Children’s Adoration December 8 Mission: “Let the Children Come to Me”

Aside from the Pure Heart PH missions, I also had the opportunity to serve in the Children’s Adoration apostolate of the Brothers of Saint John – Taboan. This apostolate caters to children aged 6 to 12 who live in the surrounding neighborhood. Some of them came from the streets, while others were students at the nearby elementary school.

I joined the apostolate's event on December 8, 2022, during the Solemnity of the Immaculate Conception—an apt day for such an activity. I was very excited, and it seemed the kids were just as eager. Over a hundred of them arrived at the priory well ahead of time, while there were only seven of us serving as facilitators, myself included. We hadn’t anticipated such a large turnout, so we simply followed the promptings of the Holy Spirit and tried our best to be spontaneous, observant, and sensitive to the children’s needs.

Children's Adoration Mission 2022 (Image Credits: Community of St. John)

Souls, Scents, and Sounds

As kids, they were full of energy. Yes, it became overwhelming at some point—but the grace of God and our Blessed Mother overflowed.

l could tell from their scent that they had been playing and sweating all morning. But as I looked into their eyes, I saw beautiful souls—fragile, yet hopeful and strong. Their laughter reminded me of my own childhood, a time when all that mattered was having three meals a day, a place to sleep, and time to play. Back when simple things meant a lot, and sleep was fast, deep, and peaceful.

Looking at them, I wondered what their futures would hold. I prayed that those who were fortunate would remain so until they could stand on their own. And for those in difficult family situations, I hoped God would provide everything they needed—food, shelter, and virtues—to endure. I only meet these kids for two hours a month. There isn’t much I can do besides entrust them to the loving care of our Virgin Mother.

Children playing outside the church (Image Credits: Community of St. John)

Motherly Care

Thinking of the children also led me to imagine the time when our Blessed Virgin Mother was a child. She had Saint Anne, a virtuous mother who nurtured and guided her with love. But I wonder how many of the children at the event had someone like that in their lives.

I spoke with a few parents who had accompanied their children and learned that some of them were raised by teenage mothers or had mothers who were incarcerated. Others had lived on the streets for years. In many of them, I saw reflections of my younger self—those who grew up amid poverty and social ridicule.

For years, I had been so focused on my career, believing that professional success would somehow heal the wounds of my childhood. But as I looked into the faces of those children, I found a sense of consolation for the suffering I had once endured. My struggles began to make sense, and I think I’m beginning to understand the yoke that God has given me.

CAD 2022 participants (Image Credits: Community of St. John)

Life’s struggles and wounds aren’t meant to be hidden. They’re meant to be shared, especially with the younger generation who may be facing the same challenges. One person’s mistake can become another’s guide. Our struggles can become fertile ground for growth—not just for ourselves, but for others as well.

Then, I remembered the line: “Her wounds come from the same source as her power.” These words, from Adrienne Rich’s poem “Power,” struck a chord with me. Our wounds have the potential to break us—but they can also transform us, helping us become stronger and more compassionate people.