via Alexandra Reyes, Feature Editor and Miel Kristina Verona, Feature Writer
Rev. Fr. Expedito Caleon, FRC’s Day 2 mass presider emphasized the importance of our devotion to the Blessed Virgin Mary during SDA's 29th Family Rosary Crusade which coincides with the feast day of St. Lorenzo Ruiz, September 28, Thursday.
His homily centered on the relationship of St. Lorenzo Ruiz and the devotion to Mother Mary and the Holy Rosary.
"Lahat halos ng image ni San Lorenzo may hawak [siya] na rosary. Eh bakit? Kasi siya ay palaki ng mga Dominikano”, Rev. Fr. Caleon said.
[Almost all of the images of St. Lorenzo [he] holds a rosary. Why? Because Dominicans raised him]
Being raised in a Dominican society and being exposed to the Dominican teachings of the Catholic Church gives way to St. Lorenzo’s utmost devotion to Mother Mary and the importance of the Holy Rosary.
Even from his younger years, the Dominican teachings remained strong and ever-present, deeply embedded into the forefront of his values and actions.
Now, Dominican faithful’s veneration for the holy rosary is the manifestation of their firm faith in Mother Mary and the sacrifices of her beloved son, Jesus.
Praying the Holy Rosary serves as the faithful’s gesture of reverence and devotion to the Divine Being while also being a testament of time. This practice is a reminder of the life of St. Lorenzo, the first Filipino saint, who passed away at the age of 42— way before his time. Despite the imminence of death, the faithful remained steadfast in his beliefs.
"Kaya [nu’ng] nagtago siya at 'yong pinuntahan niya ay ‘yung kumbento ng mga Dominikano at nangyari na nagkaroon ng persecution sa Japan... Pero hindi niya nakalimutan 'yong rosary" the mass presider said.
[{When} he hid [himself] and went to the Dominican convent [when] the persecution [of Christians] in Japan happened.]
With his immeasurable devotion, St. Lorenzo stood firm in the face of tremendous adversity. His faith surpassed the barrage of threats and tortures. Such vicious trials attest to the fortitude of his spirit and the depth of his loyalty.
St. Lorenzo found solace in the guiding gifts of the Holy Rosary that illuminated the unforgiving space of his incarceration. With beads upon his hands and the gentle light of hope, he soothed his anxieties and fears, reminding himself of the importance of trusting God’s divine plan. Anchored in his faith, St. Lorenzo chose God above everything else even at the cost of his life.
Moreover, Fr. Expedito gave emphasis on the importance of prayer in strengthening the bond among families. Prayer has the power to bring peace to the mind and Infuse the soul with the warmth of God’s love. St. Lorenzo echoed this sentiment with his fellow missionaries as he used the healing power of prayer to fortify their sacred bond and faith in the divine.
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