Last year’s Simbang Gabi was memorable because I did it in Singapore. For nine nights at 8 pm, the Church was full. Maybe 90 percent Filipinos and 10 percent Singaporeans. The Dynamics of the Singaporeans is they are mostly converts to Catholicism, thus making them more serious and zealous in the faith.

On January 25th we celebrate the Conversion of St. Paul – from one of the persecutors of the Church, because of his conversion, he became the apostle to the gentiles. 

Tomorrow’s feast is both a challenge and an invitation to grow in the Catholic faith, and the Gospel teaches three things:

1. We may continue to study the Bible and the Word of God. May we realize how real they are and how powerful. Eventually, may this lead us to preaching  the Gospel to others. 
2. We pray that by the lives we live, we may lead people to the faith. As the song goes, “They know we are Christians by our love.” It is only then that they could be invited to Baptism.
3. A person who trusts God fully will see the many Miracles of God in his or her life. On the other hand, a person who lacks in faith and trust will have many superstitious practices. May we be an instrument of miracles and healing to others, especially through our prayer. 

In the many approved apparitions of Mama Mary, her message is always about the conversion of sinners. Let the conversion start with ourselves – studying the word of God, living a life of love and testifying to the many miracles of God.