By: Sr. Francesca M. Mariano, FSP

Five years old
There were many children taking a bath in the fountain in the middle of the plaza. A little girl of five was among them enjoying the fountain water. It was almost high noon when there where two sister passing through where they were enjoying their bath. While the sisters were fast approaching, the little girl was looking and was very attracted by them. She said to herself: “When I grow up I’ll be like them.” That seed of vocation that sprang out at that age of five will not be forgotten in the passing time.

Teenage
Years passed, the little girl grew up normally naughty like all others and enjoyed her childhood days. Her father imparted to his children fear of the Lord and the devotion for confession on Saturday and communion on Sunday. At the age of seventeen, her vocation was lingering around her mind again. But she was too young to provide for her needs to enter the convent. The problem was nobody agreed with her plans. It was a frustration in her part, but those moments she learned patience. At the age of eighteen, her aunts who reared her up was invited to be sponsor for the religious profession. At that time she had a chance to see inside of the convent. She breathed the air of peace and joy and it penetrated her mind her mind, soul, and heart. The grace of God was then touching her heart. Then she whispered to herself: “This will be my future home.” Poor girl at the age of eighteen she still could not mange the big amount or the outfit. She was told to continue her studies, but no to avail. Her aunt told her to take told her to take up at least a vocational course; dress making, to make her own dress. She studied for two years, finished the course and at the same time did fashion design course.

Enter a Young Man
During her graduation she was chosen to be one of the fashion models, since she was slim, tall, had good posture and had a good personality. It was held in the Manila Hotel. It was great experience and joy for her. She began to forget her vocation. Yet after this beautiful experience she had in society she still was not contented. Her aunt wondered and asked why? Her answer was: “It’s not my line.” The aunt asked what then she wanted. She wanted to be a nurse. She scolded for having wasted time and money for nothing. She didn’t answer, but remained silent. Then her aunt pitied her and she was recommended to a government office in the Bureau of National Integration. As a young lady, admirers were not lacking. There was one that caught her attention, a young man with curly hair, tall dark and handsome. He was an architect and a violinist, a product of U.S.T. The young man seemed to show much interest and was making some future plans. Since she was working in the accounting in the accounting office she came to know how much he was receiving. Then she found out that they are not in the same religion, so everything ended there. The girl was not really in love. Pihikang pumili. She was looking for someone who is perfect, that does not exist on earth. A voice whispered and said: “I’m the one whom you are looking for.” Since she was a ‘casual’ employee her work terminated.

Father Alberione
With one year of experience she now had a wider view of life’s horizon. Her heart and soul was not at peace although she went out on excursions, fiestas, parties, and games. So she continued visiting religious congregations of different apostolates in order to have an idea of their work. Only the apostolate of the Daughters of St. Paul did she find interesting. The Social Media of Communication, that evangelizes all walks of life. That is in the film, radio, press, TV and all machines that human progress can offer. She found the apostolate of the Daughters of St. Paul really wonderful. Their founder Father James Alberione was ordained priest 1907. He founded the Society of St. Paul 1914 and the Daughter of Saint Paul 1915. They were founded for the same apostolate. Father James Alberione was a great man and blessed by God. He was one of the only founders who loved to witness the progress and blessing of all his foundations. He visited his daughters and sons scattered all over the world at least five times. He died in great in great of sanctity on Nov. 26, 1970.

Beautiful Sign from Our Lady
The young lady is now serious in her decision. She said to her Lord: “If you’ll intervene I can’t do anything, and if you really want me, make everything possible.” She prayed to the Lady of Carmel, asking a visible sign: If she belongs to God to show her a beautiful colored flower that she has never seen before; and if she belongs to a man, show her a white flower that she had never seen before. Her prayers were not refused. The answer came on the eight day of her prayers. This was the way it happened, it was Saturday morning when she accompanied her aunt to play majong. It was nine o’ clock in the morning when they arrived in the place. While she was strolling in the garden looking and admiring the beautiful morning sun, she said: “Thank You Lord for the beautiful sun that communicates your Love and Life to your Creation.” Then her eyes were caught by the attention of a beautiful flower that was new to her. The thought of her request came to her mind. That was the answer to her prayers. Now she knew that she belonged to God. No matter what will happen, she will proceed to her goal. She thanked the Blessed Mother asked her help. Since no one in her family agreed with her intentions, she decided to go on even if she will have to beg. The grace of God was with her. Everything turned out smoothly; none of her friends whom she approached refused, instead they gave her more help than she expected.

Temptation to go to U.S.
At this point arose another strong temptation. She received a letter from her brother in the United States of America stating that the number. Of her visa was 25. Her earlier plans to go to America were bearing fruit. The American door was opening. My God she’d been waiting a long for this. But in the moment a thought came in to her mind, saying; “anyway if God wants, someday I will also go there.”
She prepared everything without the knowledge of her aunt, or her parents. Time came to inform them to say goodbye. The aunt cried for one week with bulging eyes, and her father got so angry. He tried to create an obstacle but nothing could stop her anymore. She went on calmly because she knows that God is with her. She prayed for them that someday they will come to understand her side. Her mother assured her she would handle everything about her father when she is gone. Her mother said: “go wherever the Lord wants and you will be happy.” For her, her mother was the symbol of the Blessed Mother. All her documents were now ready.

Date Fixed
Before the Mother Provincial accepted her, she was asked a question: What was her intention in entering the convent? Her intention was clear in mind. For what and for whom she offered her life. It was for the expectation of the sin committed in the world for sinners especially the persons whom she knew. The Provincial was puzzled and it seemed she could not believe what the applicant was saying. But anyway she was given a fixed date for entrance, April 13, 1960, it was Holy Wednesday.

“Talong Lola”
“You will never see a movie again”, this were the last words of her Grandma. She just smiled. Her answers were always inspired by the Holy Spirit, “That is a part of what I’ve given up.” Her first EASTER SUNDAY in the convent, there was the film, “The Rosary” Talo and lola niya.

Give me back my daughter
The aspirantship was long and it all depended on how the candidate responded to the formation, to the IQ test, psychological test and a right observation of character and behavior. The offering of her life has been accepted by God. On her vestation day she was dressed up in a beautiful wedding gown. What a memorable day. The Papa was also present and was crying like a boy. The Mother Provincial asked him if he was happy to have a daughter-Madre. He said NO! To give him back his daughter. Naloko na naman ang Papa niya.
The Lord is with her, nothing could shake her. She has many touching experiences with God. After twenty two years of service in the Lord, there came to conversion of the person for whom she offered her life. She never doubted the mercy of God. There’s nothing impossible with God, just have faith and trust in Him and he will take care of everything. Life is full of trials and sacrifices, when everything is offered to God, He listens. And there are many values in life, as He has promised,”... the hundred fold here on earth and life everlasting in the next together with it persecution...”
When she was only fourteen her Mama told her that she will traverse the ocean, not within the Philippine islands. Fro her it was just words in the air. Who could believe it? But it was a prophecy. Now the prophecy is fulfilled because she is now in Rome and her other desires were also fulfilled, she graduated in Rome in 1989. The offer of her brother to go to United States of America in 1960, was also fulfilled in 1989.
The Lord has given her so much and lavishly loves her. There nothing more she wants in life but to spend her life in thanksgiving for her Lord. And to make a reparation for her own sins. In the apostolate she will be waiting for the time when the heavenly call will ring.
One of her desires when she was young was to have beautiful children. Also that, was granted to her as you see in the picture on the back cover.