Before we proceed to my article, please allow me to share a personal note. Last year, the miracle from the Blessed Virgin Mary, under her title Our Lady of Guadalupe and the one through whom the miracle flowed saved and rescued me from more than a decade-long burden that shaped my entire Catholic life. Otherwise, I might not be here anymore. For them, I will live out this miracle and grace, like a song imprinted in my heart🌻I thought I wouldn’t live to see another Lent. But God removed the worst thing. I still remember the very minute I experienced that great miracle… We can only appreciate Easter if we get through Lent. I’m also grateful to her Miraculous Medal and Saint Joseph, and the Saints dear to me for that unexpected great miracle that happened to me in the last part of 2023. I definitely should say that last year was my year. Initially, I thought it wasn’t—among the reasons was long Covid, which almost claimed my life and consumed most of my time. Words are not enough to express the miracle I experienced. And because of it, my life will never be the same again… As Catholic faithful, know that God listens to our prayers, even when it doesn’t seem so, and He answers according to His plan. That is why there’s always a silver lining and hope. God wills that you and I are alive at this very moment for our purpose and mission on this earthly life, for which He will send us help, in the form of a person or a situation, to attain. Hopefully, and prayerfully, 2024 will be even better for me and for you, dear Reader. So please remember:
“We know that all things work for good for those who love God, who are called according to his purpose. For those he foreknew he also predestined to be conformed to the image of his Son, so that he might be the firstborn among many brothers.”
– Romans 8:28-29 (NABRE)
On the surface, Ash Wednesday and Valentine’s Day present a stark contrast—one marks the beginning of Lent’s solemn journey of reflection and penance, and the other celebrates love and affection. Yet, when these days coincide, they offer Catholics a unique opportunity for deeper reflection. This overlap has sparked lively discussions and humorous observations on social media, as Catholics ponder blending a day dedicated to romantic expressions with one calling for a somber reminder of our mortality.
How do we navigate this blend of love and reflection, of celebration and solemnity? Ash Wednesday invites us into a season of introspection and renewal, marked by the priest’s sobering reminder as ashes are placed upon our foreheads. This moment serves not just as a reminder of our physical mortality but as an invitation to consider the deeper, spiritual dimensions of our lives, including the love we share and celebrate on Valentine’s Day.
The convergence of these days does not diminish it. It prompts us to consider the depth and sincerity of our affections, the commitment to love not just in joyful times but also in moments of sacrifice and penance. Ash Wednesday opens the door to Lent, a sacred time for Catholics to engage in fasting, prayer, and acts of charity, preparing our hearts for the joy of Easter.
The First Valentine’s Day was about sacrifice and death
Yet, these commemorations are not as disparate as they might initially appear. After all, the origins of Valentine’s Day are steeped in the theme of mortality, celebrated through the loving sacrifice of a martyr—Saint Valentine.
In contemporary times, Valentine’s Day predominantly celebrates love and affection among those in romantic relationships like boyfriends-girlfriends, those discerning marriage, engaged couples. But sometimes, friends and family members join in the celebration. Marked on February 14th, this day has evolved into an occasion for expressing love through the exchange of gifts like chocolates, flowers, heartfelt cards, and even luxurious items.
However, the historical roots of Valentine’s Day trace back to the narrative of Saint Valentine, a Christian martyr from the 3rd century. Defying the edicts of Emperor Claudius II, who had banned the marriage of young couples to bolster his army’s effectiveness, Saint Valentine chose instead to honor the sanctity of love and marriage, secretly officiating marriages for young lovers. His eventual discovery, imprisonment, and martyrdom underscore the profound sacrifices made in the name of love and commitment. This legacy reminds us that Valentine’s Day is not solely about commercial exchanges but rather a celebration of our deep capacity for love, commitment, and sacrifice.
Love and Mortality
Merging these reflections, both Ash Wednesday and Valentine’s Day invite us to ponder the essential human experiences of mortality, repentance, renewal, and the depth of sacrificial love. Despite their distinct origins and practices, these observances collectively offer a profound exploration of life and death, love and sacrifice, penance and celebration—themes integral to the human condition and our spiritual journey.
My Reflection on Ash Wednesday and Valentine’s Day through Song of Songs
1. The Song of Songs holds a place of distinction within Sacred Scripture, celebrated for its profound depiction of human love, or romantic love, as a mirror of God’s eternal love for His people. This sacred text, unfolding through poetic dialogues between a bride and bridegroom, symbolizes the covenantal love between God and Israel, and by extension, Christ and His Church. The preference for the title “Song of Songs” is rooted in the book’s opening verse itself, which in Latin is “Canticum Canticorum,” signifying it as the supreme song among all songs.
