Priest, devotee explains devotion to 'Mama Mary'

By Hazel F. Gloria

Tuesday 11th of September 2012

CEBU CITY, Sept. 9 (PIA) -- One week before the Catholic celebration of the nativity of the Blessed Virgin Mary, a Cebuano priest and a Marian devotee shared their insights and experiences on the life and miracles of Mother Mary.

During an interview with Msgr. Esteban Binghay, he said “Blessed Virgin Mary is the sole instrument of God to redeem man. Through her, Jesus Christ was born by the power of the Holy Spirit.”

Binghay was the guest during the September 1 episode of “Pagtuki,” the official radio program of the Ramon Aboitiz Foundation Inc. (RAFI).

In its press release, Binghay added that through Saints Joachim and Anne, Mother Mary’s parents she received her training to be the mother of the Messiah.

“Mary was a young Jewish woman of Nazareth in Galilee. For all eternity, God chose the daughter of Israel to be the mother of His Son.

She was born in order to give birth to the Son of God, Jesus Christ, who will redeem mankind. Before contracting the original sin, Jesus bestowed on her the privilege of the immaculate conception,” he said.

Binghay said that in modern times, it is difficult to have faith in a divine and supernatural way. He said that people, especially the youth, should emulate Mother Mary’s faith in God.

“Mary is the model of faith, hope, and charity. She did not questioned God why she was chosen to be the mother of His Son. Mary’s faith was the unique witness of Christ’s reincarnation,” he said, pointing out that people should have purpose in what they do.

Binghay shared that Mother Mary's birth reminds the Christian community to celebrate through attending Mass, going to confession, and doing good deeds, such as helping those in need.

“Mother Mary is not just the mother of Jesus Christ but the mother of all people. Her feast is the beginning of the incarnation, passion and resurrection of Jesus Christ. Her birth is the beginning of the birth of His Son who was born to be crucified in the cross,” he disclosed.

On the other hand, Roel Sabelano, a devotee, shared that through the miracle of Mother Mary to his family in May 2011, her wife conceived. “We consulted different doctors and did what we can do for us to have a baby," Sabellano shared.

They almost gave up. But his aunt advised them to visit and pray to Our Lady of Simala. "We did not ask for a baby. Instead, we prayed that whatever happens, she will help us along the way," he recalled.

Sabelano said that a month after their visit, his wife miraculously conceived and that was the start of their devotion to Mother Mary.

“Blessed Virgin Mary became the center of our relationship. We became a God-oriented couple. To those who have lost their faith on Mother Mary, you should pray every day for she listens to your prayers,” he said.

The Christian community celebrates the nativity of Mother Mary on September 8. (mbcn/HFG/PIA-7 & RAFI)