The Bogey Man, written March 11, 1992
A week-end retreat with the women
from the desolate city slum …
delight in grass, and flowers and shrubs;
joy, to be free for two whole days
of husbands, children and endless washing;
the balm of silence after a lifetime of noise;
happiness, to be quiet with God and friends.
Each of us chose a picture from the life of Jesus,
Virgin Most Holy, Mother of the Incarnate Word and our Mother, venerated in the Shrine of Sheshan under the title "Help of Christians", the entire Church in China looks to you with devout affection. We come before you today to implore your protection.
I have come that you may have life and have it in abundance. (John 10-10)
My soul magnifies the Lord
And My spirit rejoices in God my Savior.
Because He has regarded the humility of His handmaid:
for behold from henceforth all generations shall call me blessed.
O Mary, your name has been on my lips
and in my heart from my early infancy.
When I was a child
I learned to love you as a Mother,
turn to you in danger,
and trust your intercession.
You see in my heart the desire to know the truth,
to practice virtue,
to be prudent and just,
strong and patient,
a brother to all.
Lord Jesus, who in the Eucharist make your dwelling among us
and become our travelling companion,
sustain Our Christian communities
so that they may be ever more open to listening
and accepting your Word.
May they draw from the Eucharist
a renewed commitment to spreading in society,
by the proclamation of your Gospel,
Immaculate Mary, Humble Virgin,
Mother of our Church,
and protectress of our nation,
we ask you to go before the Throne of the Holy Trinity
and intercede for the United States
at this critical juncture in our history.
Gently place your mantle upon our land,
upon our people,
upon our allies,
upon our fighting men and women,
When I was growing up, I really didn't like reciting the Holy Rosary. I remember the elders in our barangay (a small village in the Philippines) would visit our house every year in May when it was our family's turn to welcome the statue of the Blessed Virgin Mary in our home to commemorate the Flores de Mayo (Flowers of May celebration).
Holy Spirit, we are a sinful nation,
and we beg you to send us Your authentic spirit of repentance.
We are also a nation capable of great charity and justice,
so look not on our sins,
Heavenly Spirit of Mercy,
but upon our sorrow and resolve to turn from evil,
to fight evil, and procure victory over evil.