Got my renewed residence permit!

 October 31, 2012 is another lucky day for me. After only about 2 1/2 months, I got the renewal of my residence permit here in Greece. That is extraordinary because the bureaucracy here is such that important documents such as this would take more than 6 months, at the least and even almost a year. Some of my friends who arrived here before me don't have yet their residence permits.

All this because of my novenas to St. Expeditus, saint of urgent cases. He has helped me and my friend since I started praying to him for urgent cases, such as passing of examinations, promotions, and now my residence permit. This novena was given to me by Momi Tuason, our leader in the Mama Mary congregation in Manila laowst 2011.

The residence permit allows me to stay here in Greece and work. This also serves as my visa whenever I travel out of Greece to other countries. Now I can look forward to another trip somewhere in Europe, God willing. My first trip was to France with my friend.

St. Expeditus was a commander of a Roman legion and was martyred in the 4th century under the Diocletian at Melitene in Armenia. His statue shows him holding a cross on which is the word "Hodie" meaning "Today". He is stepping on a crow,  the black  bird of despair which is opening his mouth to cry 'Cras,cras,' (tomorrow) in order to remind us not to doubt even for a single moment the great mercy of God and not to postpone for tomorrow the devout and trusting prayer but to call on him always as our advocate by the side of our Blessed Virgin. (copied from a novena prayer).

The novena is for St. Expeditus through Jesus and Mary...thank you, St. Expeditus, thank you, Jesus, thank you, Mama Mary, as always...

I tell my friend about him and how he has answered my prayers. And I also give them xerox copies of the novena.




 

Times are getting better....

A few months ago, i was depressed due to a misunderstanding with my friend. Now, things are getting better, thanks God! We finally went on a five-day tour of Paris last June. I didn't have a problem with my departure from Athens and arrival in Paris even without a visa because I already have my 'sticker' which serves as my residence certificate here in Greece. We rode on an Air France and the flight was fast and turbulent-free. 

Paris is a lovely city, with beautiful sights and cheerful people. I was impressed by its very efficient and safe transportation system. It enabled us to go to our destinations within the city, and even outside the city with ease. I loved the metro most of all, as we changed from line to another line until we would reach our destination.

Of course the historical and archaelogical landmarks of Paris like the Eiffel tower, Arc de Triomphe, Notre Dame, D' Moursay Museum, to name just a few are sites not to be missed. 

                                          Eiffel Tower

                            Arc de Triomphe

The Versailles Palace was spectacular indeed!

We wanted to visit other sites in the suburbs but we didn't have enough time. My friend was given only five days vacation.

Since June, we have also been to other islands here in Greece: Zakynthos, Lefkada and Aegina. I am beginning to really love this country, such beautiful islands with cool, blue waters, remarkable historical landmarks really make one go back again and again to experience the moment....

                                         Sunset at the Cape Sunio

                                          Spectacular caves of Zakynthos

For all these and other travels to come, thank you Lord, thank you Mama Mary! Thank you for giving us the eyes and ears to see and hear and good health to enjoy it all! Most especially, for keeping us safe always....

I am Depressed

I am depressed. Just this morning, i woke up with excitement since we had a good time last night. We attended the commencement exercise of Indianapolis University here in Athens. There was the Filipino graduate, the first in this university. I liked specially the musical interludes, done by the University Athens Bios Orchestra.

But today i am depressed. My friend and I had a disagreement over travel plans. She got angry and I felt I have lost my sense of worth. I am so dependent on her  and I feel my life has lost its luster.

At home i prayed the rosary and asked for God's help and guidance. Please, Mama Mary, show me the way. I am bored and I have no sense of fulfillment in what I do. Sometimes I ask myself, have I done the right thing- retire and follow her as her private staff? Yes, I can travel to different places. But could I have done this also on my own? Would life have been more satisfying, more exciting?

As I look beyond the Olympic stadium from my veranda this warm Thursday afternoon, I try to ponder over my life for the past 7 years on retirement. Have I done something positive not only for myself but also for others? Has my spiritual enlightenment been enhanced as I relate to other people of diverse religions persuations and beliefs? And simply put, have I been really, genuinely happy?

It is during these times when I cry out to high heavens for anwers. Because I know the Lord will provide the answers.I am confident He will not forsake me.....

Mama Mary, please intercede to Jesus for me....He knows what I need....

Thank you very much....

Easter Weekend

It has been more than a month since my last post. Several good things have happened since then I got my sticker. Within the same week that I got the sticker, the designation of my friend as the Consul General of our Embassy was approved! All of these through work and constant prayers.

