To love you more

CEBU, Philippines - Even those who have given up on love had soaring hopes.

Some of us have to sing a pop tune to prove a point.

It went like this:

"It's been written in the scars on our hearts. We're not broken just bent. And we can learn to love again."

Of course, we howled – like teenagers who stood by Daniel Padilla.

On the fifth day Novena Mass for a Marian feast, the priest opened his sermon by singing a chorus of Pink's hit single Just Give Me A Reason, lines that best described the night's theme " We Need To Learn To Love Again."

Devotees flocked to the Schoenstatt Shrine and Spirituality Center in Lawaan III, Talisay City (near Camella Homes) to honor Our Mother Thrice Admirable (MTA), Queen and Victress of Schoenstatt – a Catholic devotional title given to Mary that originated in Schoenstatt, Germany – for her feast last October 20. For nine days, Masses were angled on various themes drawn out from the teachings of the congregation's founder, Fr. Joseph Kentenich whose spiritual manifestations have been submitted for sainthood.

"Exchange of Hearts with Mary" was the theme that began the preparation, which also augmented the entire theme of the celebration "Your Covenant, Our Mission: We Dare to Love." Pain, loss and depression were also discussed as "heart diseases" the following night, yet, directly addressed in the fourth Eucharist, which focused on teaching "Reforming Our Hearts."

 "Therefore, it is fitting to reflect on the 'Covenant of Love', its origin, its life-giving power and bubbling spring of grace, the covenant which binds us all into this one family of God," wrote Sr. Mary Agnes of the Community of the Schoenstatt Sisters of Mary based in Germany.

She continued by posting challenges to the members of the apostolate: "Would it not be a wonderful gift to our dear MTA if we were to lead others to the 'Covenant of Love'? Would it not be a gigantic achievement to renew it with fresh fervor?"

The October 20 feast also began a 12-month preparation of the Great Schoenstatt Jubilee 2014. Until October 20, 2014, the Catholic Church has raised her Treasury of Merits to heaven for those who visit the Blessed Mother's Shrine and participate in any activities geared to the objectives.