2. This designation underscores its importance and the sublime nature of its scriptural poetry. While the title “Song of Solomon” is also employed, acknowledging King Solomon as its traditional author, “Song of Songs” more directly captures the essence of the book as the quintessential celebration of love’s depth and beauty. The Church Fathers and the teachings of the Catechism of the Catholic Church (CCC) affirm that the Song of Songs illustrates the virtuous dimensions of human love, consecrated and blessed within the sacrament of Matrimony. Exclusively found within the canon of Catholic and Orthodox Bibles, as ratified by the Councils of Hippo (393 AD) and Carthage (397 AD), the Song of Songs invites the faithful to meditate on the spiritual profundity of love, urging them towards the pinnacle of divine charity in their relationships.
3. Through this sacred canticle, the Church highlights that genuine love transcends the physical realm, reaching into the soul’s depths where it resonates with the divine heartbeat. This interpretative preference aligns with the Catholic Church’s emphasis on the allegorical reading of the book, envisioning it as a depiction of the love between God and His people, as well as the mystical union between Christ and His Church. In the divine wisdom of the Church’s tradition, the Song of Songs emerges not merely as an ode to human affection but as a profound allegory of the soul’s union with God, a theme that resonates deeply with the dual observance of Ash Wednesday and Valentine’s Day. It is in this sacred text that we find a bridge between the temporal expressions of human love and the eternal love that God extends to His creation.
4. As we enter the penitential season of Lent on Ash Wednesday, we are reminded of our need for repentance and the redemption offered through Christ’s sacrifice—a divine act of love that transcends all human understanding. Simultaneously, Valentine’s Day calls us to celebrate the gift of human love, a reflection of the divine love that calls each soul to Himself. Thus, inspired by the Holy Spirit, it became apparent that the Song of Songs could serve as a unique lens through which to view the contrast of these two observances.
5. The Song of Songs, therefore, allows us to meditate on the sacrificial nature of love that Ash Wednesday and Lent call us to embrace, while also celebrating the beauty and joy of love that Valentine’s Day commemorates. Indeed, it serves as a perfect meditative backdrop for a reflection that intertwines the themes of Ash Wednesday and Valentine’s Day, guiding the faithful to contemplate love in its fullest expression.
CHAPTER 1
1. The first chapter of the Song of Songs, cherished and revered within the heart of Catholic tradition as the Canticle of Canticles, offers a profound reflection on the beauty and depth of human love as a mirror of the divine love God has for His creation. This sacred text is especially relevant for the celebration of Valentine’s Day and the solemn observance of Ash Wednesday.
2. The verse
“Let him kiss me with the kisses of his mouth, for your love is more delightful than wine” (Song of Songs 1:2),
It evokes the purity and depth of love’s longing, capturing a desire for a profound emotional and spiritual connection that transcends the physical. This yearning for closeness and the celebration of love’s beauty are echoed in the wholesome expressions of affection celebrated on Valentine’s Day, where the focus is on the mutual respect, commitment, and admiration between individuals who see in each other a reflection of God’s love.
3. In this context, the invitation
“Draw me after you; let us run. The king has brought me into his chambers” (Song of Songs 1:4),
can be interpreted as a metaphor for the journey towards a deeper, sanctified union, highlighting the anticipation and joy of growing together in love under God’s grace. Such expressions of love are deeply resonant with Valentine’s Day sentiments, emphasizing the importance of cherishing and honoring the sacredness of the relationship, in line with Catholic teachings on love, marriage, and intimacy.
4. However, Ash Wednesday introduces a contemplative dimension to this celebration, inviting us to reflect on our mortality and the call to repentance with the reminder, “Remember that you are dust, and to dust you shall return” (Genesis 3:19) or “Repent, and believe in the Gospel” (Mark 1:15). This contrast serves not to diminish the joy of love but to deepen our appreciation for it, urging us to treasure every moment and to love more profoundly, knowing the transient nature of our earthly existence.
5. In the same way, Ash Wednesday and the ensuing Lenten season remind us of our profound yearning for union with God—a union that will be fully realized in Heaven, where, as the Catechism of the Catholic Church teaches (CCC 1023-1024), we shall see God ‘face to face’ and find ultimate happiness far beyond earthly pleasures like wine. This beatific vision is the fulfillment of our deepest desires, the eternal joy that awaits us beyond our earthly journey, underscoring the temporary state of material pleasures in comparison to the everlasting union with the Divine.
