your Oh Lord Jesus Christ.

Mama Mary, please continue to cover my family and I with your Guadalupe Tilma.

St. Joseph, terror of demons, pray for us.

St. Michael, by your light, enlighten us.

St. Michael, by your wings, shield us.

St. Michael, by your sword, defend us.

Easter Tuesday

 Come Oh Holy Spirit, please fill the hearts of thy faithful, please enkindle in us the fire of Your Divine Love, please send forth Your Spirit Oh Lord, and it shall be created, and You shall renew the face of the earth.

** ***

April 7,2026

The skies are overcast today.

Yesterday, we enjoyed blue skies and puffy white clouds. The sun was shinning beautifully. 40% of the snow in the front and back yard thawed.

Was thinking of keeping the winter jackets, but then again, it might not still be a good idea.

Today, let us focus on Mary Magdalene and Jesus asking her not to touch Him yet.

What does that mean?

https://kerygmafamily.com/modules/dailyreadings/read.php?date=2026-04-07

Kergyma Family explains that things that distract us like jobs, toxic people, painful situations,  and everything that the world offers may compete with our sole focus on Our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ.

I am now asking the grace from Jesus, to surrender to Him all my dreams, plans and intentions. I  place them all at the foot of His Holy Cross and ask that His love directly flow back to my heart, body and soul.

May all our Good Friday's reach Resurrection Sundays.

Reflection questions:

Do you miss out seeing Jesus in others? Make a list of these people and think of ways they manifest Jesus’ character to you.

What experience allowed you to “see” the Lord powerfully at work in your life?

In what moments of your life have you felt like Mary—grieving, disoriented, or lost? How did Jesus meet you in that darkness?

My prayer:

Lord Jesus, please touch all leaders of this world, especially the warring factions :

  U.S.A-Israel versus Iran.

Ukraine versus Russia.

Nigeria.

Taiwan.

Gaza.

China grabbing islands in the Philippine archipelago.

May your peace reign in all our hearts and may we continue to welcome YOU Oh Lord in our hearts so our sorrows will turn into Joy, our confusion to CLARITY and our despair to Hope in You and in You alone.

Maundy Thursday 2026

 

Maundy Thursday 2026

Come Oh Holy Spirit, please fill the hearts of thy faithful, please enkindle in us the fire of Your Divine Love, send forth Your Spirit Oh Lord, and it shall be created, and You shall renew the face of the earth.

** **

Today, my mom and dad would have celebrated 66 years of married life.

Unfortunately, in 2001, mom succumbed to the big C .

They had a total of 41 years married. Mom was 64 years old.

Dad survived her for 14 years more, and finally passed on in 2015 at age 83.

Yesterday, I got to pray and chat with a 60 year old mom of 3 grown up children. She had her first born at 19 years old.

I loved her philosophy in her children choosing their partners in life.

One of her children was just served divorce papers after 17 years of married life.

I was inquiring if she had an inkling or a vibe that this would happen.

I was trying to see if she was able to see some red flags early on.

I guess what I want to see first of all are the following:

1.       Was God a central figure in their life choices?

2.       Did service to one another figure in  their day to day choices?

3.       What was the couple’s end goal?

** ** 

I want to put out first and foremost, that I am a believer and follower of Christ Jesus.

As such, I check in on Him for His thoughts and words on Marriage.

I believe that God, The Father, Creator of heaven and earth instituted marriage.

Thus, what He has joined together, no one must break.

There are 3 parties in the union. God, the husband and the wife.

** **

Dad and mom had a lot of challenges in their married life. They had 9 children as products of this union.

When I was in 3^rd year high school, the challenges came one after the other.

There is the hint of infidelity that resulted in a possible  offspring.

Mom was super stoic about it.

She chose to stay in the marriage.

Dad said, only time can tell. He did not say yes or no to the question of his extra marital affair.

Their life after the supposed betrayal, was marked by a radical change in lifestyle and direction.

Dad supported mom in her activities to draw closer to the Lord and serve Him.

When one is in rock bottom, there is no way but to look UP.

** **

I hope this particular story of our family, will inspire this young mom on the process of divorce.

I had the chance to be the 2^nd person to read the divorce papers that was just served to her 2 hours earlier.

It made my head spin.

April fools day to be so coincidental!!!

My mom’s steady and calm reaction to the case of a possible extra marital affair was a super power.

I just hope that it did not cause her own health deterioration.

The kryptonite that killed her eventually?

** **

The decision to forgive is not easy.

It requires a continuous and super natural effort not to lash out and put matters in your own hands.

** **

This young husband, made a promise to his young wife, that he will never allow what happened to him, a product of a broken relationship, happen to his own children.

And what has happened now?

He runs off with another young mom he met through online gaming.

The son of whom is the age of his 2^nd child with his legal wife.

** **

My prayer and my hope:

The world is really lost and confused without the knowledge and relationship with Our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ.

He came so that we can have life. He is the Way, the Truth and the Life.

We can do nothing good apart from Him being in our lives.

He is the Word made flesh, who died for our sins as a ransom for us so we can be redeemed from the snares, traps and fight of the Evil One.