On Easter weekend, we all travelled to Peloponesse. The group included embassy staff and their families. We stayed at Anigraia apartments in Kato Vervena, Arcadia. The owner brought us to their village church to witness Good Friday. The residents were all very accomodating and friendly.

On Easter Sunday, the owner, Mr. Mavrias, showed us how the lamb is prepared and cooked for the celebration. He also introduced us to his family where we had bread and wine.

During the day, we were treated to Greek dance by his family.

Our Easter weekend at the Peloponnese with the Mavrias family is a unique experience I will never forget.

The Lord is Risen! Alleluia! Alleluia!

Pleasant Surprise!

On March 22,  I got a pleasant surprise! Zha, one of my friends and I went to the Municipal Office to follow up the release of my sticker, or the permanent residence visa. I applied for this 6 months ago, last September 2011. I was told that Greek red tape is such that the sticker would not be released in a month, two months or even six months. In fact, one of my friends whose temporary visa is about to expire next month has not received his sticker.

So we did not want to be disappointed, we just wanted to know when my sticker would be released. But surprise, surprise! I was told by the office that I already had my sticker !  I could not believe what I just heard. After only 6 months, I had my sticker, ahead of all the others in the embassy.

Thank you, Papa Jesus. Thank you, Mama Mary. And now, I specially wish to thank St. Expeditus, the Advocate in Urgent cases. In fact, I had been praying to him for Charmaine's exam and designation as Consul General. And through his intercession to the Virgin Mary, I had my sticker in 6 months, not 1 year as the others. And on the same day, the designation of Charmaine as the Consul General was also released.

God is really good all the time!

My friend passed her Exam!

Today my friend received a formal notice from the Department of Foreign Affairs Office of the Undersecretary that she passed the Career Minister exam. A number of her batchmates did not make it. After taking the exam last December, she told me that it was very difficult. In fact, she was not able to answer everything. But i told her that we will pray to Jesus through Mama Mary. I was confident even then that she would make it.

Beauty, our friend in the Marian devotees group and my sister joined me in praying that she would pass it. And today is the confirmation of our hopes and the grant of our prayers.

I never wavered in my belief. Thank you, Mama Mary. Thank you Papa Jesus.

"Thanks, O mother, for having remained among us, your humble and devoted children"

Another prayer granted!

For several years now since my daughter left for the United States. I have been praying that her citizenship application be approved. Maribelle, now 27 years old is my only child. She was petitioned by Jun, her father before she turned 18. She has been living there since then, studying and working at the same time.

I was able to visit her about 8 years ago on a visitor's  visa. But that was only for one month since I had to return to work. I wanted to visit her again after two years, but my application for US visa was denied. In fact, it was denied three times due to the fact that my daughter is in the US. And since I declared Jun as my husband even though we are separated, the more I was not given a visa. It didnt matter to the officer at the US Embassy that I have travelled to California, New York, Chicago, Florida on the basis of tourist visas granted to me on three different years.

Everyday and every night, in fact, every single moment, I would pray and cry out loud to Mama Mary to intercede to Jesus for me: that Maribelle's citizenship be approved soon. After that, she could already petition me. I learned that the petition for a mother would take only from three to six months waiting. I implored also to St. Expeditous and all saints for their help. I know they feel how I miss my daughter.

Last Saturday, February 18, Jun replied to my email.I remember I must have emailed him a thousand times with no replies. This time, he did and told me that Maribelle is already a citizen! I almost cried with joy. Finally, after a long wait, one of my prayers has been granted.

Thank you, Our Lady of the Miraculous Medal. Thank you for beng there always for me. Even in those times when everything seemed dark, I always believed that you would not forsake me.

These photos were taken in our house, December 2012.

Thank you, Mama Mary

"Mary, conceived without sin, pray for us who have recourse to thee"

This is an oft-repeated admonition to Mama Mary especially in times of need. For me, it is just one of many prayers I have recited to our Virgin Mother not only in difficult times but also in happy times,when prayers are granted. When I feel that my life is going nowhere, I turn to her and ask for guidance. Because at my age with nothing to do but be a private staff, I sometimes ask myself, did I make the right decision to retire? What really is in store for me here in Athens in the coming years?

Just when I begin to feel depressed, I turn to Mama Mary and say, pls, strengthen my faith in the Lord. I know you have always been there for me.Help me and guide me. Then, as I look at her image, I am relieved.

This morning, my sister emailed me with the good news. Mimi, my other sister in Florida is getting better. Just the other week, she had bells palsy and her eyes seemed to deteriorate. I prayed fervently to Jesus through Mama Mary to make her well quickly. And thank God, she is now getting better.

Thank you Mama Mary.

Welcome February, love month!

