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!