The month of May is almost over but not for the people of San Mateo because a new chapter is just about to begin. May is time of the year when we offer flowers to the blessed virgin of Nuestra Señora de Aranzazu . This year may have been different from the rest because of the much awaited and unprecedented event for San Mateo is happening today, the Canonical Coronation of our patroness on May 31.
May also marks the end of summer. For many, rain could be saddening for it brings back sentimental moments. For some, rainy days could bring back traumatic moments brought by the past typhoons. On the other hand, according to a Filipino superstition, the first rain of May (unang ulan ng Mayo) is a blessing because it causes a prosperous harvest. It is also used as agua bendita because some believes that the first rain of May can heal those who are sick.
Hearing about the story of “Unang ulan ng Mayo,” we could be reminded of the miracles that Our Lady of Nuestra Señora de Aranzazu has shown the people. These are the times when she ended the drought in Oñate, Spain during her recorded apparition in the said place. Our mother is also a healer claimed either by the servers of her church or the devotees whose faith for her is really undying.
Everytime the rain will drop, let us not be gloomy nor be afraid. Let the rain remind us of our patroness, Our Lady of Nuestra Senora de Aranzazu that no matter what we go through, she will always be with us. May it be during during illness or even catastrophe. Our mother protected us from those for the past 300 years. Let every drop of the rain be a reminder that Aranzazu is the patroness of the sick and calamities.
Aranzazu showed us that blessings do not just pour during the month of May but every single day; especially for the town of San Mateo. It is just right that we give her this month, to offer her flowers with all our hearts and crown her for all those years that she’s been with us.
