"You are blessed because you have accepted your fate and the trials God has given you " - Fr. Thomas to Mama

I was doing laundry at around 11:00 am when my mother informed me that my brother was already in the house. I thought we will not push through with the plan of going to St. Benedict's because he was busy and no confirmation from him.

Mama's radiation therapy this morning was moved in the afternoon because of some technical problems with the machine. We were already dressed at around 12:30 p.m. and ready to go to the hospital when we again received a call from the hospital that radiation therapy will be done tomorrow as the problem with the machine was not yet resolved.

Cebu to Carmen is about an hour ride if no traffic. We arrived at the monastery around 2:15 p.m. We went around the monastery before heading to the chapel. The place was so serene and peaceful. There was no one in the main chapel when we entered. We then chose comfortable place to talk to God. 2:45 p.m., six novices entered the chapel. They then started praying the 3:00 o'clock prayer. As we were already there, we joined them in praying (cantada) the three o'clock habit.

The prayer was finished at 3:05 p.m. I looked around and saw Fr. Thomas Thekkumthottam, OSB. Mama, approached him and asked for healing prayer session. Fr. Thomas then ushered us at the back altar of the chapel. He then started to pray for all of us then one by one, laid his hands on our head and prayed for intercession.

When Fr. Thomas prayed over Mama, she cried and poured out her emotions. After the session, Mama mentioned to the priest her condition and he asked me since when was the cancer.  After learning some information of the status of mama's cancer, he looked at mama, placed his right hand on her shoulder, looked at her as if reading her thoughts and said, "You are blessed because you know why? you have learned to accept what God has given you and you have accepted your fate". After saying this, mama smiled. There was peace on mama's face. Yes, the priest was right, Mama has accepted her fate and carried her yoke with faith and determination.

God's love and grace is again working on us. This request of Mama to go to Simala and St. Benedict's were granted but according to God's time. I say in God's time because two days from now, I will be back to Saudi Arabia. I have been here for a month but this plan of going to these places were not materialized not until yesterday and today and not weeks ago when I still have so much time.

Thank you Lord God for all the blessings received.