February, second month of the year, love month. It has been snowing the past few days, getting colder and colder. My second time to see snow trickling down our veranda. Beautiful sight indeed. I heard that in the northern parts of Greece the snow is about 6 inches thick.I have yet to go there to experience real snow.

Thank you Mama Mary for guiding us in our familiarization rides in Athens. It has been a roller coaster ride, being lost most of the time, but getting to our destination after awhile. It seems as if my guardian angel is always with us day and night as we traverse the roads of the city. And I am not afraid to go farther and farther in our rented car, knowing that the Lord is always there with us...

First time to drive in Athens

We rented a car five days ago for one month. The car is a Nissan Micra, automatic, white color. It is light, compact and easy to drive. I wanted this small car because parking here in Athens is hard to find. Just like in Cairo, cars are parked even in side streets in the upscale area, Psychico, in Ambelokipi and even in downtown shopping area.  

Since it was my first time to drive in Athens, I was a bit nervous. I have been around some places here but I was a passenger. It is entirely different when you are actually driving. One has to be conscious  of the street lights, pedestrians  and of course, the direction.  I am not a good map reader, even if I worked in  a map making agency of government for over 20 years.

But as I sat on the wheel for the first time, I knew in my heart that I would not be lost. I prayed one Hail Mary and  the Apostles Creed. And before I stepped on the pedal, I called on Mama Mary for guidance. I assured my friend who was with me not to worry. We took some wrong turns, and before I would go to another direction I would also call on St. Anthony for help. And as if some divine being  was there beside me, whispering in my ear where to go, we found our way to the main street going towards the Philippine Embassy.

Then just when I thought everything was alright I realized we were almost out of gasoline. The first gasoline station was closed, and so was the second one. We thought there was another unannounced strike. The third station was also closed. I prayed and prayed for Mama Mary's help. After a few minutes the gasoline attendant had a change of heart. With a smile he sold us 20 liters!

Thank you Mama Mary for being there for us again today.

Comfortable flight, safe arrival...

It's another cold, rainy day. It's been raining for three days now and everything looks gloomy. And during such times  I long for home, where my family and friends are.I miss the runs around the vacant lots in Fort Bonifacio before the area was developed into what is now known as The Fort. The last time I went there, shopping malls, condos and high rise structures already occupied most of the space.That's the price of modernization.

My friend and I arrived here in Athens last January 3 at around 12:35 pm. We had a comfortable flight, 9 hrs from Manila to Abu Dhabi and another 5 hours to Athens. Actually, the first leg of the flight was turbulent. But luckily we were seated in one of the front rows of the economy class, thanks again to Mama Mary. 

Before the flight, I was able to check-in online but the assigned  seats were located way down the end of the plane. I told my friend I would request for better seat assignments. I prayed to Mama Mary to guide us to the nice, accommodating counter lady who would give us the seats we desired. As we lined up for the counter, an airport attendant offered to help us with our luggage. And we were led to the counter who was nice and accommodating as I requested in my prayer. She readily looked for better seats for us: row 13! That was the second row in the economy class.

We did not notice the turbulence. And we arrived safely. Thank God, thank you Mama Mary! 

DECEMBER 2011

It's been quite awhile since my last posting in October of last year. Now it is 2012, how time flies. The year just past is memorable in many ways both happy and sad. Happy because I was able to travel with my fellow devotees within Metro Manila and nearby provinces as we propagated the devotion to Our Lady of the Miraculous Medal. And it was also the year when one of my prayers was granted: the posting of my friend to a nice place. She was assigned to Greece, a country of great history and beautiful sights.And I went along with her.


But 2011 was also the saddest year of my life with the passing away of our loving mama. I always prayed that God give her long life. But how are we to know when our time is up? At 86, my mama lived a full, happy life. How I wish I could have spent more time with her especially during her last few years. I really miss her so much. Although the Lord has taken her away from us, I believe she is now in heaven with Mama Mary and Jesus.

                               Grand Marian Procession

 
Last December, I joined the Grand Marian procession, a yearly event sponsored by the Intramurous corp. The rains didn't stop thousands of devotees from joining in the procession which started at the Manila Cathedral. Along the way, we recited the five mysteries of the rosary.Various images of our Lady were paraded for everyone to see. It was a moving and joyous occasion, an expression of our gratitude to the blessings and answered prayers through the Virgin Mary.

                             Photo Op with Ms. Kris Aquino

One of the masses last December for the Our Lady of the Miraculous Medal was offered by the family of Ms. Liz Uy in Quezon City. Ms. Kris Aquino was there too, and obliged us with a photo op.

Before I leave 2011, I would like to post here the image of our own Lady of the Miraculous Medal in our humble house. This was taken also last December.