Mama Mary -Through the Years

Mama Mary -Through the Years
by Pureza D. Lacuesta

During my childhood days, I always waited eagerly for those Sundays when my father would take me with him to attend special celebrations for the Blessed Mother, which were usually highlighted with public adoration and a procession.

My first devotion was to our Lady of Lourdes. Since my parents loved our Lady so much, I was influenced by them and tried to imitate them. Every night, my spinster aunt led the rosary and made us kneel throughout the prayer. If we got a little lazy to sustain the kneeling position, or else, yawn, she would pinch our buttocks and we were forced to assume the kneeling position.

Since I was a bit naughty in my young years, I was sent to study at the Colegio de la Inmaculada Concepcion, right in our town of Pototan, which is the Mother House of the Hijas de Jesus in the Philippines. It was run by the Spanish nuns who were very strict and emphasized the teaching of religion, plus its practice. Every Thursday, we were taught the doctrine and were made to study and understand the gospel for the coming Sunday. Every part of the Mass was repeatedly explained to us and proper behavior in Church was always emphasized.

Our Lady of the Inmaculada Concepcion was and still is, the Patroness of the school. Every December 8, which is her feast, we have the altar-decorating contests, the singing of the “Mil Albricias” and “poesias”. As I look back through the years, my eyes fill with tears as I remember how the nuns, leaving their home in pain, did their utmost to form us into fervent devotees of Mama Mary. We, in the High School level were trained as catechists.

I grew fervent in my devotion to Mary and when the icon of Our Lady of Fatima from Portugal was brought to Pototan in 1949 through the efforts of our Mayor, we were made to pray to her in groups and my love for her grew to big proportions. I wanted to do something for her. I knew that in God’s own time, I would be able to do it.

In 1950, my dream materialized. My husband, who was a Mary devotee himself, made arrangements with then Msgr. Ciceron Martirez to start a Rosary Crusade in Barangay Igang, Pototan. This launched our family apostolate. Picking up the momentum with the late Msgr. Salvador Esmero and with the support of Archbishop Piamonte, we went to the other towns and even in the city to spread the devotion to the Holy Rosary. Calumpang became our seat in the city with the help of the Parish Priest, and Bro. Bert, Sis. Delia, Sis. Puring, Bro. Edwin, and Bro. Nelson.

Today, I’m too old to go to the mountains for the apostolate. My prayer now is: “Please letme spend therest of my days doing my apostolate through my pen, oh Lord.”

Before I write my oration and declamation pieces, I always invoke the Holy Spirit to give me light and to influence my article, so that through indirect means, I can still be His little instrument through Mary.