May: The Mary Month

I had an unexpected adventure last Sunday. A good friend and neighbor called me up to inquire if I would be interested to join her in a Flores de Mayo activity as well as view a Marian exhibit all the way in Malolos, Bulacan.

There were three reasons why I quickly accepted: one, I love visiting places I have never been to. Now was a chance to visit a historic location I use to read about in school; two, I like joining local activities— there is much excitement mixed with reverence in the air during processions; and, three, it being the month of Mother Mary— the mother of all mothers-- what better way than to spend some time looking at the many statues, painting and prints coming from private collections. It’s a mystical mix of art and faith.

Because of the addition of a new highway, it took a mere 40 minutes to get to Malolos. Bulacan is also well known for its many plant nurseries and it was so tempting to stop to check out the array of plants being displayed in outlets along the roadside. “Next time”, I and my friends promised.

The host was around to meet my friend and guide our vehicle to the chapel where a special mass was being celebrated.

 It indeed was a special occasion and we were fortunate to attend the 20th year anniversary of the founding of the Hermandad dela Virgen Maria of Malolos.

This is an organization whose mission is to propagate the devotion to Mother Mary as well as continue with the Many Marian traditions that have been handed down from one generation to the next. What a noble cause indeed!!

After the mass came the procession.

A group of teenagers dressed in Filipino attire took the lead and gracefully danced to contemporary Filipino music.

The rest followed with lit candles in hand while saying the rosary. Interesting enough was the route that saw the procession moving through the main road of Malolos—passing the Basilica Minore de Immaculada Concepcion (another historial venue);

and old houses;

and, some of these old houses were turned into museums.

The procession ended at the entrance of a Museum adjacent to the Barasoain Church – yet still another heritage site.

After some words from the host and sponsors of the event, the ceremonial ribbon was cut and the exhibit was officially opened. A total of 80 images of Mother Mary was on display—lovingly decorated with flowers. Rose petals were given to each guest to toss in thanksgiving and praise at the images. Here are just some of the many faces of Mother Mary— each one different from the next but evoking the same feeling of reverence and awe.

Regal Mary

Termite ravaged but still lovely

Virgen de Regla (Virgin of the Rue)

So Expressively Tearful

Our Lady of Aparicida (Brazil)

Let me not forget the angels-- so many of them

After spending quite a considerable time at the museum, it was time to bid our host good-bye. Three things run through my mind as the vehicle taking us home speed thru the moonlit night:

1) how have I valued the independence fought by our forefathers? Given the opportunity, would I stand up and fight…. Or take flight?

2) Slowly but surely, small towns will go the way of big cities. With progress comes a lot of good as well as bad developments. Is there ever a way to hold on to the “Good Old Days” for the next generation to learn from?

3) Mother Mary symbolizes what it is to be a mother  —loving, forgiving, generous, accepting and kind—just a few of her many attributes. Taking her as my model will be a challenge but I have faith that she will show me how one rosary bead at a time.

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Nothing can compare to a mother's warm presence.  Like a chick, we cuddle as close as we can to her side; to her stomach; to her breast; to her back.  Like young monkeys we cling to her for dear life-- encircling her waist with our tiny legs, her neck with our sticky arms. And at times, hold on fast to one of her legs as she trys to dash out of the house to work.

And when we can't have our mother around us,  we find comfort in food that she likes making for us.  I don't know if it's the same with you, but when I need a "mommy fix", I go to my pantry to  get a packet of chicken noodle soup.  It's the quickest way for me to get close as I can get to my mother.  Growing up, I remember how my mother would cook us some "Royco Chicken Noodle Soup" when we were sick-- sometimes preparing the soup way past midnight.

So go ahead. Stock up on a couple of chicken noodle soup packets--- the brand and flavour that you like best.  You'll remember to thank me the next time you need a "mommy fix".