By Fr. Bel R. San Luis, SVD
ONCE a widow confided to a priest that she not only meditated on the Rosary but effectively applied it in her life.
She said smiling: "When I got married – it was Joyful Mysteries; when my husband’s vices surfaced – Sorrowful Mysteries; when my husband died – Glorious Mysteries; when I preferred to remain single – Luminous Mysteries."
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Obviously, that’s just a funny story but husbands, watch out! Vices can and do break marriages.
Today, October 7, is the Feast of Our Lady of the Rosary and October is the month of the Holy Rosary. The feast recalls the decisive victory of Christian Europe over the invading Moslems in the naval battle of Lepanto, Spain, popularly known as "La Naval."
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The victory was attributed to the Blessed Mother’s miraculous intervention invoked through the recitation of the rosary.
Catholic tradition attests to the enormous power of prayer and Mary’s intercession in our modern times, like the miraculous healings happening in Lourdes (1858) which baffles medical experts, the predictions of world peace in Fatima (1917) which happened before World War II.
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Let’s not forget the answered prayers from numerous devotees of our Lady of Perpetual Help, our Lady of Manaoag, and Lady of Antipolo.
I’m reminded about the story of an American prisoner during World War II. One day, he was with a long column of prisoners marching across the countryside.
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After several hours of walking, the guards halted the column next to a woods. They then gave the prisoners permission to take care of nature.
The American soldier decided to take a chance and hide. It worked. The column marched off without him.
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That night the soldier left the woods and began to work his way back through enemy territory to the American lines. When dawn came, he went back into hiding, taking shelter between two huge rocks.
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Then came a frightening experience. On a hill, not far away, stood a group of German villagers, staring at him and the POW on his uniform.
The soldier knew he had to take a big risk. He walked toward the villagers, making signs that he was unarmed.
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When he reached them, he began to recite the Mass prayers in Latin. He figured they might be Catholic, like himself. But they didn’t seem to understand.
Then the soldier reached into his pocket and pulled out a tiny prayer book. The inside cover contained a picture of the rosary of Our Lady. Pointing to it, he made the Sign of the Cross. This time the villagers understood perfectly.
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The soldier then returned to his hiding place, hoping he would now be safe.
An hour later, however, his hopes were dashed. A rifle rang out, hitting the rock.
But then he noticed an old villager motioning for him to return to the hill. The villagers had arranged to smuggle him back to American lines.
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His devotion to the Holy Rosary had somehow saved his life. Regular praying of the rosary is an excellent source of strength, especially in times of crisis. We are delivered from adversities in a way we don’t know how it happened.
Take time out to pray the rosary, especially in this month of October.
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The lighter side. A drunken man met a priest on the street.
Drunk: I think I know you.
Priest: Who do you think I am?
Drunk: You are a good man, helpful to children and the poor, right?
Priest: That’s right?
Drunk: See, I know you.
Priest: Okay. Who am I?
Drunk: You are Superman!
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One day the devil challenged the Lord to a baseball game.
Smiling, the Lord proclaimed, "You don’t have a chance. I have Babe Ruth, Mickey Mantle, and all the greatest players up here."
"Yes," snickered the devil, "but I have all the umpires."
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God rewards ... our latest donors to Adopt a Seminarian scholarship program: Fely Jaena, QC; Ms. Virginia; Bea from Villamor Air Base; Mariano Santos; Christian Workers Movement, Manila City Hall; Olga Lanot, Manila; Alfred Fernandez, Manila; Edgardo Montoya, Gen. Trias, Cavite; Mr. & Mrs. Mercado; Wilfredo S. Tamayo & Family, USA; Juliana Gamilla; Reynaldo Viernes (Mr. Bugmaster Inc.); Lita Payawal, QC; Nemesio SANTOS; Anonymous.
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Likewise, we thank the magnanimous donors to our Indigent Fund for the sick. How difficult it is to be poor. They may get free consultation but have no money to buy expensive medicines.
Have a heart. Remember: Our Lord said, "Whatever you did to the least of My brethren, you did for Me." If you share your blessings, God will bless you all the more.
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Send donation payable to "Adopt a Seminarian" or to Fr. Bel San Luis, SVD (for the indigent sick) with address at Christ the King Seminary, 1101 E. Rodriguez Blvd., Quezon City.
For inquiries, visit our E-mail: belsvd@yahoo.com.
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A second honeymoon? Has your marriage become insipid, lukewarm or even hurting? Then try a "second honeymoon."
Attend a Marriage Encounter (ME) live-in weekend seminar organized by San Pablo Apostol ME Community (SPACC).
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Venue and date: St. Joseph Morello Retreat House in Tagaytay City on Oct. 12-14, 2007.
For further inquiries, visit E-mail: print_society@yahoo.com
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