Embracing Devotion to Our Mother of Perpetual Help: A Source of Comfort and Guidance

In the tapestry of faith and devotion, there are countless figures who hold a special place in the hearts of believers. Among these cherished figures, Our Mother of Perpetual Help stands as a beacon of solace, guidance, and unwavering love for millions around the world. This devotion, rooted in deep historical and spiritual significance, has continued to bring comfort and strength to those who turn to her in times of need.

A Timeless Bond of Motherly Love

Our Mother of Perpetual Help, also known as Our Lady of Perpetual Help, is an icon of the Blessed Virgin Mary holding the child Jesus. This image encapsulates a timeless moment of maternal love, capturing a sacred intimacy between mother and child. The icon's origin traces back to Byzantine times, and it has been revered for centuries as a symbol of Mary's role as a compassionate intercessor and protector.

A Comforter in Times of Distress

Life is often marked by trials, tribulations, and uncertainties. It is during these moments of distress that devotion to Our Mother of Perpetual Help becomes a source of comfort. Believers turn to her with the confidence that her maternal care and intercession will help alleviate their burdens. The outstretched hands of Mary and Jesus in the icon are a visual representation of their willingness to offer assistance and guidance to those who seek refuge in their embrace.

A Beacon of Hope and Guidance

The icon of Our Mother of Perpetual Help is not merely a depiction; it is a profound symbol of the divine's presence in our lives. Through devotion, individuals find a connection to Mary's unwavering faith, humility, and obedience. Her example encourages us to embrace our own life's journey with trust and surrender, knowing that she walks alongside us, guiding us through the challenges we encounter.

The Power of Intercession

Central to the devotion to Our Mother of Perpetual Help is the belief in her intercessory power. Many believe that she intercedes on their behalf, presenting their petitions to her Son, Jesus. This faith in her role as an advocate strengthens the bond between believers and Mary, allowing them to place their hopes and concerns in her capable hands.

Community and Connection

Devotion to Our Mother of Perpetual Help is not an isolated practice. It unites believers across borders and cultures, fostering a sense of community and interconnectedness. Devotees come together in churches, shrines, and prayer groups to share their experiences and to seek solace in her presence. This sense of unity is a testament to the universal appeal and enduring impact of this devotion.

Conclusion

Our Mother of Perpetual Help is more than an icon; she is a living embodiment of faith, compassion, and love. Devotion to her provides solace in times of turmoil, hope in times of despair, and guidance when we feel lost. Her message transcends time, culture, and circumstances, offering a profound reminder that we are never alone on our journey. Through the devotion to Our Mother of Perpetual Help, believers find a steadfast ally, a loving mother, and an enduring source of comfort and guidance.

Navigating Challenges with Unwavering Belief

Life is a journey filled with both joyous highs and daunting lows. In the face of adversity, it is often our faith that becomes a guiding light, helping us navigate through the darkest of times. The power of strong faith is evident in the stories of individuals who, despite facing immense challenges, manage to find strength, resilience, and hope through their unwavering belief.

Defying the Odds

History is replete with examples of individuals who have triumphed over seemingly insurmountable challenges thanks to their unyielding faith. One such example is Helen Keller, who was both blind and deaf. Despite her disabilities, she overcame enormous obstacles to become an author, political activist, and lecturer. Her faith in her own abilities, combined with the belief that there was a higher purpose for her existence, fueled her determination to make a positive impact on the world.

Turning Trials into Triumphs

Often, challenges test the limits of our patience and endurance. But it is during these times that faith truly shines. Individuals with strong faith are known to view challenges not as obstacles but as opportunities for growth and transformation. They hold onto the belief that there is a lesson to be learned in every experience, no matter how difficult.

Finding Comfort in Community

In times of difficulty, faith can also provide solace through a sense of community and shared beliefs. Congregations, religious groups, and supportive friends become pillars of strength, offering comfort, understanding, and a network of people who share similar values and convictions.

Resilience in the Face of Uncertainty

One of the most remarkable aspects of strong faith is its ability to provide resilience in times of uncertainty. Those who possess unwavering faith tend to approach challenges with a sense of calmness and an unshakeable inner peace. This doesn't mean they are immune to fear or doubt, but rather that they have a deep-rooted trust that everything will eventually fall into place, guided by a higher power.

Nurturing Faith Amidst Challenges

Nurturing and maintaining a strong faith in the midst of challenges requires continuous effort. Spiritual practices such as prayer, meditation, and reflection play a vital role in strengthening faith. These practices offer moments of connection with the divine, allowing individuals to draw strength from a higher source.

Conclusion

In the journey of life, challenges are inevitable. However, the ability to face these challenges with a strong faith transforms the way we perceive and overcome them. By embracing a belief in something greater than ourselves, we discover the power to find purpose, maintain hope, and cultivate resilience even in the face of adversity. Strong faith not only shapes our character but also serves as a constant reminder that, no matter how tough the road may be, we are never truly alone.

God’s Purpose for your life!

You are who you are for a reason.

You’re part of an intricate plan.

You’re a precious and perfect unique design,

Called God’s special woman or man.

 

You look like you look for a reason.

Our God made no mistake.

He knit you together within the womb,

You’re just what he wanted to make.

 

The parents you had were the ones he chose,

And no matter how you may feel,

They were custom-designed with God’s plan in mind,

And they bear the Master’s seal.

