My mom was rummaging through her things and I was just trying to distract her when I chanced upon an old copy of their Bible reading guide. I browsed through stories of triumph, silliness and heartaches but one story struck a familiar chord in my heart. I'd like to share this story. :)

An Angel Named Marie Kei

In 1996, I prayed over and asked Mama Mary for the gift of a child for Farah and Yoshi (a Japanese). Their wish was granted. They were given a child whom they beautifully named Marie Kei (which in Japanese means "blessing from Mary"). She was born on December 12, feast of Our Lady of Guadalupe. It was a joyful day for the whole family, made more joyful with Yoshi's announcement that he, too, wanted to be baptized on January 5 together with his child.

But suddenly, joy turned to sorrow. The baby became very sick and I was called to giver her emergency baptism at the hospital on December 15. Yoshi, really wanting to be one with his child, wanted to be baptized as soon as possible. I administered adult baptism to him on December 23.

The next day, Christmas Eve, Marie Kei died at St. Luke's Hospital. She lived for only 12 days but she had done her mission. In Farah's own words, Marie Kei has brought her father, Yoshi, to the Lord.

Marie Kei's mission was accomplished in 12 days.

How about you? How long have you been here in this word? Have you done your mission? Are you doing your mission?

- Fr. Jerry Orbos, SVD (Didache, May 11, 2004)