My journey with Our Lady began in 2010, when I was just 7 years old. At that time, my understanding of faith was still very simple. In my young mind, I thought that Mary was God. I was studying at Amigos de Jesus primary school in Dili, and every May we prayed the Rosary or joined in the Tuesday Prayers. I remember wondering: Are these prayers to God?
Time went on, and my understanding slowly began to grow. One day, I watched a film about Jesus’ suffering and death on the Cross, and it changed something in me. I realized that Jesus is God, and Mary is His Mother — the one we call Our Lady. I finally understood her name: Mary. But even with this new awareness, I never really prayed the Rosary or asked Mary for help.
In our village, every year during the Month of the Rosary, we have a tradition where the statue of Our Lady visits one household each night. I joined in when the statue was close to home — we prayed, and it was beautiful. But when Our Lady visited homes farther away, I didn’t go. I remained distant in my relationship with her, even as I grew older.
When I entered secondary school, something happened that began to open my heart. My friends and I made a journey to Mount Ramelau, and when we reached the top, I saw the face of Our Lady. In that moment, I felt something I had never felt before — my heart felt broken, as if something deep inside me had been touched. It was hard to explain, but it was real.
When I returned from that pilgrimage, I tried to pray more. I started to pray the Rosary again, perhaps still somewhat half-heartedly. I found myself calling on Mary only when I was sad. But once I felt better, I stopped. I didn’t return to her. I kept moving forward in life, but something inside me still said: I need to go — I needed something more.
And then, in April 2024, everything changed. Toward the end of the month, some of my brothers and friends invited me to pray together. During our time together, they began to share their own personal experiences with Mary. Their stories touched me deeply. Their words planted a seed in my heart — the seed of devotion to Mary.
It was May, the Month of the Rosary. I began to pray the Rosary daily. And when I missed even one day, I felt uncomfortable, like something essential was missing. But when I prayed again, I felt peace— and a healing of the pain I didn’t even know I was carrying.
Later, my friends shared their experiences of praying the Novena. Inspired, I began to pray it too. And through that Novena, I asked for Mary’s gift — and I felt her grace in return.
Now, May has become a truly special month for me. It’s the time I remember how I began to truly grow in my relationship with Mary. She is no longer distant or only needed in sorrow — she has become part of my everyday journey.
This month, I carry a special prayer in my heart. As a participant in MAG+S-TL batch 10, I ask Mary to guide me during Exora (Spiritual Exercise), a moment that is very important for helping me care for my conscience. More than anything, I want to continue to grow in my relationship with her — in every activity, in every place. Because now, I believe with all my heart that Mary is always by my side.
And when I feel lost or sad, I pray simply:
“Mary, Jesus’ Mother, be my Mother.”
Because Mary is a Mother who listens — a Mother who is always ready to welcome me. Just like my own mother, who waits for me to come home for dinner, even after finishing her day’s work — Mary waits for me too.
She is never far. She is always ready. And she is always my Mother.
Writer: Aristoteles Pereira–MAG+S Participant Batch 10