Healing a wound of division

Community life is a gift and a source of happiness but it is never easy or perfect.  Although the members are of goodwill and sharing a vision, going together on the road to accomplish it, staying one in mind and heart, is only possible through grace and in the Love of Christ.  There was a parting of Elsa and Marc with the Magnificat Community through disagreement, but it became clear that the hearts were somehow still in touch.  When the first word of Elsa’s sickness reached us, our prayers for her healing were constant and she let us know that she wanted to see us.  So we rediscovered her natural generosity and our renewed friendship very much in Jesus King of Mercy.  The hospital became too crowded and the visitors stayed too long for a sick patient.  But Elsa, always a giving person, only thought of her visitors' comfort.  The great gift that she left us was seeing her total surrender and her trust in her Lord Who would bring her to the room He had prepared for her in heaven.  We could see the suffering of her body and imagine the anguish of leaving her husband, family and friends, but also her being centered on carrying her cross with Jesus for the salvation of all.  She was at peace.  To experience the Gospel alive in Elsa makes a much deeper impression than the words.  Thank you Lord, thank you Elsa for healing a wound of division.  We pray for you and you can give the prayers to those who need them.  We need your prayers for the Magnificat Community at Regina Mundi, that we may be faithful in seeking His Will with all our hearts. 

- Father Matthew Robbertz, from all of us.

Posted by Fr. Matthew Robbertz (friend)

Friday, May 13, 2016 at 12:31 am

Watchful, loving eyes

Elsa’s watching diligently over us, merrily flapping her wings in jubilation because of where she is, enables me to march back to several years ago, when we were at the end of our “Sundaze” bowling party and I was helping out with the cleaning.  I sensed a pair of eyes watching me intensely, but with her lips parted to display the usual friendly smile.  When we resumed bowling several weeks later, somehow I “volunteered” to assume the responsibility of doing the bowling stats as the statistician-bowler was relocating somewhere.  I found out, to my bemusement, that the main criteria for the job included humility, muscles and cleanliness, so I was told, in jest, of course.  That did not bother me at all because I earnestly and honorably performed the job until we all got tired of bowling many years later.  The point is, the same pair of eyes that followed me then is the same pair of eyes watching over me now.  Thank, you, Elsa, for believing in me, and now, for keeping watch over me!

Posted by Val Mapé (friend)

Thursday, February 3, 2016 at 5:39 pm

To my Dearest Ninang

I have only fond memories of when I think back and reminisce about my times with you.  I remember when I came home from work sometimes, you and Gugu would be at our house with so much energy and so much life.  This was during the time when the house was so full of people, that even a family dinner felt like a family party.  And of course, just like with any family party, there would always be food around.  I remember you and Gugu would bring boxes of pots and pans, filled to the brim with all kinds of food.  Your pork sinigang was always my favorite :) and same with the corned beef with pasta :)  I remember during the summer when we were on the deck and just listening to Gugu play in his guitar while we all sat around.  And you were sitting in between Jodi and my dad.  You would join in and sing along every once in a while and made a perfect harmony with Gugu.  You welcomed Jonathan with open arms and of course with an open heart.  I still find it hard to believe that you're gone.  It doesn't seem real.  But I will always remember you as being the kind hearted, most loving aunt I could ever have.  Please say hi to Lola, Uncle Mike, and Chip for me :)

- Mayan

Posted by Marianne Tan (niece)

Tuesday, January 26, 2016 at 4:38 pm

Elsa at Delmanor

I will always have the fondest memories of Elsa.  She would always accompany Marc to his performances here at Delmanor Elgin Mills.  Her energy and spirit are ones I will never forget.  She always had a smile on her face, and always was so grateful and welcoming to everyone around her.  Elsa was and always will be a ray of sunshine in the memories of everyone at Delmanor.  Rest in peace.

Posted by Whitney Hilts (acquaintance)

Monday, December 21, 2015 at 11:33 am

Good job, dog Mama

Will always salute you, Elsa, for being an animal lover, doggie parent, and compassionate person of the highest order.  Your mommying of Chip was my gold standard for how to love and take care of a furbaby.  How wonderful that Chip will now come running to meet across the Rainbow Bridge as you enter heaven.  Say hi to my doggie Banana for me.  Much love from me, Kikay my dog and the family.

Posted by Alya B. Honasan (cousin)

Thursday, December 17, 2015 at 6:53 am

My Angel

I met Elsa in the CT waiting room a year ago.  We immediately connected and we joined our spirituality in the fight against cancer.  We would email back and forth and get together for tea and hold hands.  We would share stories and pray together.  I truly believe we had been friends for years.  We would share angel stories and give each other gifts of hope, courage and strength. Elsa touched me with her wonderful sense of humor, her smile was angelic and would light up the room.  She called me her angel and I called her my angel.  The last time I was with Elsa, rubbing her frail back and whisking her hair behind her ears she said " Deb, when it's time we must follow God 's direction, but I will always be with you Deb ".  I told her that I would always be with her too, always, and the memories and love for one another will never cease.  You are in God's loving arms now my angel in peace and joy.  I love you always and forever,

- Deb

Posted by Deborah Cooper (friend)

Wednesday, December 16, 2015 at 6:45 pm