6. This chapter, therefore, reminds us that true love is not only about the joy and desire of the moment but also about the journey towards spiritual growth and renewal until the celebration of Easter. In the celebration of human love, we find a reflection of God’s eternal love for us—a love that calls us to conversion, to turn away from sin, and to prepare our hearts for the ultimate union with Him.
7. The Song of Songs challenges us to see beyond the fleeting expressions of affection and to recognize in our loving relationships a sacred call to holiness and a deeper communion with the Divine. It does not only celebrate the beauty of human love but also elevates it, while pointing us towards the ultimate source of all love—God Himself, Whose love endures forever.
CHAPTER 2
1. Chapter 2 of the Song of Songs blossoms with poetic elegance, reflecting on human love as a manifestation of God’s boundless love for us. This chapter celebrates the Catholic conviction that human love is a reflection of the divine.
2. The verses
“I am a flower of Sharon, a lily of the valleys” (Song of Songs 2:1)
And
“Like a lily among thorns, so is my friend among women” (Song of Songs 2:2)
beautifully emphasize love’s uniqueness, comparing the beloved to a lily—a flower that symbolizes purity, renewal, and the beauty found in God’s creation. These verses inspire us to appreciate and honor our loved ones not merely for their external beauty but for their inner purity and the strength of their love, which stands resilient like a lily amidst life’s challenges.
3. As Lent begins with Ash Wednesday, the lily’s symbolism deepens, signifying our call to purity of heart and spiritual renewal. Like the lily that blooms with grace among weeds, we too are called to rise from our penitential ashes, reborn through God’s mercy and love. This sacred time invites us to reflect on divine love’s purity as it manifests in our relationships, encouraging us to foster a love that is not only unblemished and steadfast but also self-giving and eternal.
4. In this way, Chapter 2 from the Song of Songs enriches our experience of both Valentine’s Day and Ash Wednesday by intertwining themes of purity, love, and spiritual awakening. It beckons us to see our human relationships as mirrors of the divine, urging us to cultivate a love that is pure, selfless, and sanctified, akin to the untainted beauty of a lily thriving amongst ‘thorns.’
5. The imagery of finding solace in the beloved’s shadow (Song of Songs 2:3) speaks to the comfort and protection found in love, echoing God’s nurturing care for us. The verse
“He brought me to the banquet hall, and his glance at me signaled love” (Song of Songs 2:4),
captures the profound connection and recognition of love, reminiscent of Valentine’s Day’s shared joy but also evoking the Eucharistic feast where Catholics deeply experience Christ’s sacrificial love.
6. Yet, Ash Wednesday introduces a reflective layer to this celebration, emphasizing the significance of treasuring and nurturing love amidst the transience of life. The exhortation
“Do not awaken, or stir up love until it is ready” (Song of Songs 2:7),
aligns with Ash Wednesday’s focus on discernment, patience, and preparation of heart through repentance and renewal, reminding us that genuine love, both human and divine, blossoms in God’s perfect timing. This period reminds us that transformation is a process, and through Lent, God’s grace is always available to renew us, inviting us to hold on and participate actively in our spiritual growth.
7. Moreover, the invitation
“Arise, my friend, my beautiful one, and come!” (Song of Songs 2:10),
reflects the Lenten invitation to awaken from spiritual inertia and spiritual stagnancy and to embark on a journey of spiritual renewal. Lent, ushered in by Ash Wednesday, encourages us to seek a more profound intimacy with God, the source of all authentic love.
8. Thus, Chapter 2 of the Song of Songs tells a narrative that resonates deeply with Valentine’s Day and Ash Wednesday. It calls us to treasure love, nurture it with patience and loyalty, and recognize in our loving relationships the echo of divine love that calls, seeks, and invites us into an eternal union with God.
CHAPTER 3
1. Chapter 3 of the Song of Songs delves into the profound narrative of seeking and finding, akin to our spiritual quest for God, resonating with Lent and Valentine’s Day. This sacred chapter through its vivid tales of longing, loss, and the eventual joy of discovery, speaks volumes to our hearts, especially as we begin Lent, which happens to be Valentine’s Day, and contemplate through the season up to Easter.
2. The chapter opens with a soul’s intense search for its beloved, vividly illustrating the depth of commitment and longing inherent in true love.
“On my bed at night I sought him whom my soul loves—I sought him but I did not find him” (Song of Songs 3:1).
