Happy 15th Birthday Richie !

Richie’s birthday coincided with the first day of his year-end exams, so he wasn’t really in the mood to celebrate. We decided to keep it simple with a quick dinner at Pizza Hut in the neighborhood and plan a proper celebration after his exams.

Over the past few weeks, Richie has shown a remarkable change in his attitude toward studying. He’s been working hard to prepare for his exams, and no matter the results, Mama and Papa will always be proud of him and love him for who he is.

What matters most is his positive attitude toward learning, as it will shape how he faces future challenges.

Happy Blessed Birthday, Richie!

May God bless you abundantly, guide your path with wisdom, and may the Holy Spirit always be with you.

May you find love and the desire to serve Him, putting Him first in all that you do!

Love you, Mama and Papa

First and One Life Time Experience - Papal Mass

Last Thursday, September 12, 2024, was a truly memorable day for our family.

By God's grace, we had the incredible privilege of attending the Papal Mass. Papa and me even had the honor of serving during the Mass—papa as a Communion Minister and I was as an Altar Server.

Being just a few meters away from the Pope, especially witnessing him bless the little children and people with disabilities, was an emotional experience for me. I couldn't hold back my tears.

I felt the profound, unconditional love of God and witnessed the essence of what humanity truly needs.

Attending the Papal Mass felt like a glimpse of Heaven, with God on His throne, surrounded by Angels and Saints, while the rest of us worshipped Him. In that moment, there was no judgment based on race or worldly success; we were all equal in God's eyes.

Though we couldn't choose our seats, we embraced our place with deep gratitude.

Much like in Jesus' time, people came for various reasons—to see the Pope up close, some for selfies to share on social media, others to experience God's love more intimately. Only God truly knows each person's heart.

For my family and me, while we did hope to capture a close-up picture with the Pope as a keepsake, the real gift was the love and joy we experienced there.

One key message that we will always remember is:

"Without love, all are nothing."