SAINT MARY WAY

Reflection on the Saint Mary Way Activity – 11 October 2025

On 11 October 2025, we held the Saint Mary Way activity at a nursing home. We began by gathering in the hall and praying so that the event would run smoothly. The day felt special because we wanted not only to entertain the grandmothers, but also to learn about the meaning of serving others.

The moment that stayed with me the most happened during the ball-passing game. When the music stopped, the ball landed on a quiet grandmother. At first she seemed shy, but then she slowly began to talk. She shared stories about her youth in Sulawesi, her children who now live far away, and the loneliness she sometimes feels. Her trembling hands, gentle voice, and honesty touched my heart deeply.

The room became very quiet, as if everyone wanted to honor her life story. I also remember another joyful moment when a grandmother sang a Chinese song while lying down, making everyone laugh and smile.

From this experience, I realized the values of Mother Mary: humility and compassion. Like Mary, we were invited to listen, be present, and care sincerely, even through simple actions. I also felt God’s presence—in the grandmother’s honesty, in the strength of the elderly, in our small acts of service, and in the peaceful prayer at the end.

I learned something about myself too. I discovered that I could be more patient and gentle than I thought. I managed to stay calm, help the elderly, and make them feel comfortable through small actions like smiling or holding their hand.

From this, I chose one small habit to continue in daily life: to greet and pay attention to people who seem alone, whether at school or anywhere else. A simple smile or short conversation can mean a lot.

The Saint Mary Way activity was not just a service activity, but a meaningful journey—to see deeper, listen sincerely, and act with compassion.