 

No, that trauma you faced was not easy.

And God wept that it hurt you so;

But it was allowed to shape your heart

So that into his likeness you’d grow.

 

You are who you are for a reason,

You’ve been formed by the Master’s rod.

You are who you are, beloved,

Because there is a God!

 

STAY AWAKE!

 

Be vigilant! Be at alert! Be watchful! Be on your guard! All these phrases denote get ready, for the extreme danger is about to happen.

 

As we begin the preparation for the coming of Christ,  how ready are we to welcome Jesus if he arrives at this very moment?

 

In the days of old, many prophets foretold his coming and warmed the people to be ready, to be on their guard... When Christ eventually came, they were unaware because they were not vigilant.

It is very easy for our generation to blame the people of that time for not being at alert to welcome Jesus. If you were alive then, would you have expected Jesus to be born to a poor family like Mary and Joseph? Would you have look for the messiah in a manger, smelling like goat and sheep? Would you have rather looked for him on the cross? Would you have expected Jesus to look and taste like bread? Remember, he told us he was the bread of life. Would you have believed that the Christ would keep friends like Zacchaeus and Matthew? It was said that they were public sinners.

As it is God comes to us in an unexpected ways, where we never ever thought of, yet he is present.  The truth is that, not all of us will experience his coming at the end of the ages. However,  once one's end comes, Christ has come for that person. It is easy to deceive ourselves that we will repent of our evil ways once our end is near. It is not everyone that is given that opportunity. Some people have the privilege to know when God will call them home like Elijah. Others were called suddenly and no excuse not to answer the call.

The point here is be at alert, be on your guard,  be vigilant for Christ is coming at an hour you do not expect. Are you ready for him?

 

Sr. Veronica Fatoyinbo, SNDdeN

From Grass to Grace

 

“Those who sow in tears shall reap rejoicing” (Ps 126 v 6). Our God is a good God. He created us and loved us even more than we can imagine. What we experience today as hardship, is a way God is preparing us for the future. In the book of Genesis 37, I marveled at the wisdom of God.  Joseph got sold to Egypt (the land of slavery) by his own brothers. At first, I was tempted to condemn his brothers and if I had been there as they were planning, I would have reported them to the FBI for their immediate arrest. However, God has his own superior agenda. God always lie straight on a crooked line. He allowed Joseph to be sold to the land of slavery so that he could prepare the place for his family in the period of famine.   Can I ask myself these questions: Am I fulfilling the purpose for which God created me or am I wasting my time complaining about every little rocks in my path for which God knows about? Who are the Joseph’s brothers in my life? How am I Joseph to others?

One may say that it was not easy for Joseph, he could have died in the process. Yes, you are right, but it was in the divine plan that things should be the way they were.  Joseph saved his family from dying of starvation and by extension, the whole world, when the famine was ranging all over the world. From no body, Joseph became the prime minister of Egypt. He moved from grass to grace. Such is the Divine will in our lives. Am I open to accept the will of God for me?

Remember God carefully created you. He loves you like an only child. You are precious to him like a special treasure. He cares for you like a tree planted along the river bank... whose leaves never fade.

FRIENDSHIP AND ENCOUNTER

There are billions of people on earth

So many of them we may never meet

If Goodness permits some encounter

 Friendship springs up and begins to flourish

 

 Long ago, Saint Julie and Francoise’s paths crossed

Julie poor and infirm, Francoise affluent and strong

Of course, Goodness says yes to their encounter

 Friendship begun to grow

 

To every encounter, it’s a privileged and a rare opportunity

The good thief encountered Jesus on the cross and stole eternal life

Goodness is always happy when someone encounters the Divine

Of course, friendship takes root and flourish

 

Every Saint Julie’s daughter loves to have a special encounter with God

This is because their relationship is built on friendship

True friendship brings about growth

Because friendship and encounter are clearly one.

 

It is friendship that leads us thus far

Following Saint Julie’s dreams and making more dreams

Among the people of God every where

Making known God’s goodness in friendship 

IN LOVING MEMORY OF MY DADDY

IN LOVING MEMORY OF MY DADDY

It's 20 good years since you departed this earth,
Yes, each passing day keeps your memory fresh in our minds.
Your fatherly care was exceptional
You were warm, yet firm
You were caring, yet disciplined
We missed you Daddy!

Uncles and friends showed their faces,
But none can replace you
None can be YOU in our lives
Love is not bought, but freely given
You were exceptional, your love is irreplaceable
We missed you Dad!

Every single day! Yes every minute reminds us of your passing to meet your creator
We are moving in the path you showed us,
We are following Christ and trusting in Him as you shown us
This is what gives us courage to face each new day in your absence.
Thank you for been our Dad, but we missed you!

Your calmness is worth emulating
Your wisdom is worth praying for
You were peaceful and loved peace.
Your hardworking character is breathtaking
You were a great friend and yet a father.
Missed you Daddy!

Second June is a day that comes to mind everyday.
A day that took you away from this earth surface.
A day that welcomed you into eternity.
A day that made us fatherless and our Mummy widow.
We are grateful for all you were to us.
Missed you Daddy!

Rest on in the loving hands of the Lord!
One day, we shall be re-united to continue singing the praises of God forever.
Your memories will forever be new in our minds.
My Daddy, my friend, my mentor!
Rest on... Papa John Aremu Oladimeji Fatoyinbo