WE RECEIVED word from hour daughter Marisol last Tuesday morning that a Holy Mass in honor of our daughter, her sister Maryjayne, was celebrated at the St. Elizabeth Ann Seton Church in Las Vegas, Nevada, USA, last Saturday, April 7.
The Holy Eucharist, Marisol said, was coordinated and sponsored by Lolit Mandapat and her family, together with Maryjayne's sons Miggy and Luigi and his charming better half Anglica, all residents of Uncle Sam's premiere resort city.
The religious event, the first of a series while Maryjane's cremated remains are still in the States, was attended by her former classmates at the Baguio General Hospital School of Nursing here in the city, a core of former members of the Pangkat Silayan and the Igorots on the Road Cultural Troupe, relatives and friends of the Padillas and the Bermudeses who are residing in different states in America.
Maryjane (Ling May) peacefully joined her Creator last March 21 after a brave and fierce battle against the Big C. Marisol and her daughter, Dr. Katrina were with her at the hospital before Ling MAy said "goodbye"; at least for two weeks. Her remains were cremated last April 3.
Of course, we are still in grief. We are deeply appreciative and gratified to all the people who are extending their sympathies and condolences during our hour of agony. Special thanks to the sponsors to all those who took time to attend the Holy Mass last April 7 (9 a.m., April 8, Manila time.)
Marisol added that a Holy Mass for Ling May will be held in San Francisco, California, on May 5. The affair is being coordinated by Joji Montemayor Bantasan, a former BGHSN co-graduate of Ling May in 1978.
Another Holy Mass scheduled to be held somewhere in California this month is being arranged. Miggy, Luigi and Angelica will enplane to California to attend the religious events in honor of their late and loving Mama when the time comes. They will bring with them the wooden jewelry box containing the ashes of their mother. We are hoping and praying for their safe journey. In spirit and prayers, we will be with them in all the Holy Masses programmed abroad.
Only recently, Marisol informed us the Ling May's last will and testament includes that her cremated remains will be brought home to our residence along mountain slopes of Benin, Pinsao Proper Barangay and that her ashes will be spread around our house and it's garden. We are still painfully waiting for her return which is set early part of June.
The long wait is in adherence to the US travel procedure and regulations. By then, we will be able to arrange for Ling May's spiritual and religious activities here in the city.
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The pictures sent by Angelica a few days ago is a part of her photo coverage during the Holy Mass in Las Vegas.