The gift of friendship

By Sr. Anie Montejo. O.L.M.
May/June 2012

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The town of Aparecida in the Brazilian province of Sao Paolo has the most prominent Marian shrine in the country. Pilgrims come from far and near to honor the black Madonna, Our Lady of Aparecida, and to seek her intercession.

Anie with Lucie Lee, OLM who also accompanies the people of Northeastern Brazil.

When I first came to Brazil, a woman named Maria Martins gave me a silver ring engraved with the image of Our Lady of Aparecida to keep as a remembrance of Brazil and a sign of our friendship. I was delighted to have this gift as a memento of my journey here. It gave me inspiration and courage to begin my struggle to learn the Portuguese language and to become more acquainted with the culture. After wearing the ring for some time, I stored it with my belongings. One day I happened to come across the ring again. Putting it on my finger once more, I felt drawn to reflect on its symbolism.

Remembering Maria’s words when she gave me the ring, I thought of the friends I had already made here in spite of the language barrier. Brazilians, especially the children, love to make friends. Rings are often used as a sign of being united in friendship, but for me this ring is also a sign of God’s love and an invitation to make friends wherever I go.

Our Lady of Aparecida will continue to inspire me in my life’s journey as God leads me. Looking at Maria’s ring, I am reminded to welcome the children who come to my door each day and those I visit at the Pequeno Nazareno school-farm. I recognize the unique gift of their friendship. I know, too, that wearing the ring will help me to nurture and value friendship no matter where I happen to be and remind me always that I am loved by God.

Have you visited the OLM website

To keep up with ongoing news of Our Lady’s Missionaries and learn more about our missions and ministries, please visit our website. “A Man And His Dream” (top right link, under “Pages”) is a 40-minute video about our founder, Msgr. D.R. Macdonald, produced by Patricia Kay, OLM, with the help of many of our friends. In “Poet’s Corner” you will find poems by Marie Clarkson, OLM. And before you leave the site, we invite you to leave a comment; our website editor, Noreen Kearns, OLM, is looking forward to hearing from you!
www.ourladysmissionaries.ca

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