Sunday with Mary and Meenakshi Amma

The rain was raging all through the week. Fortunately, on Sunday, at noon, the sky cleared for a long while and I could join those who visited Vallarpadam. There were quite a few though the church continued to remain closed. Meanwhile in the parish church behind the Basilica a local sweethearts were getting married and the whole event in the Corona safety settings became so novel an idea in its simplicity. 

Sometimes, I wonder, what is that make me go to Vallarapadam Basilica on every Sunday and whenever possible. Is it the service or the miracles or the grandeur of the church itself...

I guess its an emotion I feel, the carefree, happy, secured, peaceful...

A happy family who brought their newborn to Mary along with the grandparents were gratefully offering their gratitude for the blessing and the sight of them earnestly thanking God was very inspirational. The young mother beamed a hearty smile at me which warmed my heart and made me wish that all those childless couples who seek Mary's help would one day soon get an opportunity to visit here smiling with the happiness of their wish being fulfilled.  

On the way back rode quickly to the Lady of Hope at Vypeen before it started raining again just to have a look around. The pandemic has wrecked the small town of Vypeen just like any other town of the Pandemic hit world and as I rode back all I could think was when will this tragedy end and folks can go back to their work and means of bread, normally 

St. Sebastin's feast day

 St. Sebastin's Feast day, is celebrated all over the world with great devotion and festivity. The patron saint of many cities of the world is attributed with special powers of consolation at the times of Plague, famine and wars.

This year too, the parishoners at our local church celebrated the feast with everything they had. The roads were decorated with lights and colorful hangings to welcome the Saint as his great life as a faithful follower of Jesus was rememmbered to strengthen our own faith to live our lives staying close to THE WAY, to deal with the trouble and worries of our life. The procession announcing the faith and allegiance to the WAY was done with great passion.

Channukh

Wishing all my friends who are celebrating Channukh this week (December 8th to 16th) in the true tradition of Mother Mary a wonderful celebration. Just like Judith (Yahudith) was inspired by Yael, may we all be inspired during this festival of light, to live The way and to do everything possible by us for who are In The Way.

The Dome, my eyes search for..

Usually, as soon as I get down at the bus stop in the highway at Vallarpadam, I can see the Lady of Ransom's dome, if my mind is free of worries, I will start praising the LORD in my heart as I walk upto the Church. But lately, peace is not what I have. 

My father was not highly educated, still he sent me to college. Though he was not capable of helping me with academics, he took care of the financial part and provided a home with good enough atmosphere for studies. I did not disappoint him as I went all the way to two masters. I recollect with a relish, how proud he used to be when my exam results came. I believe that was the best I could give my father. 

When life gave me a chance to bring someone back to life from the depth of worst, I gave it my best, just like my father. I prayed and dreamed that 'someone' would give the best, unfortunately even after enjoying the best for a while, that 'someone' did not had the heart to continue, to keep on walking THE WAY. I was broken hearted. 

Though, I have sidestepped from that 'someone's' life, for it to take its own natural course, the memories come up my mind often and destruct me. Today, I got an invitation to attend one of the Soorya classical musical festival. All through the evening rendering, I kept humming the psalms of worship and adoration, it took me to another level of spiritual heights. I had a similar experience during the fireworks of our local temple at Maradu, which is famous for its "vedi kettu". 

Thank you my LORD, for helping me convert my miserable situation into an opportunity to be one with you and find some peace.