MAGIS

Mary's Party
Ms. Aimee Apolinario, HS Asst. Principal for Academics

Posted Wednesday, 14-Sep-2005 12:17 PM

     Last September 8 started like any other school day for me. The moment I woke up from my grandma’s bedside, I went to my house to prepare for school. Then, upon reaching Grant Street , I was greeted by the usual morning traffic in the school area. However, there was something I noticed that wasn’t ordinarily among the commanding presence of SUVs and vans. There was a boy selling roses to the long line of vehicles. Finally it dawned on me. It was Mary’s birthday!

     To us Catholics, Mary’s birth is a significant part of our faith and this is why we find time to hear mass in honor of this special Lady. Thus, in Xavier School , we began the day with a mass at the High School gym. Like any dutiful Catholic, the High School community participated in the mass, which was presided over by our Campus Minister, Fr. Guy Guibelondo, S.J. After the mass, the day went back to its typical route.

     To many, Mary’s birthday ends after attending mass or praying the rosary, but that isn’t the case for my family. For many years now, it has become our tradition to go a little further in celebrating this occasion.

     Years ago, my grandma started this practice by making sure the table is full and everyone is present. On the other hand, my grandpa, when he was still with us, kept it as a strict family affair.

     Thus, when I came home from work last Thursday, I looked forward to what kind of celebration we’d be having for the year. Reaching my grandma’s doorstep, I noticed that many of my cousins had arrived since I could hear voices coming from my grandma’s kitchen, and as expected, three generations of my kin were present to celebrate Mary’s birthday.

     When a friend of mine called that night, I told her we were having a simple party in honor of Mama Mary. The next thing I knew, I was explaining to her why we celebrate it in the family. As I was telling her these, I realized that Mary has been an integral part of our family and throwing a party for her is not just another excuse to get together. Celebrating Mary’s birthday, is actually a part of the Marian devotion that my grandma has passed on to us.

     Even as kids, we were taught to pray the rosary or to at least behave when the family prays. We would hear mass in Mary’s honor, on top of the regular Sunday mass. In May, we offered flowers, and joined processions. We were even taught to pray the Angelus in English, Filipino, and Latin. Thus, whether the situation is good or bad, always, we find our selves turning to Mary to thank her or to ask for help.

     At the end of the day, I crept onto my grandma’s bed where I always sleep at night kissed her good night and thanked her for the wonderful devotion she has given us. There was no gift giving or birthday candle blowing but this Mary’s party this year has certainly become a memorable one for me.

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