God's love and mercy

They would have gone to Australia on a school-sponsored trip but to their disappointment, they were unable to go due to booking problems. Hence, the teachers of Assumption, Antipolo, Teachers Ana Hilario, Menchu Lacsamana, and Patty Magat, accompanied by my sister Lenn Piquero Goyeneche, who also works for the same school, decided instead to take a trip to Bohol.

With our foster brother, Akio Suzuki and close relatives Belen Solideo and Nang Luz Borja, they embarked on a round Bohol land trip which to their delight, brought them to discover not only the natural beauty but the delicious gifts of nature, like the large crabs and tasty shrimps at Mabini, the carabao chicharon of Loboc, and the fresh milk and milk products of Ubay.

Their trip to Bohol, rather than to Australia, however, was God-ordained. While in Bohol, their trip also brought them to old churches throughout the province where they prayed together the Chaplet of the Divine Mercy whenever possible.

From Bohol, they came to Cebu, not only for their return trip via Super Ferry to Manila. They all had the important goal of going to Mambaling to meet Mr. Stanley Villavicencio, God's chosen messenger to spread and propagate His divine love and mercy to all.

Armed only with their faith, these Manila visitors went to Talisay without any address and without any clear direction of how to get to Mr. Stanley's home which, later through phone (261-1305), he confirmed to be at 76-I, Tabada, Mambaling, Cebu City.

They did not even know how to get to SRP from Mandaue. Led by God, however, they got there. From Cebu, through the South Reclamation Project (SRP), they finally reached Talisay. The next step was to stop frequently and ask for the Shrine of the Divine Mercy supervised by Monsignor Cris Garcia. They were finally led to Cansojong, and after some time, finally found the image of the Divine Mercy at the chapel inside the compound of the Angeli Pacis (the Angel of Peace) where the Manila group again prayed the Chaplet of the Divine Mercy.

It was noon when they left Angeli Pacis and moved on to finally meet Mr. Stanley whom many of you probably know very well now as the man who came back from his three-day coma (on March 2, 1993) with instruction from the Lord "to go back to the world because you still have many things to do. If I have any message for you, I will just appear to you in a dream."

Those interested to read his wonderful encounter with the Lord can get a copy of the book, The Miracles of the Divine Mercy, now sold at St. Paul's Publications at SM. On September 6, 1993, the book narrates that "Jesus appeared to Mr. Stanley saying, "My son, My son, I have brought you back to life because you have a great mission. You are one of My few chosen reapers " Jesus then instructed Stanley to promote the Devotion to His Divine Mercy."

The Assumption ladies themselves were devotees of the Divine Mercy, with Ms. Ana telling Mr. Stanley that she feels that the Lord wants her to be a propagator of His Divine love and mercy for all as well.

It was such an inspired time to be with Mr. Stanley as he talked animatedly about how much God loves all so much. "Love is the flower, while mercy is the fruit," he stated. No matter who and how serious one has sinned, God in His great love offers His Divine Mercy for all.

Those interested to know more about God, His love and divine mercy, are welcome to join the 11th Divine Mercy Convention on May 27-28 at the University of Cebu ( UC) Maritime Education and Training Center at Tabada St., Mambaling, Cebu City. You may call Brother Stanley Villavicencio himself at 261-1305, or Sister Mellie Ong Zack at 233-1244, and Sister Juliet Nunez at 253-6941.

The Lord awaits all who wish to know more or share their experiences about His Divine Love and Mercy. Mr. Stanley wishes to inform everyone that this convention is open to all of any religion, and free snacks and inexpensive board and lodging have been prepared amply by the Lord for those who will join Him on this day.