610. Melania’s Sudden Visit to Busan to Be by My Side

💌 610. Melania’s Sudden Visit to Busan to Be by My Side

I offered up all the pain from the surgery, which lasted over three hours and the suffering that followed during my hospitalization, completely by practicing Semchigo as if I were loved by the Lord, to console the wounded Hearts of Jesus and the Blessed Mother and for the repentance of sinners.

At the hospital in Yeosu, they had told me that the surgery would only take 30 minutes due to the adhesion between my uterus and intestines. However, I traveled all the way to Busan to have the surgery at a place where I could attend daily Mass. I thanked the Lord, firmly believing that He would use the suffering He allowed to me in His way.

After the hysterectomy, my husband stayed by my side as he had not yet returned to Naju. Then, to my surprise, Melania, whom I had sent to the S convent, somehow learned of my situation and came to visit me at Maryknoll Hospital in Busan. “Mother Julia! It is me, Melania. How are you, Mother? Now that I am here, do not worry. I will help you.”

I was completely shocked by Melania’s unexpected visit but I was even more stunned by her words that she would stay by my side. Melania, saying she would help me, was certainly going to follow me back to Naju when I returned and I knew she would continue her volunteer work there.

It was clear that my mother, Rufino, and Melania would inevitably become entangled again, each coming to me in distress to complain and pour out their hearts for hours.

Julio’s annual leave was nearing its end and he had to return to Naju soon. There was no one in my family who could help me. However, there were two nuns and no matter how intense my suffering was, I could never accept Melania’s help, no matter how much I had to do everything on my own. When I subtly signaled this to Julio by poking him, he quickly understood my wish and said, “Oh, Melania, it is fine. I can stay here.” 

But Melania said, “Still, how can it be the same as a woman helping? I will stay here. Should you not go to Naju to work?” I poked Julio again. Then he said, “No, I can take care of Julia. It is fine.” But to my surprise, Melania insisted by saying, “No, I will stay. I want to be by Mama’s side until I die.”

I poked Julio again. “No, it is fine. Julia needs to rest, so Melania, you should go now.” After refusing several times, Julio finally had to almost push Melania out of the room and only then could we send her back. I was shocked by her intense attachment to me but I offered it up with Semchigo as if I were loved by the Lord, and breathed a deep sigh of relief.

Finally, Melania returned to the community where I had sent her, guided by the Blessed Mother, but shortly after, she left there as well. After a time of pilgrimages to the Blessed Mother’s House, Melania got married, despite having promised not to. Gradually, she stopped attending the prayer meetings of Naju and eventually ceased her steps to the Blessed Mother’s House.

Whenever I suddenly thought of Melania, with whom I had lost contact, I prayed that she would live according to the will of the Lord and the Blessed Mother. Some time later, at a retreat held at the Jangchung Gymnasium in Seoul, I saw Melania again. She came to see me after hearing that I was going to deliver messages there. “Mama! I brought these for you,” she said, presenting a ring and necklace adorned with large gemstones.

She suddenly grabbed my hand and put the ring on my finger. Surprised, I immediately took it off and said, “No, Melania. I do not wear things like this. I do not need it.” But Melania insisted, “No, Mama. How beautiful you would look wearing this. I really want you to have it.” No matter how much I refused, she insisted on trying to put the ring on my finger.

After a while of back-and-forth, she managed to put the ring on my finger again but I quickly took it off again. Since I had already offered up all gold and jewels to the Lord, except for silver, I did not wear any jewelry at all. Offering it up with Semchigo as if Melania had done as I wished, I said, “Melania, I have offered all my gold and jewels to God. So please do not do this for me. Instead, help those in need and offer it up to God with that amount.” After saying this, I finally managed to send her away.

That day, Melania, who had been so happy to see me, never returned to the Blessed Mother’s House for pilgrimage. How important it is to remain true to one’s original intentions! Melania had once resolved to serve the Lord and the Blessed Mother as penance for the years of heartache she caused to the wife of the man she had fallen in love with.

However, she served in a superficial way rather than with a sincere heart and in the end, she was unable to keep the commitment she had made. After getting married, she stopped visiting the Blessed Mother of Naju altogether. Then, one day, I heard of Melania’s passing. She was not yet of an age to leave this world and I felt great sorrow for her soul. Who will help her soul now? I have been praying for her soul ever since.

My personal reflection note with Mama Julia🌹💗 

Link 👇🏻

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