Papa Francis and I

MANILA, Philippines - Santa Claus came to town too early, thank God! He dropped a special gift on a memorable day for me and my husband. He must have heard my child-like plan to send Pope Francis a gift for Christmas.

Erick and I were talking about the Pope visiting our country. Then there were like Christmas lights that blinked in my head, I asked him, “What if I send him my books as a Christmas gift?”

Erick said, “Why not? It may also serve as a way to welcome him here. Besides, he loves children!”

So I started looking up for his address. My heart was beating. My red nose was glowing. OK... OK... Google... There... the Vatican address! Woot Woot, bells were ringing! Erick was so amused.

I placed my books 8 Ways to Comfort with Grace and The Invisible Wings in an envelope, and like a nursery kid, I wrote a short note saying that the Filipinos are excited to see him and I added a little background about my husband and me.

It was mind-numbing. I did not know what to say! I did not want to disturb him with a long letter. I was not even sure if it could enter the strict security at the Pope’s office. Breathe in. Breathe out. Dear God, help me! Rudoooolph.... on our way to DHL, OK?

I spent the days tracking the package. On Oct. 30, which was Erick’s birthday, the package was picked up to reach the sorting area in Manila. Oct. 31, it reached Hong Kong and Germany. I couldn’t breathe. My husband told me, “Imagine, your books will be at their library.” I was paralyzed. Nov. 3, it reached Rome! 

And there was the proof of delivery: “Delivered — signed for by: COMPANY STAMP.”

I was frozen.

A friend told me that I might receive an e-mail or a call from the Pope. I was afraid to expect something like that.

One night, my cellphone rang. I did not recognize the number. Could this be THE POPE?!!! I rarely answered unlisted numbers but I had to answer this. I just had to. “Hello?” A recorded voice played. It was a viber change of code notice. Frosty the Snowman melted.

Dec. 2, it was our son’s eighth death anniversary. Erick and I, plus our dolls Mimay, Popoy and Pony, visited Elia Jesu at the Christ the King columbarium.

When we arrived home, Erick noticed a letter. He said, “From the Pope?” I quickly picked up the letter. “APOSTOLIC NUNCIATURE Taft Ave. P.O. Box...”

My brain dried up like a raisin. I was thinking, “No, no... This is not from the Vatican. It said Taft Ave.” Nonetheless, I trembled while opening the envelope.

The letter was folded in four equal parts. Once unfolded, it showed: From The Vatican, 20 November 2014…

“A beautiful sight,

We’re happy tonight,

Walking in the Winter Wonderlaaaand.”

The letter said:

“Dear Mrs. Avila,

The Holy Father wishes me to express his gratitude for the kind gift of inscribed copies of your books. He appreciates the sentiments which prompted you to share your writings with him. His Holiness will remember you and your husband in his prayers. He invokes upon you God’s blessings of strength and peace.

Yours sincerely,

Monsignor Peter B. Wells

Assessor”

When Erick and I raised our heads, we were both teary-eyed. We embraced each other. Then I went up to our bedroom. When I saw the crucifix, I knelt down and cried so hard. For a long time.

I was in awe of God’s grace, of Pope Francis’ kindness and of what had just happened. On the death anniversary of my son? Erick and I truly have an angel out there who kept on nudging God to surprise us.

I could imagine Santa being pushed by Elia Jesu into the chimney to deliver this extraordinary gift that I share with all of you.

I never knew what being child-like can do!