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Our Lady's Intercession to the Holy Trinity
by Kuya Aster Rea

It was in 1994, when it was discovered that there is an abnormal mass in my upper palate. Doctors advised me to have it removed not only because it was growing but also it already affected my speech. I decided to have it removed. Our family friend, Dr. Edna Garyblas Monzon chose specialists to perform the operation. I was operated on February 14, 1994. After removing the mass, it was biopsied and it was found out, the abnormal mass is a full-grown malignant tumor. It was cancer in advanced stage. After several weeks, I was instructed to undergo linear radiation for 39 series. All I thought it was easy but when I reached the 16th series, I can no longer eat any solid food. The only intake I can get, juices and water. My entire palate up to my throat was burned and there were blisters all around my mouth. It was even painful to swallow water. I became thinner and thinner everyday and I felt so weak. My only strength was my faith that the Holy Triune God is there at my side comforting me. Sally, my wife and I continued to serve God, worked in the Parish and on outreaches for Parish Renewal Experience, Catholic Life in the Spirit Seminar and Marriage Encounter. I asked the Lord to give me a year to serve Him ardently and after that if He so desire will carry me unto His Paradise.

It was then April 1994; it was nearing my birthday. We accepted an outreach for the Catholic Life in the Spirit Seminar in Narvacan, Ilocos Sur. While in our way to Ilocos Sur one evening, riding in a car, Sally and I were praying the Rosary. We were asking the Blessed Mother to talk to her son Jesus to give as a sign if it will be good for me to stop my linear radiation. The medication weakened me and made night sleepless to me because of pain. I was so tired and weak that I dosed and slept while praying the Rosary. At around 2:00 in the morning, Sally woke me up and whispered; “Dad, look up in the sky.” As I looked up in the sky, I saw a cloud formation, showing the image of the Holy Trinity. The image of the Holy Trinity was so clear and manifest, that we cried and shouted, “thank You, Lord!.” It was a clear message of God. He wanted me to stop my medication and just live upon His mercy and love. I am still around and almost nine years have past.

Our Lady, by praying the Rosary, heard us. She interceded for us to her Son and Lo! – the answer came. Truly as Pope John Paul II has said: “The love of the Savior’s Mother reaches every place touched by the work of salvation. Her care extends to every individual of our time, and to all the societies, nations and peoples.”