(Mrs. Elizabeth Cardinal and her grandson Cart Daniel)
“Basta’t manalig sila sa Panginoong Diyos, ‘wag silang mag-aaalinlangan talagang ibuhos nila ang kanilang pananampalataya sa Panginoong Diyos, kay Hesukristo at sa Kanyang Ina.” This is the inspirational message left for her fellow believers by Mrs. Elizabeth Cardinal, a devotee of the Our Lady of Aranzazu and a grandmother of a child diagnosed with late cerebral palsy.
In times of illness and difficulties, people tend to be more passionate in professing their reliance and beliefs through devotions and pilgrimages. This could be very confounding for those who are suffering, others could face it negatively and may possibly lose their faith because of an unlikely situation but Mrs. Elizabeth Cardinal is not one of them. She is one of the numerous participants who attended the Canonical Coronation, the historic event of the Marian image she has devoted to for decades.
Mrs. Elizabeth’s grandson Cart Daniel Cardinal, 4 years old, has been suffering a neurological disorder specifically known as Cerebral palsy. Patients diagnosed with this kind of condition may suffer from intellectual disability, seizures, vision and hearing difficulties. Cart’s necessary medications cost P36,000 pesos a day but through his mother’s perseverance is now financially aided by a generous sponsor. The doctor affirmed that Cart still has a chance to walk despite of his challenging condition, this gave hope to the family especially to Mrs. Elizabeth that her grandson may experience walking and live just like a normal child. This idea encouraged her to bring his grandson regularly during Sundays as a part of their devotion to Aranzazu and also by taking part of the significant coronation. She confirmed that there are improvements to Cart’s condition after professing their devotion to the Marian image, what once was a regular visitor of the hospital is now a regular visitor of the Our Lady of Aranzazu.
Mrs. Elizabeth’s story of devotion to the Marian image of Aranzazu serves as an instrument of healing and a proof that nothing is impossible if you have strong faith, we may be undergoing a very difficult situation but we should all trust in His plans because He will not give us anything we cannot overcome, for it is stated, “I am the Lord your God who takes hold of your right hand and says to you ‘’Do not fear; I will help you.”” (Mariele Aquino and Ela Rae Vano)
