Brought to you by Fr. Bernardino Andrade
1.
October 15, 1950. It was the day I entered the Seminary in order to become a priest. I was 12 years old. I came from the country side, one day before, and stayed in Funchal in a friend´s house along with my mother. The following day, carrying, on my shoulders, my suitcase, too heavy for a child, I walked in the direction of the seminary’s building. My mother walked with me. Her presence was such a support for a fragile child who, for the first time, was leaving his family of 13 members.
Before the moment came to say good-bye she glued a simple image of Mary the Mother of God on the inner part of the suitcase cover. It was a simple image she clipped from a newspaper. It was a very simple and inexpensive gift but her words were powerful: «My son, this is a reminder of Mary, the Mother of Jesus and your mother. I am saying goodbye to you but every time you open the suitcase remember that She is here to protect you. Goodbye, my son».
This happened 66 years ago and since then I have always felt their presence. They have been the two women who have loved me the most and they have been the two women I have loved the most.
Today, January first, the Catholic Church celebrates the SOLEMNITY OF MARY, THE HOLY MOTHER OF GOD who has been and will always be present in my life.
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