This poignant narrative of searching in the night, and the joyous reunion that follows,
“I held him and would not let him go” (Song of Songs 3:4),
not only mirrors the romantic commitment celebrated on Valentine’s Day but also the spiritual journey each Catholic undertakes during Lent. This season of penance calls us to seek God with a fervent heart, reminding us that our relationship with the Divine often involves periods of spiritual longing and the profound joy of drawing closer to God. As we search for a deeper commitment in our earthly relationships, let us also be inspired to seek God with the same earnestness, embracing both the trials and tribulations and the joys and happiness of our spiritual journey.
3. The caution
“Do not awaken or stir up love until it is ready” (Song of Songs 3:5),
reflects the virtue of patience. It reminds us of the importance of nurturing love and allowing it to mature in God’s perfect timing, paralleling our spiritual journey during Lent. This call to patience and discernment in love invites us to reflect on our own readiness to deepen our relationship with God, encouraging us to wait upon the Lord with hearts open to His grace and timing.
4. The portrayal of Solomon’s wedding procession (Song of Songs 3:6-11) asks us to contemplate the ultimate marriage feast between Christ and His Church. The splendor and joy of Solomon’s procession is a metaphor for the Easter Vigil, where the Church rejoices in Christ’s triumphant victory over sin and death. This beautiful imagery encourages us to reflect on our own preparation for Easter, a time when we celebrate the new life and hope we have in Christ, and the eternal union we are called to share with Him.
5. In reflecting on Chapter 3 of the Song of Songs, on Ash Wednesday and Valentine’s Day, we are reminded of the intricate bond between our human experiences of love and our spiritual journey toward God. Let us meditate on the nature of seeking, finding, and celebrating love in all its forms and respond to the Lenten call to seek God with all our hearts, trusting in His perfect love and timing for us.
CHAPTER 4
1. Chapter 4 of the Song of Songs paints a vivid portrait of the beloved’s beauty as it explores the depth and sanctity of love. This celebration of both physical and emotional intimacy between lovers dovetails with the teachings of Valentine’s Day and Ash Wednesday.
2. The verses
“How beautiful you are, my friend, how beautiful you are! Your eyes are doves behind your veil” (Song of Songs 4:1),
And
“Your lips drip honey, my bride, honey and milk are under your tongue” (Song of Songs 4:11),
are tributes to the beloved’s beauty and virtue. They echo the Catholic Church’s appreciation for chaste and respectful love, highlighting the joy of valuing one another deeply—a theme celebrated universally on Valentine’s Day.
3. Furthermore, the
“Garden enclosed, my sister, my bride, a garden enclosed, a fountain sealed” (Song of Songs 4:12),
metaphorically represents the exclusivity and holiness of marital love. This imagery is reminder on the call to sanctity within relationships, echoing the Lenten call to personal purification and renewal. It beckons us to consider love that prioritizes the well-being and dignity of the other, reflecting a selfless giving akin to Christ’s love for us—love that seeks not what it can gain, but what it can generously offer for the beloved’s sake, and ultimately, for God’s glory.
4. The invitation in Song of Songs to
“Come to his garden and eat its fruits of choicest yield” (Song of Songs 4:16),
symbolizes the mutual sharing and blessings of love, underlining the sacramental view of marriage in Catholicism. Love, in this divine context, is more than emotion; it’s a vocation of self-giving, blessed and enriched by God’s grace. Authentic love encompasses acts of kindness, generosity, and sacrifice, mirroring Jesus’ sacrificial love for humanity.
5. Thus, Chapter 4 offers a profound meditation for Catholics as we navigate the dual significances of Valentine’s Day and Ash Wednesday. It encourages us to delve deeper into the essence of our relationships, recognizing them as conduits of divine love. It’s a call to purify our intentions and commit to a love that is enduring, forgiving, and rooted in mutual respect and sanctification.
6. In pondering these sacred texts, we are reminded that our earthly relationships are meant to mirror the divine relationship—full of mercy, compassion, and selfless love. This reflection challenges us to honor love as a divine gift, to cultivate it with purity of heart, and to live in a manner that draws us closer to God and each other.
CHAPTER 5
1. Chapter 5 of the Song of Songs intricately weaves themes of longing, absence, and the relentless quest for the beloved, a narrative that deeply resonates with our innate desire for love.
2. The chapter commences with a vibrant call to
“Eat, friends; drink! Drink deeply, lovers!” (Song of Songs 5:1),
symbolizing the richness and shared joy that love brings into our lives. Yet, this celebration quickly gives way to a poignant tale of yearning, characterized by the beloved’s absence. The woman’s night-long search for her lover, her encounters with the city’s watchmen, and her heartfelt declaration of love illustrate love’s intensity and the profound sorrow brought on by separation.
