St. Therese

A SNIPPET FROM A YEAR BACK

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Shortly after she passed away at the age of 24, she promised anybody who needed her intercession that she would leave a sign of her presence, as indicated by an inexplicable event, like a rose dropping from nowhere or a rose fragrance wafting by mysteriously.

When I became her devotee, I left behind my after-office-hours routine of girls, dance and alcoholic drinks in those disreputable nightclubs along ROXAS Blvd….but not for long. After a year, I was back with a thirst for the “good life”, unmindful of the morning coughs and hangovers that diminished my work efficiency as a law practitioner.

Then, one day, I came home tired from work. No one was around at the time save for the three household helpers. One of them, Rosing, helped me carry in my things and, as she opened my bedroom’s door, we were greeted with a strong rose aroma. No, no one had sent us roses. My wife was abroad and only I had a key.to the bedroom at the time. Was St.Therese of the Child Jesus sending me a sign? Immediately, I asked Rosing to pray with me — before the pamphlet bearing her image on the cover — 24 Glory Be’s and a special expression of gratitude.

As we knelt praying, the fragrance gradually dissipated until it was completely gone the moment we exhorted “Amen” at the end. I write this piece as a reminder that the doors of conversion are always open to all, Christians or not, atheists or agnostics, peasants or Presidents. [ Next: Angelita’s miracle]