A mother eagerly hastens toward the barangay chapel for a devotional prayer to the Blessed Virgin Mary. Doc.ChaQuin.

At dusk, when most people have already returned home from work, a mother eagerly and hurriedly makes her way to the barangay chapel. After a long and laborious day at the school canteen, she gently takes out her rosary beads and joins the children in prayer.

Though weary from hours of hard work, this devoted mother of Fabrica never fails to stop by the small barangay chapel. A faithful devotee of the Blessed Virgin Mary, she lays down her fatigue before the images of Our Lady of Peñafrancia and Our Lady of Salvation, praying the rosary as her daily offering of love and trust. In every step of her journey, Mary remains her constant companion. 

An Ordinary Mother with an Extraordinary Faith

Mama Emely is a mother of nine children. A full-time mother, she makes sure that all their needs are met, especially their spiritual formation. Like many mothers, she lives an ordinary life, yet what sets her apart is her extraordinary faith in God. She firmly believes that no matter what happens, a provident God will always supply what she and her husband cannot provide.

In moments of difficulty, when solutions are beyond her strength, she turns with confidence to the Blessed Mother, seeking help and guidance. The rosary is her source of strength and courage. There is hardly a night when she does not pray it, and with each passing day, her devotion to Mary grows ever deeper. 

The Root of Her Marian Devotion

Mama Emely learned to pray the rosary in her childhood, guided lovingly by her grandmother. At an early age, she memorized the mysteries and even the Litany of the Blessed Virgin Mary. From then on, her love for the rosary deepened, and her devotion to Mother Mary took root.

Her Marian devotion grew even stronger when she married and began her own family. During a dark and painful time—when her husband was gravely ill after being poisoned—Mama Emely turned fervently to Mother Mary, praying earnestly for a miracle. Her prayers were answered, and her husband recovered. From that moment on, he too embraced a deep devotion to the Blessed Virgin Mary.

Together, they prayed the rosary every night and became more active in the life of the Church. Their shared devotion led them to live more selflessly. Day by day, their love for Mama Mary continued to shape their character, guiding them toward deeper faith, service, and trust in God. 

Devotion Expressed Through Service

When Emely’s children were already grown, she and her husband dedicated their lives more fully to the service of the Church. She became an active member of the Barangay Pastoral Council and the Our Lady of Peñafrancia Association. As an officer of the Barangay Pastoral Council, she served quietly and diligently, never seeking recognition.

During barangay fiestas, she lovingly took care of the manto of Mother Mary, prepared food for priests and visitors, and attended to all the necessary preparations. She worked joyfully and selflessly, offering her service as an expression of her faith.

When her daughter invited her to lead the daily rosary at the barangay chapel, Emely readily accepted. It was there that she felt inspired by Mother Mary to invite the children playing near the chapel to join her in praying the rosary. Every afternoon, she gathered them, shared snacks, and prayed with them. With her gentle guidance and motherly care, the number of children praying the rosary gradually grew.

Emely did more than teach them how to pray. She also trained the children to sing for the Mass, and in time, they became the children’s choir of the barangay, serving whenever there was a Mass. She involved them in parish activities and even shouldered their expenses, providing costumes when they performed dance presentations during parish fiesta celebrations. Through her patience and generosity, the children slowly developed a love for the rosary and a deep devotion to Mary.

The children were always eager to be with Mama Emely, looking forward to the new and meaningful activities she prepared for them. She once shared,

“Before, going home after work left me tired and weak. Now, going home feels like the beginning of a new day. I feel energized and renewed because I will be with the children and pray the rosary with them.”

In Emely’s life, prayer has truly blossomed into service. Through her, devotion to Mary comes alive. 

The “Prayer Warriors” of the Barangay

The barangay chapel, once a silent and nearly forgotten sanctuary, slowly became a second home for the children. After school, they would run straight to the chapel, eager to pray. Soon, they no longer waited for Mama Emely to begin the rosary—they had learned to lead it themselves.

On one occasion, when Mama Emely arrived late due to other concerns, she found the children already nearing the end of the rosary. With proud smiles, they told her that they now knew how to pray and lead on their own. Hearing this, Mama Emely was filled with joy. In those young voices raised in prayer, she glimpsed a hopeful future—children growing under the gentle guidance of Mother Mary.

Once playful and restless, the children had become the “prayer warriors” of the barangay. From simple learners, they grew into young witnesses of their love for the Blessed Virgin. Their presence soon drew adults to join them in praying the rosary, and through the children’s faith, the barangay experienced a renewed sense of peace and unity. The once-quiet chapel was filled again with life, prayer, and hope. 

Devotion Come Alive

Devotion is never meant to be kept to oneself; it is meant to be lived and shared. Emely’s life of faith mirrors the humility and self-giving love of the Blessed Virgin Mary. True devotion to Mary does not come alive in statues alone, but in people who strive to live out her virtues each day.

The gentle voices of children praying the rosary echoing in the chapel, the images of Mary clothed in carefully prepared manto, and the selfless service offered in quiet faith all testify that authentic devotion leads to love, service, and mission. Through these simple yet profound acts, Mary’s presence becomes tangible in the life of the barangay.

May the devotion that Mama Emely has lovingly shared with the children continue to deepen, helping them imitate the virtues of Mary—her obedience to God and her openness to His will. May their love for the rosary form hearts receptive to God’s call and transform them into true channels of His love and compassion.