3. For Catholics, this earnest search for the beloved mirrors our soul’s continuous search for God and His presence and grace, particularly highlighted during Lent. The ensuing journey of absence and search underscores the significance of perseverance in our faith and the quest for a spiritual connection with the Divine. It subtly reminds us of the discomfort our souls experience when we lose grace through sin, a spiritual separation from God that, even if not always acknowledged, deeply impacts our relationship with Him.
4. Ash Wednesday and Lent remind us of this spiritual separation’s sorrow, urging a period of introspection and repentance for our sins that distance us from God. This time encourages us to understand sin’s true weight, recognizing it as not just a breach of divine law but a rupture in our intimate communion with God, who is Love itself. Thus, Chapter 5 of the Song of Songs is a metaphor for the Christian life, capturing the anguish of loss and the hopeful determination to regain our sacred bond with God.
5. Lent invites us to look into our hearts’ wilderness and repair the rift sin has created with God. This path towards reconciliation is carved out through prayer, fasting, and almsgiving, as we aim to reestablish our souls’ state of grace. We are reminded of the intrinsic pain of being separated from God and the essential act of returning to Him with repentant hearts. Ash Wednesday is a time to reconcile with God and find healing in His love on Valentine’s Day.
6. Furthermore, the woman’s praise of her lover’s distinct beauty and radiance,
“My lover is radiant and ruddy; outstanding among thousands.” (Song of Songs 5:10),
underscores the exclusive devotion and admiration foundational to both romantic and divine relationships. It calls us to recognize and cherish the divine image in our loved ones, honoring it with loyalty and esteem.
7. Encounters with the watchmen leading to pain and misunderstanding,
“The watchmen found me, as they made their rounds in the city; They beat me, they wounded me” (Song of Songs 5:7),
serve as metaphors for the challenges and misinterpretations we might face in our love journey, encouraging us to persist in love and faith despite obstacles.
8. This Valentine’s Day and Ash Wednesday, we are prompted to pursue and value a love that is pure, steadfast, and a reflection of God’s love—a love prepared to search, wait, and ultimately embrace, even amidst absence or adversity. It teaches us that genuine love, whether human or divine, requires patience, perseverance, and an open heart, inviting us to experience love’s fullness and its transformative journey.
CHAPTER 6
1. Chapter 6 of the Song of Songs is a reflection on love’s beauty, belonging, and the joy of rediscovering the beloved, providing rich insights into the nature of love as understood within the Catholic faith. This chapter’s dialogue and the man’s admiration for the woman highlight the mutual respect and commitment that underpin Catholic teachings on love.
2. The woman’s affirmation,
“I belong to my lover, and my lover belongs to me; he feeds among the lilies” (Song of Songs 6:3),
speaks volumes about the reciprocal nature of love in Catholic marriage. This mutual belonging, far from implying ownership, represents a sacred exchange of selves like the unconditional and fruitful love God extends to His people.
3. The man celebrating the woman’s beauty, likening her to the cities of Tirzah and Jerusalem and celestial entities, is a reminder to acknowledge the inherent dignity and worth bestowed upon us as God’s creation. On Valentine’s Day, we’re encouraged to honor our loved ones, recognizing their value beyond physical appearance, as a reflection of God’s craftsmanship.
4. Ash Wednesday brings a somber reminder of our temporal nature with the words, “Remember that you are dust, and to dust you shall return,” urging us to appreciate the impermanent yet invaluable beauty of our relationships. Doing so will make us treasure every shared moment as a blessing from God.
5. Thus, Chapter 6 makes us fully aware of the fleeting nature of our earthly existence yet inspired by the eternal love God offers us. By delving into this chapter, we’re reminded that our journey of love, both human and divine, is a sacred path. As we navigate the dual observances of Valentine’s Day and Ash Wednesday, let us carry forward the lessons of love’s enduring beauty, purity, and the call to cherish each moment as a precious gift from our Creator, who calls us to love as He loves—unconditionally and eternally.
CHAPTER 7
1. Chapter 7 of the Song of Songs celebrates not only the physical allure of the beloved but also the spiritual depth that love embodies, founded on God’s eternal love for His people.
