Healing Mass

Hubby and I went to a Healing Mass at the Padre Pio Shrine last October 23. A Healing Mass is held every 23rd of the month, 9am and 6pm. Why attend only know even if the shrine is around our community? Blame it on forgetfulness or selective amnesia. We were planning on attending mass at the Padre Pio Church but always had a reason or another to postpone it. Last Saturday was D DAY.

After a therapeutic massage (which hurt and didn't make us relaxed), we hurriedly went to the Padre Pio Church. We were late for the 6pm mass and I was praying that the jeep we're riding will not make any long and unnecessary stops.

As we arrived to the church, there were no parishoners. The doors were closed and only a blue light shone through the window. We're not that late and we were wondering where the people are. We checked the schedule and there really is a Healing mass that night.

An SUV parked in front of the church and a lady went to the side of the church, maybe there is an entrance there. A man told us that the mass is held at the Padre Pio Shrine, a few meters from the church. So we went there. The lady named Consuelo gave us a ride. She said she is scheduled for breast surgery in a few days.

As we reached the Shrine, there were many vehicles parked outside and many people are attending mass. We sat at the back and listened to the homily.

The priest said if your prayers are not yet answered, don't stop praying. Continue to pray to Padre Pio. I'm guilty of that. I stopped praying the novenas when I got my period, thinking it is useless to still pray when there are no days left for Hubby and I to do the baby-dance (how am I so mistaken by that!). I was itching to take pictures but thought it to be disrespectful.

After the mass is the Healing Ritual. Another priest led us to the ritual. As he urged us to sing "Come Holy Spirit", tears were rolling down my eyes. I'm bit ashamed of this emotional outburst but thought that if it is natural for me to cry, then go ahead.

After the singing and humming of "Come Holy Spirit", prayers in the Padre Pio novena (the prayer for healing and intercession of Padre Pio) were said aloud. After the prayers, we were asked to form two lines in the central aisle as we prepare to kiss Padre Pio's relic. Since we were seated at the back, we were the last to kiss the relic. Not to worry about germs in the relic, a Lay Minister swipes the relic with a scented cloth after each kisser.

Those who were finished kissing/praying to the relic will form another line around the alter. The priest will anoint them on the forehead, left palm and right palm, clasp the palms in prayer position and say AMEN.

After the anointing of oil, Hubby and I prayed to the statue of Padre Pio, Jesus and Mama Mary. The whole experience was very solemn and very peaceful.

As Ate Consuelo said her prayers, she bid us goodbye. I hugged her and told her we'll be praying for her. She gave me a somewhat smile and sigh for that. We only knew each other at that moment, she didn't even got our names, but it seems she's our close friend, a relative. I hope someday we'll meet again.

Postponed

So, Hubby's departure for his new contract overseas has been postponed again. He's supposed to leave last weekend. We decided not to visit our OB this month since we thought the workup would be left hanging when he leaves.

I can say that I'm more relaxed now than the previous months. No meds to worry about, no more transvaginal sonograms (TVS), no more "contact sched", no more tests. [insert sigh] I just let it be. If God blesses us a baby this month even without treatments, we are very grateful. If not, we are still very grateful since this ordeal strengthens my relationship with Hubby.

Cookies from Pantoja

I have a new favorite cookie-- Oatmeal Raisin Cookies from Panaderia de Pantoja. A pack of 6 cookies costs P28.

It's crunchy outside and moist inside with lots of raisins. Love it!

Floral and Garden Show

My mother, Hubby and I went to Los Baños, Laguna for the annual "Floral and Garden Show". Mother is an orchid lover and only during this event can she buy orchids at a much lesser cost. It was slightly raining that day but it didn't dampen our spirits of going to UPLB.

This event has a floral arrangement competition and we first walked around to see the winners. The flowers are breath taking! Mother is filled with envy. :)

Nursery owners are divided in two areas -- trees (not sure if this is the correct term) and commercial. We went to the area where tree seedlings are sold. I saw cactus, air plants that costs much, different seedlings and I saw a plant with an unusual leaf shape. the plant's leaves are shaped like butterflies you will think you are seeing butterfly infestation in the plant. Bummer I wasn't able to take its picture. I wasn't able to see its name too.

After touring the area, we bought 2 calamansi seendlings which already bear fruit, a Maharlika rambutan, and a dwarf pomelo.

Next, we visited the Commercial part of the garden show. Stalls are lined in three columns. Mother immediately saw orchids and was already talking to the owner before I was able to take pictures.

Saw small pitcher plants for sale at P50.

I saw these potted herbs. I've been wanting to cultivate herbs for our future herb garden. Hubby was not that optimistic, saying it's too early to buy these herbs. But I persuaded him and he gave in! We have sage, Java mint and rosemary all for P100! I will research on how to take care of these babies so Hubby will be proud.

This type of orchid costs P90 each. Mother, being an orchid fanatic, bought all the orchids she could buy with her pocket money.

At the end of the trip, Mother said "I'm so happy!" and that's all that matters.

Next Year

I have sad news. This cycle of fertility workup was not a success.

A few days before my scheduled pregnancy test, I had some mild cramps. That symptom alerted me that this month is not our month of conceving a baby. I have some doubts about it because deep inside, I want us to have a baby. He's leaving for overseas work in a few days and we wanted a baby when he returns.

Everyday I prayed and said a novena to Padre Pio, St. Gerard Majella and Pope John Paul II for me to conceive. But, this is not our time yet.

With a heavy heart, I accept this but not removing hopefullness in the future. What this past few months taught me is we may do all we can to conceive but only God decides in the end. He has a much greater plan for Hubby and I.