June 14, 2024 • 19 mins
In this episode of the LilWeird Podcast, I take you on a captivating journey into one of the most extraordinary tales of faith and mystery from the Philippines. Discover the miraculous apparitions experienced by Teresita Castillo in 1948 at the Carmelite monastery in Lipa, Batangas. Unveil the profound connection between Teresita and Saint Thérèse of Lisieux, the Little Flower, as we delve into the divine messages and awe-inspiring encounters that transformed this quiet monastery into a site of spiritual wonder.
Join me, Jane Bee, as I explore the hidden and almost forgotten story of Lipa's miraculous events. Learn about Teresita's visions of the Blessed Virgin Mary, the significance of these apparitions, and the impact they had on the faithful. This episode sets the stage for the miraculous shower of rose petals and the subsequent Church suppression that we’ll dive into in Part 2.
Key Topics:
If you enjoyed this episode, please subscribe to the LilWeird Podcast, rate us, and leave a review on your favorite listening platform. Share this episode with your friends and family who love exploring the mysterious and the divine. Follow us on social media for updates and more intriguing stories.
🎵'Dystopia' by Neutrin05
Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/lilweird-podcast--6099720/support.
Join me, Jane Bee, as I explore the hidden and almost forgotten story of Lipa's miraculous events. Learn about Teresita's visions of the Blessed Virgin Mary, the significance of these apparitions, and the impact they had on the faithful. This episode sets the stage for the miraculous shower of rose petals and the subsequent Church suppression that we’ll dive into in Part 2.
Key Topics:
- Teresita Castillo's divine apparitions
- Connection with Saint Thérèse of Lisieux
- The spiritual transformation of Lipa's Carmelite monastery
- Hidden and almost forgotten miracles in the Philippines
If you enjoyed this episode, please subscribe to the LilWeird Podcast, rate us, and leave a review on your favorite listening platform. Share this episode with your friends and family who love exploring the mysterious and the divine. Follow us on social media for updates and more intriguing stories.
🎵'Dystopia' by Neutrin05
Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/lilweird-podcast--6099720/support.
Mark as Played
Transcript
Episode Transcript
Available transcripts are automatically generated. Complete accuracy is not guaranteed.
(00:00):
In the Philippines, a nation's deepin deep rooted Catholic faith, belief in
miracles and the divine power of religiousicons is woven into the very fabric of
everyday life. From bastling cities totrunkel rural communities, the supernatural and the
sacred are ever present. Devots flockedto venerated sites the owned by tales of
(00:22):
miraculous healings and divine interventions. TheSentoninudisibu, centuries old statue of the child
Jesus, is believed to grant miracles, attracting millions each year. Similarly,
the Black Nazarene, a dark skinstatue of Jesus bearing the Cross, inspires
fervent devotions as thousands join its annualprocession in Manila, seeking blessings and cures.
(00:48):
Against this backdrop of profound spiritual fervor, the events that unfolded in Lipa,
Batangas in nineteen forty eight stand outas one of the most captivating chapters
in the nation's religious history. Inthe syrine confines of a Carmelite monastery,
an otherworthly phenomenon begun to unfold.Imagine if you will delicate rose petals descending
(01:10):
from the heavens, each one imbuedwith the celestial fragrance. A means the
ethereal shower stood a young postula terRecita Castillio, whose life was forever changed
by divine visions. The blessed VirginMary appeared to her, bringing messages of
hope and grace. These miraculous events, both beautiful and awe inspiring, drew
(01:32):
countless pilgrims eager to witness the divine. Yet, as the petals continued to
fall, a shadow of mystery andin trade began to creep over the sacred
grounds. The syne atmosphere was soondisrupted by whispers of skepticism, fierce opposition,
and the looming authority of the church. The initial wonderment gave way to
(01:53):
a narrative intertwined with scattle and suppression. The tale of the Lipa apparitions and
the miracle shower of petals remains apowerful enemia, a story of divine encounters,
a wavering faith, and the relentlessquest for truth. A means a
backdrop of controversy, a step intothe mystical world where the boundaries between faith
(02:15):
and reality blur, and discover theenduring mystery that continues to captivate and inspire.
Hello and welcome to the Little WordPodcast. I'm your host Jane.
