Photo Courtesy of Emilio Morenatti of the Associated Press (whig.com)
The month of May has already begun yet due to the COVID-19, we still can’t go back to our “normal” lives, and celebrate our annual tradition of Flores de Mayo where we give tribute to the Blessed Virgin Mary for the rain that she gives that makes all flowers bloom after a drought.
May also signifies the end of summer. For some, the rainy season is the saddest time of the year due to typhoons causing havoc in our country. On the contrary, there is also a superstition that the first rain that pours on May is an indication of a blessing because aside from the bountiful harvest it gives to all farmers, it is also believed as an agua bendita that can heal those who are sick.
In times like this we should take a look back at a novel entitled “Unang Ulan ng Mayo” written by Ellen L. Sicat. The protagonist of the story is Gloria, who found an escape from her husband’s death through writing. The rain in the novel is a symbol of hope for Gloria. It conveys that no matter how hard or difficult a situation, with perseverance we will be able to overcome anything.
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.
Now that we are facing a pandemic and we can’t seem to see the end yet, we should be Gloria in our own ways. If you are one of the frontliners, stay strong for yourselves and our nation in fighting the pandemic amidst the increasing challenges. If you do not belong to the frontliners then do your part and stay at home for the safety of everyone.
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 all our trust and pray endlessly to her so that one day we may see our first rain of May.
