Santa Teresita Parish Totus Tuus Journey 2017
MAKATI CITY, Philippines – The feast of the Nativity of Mary was celebrated in Sta. Teresita Parish last September 8, 2017 in a special way because of the culmination of the Totus Tuus Journey. There were forty participants who finally made it for the consecration to Jesus through Mary according to St. Louis Marie de Montfort. Most of the participants were coming from the four batches who have made already their consecration. Their desire to deepen their understanding of the consecration made them embarked on a thirty three (33) days journey using the new method designed by Fr. Mario Belotti, SMM. It was launched on the Feast of the Presentation of Jesus, February 2, 2017. Since then every Wednesday evening, they engaged themselves in a spirit-filled deepening which gave everyone a greater confidence in God’s goodness and Mary’s powerful intercession. Fr. Richard Magararu, SMM, the parish priest of Sta. Teresita facilitated most of the sessions with the help of other facilitators coming from the Montfort Center of Spirituality.
On Aug 28, 2017, a week before the thirty third day of the journey, the participants were led by Fr. Richard to a pilgrimage to two Marian shrines in Quezon City. The first destination was the Shrine of Our Lady of Mount Carmel where the pilgrims celebrated the Eucharist. They were very lucky to be blessed by the rector of the Shrine and be given the brown scapular of our Lady. Then they visited the Basilica of the Immaculate Conception, the Cathedral Church of the Diocese of Cubao. A decade of the Rosary was prayed in front of the image of the Immaculate Conception followed by silent prayer. After the visit, the group proceeded to the Montfort Center of Spirituality for breakfast.
After a simple meal, the Recollection began. Fr. Richard facilitated the day of reflection. They meditated on the wonderful effects of the journey in themselves, family and in their own lives. The plenary sharing revealed the transformation among them and on how Jesus with Mary opened their eyes to the biggest realization that if Mary did not give birth to Jesus they will never become children of God. The day was concluded by the crowning of Mary while praying the Little Crown of Mary by St. Louis Marie de Montfort. Snacks was served at the end of the joyful celebration. The participants went home feeling so fulfilled and light-hearted.
On the birthday of Mother Mary, September 8, a procession was held in the parish in her honor. It was attended by pious devotees of our dear Mother. The highlight was the celebration of the Eucharist where the consecration was be integrated. Before the Liturgy of the Word, the participants have committed themselves to the Word of God. Then after the homily, they have renewed their baptismal promises while holding a lighted candle. Fr. Richard, the presider of the Mass, then sprinkled them with holy water. Before the final blessing they were asked to come in front of the statue of the Blessed Mother and while kneeling, they recited the Act of Consecration. After the dismissal, the participants made a que towards the altar to sign their covenant of love (copy of the Act of Consecration) and to kiss the replica of the statue of “Our lady of the Way” carved by Montfort. A simple dinner was shared together by the group after the meaningful celebration. The challenge now remains in their hearts… that is to live out this consecration daily and to propagate this spiritual journey.
-Rosalinda Igna (STP TTJer)
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