It Was No Ordinary Day

June— it is the month dedicated to the Sacred Heart of Jesus.

There's something about the image of the Sacred Heart of Jesus that stirs warmth within me. Whenever I fix my gaze upon it, I'm overcome by a profound sensation that is hard to put into words. The gentleness that's represented on Jesus' face is a comfort to behold, creating a presence that is impossible to overlook. This is why His image graces several areas of our home.

Many years ago, I've learned that gazing thoughtfully at a blessed image of Jesus and His Blessed Mother, our spiritual mother, is considered a form of silent conversation. If this is the case, then I am filled with joy, as I often find myself drawn to their image multiple times throughout the day.

I hope that it is so I can release the guilt of not finding my usual time for prayer on days when I am hit with a wave of emotions. Or on days when I’d rather not be bothered because of grief as a result of a major loss.

Today marks the 7th of June 2024, the first Friday of the month. This day holds special significance as it is dedicated to honoring the Sacred Heart of Jesus and seeking to make amends for the wrongs committed against His sacred heart. The Church encourages the faithful to pray for the offenses brought against the Lord.

On this particular first Friday, however, I am filled with a sense of profound significance as it marks the celebration of the feast of the Sacred Heart of Jesus. That said, this occasion holds a double layer of importance for me and I am sure for the Church, as a whole. This is why I am immensely grateful to God for granting me the mental and emotional clarity that allows me to fully appreciate and remember such momentous and personally meaningful days. I say this because It has been a challenge to concentrate on my tasks, given the profound events that have transpired since Divine Mercy Sunday.

Given this first Friday's specialness, I feel grateful that we were able to attend the Mass honoring the feast observed by the Universal Church. The vespers were included in the order of the Mass, just like they are during the 5:30 PM weekday Masses. The homily naturally focused on Jesus' Sacred Heart, with the priests wearing their red vestments. Hymns were also dedicated to the occasion.

Part of the 5:30 PM Masses was the community prayer where the parishioners can have their intentions prayed out loud. I took part in it.

A short while later, I caught a whiff of a peculiar scent, reminiscent of fragrant roses. It lingered through the air for brief moments before dissipating. This happened a few times, each time leaving me wondering if my husband and son also noticed it. They shook their heads in response when I asked about it. I didn't specifically mention the sweet floral aroma, rather I asked if they could detect any scent at all.

A little while later, the delicate and sweet aroma of roses returned, and I again asked my husband, but he still couldn't smell a thing. Sure, it was an eerie sensation, but it didn't trouble me. The truth is, I cherished the fact that I alone could pick up on that lovely scent.

After the Mass, I chose that we stay behind so that I could recite the novena prayer to the Sacred Heart of Jesus. I reached for the prayer booklet that one of my sisters had given me years ago. It was the first time I brought it to Mass. Praying it in my head, I was deeply moved by its profoundness.

As I finished my prayers, I noticed that only two or three parishioners remained in the church. I couldn't tell if they had waited for me to finish before leaving.

Just a few steps outside the church were two women in a conversation. I recognize one of them, a sweet lady, who once asked my family if we wanted to participate in the order of the Mass by presenting the gifts at the altar.

As we headed out, she approached us eagerly and handed us a flyer about a Marian visionary who would be visiting another parish in our city. She was very passionate about sharing it and gave a detailed introduction to the visionary, and how she was healed. There was sincerity in her voice. Our conversation lasted for minutes. Before parting ways, she brought out a small bottle of water from Lourdes, a place she had recently visited.

Her kindness and generosity touched me. Gratitude enveloped me for going to Mass, as otherwise, we wouldn't have known about the visionary visiting our city and wouldn't have received a bottle of Lourdes water. Although I already have a few bottles at home from the Our Lady of Lourdes—Northern American Volunteers, I appreciate the gesture.

As we got in the car, I turned to my husband and suggested that he take a day off work so that we could attend the upcoming event that was just over a month away. This special occasion is a rare prayer gathering. Anticipating a large turnout, it promises to be significant and spiritually uplifting.

The event will begin with the recitation of the Divine Mercy chaplet, followed by the visionary’s inspiring testimony and sharing. Afterward, we will come together for the Eucharistic Mass and, of course, a healing service right after. Who doesn’t need healing in these challenging times? We all could use every kind of healing including emotional, physical, and spiritual.

I can already imagine the holiness of the occasion! I can’t seem to find the right words to describe this feeling, especially when I learn about this humble human being chosen to become a visionary, and that my family will meet this visionary face to face.

Now is your turn to share your stories ingrained with a heavenly touch. Shoot me a message, I’d love to hear your thoughts. 

Many Blessings!