2. Seeing the divine in the midst of our human relationships, we recognize them as sacred paths to holiness and deeper communion with God. The imagery of the beloved’s beauty, from her graceful feet in sandals to her majestic presence that “rises upon you like Carmel,” mirrors the reverence and dignity we are called to bestow upon each other, created in the likeness of God.
3. The call,
“Come, my lover! Let us go out to the fields” (Song of Songs 7:12),
echoes the Lenten invitation to solitude and simplicity, where our relationship with God and each other can flourish in authenticity and grace. Ash Wednesday introduces a contemplative dimension to Valentine’s Day celebration.
4. In Chapter 7, we are told to seek the eternal in our loved ones and in all our encounters—a beauty that reflects God’s love for us. It urges us to recognize our romantic relationships as avenues to holiness and the everlasting depth of God’s love.
5. Valentine’s Day converging with Ash Wednesday sets us to prepare our hearts to love more deeply, purely, and sacrificially, in imitation of God’s eternal love for us. Chapter 7 commemorates the joy of human love and challenges us to view our romantic relationships through the lens of our faith.
CHAPTER 8
1. Chapter 8 of the Song of Songs wraps up this beautiful poem with a message that truly touches the heart, especially as we celebrate Valentine’s Day and observe Ash Wednesday. It gives us a glimpse into the kind of love God has for us—a love that’s unbreakable, pure, and forms a bond as strong as His promise to us.
2. It talks about love being
“As strong as death” (Song of Songs 8:6),
a powerful reminder that true love can endure any challenge, much like our faith teaches us about the power of love amidst suffering. Our Catholic faith teaches us that suffering isn’t just a part of life; it’s seen as a way to grow closer to God, to purify our love, and to strengthen our spirit. This is especially important as we enter the Lenten season on Ash Wednesday, a time when we are called to make sacrifices out of love for God and each other.
3. The verse
“Do not awaken or stir up love until it is ready” (Song of Songs 8:4),
teaches us about the sacredness and patience required in love. As we celebrate Valentine’s Day, this verse is a reminder that the best things, including true love, are worth waiting for and that they blossom fully in God’s perfect timing.
4. So, as we navigate the joyous celebration of Valentine’s Day and the reflective period of Ash Wednesday, let’s take to heart the lessons of Chapter 8 from the Song of Songs. Let us appreciate love in all its forms—a divine gift from God that we’re meant to treasure, nurture, and share.
5. In essence, this beautiful scripture invites us to contemplate love not just as an earthly emotion but as a reflection of the Holy Trinity, urging us to live our lives in a way that honors this profound gift. It’s a call to love deeply, purely, and sacrificially, inspired by the eternal love that God has for each of us.
Conclusion
The Song of Songs, with its vivid portrayal of love, beautifully bridges the observances of Valentine’s Day and Ash Wednesday. It reminds us that love—both human and divine—is a profound, sacrificial gift. This unique convergence makes us ponder the power of love to transform, renew, and bring us closer to the divine.
In this spirit, the greatest gift we can offer our beloved or loved ones on Valentine’s Day is to journey with them, engaging in acts of love and service that guide us all closer to Heaven. By doing so, we not only express our love in the here and now but also invest in the eternal joy of our ultimate union with the Holy Trinity, the Blessed Virgin Mary, and all the saints in Heaven. The Song of Songs serves as a perfect reflection on the intertwined nature of romantic and divine love, guiding us through the journey from Ash Wednesday’s introspection to Easter’s celebration of life and love eternal, reminding us of the enduring power of love to lead us home to God.
Sacred Heart of Jesus, have mercy on us!
Immaculate Heart of Mary, pray for us!
Saint Joseph, pray for us!
Mama Mary, pray for us!
Amen.
She graduated cum laude from the University of Santo Tomas, the country's Pontifical and Catholic university, with an AB in Legal Management and minor units in Theology.
As an unmarried woman, prayer holds a central place in her daily life, with a focus on the Rosary and the Divine Office. Embodying her faith, she emphasizes the growth of her inner spiritual life, guided by the wisdom of Carmelite spirituality.
God manifested to her in a unique and radical manner, which made her know Who He truly is and led her to total surrender of her life to Him.
She has studied the Bible with her family, developing a particular fondness for the Old Testament.
Her adorable and intelligent toy poodle is a delightful companion in her daily life, bringing warmth and joy to her home.
Her hobbies include reading about everything, learning Japanese and German, listening to music and playing the flute.
In her leisure time, she enjoys gaming on PlayStation 5, Nintendo Switch OLED, Nintendo 3DS, iOS and OS, and collecting things related to PlayStation and Nintendo.
Email: [email protected]
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