Today the old ladies took Mary away. The same Mary to whom I gave deep red mums. The same Mary my family prayed to night after night for one week. The same Mary who, I think, was here years ago.
Being Catholics, we receive these kinds of things to our home. In some weird sense, though not explicitly admitted, it’s a way of testing faith and adherence to the teachings. It’s being open to these devout people when all of sudden the image of Mary, The Virgin, doesn’t have any home to go after the last house. In its crudest sense, it’s sheltering the homeless.
I’ve always been skeptical of people. I believe that for every intention lies another subliminal intention. In this case, it’s the envelope. Enclosed within is a sheet of paper asking for petitions. But we’re not dumb. My parents know we have to put some amount with it.
Mama asked me if I have any petitions. I told her to put Pres. Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo, to ask for them to pray for the welfare of the Philippines, to pray for the oppressed farmers, and to ask the old ladies to pray for themselves. You know, for them to have the continuous drive to do things, and I don’t know, even enlightenment. Of course, I wasn’t taken seriously.
Before they took Mary away, they had this sort of ceremony. They sang songs and let Mama read the Gospel. I thought it would end there. But they asked my mom to share her “understanding” of the reading. Kemlar, kemlar. Then the ladies took turns in sharing their reflections. Claps every after turn. One of the old ladies even managed to tieback her reflection to the “essence” of their charismatic group and the “relevance” of their deeds. It took them a while to finish. Ang daming kemez. May collection pa! But don’t get me wrong. I’m not saying they’re fake. I’m just not a fan of theatrics especially when praying.
They also gave Mama this sheet of paper to fill out. One item was asking for any miracle that happened to us. Mama turned to me for answer. I told her, “’wag ka na mag-imbento kung wala.” Of course I know everyday is a miracle in our life. But what’s the point of asking if any miracle happened to us? A form of divine assessment?
I was typing this entry during the whole ceremony. Apparently, one lady was loitering outside while the rest of her sisters were busy doin dur thang. She peeked through the window and saw me. I was offended and felt I was judged for not participating. So I gave back an offensive stare. I was supposed to ask if her sole purpose was to consume the snacks we’ve prepared. Good thing she went back to the group. But don’t get me wrong. I’m not saying they’re fake. But when you’re with a group that has every intention to pray, sister, just pray.
Finally, when they were recounting how the image of The Virgin ended up at our house one of them said:
Kemez 1: Buti nalang po tinanggap n’yo kemez kemez… ‘Di tulad nung iba, tulad nalang nila Sister Meding (our neighbor), pinagtataguan si Mama Mary.
Ay! Kamusta naman sa judgment?!
Today the old ladies took Mary away. And the old ladies were with Mary when they left. Bow.
Being Catholics, we receive these kinds of things to our home. In some weird sense, though not explicitly admitted, it’s a way of testing faith and adherence to the teachings. It’s being open to these devout people when all of sudden the image of Mary, The Virgin, doesn’t have any home to go after the last house. In its crudest sense, it’s sheltering the homeless.
I’ve always been skeptical of people. I believe that for every intention lies another subliminal intention. In this case, it’s the envelope. Enclosed within is a sheet of paper asking for petitions. But we’re not dumb. My parents know we have to put some amount with it.
Mama asked me if I have any petitions. I told her to put Pres. Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo, to ask for them to pray for the welfare of the Philippines, to pray for the oppressed farmers, and to ask the old ladies to pray for themselves. You know, for them to have the continuous drive to do things, and I don’t know, even enlightenment. Of course, I wasn’t taken seriously.
Before they took Mary away, they had this sort of ceremony. They sang songs and let Mama read the Gospel. I thought it would end there. But they asked my mom to share her “understanding” of the reading. Kemlar, kemlar. Then the ladies took turns in sharing their reflections. Claps every after turn. One of the old ladies even managed to tieback her reflection to the “essence” of their charismatic group and the “relevance” of their deeds. It took them a while to finish. Ang daming kemez. May collection pa! But don’t get me wrong. I’m not saying they’re fake. I’m just not a fan of theatrics especially when praying.
They also gave Mama this sheet of paper to fill out. One item was asking for any miracle that happened to us. Mama turned to me for answer. I told her, “’wag ka na mag-imbento kung wala.” Of course I know everyday is a miracle in our life. But what’s the point of asking if any miracle happened to us? A form of divine assessment?
I was typing this entry during the whole ceremony. Apparently, one lady was loitering outside while the rest of her sisters were busy doin dur thang. She peeked through the window and saw me. I was offended and felt I was judged for not participating. So I gave back an offensive stare. I was supposed to ask if her sole purpose was to consume the snacks we’ve prepared. Good thing she went back to the group. But don’t get me wrong. I’m not saying they’re fake. But when you’re with a group that has every intention to pray, sister, just pray.
Finally, when they were recounting how the image of The Virgin ended up at our house one of them said:
Kemez 1: Buti nalang po tinanggap n’yo kemez kemez… ‘Di tulad nung iba, tulad nalang nila Sister Meding (our neighbor), pinagtataguan si Mama Mary.
Ay! Kamusta naman sa judgment?!
Today the old ladies took Mary away. And the old ladies were with Mary when they left. Bow.
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