Consecration to the Blessed Mother

MARIMIL ENAGE-VILLAREAL

I want to share with you and my fellow trekkers some blessings I received after my Consecration to the Blessed Mother on December 8, 2023.

A trip to Turkey had been on my bucket list for decades, especially with my great interest in Turkish TV series over the past six years. So, with seven other family members, we planned and motioned a private, curated tour last September. Little did I know that this trip would start with a freak accident on day one and this event would bring me closer to God and the Blessed Mother.

With all the excitement of being in the country I’ve longed to visit and being with my four siblings, who live in San Francisco and Vancouver, again after four years, I must have been distracted when we crossed the pedestrian lane just outside our hotel. I was sideswiped by a taxi inching its way through the traffic and the crowd. It ran over my left toe, and the driver continued moving forward, causing me to fall backward, breaking my arm in the process. 

A good Samaritan leaped into action and took control of the situation, called an ambulance, and I was rushed to a nearby hospital. I found out I had several fractures on my left wrist and had to be placed in a cast and sling. My 25-year-old grandson, Alfonso, was heaven-sent and did everything he could to assist me. He called our tour operator for assistance (who came soon after as we needed help and a translator) and filled out the required forms and requirements. While waiting for the ambulance, nurses, doctors, results, etc., I prayed to God, Mother Mary, St. Joseph, and all the angels and saints for all the heavenly and divine intervention that I will be made whole again to be able to continue our 17-day adventure. And if that was not His will, to support and give me the grace and strength to surrender and bear all the pain, suffering, and discomfort. 

I got more than what I asked for. He provided me with all the angels I needed. Alfonso was my best friend, caregiver, nurse, protector, guide, and secretary, all rolled into one. He gave me a lot of peace and relief from my worries and anxieties. My sisters, brother, brother-in-law, and cousin stepped up and helped with my bath, meals, and other personal needs. Our tourist guide made sure I got the best medical attention. I dreaded the thought of being left behind due to my being a PWD and not being able to join my family on the trip I had been looking forward to for so long. The doctor at the American Hospital, which I am told was supposed to be the best in Istanbul, was another blessing. Aside from being good-looking (like the Turkish actors), he spoke good English while he explained and answered all my questions. He gently and carefully removed and replaced my cement cast with a splint. Our guide attended to me and brought me to two other provincial hospitals for my arm to be cleaned and dressed. He also followed up on the reports and X-rays I needed to send to Manila.  

With God and the loving support of my family, I managed to keep up with the group and joined practically all the activities. We averaged around ten to twelve thousand steps daily, and I still had the strength to keep going. I had to miss the hot air balloon tour in Cappadocia, which would have been the highlight of this trip, as the operators did not allow me to join for my safety. However, the most meaningful part of our tour was visiting Mother Mary’s house in Ephesus. What a moment it was to be within the walls where our Mother lived, breathed, cried, pondered, meditated, and prayed. I stayed behind to pray, talked to her, and immersed myself in her presence and her life after the Crucifixion. My tears just kept flowing. The caretaker probably saw my sling and allowed me to stay longer. Then, we had a private Mass for the eight of us by a young Indian priest from the small Catholic community in the area. His sermon was meaningful, and I felt our Mother talking to me directly. This was another “aha” moment, and my prayers were answered. It was so emotional for me. I surrendered and offered God all I was going through for His greater glory. 

On the 10th day of our tour and ten days after my accident, I remembered and got inspired by Marite Lavina, a classmate and colleague in our Mary’s Hearts prayer group, who had advanced cancer and eventually passed away. Marite shared what she had been going through the past year, and I admired her total faith, love, trust, and surrender to our Lord. It blew my mind. I wanted to send her a message, but I couldn’t do so with my disability. All I could think of were her challenges and life-threatening health issues, while mine was just a temporary setback, and I would recover in a couple of months. She became my model in accepting, trusting, and surrendering to the Lord without complaint.

Four days after we arrived in Manila, I checked in at Makati Medical Center for my clearance procedure and surgery. My wrist had two major fractures – plus six minor fractures on one side and four on the other. My doctor said there was no need to screw them and that they would heal over time. Alfonso offered to take care of everything – appointments with my doctor, hospital arrangements, private nurses, and even my medical insurance.

The day before my surgery, the priest who heard my confession at MMC told me, “You’re so blessed; God allowed you to share and carry some of the pain and suffering of his son.” His opportune guidance helped me to finally surrender my fears, discomfort, and pain and offer it all to Christ.

My surgery went well, and I was even released the same day with no side effects or discomfort from the anesthesia. I healed so fast that I was able to stop taking painkillers after just two days. Since then, I’ve been recovering and getting stronger each day.

I knew there was a reason why this happened and the timing of it all. I continue to thank God for all the blessings and miracles that continue to come. For all of the challenges I experienced on my trip, things could have been worse. But even at my lowest point, I felt Mama’s presence with me, giving me comfort and strength. I never questioned or complained. God is so good.

I wish to thank Fr. Ramon Bautista, SJ, for celebrating the Mass in honor of Our Lady of the Immaculate Conception and consecrating our Mary’s Hearts group to her. Our four-day retreat three years ago inspired us to continue meeting, bringing us closer to Jesus through Mary. I also thank all seventeen members for our reflections, prayers, sharing, and love. I have learned so much from all of you. We are leading each other closer to our final destination.