We all have a God shaped hole in our hearts brought about the pain and trauma of living in a fallen world, and only God can fill it with His healing graces.

United with Him, we can conquer all our wounds with His graces.

May we have the grace to go to Him, this Holy Week and endure our Good Friday with the hope of Easter and salvation every step of the way.

He is the answer.

He can save us.

Praise to You Oh Lord Jesus Christ.

 

 

 

 

 

 

God's Peace

 Come Oh Holy Spirit, please fill the hearts of thy faithful, enkindle in us the fire of Your Divine Love, send forth Your Spirit Oh Lord, and it shall be created, and You shall renew the face of the earth.

** **

It has almost been a month now that I have missed writing my thoughts and reflections.

Holy Week is almost here.

Next Sunday is Palm Sunday then, the following Sunday is Easter.

In between those dates are the commemoration of the Lord's passion, death and resurrection.

I chanced upon this short Tiktok video of 21 Egyptian Coptic Christians martyred Feb.15,2015.

Spare us Oh Lord and Christian Martyrs, pray for us.

I pray especially for the Iran, US-Israel war.

20th day now.

I pray that Ukraine may be spared anymore bloodshed. It has been going on for 5 years now.

I pray for the Gaza situation.

I pray for Nigeria.

Lord Jesus, heal us, guide us and protect us.

** **

My gratitude list:

Winter is almost over. I praise and thank God that despite the very icy paths, I am able to maintain my balance walking like a penguin. Small steps. Many instances of almost slipping and falling.

The wintry, magical frosting of the trees were a sight to behold.

I now know the best conditions for this to happen, the plus and minus of the temperature needle.

When the snow melts when the temperature borders above freezing, then a sudden dip below zero with blowing snow.

Wonderland!

So beautiful!

Thank you Lord for my youngest daughter having the musical skills and talents. She made a go of auditioning for her 3rd year with The Manitoba Honour band and she made it!

Her good friend did not unfortunately. They were hoping to bond and spend time together in this in depth training.

Marcelina's audition piece was so amazing.

She is also diving deep into Badminton. Her dad is is proud and happy.

Marina on the other hand is almost done with her Professional Baking course with the Red River College.

They had a social networking event the yesterday and she was asking me for my comments on her attire.

I marvel at how much she has grown in maturity and confidence.

She is gearing up for her internship. She will soon let go of her first work from which she has gained a lot.

I made sure that her gum paste pink cherry blossoms are taking special places in our home.

Thank you Lord Jesus for Ruel's presence and support with my various projects. Let me correct that phrase, Lord's Divine Appointments, instead.

Thank You Lord Jesus for the many many times You save us from the dark pitt.

Thank You Lord Jesus for the restoration work You have started and I claim Your choicest blessings  now and always.

** **

Kerygma Daily Bible Reflection questions:

This Lent, how can you intentionally express love and gratitude to the people in your life while they are still with you?

Lord, teach me to cherish love in the present. Help me express gratitude and affection today, following the example of Your selfless and sacrificial love. Amen.

February 27,2026 TGIF

 Come Oh Holy Spirit, please fill the hearts of thy faithful, please enkindle in us the fire of Your Divine Love, send forth Your Spirit Oh Lord, and it shall be created, and You shall renew the face of the earth.

**

At 7am today, I was able to catch up in the zoom event for the Novena Prayers with Rosary for the wife of a  friend. She passed 3 days ago. 

She was dad's replacement secretary in the Bank of the Philippine Islands, Zamboanga City Main Branch.

I was perhaps between 7 to 10 years old when I got to hear her answer my calls to dad when dad' secretary would be away,

She had this very unique way of answering the phone. Very remarkable. Unforgettable.

I will always remember our telephone numbers then.

36-31

29-31

** **

Today, the blowing snow is crazily making my view of the windows, remember driving last month, with the same or more challenging road conditions. Almost zero visibility.

I wanted Ruel to share to me the dash cam recording.

Unfortunately, it was recorded over before he could do it.

Nevertheless, I praise and thank God for the grace of His guidance and protection.

It made me recall the time we travelled to Alberta, November 2022.

Thank you God for sparing us from the more than 10 car pile up of cars and big truck accidents, a domino effect near Medicine Hat, Alberta.

We missed it by a few minutes.

Praise God Alleluia!

I will never forget seeing a firetruck man being pushed my the strong winds as he attempted to walk towards us and inform us of the road detours.

I will also never forget navigating small rural roads with no street lights at all.

Thank God again and again for His light and shield of protection and guidance.

** **

Today's gospel readings remind me of the gospel readings of the Friday/weekend of Valentine's day.

It reminds us to repair broken relationships and to get rid of negative attitudes and habits.

https://kerygmafamily.com/modules/dailyreadings/read.php?date=2026-02-27

Here are the reflection questions:

How do you live out your faith in your daily life? What kind of witness do others see in you?

How can you move beyond the outward sacrifices of Lent and focus on addressing the attitudes and emotions that truly separate you from God?

My prayer:

Lord Jesus, help me especially when I struggle to walk with faith on water.