bro nabasa ko ung blog mo regarding petals of lipa apparition,,umattend kn khpon ng 7th national marian congress sa lipA,ndun ako,,nainspired ako sau,,i was deaming to be in service with God by being a seminarian, a religous brother maybe but not alowed by parents..ngayon active ako sa mga religious activities..ngcocolect din ako ng mga stampita, relics, and medalion of diff holies..may alam kb p pwede ako makahingi ng para sa colections ko…salamat and Godbless…kung ngseminary ako sa OFM cap ko dpat plano,,malapit sa puso ko un, pati na ang lourdes…salamat ulit Godbless – Zandro (Sent September 13, 2010)

HERE IS THE ENGLISH TRANSLATION

Brother, I read your blog regarding the Petals of Lipa Apparition, I attended yesterday the 7th National Marian Congress in Lipa. I was there. I was inspired by you. I was dreaming to be in service with God by being a seminarian, a religious brother maybe but not allowed by my parents. Now I am active in religious activities. I also collect different Holy cards, Relics and Medals of different saints. Do you know where can I get for my collections? Thank you and Godbless. If I was able to enter the seminary, I was planning to enter the Capuchins which is close to my heart, and also Lourdes. Thanks again and God bless. – Zandro (Sent September 13, 2010)

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Dear Zandro

First of all thank you for reading my blog. The Petals of Lipa series is not yet finished. I just dont have the time to write it but I will definitely finish it.

With regards to the National Marian Congress, Congratulations for attending. I envy you because I never had the pleasure of attending the event due to time constraint.

Gathering from what you said it seems that you have a vocation. My parents were also against my decision before when I decided to enter the seminary but you know, prayer did so many things in my life back then that all of the obstacles that hindered my decision all vanished. It was quite impossible for me to enter the religious life a few years ago but Prayer and faith gave me strength, hope and clarity of mind.

Probably you are still young to decide for yourself but once you mature you will have the courage to pursue the life you wanted to live. John Paul II told the young people during the World Youth Day 1995 in manila “Be Not Afraid”.

You are still young. Vocation is a gift and not just a personal choice. God will one day show you the road you must trod whether in religious life or the married life. Both status in life is a vocation. Always remember that.

With regards to relics, I once had a relic of Padre Pio but I gave it to someone else who is in dire need. Relics are not to be horded. The Catholic Church allowed us to have them so that we can share them to others. Though we can collect them for personal use but I hope if someone will ask them from you, you give it to them wholeheartedly so that they can also share the graces and indulgences that are in every relic. You can usually ask a relic from religious priests and nuns who are promoting the causes of their respective saints.

Continue in attending religious activities. It will help you strengthen your vocation and discern the life you wanted to live. Always ask God to show you the way through silence and prayer. It is in silence of our hearts that God speaks his will.

I will pray for your vocation and I will also pray that someone may give you the relics you are searching for.

Pax et Bonum Kapatid,

Kapatid Bluep