Block Rosary to Our Lady of Fatima

On September 8, 2011 will be the birthday of our blessed Mother Mary which coincides with the 5th year anniversary of the block rosary of our Lady of Fatima here in Jakarta, Indonesia. It all started from a bonding moment I had with my brother Terry who was working in Jakarta at that time. We asked help from friends and thru the kindness and support of Tintin and Sharlene we were able to commence with our first day of devotion to Our Lady of Fatima at the residence of the family of Bro. Andy and Sis. Tintin Magbitang in Bona Indah.

Filipinos working in Jakarta gather as a small community in a house of a family who volunteers to be the host of the block rosary on a weekend. Every time we pray and meditate on the mysteries of the holy rosary, we offer our intentions of thanksgiving, adoration, contrition, and supplication for everyone present and for the intentions of all people who need most of God’s blessings. This has been our fervent desire and our simple way of showing our love to God through our devotion to His beloved Mother Mary.

After five years of working in Indonesia, I went back home to the Philippines to take care of my sick father together with my brother Terry who committed ourselves to this devotion. By God’s loving grace, the zealous and faithful followers of the block rosary continued its’ weekly prayer and sharing. My brother and I felt very happy knowing that it goes on with its’ true and genuine mission of unceasing and sincere prayer for all the intentions of God’s beloved people. Most especially, I have witnessed the gradual learning and praying process of the children who at their very young age were able to pray the holy rosary through the guidance and support of their loving parents. I humbly believe that these children will pass on whatever good experience they learn from praying the rosary and hopefully it will draw them closer to God.

I vividly recall that Terry and I started to learn praying the rosary at a very young age too. It was difficult and scary at first because we were afraid to commit mistakes. As we slowly move our fingers bead by bead and utter the prayers which we tried to recite by heart, we just found ourselves engrossed into it. We regularly join the elders in our barrio as we queue for procession while holding a candle and sing songs for Mama Mary as we bring her image to the next host family. As we grow in faith, we realized that our humble devotion to our blessed Mother has become a way of life for both of us. With all humility, I can say that I am a living witness to Mother Mary’s intercession. I was blessed and still being blessed with great things more than the human mind and heart can comprehend.

As I reunite with my friends in Jakarta for our weekly devotion to our Lady of Fatima, it is my humble hope and prayer that we continue to grow in God’s love and spirit as one prayer community through the intercession and maternal protection of our beloved mother, Our Lady of Fatima!