A Living Testimony

 A Living Testimony

"Uncle" Juan

In arriving in Pomona, September 5, 2023, we were welcomed by the pastor and all the parishioners. We were soon introduced to the staff in the compound. Among them was Juan, who is a caretaker of the compound. We were asked to call upon him for any challenges we may face in fixing the household equipment, appliances or minor plumbing or carpentry problems. 

In the next few days, we got used to “Uncle” Juan and called him to teach us how to use most of the electrical appliances including how to light the gas stove, use of microwave, etc.,  since most of the equipment is new to us and different from what we are used in our various countries. In a nutshell, we called on “Uncle” Juan for everything we couldn’t figure out. Thanks be to God that he was also among the few who could speak English  because the majority of the people speak only Spanish. 

He is always the first to say “Hola sisters! How are you doing today?” He is kind and gentle, works diligently through the hours of his job. Nothing seems to distract him from his work. He is very committed. 

One day, after Mass, one of the Sisters enquired about how his family was doing. He admittedly said they were doing well but requested us to pray for his wife who has been sick for more than six years. We assured him of our continuous prayers for his family, especially his wife. 

On October 27th, we decided to pay him a visit and pray for his wife Isabel in their home. When we entered, we were greeted with a big smile from “Auntie” Isabel and Daniel, his son. Although Isabel could not speak well as a result of her sickness her lovely smiles said it all. She was indeed happy to see these three nuns from the moon. She has not seen priests for years and she might wonder where these three nuns are coming from. We spent some time talking, singing all the familiar Marian hymns in Spanish we had learned, a hymn to St. Joseph and our Mother Foundress. “Uncle” Juan and his son Daniel, who were at home also, entertained us with the guitar and the violin singing some Mexican Marian hymns. In fact, it was a joy for us and the family, especially Isabel who had not until then seen different faces aside from her family and perhaps her doctors. We finally prayed together and returned to the Convent. Since that day, Isabel’s name is mentioned every day during our prayers. 

A month after our visit, “Uncle” Juan came to our house to say thank you. He was in tears and was speaking to Sr. Vicenta, who speaks only Spanish. Sisters Agnes and Mavis thought something bad had happened because Sr. Vicenta was also in tears. Little did we know that they were all tears of joy. Anxious to know the good news, “Uncle” Juan said, “I came to say thank you Sisters for your prayers. My wife Isabel started walking yesterday when I was in the kitchen cooking. She called my name and started walking towards me in the kitchen and she asked to help clean the dishes. I came to say thank you Sisters because I believe you are praying so much for my wife Isabel.” Wow! We all exclaimed, thanks be to God! What a joy we felt that day. We renewed our vigor to continue to pray for her. A nine day novena to Blessed Anne Marie Javouhey was said for her complete healing. 

Thanksgiving to God

"Auntie" Isabel and Sister Vicenta

On Friday, January 19th, Isabel expressed her desire to come to our chapel to say thanks to God and thanks to the nuns who have been praying for her healing process. As usual, her caring husband consented and brought her to our chapel to thank the Lord, who has given her the strength to walk little by little after years of confinement to her sick bed and wheelchair.  Her joy was seen in her charming and contagious smile and laughter. Once again in our chapel we sang the hymns to our Lady of Guadalupe, Christ the King, St. Joseph and Blessed Anne Marie Javouhey with “Uncle” Juan playing the guitar. 

We continue to thank God for such blessings given to “Uncle” Juan and his family, especially “Auntie” Isabel. 

We now ask all our Sisters, Cluny friends and family, Associates and Affiliate members and all people of goodwill to join us in Pomona, Anne Marie Javouhey community to pray for our friend “Auntie” Isabel for her complete healing. 

May God be praised in all His deeds. May His Holy will be done.