Today we're diving into an extraordinary andalmost forgotten tale of faith and mystery from
the Philippines. Join me as weexplore the hidden and miraculous mysteries of the
(02:37):
apparitions and shower of petals in Lipa, or the boundaries between faith and reality
blur. Welcome to the Little WordPodcast. In the Sereneyet mysterious confines of
the Lipa Caramel content in the Philippines, the extraordinary events of nineteen forty eight
unfolded like a spiritual drama. Thisis the story of the Iscita Castillio,
(03:00):
a young woman who witnessed supernatural apparitionsthat would forever change her life and the
lives of those around. Amidst thelash gardens and quiet corridors of the convent,
Terracita experience encounters with both divine anddiabolical entities, leading to a profound
journey of faith, fear, andresilience. This narrative delves into her mystical
(03:23):
experiences, the skeptical investigations that followed, and the enduring legacy of the Marian
apparitions in Lipa. Born into theprivileged Castilio family, the Recita Castilio enjoyed
a life of comfort and luxury inthe province of Batangas. Her father,
Modesto Castilio, was a respected figureknown for his influence and reputation as a
(03:46):
freemason and governor. The youngest ofsix children, Tercita was the apple of
her family's eye, particularly adored forher musical talents, the Hostilius ensured that
Isita received the best education in Manila, nurturing her musical gift with the promise
of grand piano upon her gradation.But beneath the surface of this pampered life,
(04:09):
Tercita harbored a deep spiritual longing.On the dawn of her twenty first
birthday, July far, nineteen fortyeight, she made a live altering decision.
As the first light of day touchedearth, she slipped out of her
comfortable home, leaving behind the promiseof grand piano and ventured towards a new,
unknown destiny. At Telepa Carmel,content a convent, a place of
(04:30):
silence and solitude, became the backdropof Pterasitus spiritual quest. Her entry into
this cloister world was far from Peacewood. Shortly after her arrival, her family's
resistance to her decision intensified. Theevening stillness of the convent was shattered by
the arrival of her eldest brother,Florentio, whose shots echoed through the heavy
(04:53):
wooden doors. The sound of agunshot reverberated in the night, a chilling
testament to his determination to bring herback. Laurentia's anchor reached a fever pitch
as he pounded on the doors torelentless theory. Inside, the nuns known
as out sisters, trembled in fearand cold for the police. The prioress
hoping to come. The storm ledthe Recita to the parlor, where Florentia
(05:16):
confronted her can in hand. Hiseyes wild with desperation, bore into her
as he threatened to shoot. Thetension was palpable, but before the situation
could escalate further, divine intervention seemedto occur, and Florentia left in a
halff just before the police arrived.Despite the familial dourmoil, the Recitus resolved
(05:38):
to become a perfect carmelate remained unshakenshe endured emotional assaults from her siblings,
who begged her to return home.As the days in the convent passed,
the Recita found herself enveloped in aneerie silence, only punctuated by the occasional
whispers of the wind through the convent'sancient walls. Yet it was within this
(05:59):
sign violence that the supernatural began tointrude upon her reality. Her first encounter
was marked by the deep, gutteralvoice that resonated it in herself, feeling
her with an indescribable fear. Ifirst encounter occurred during the great Silence,
which means that nobody may talk withanybody except for emergency reasons. I was
in our cell, praying hard formy family when I heard three knocks.
(06:23):
I did not see anyone come in. After a while, I heard a
man's voice, very rough and gutturalin nature, as though coming from a
deep, hollow container. He gaveme a vivid picture of how my family
was. He said that my father, who was at that time the presiding
judge of the Court of Industrial Relations, could not study his legal cases.
(06:44):
I was told, and this wasconfirmed by others, that after each meal
he would leave two spoonfuls of ricefor me. He used to stand by
the window waiting for my return.This was indeed a very touching attitude of
my poor father. I suddenly felthomesick, so much so that I was
on the verge of crying. ThenI heard the voice again, telling me
(07:05):
that he will leave signs of hispresence in our cell. With shaking knees
and trembling hands, I somehow managedto grow for our little lamp, and
sure enough there were two black footprints, and their shape was so different from
that of a human being. Butthe torments did not stop there. Each
night, as the contantly gloak indarkness, the voice returned, repeating the
(07:28):
same harrying messages. Same voice cameback to me at around three am.
He kept repeating the same thing tome. Larisita, though terrified, clung
to her faith, praying fervidly forstrength. It was during one of these
nights that she began to question whetherthe voice was a trick or gis treated
by her family to throw her back. The possibility nod at her, adding
(07:50):
layers of confusion in fear. Thetrue horror materialized on August eleventh, nineteen
forty eight, at the ungodly hourof three eighty de Resita was cholted away
by the violent shaking of her bed. The horse voice was back, urging
her to pity her parents, toreturn to them lest they die of luneliness.
(08:11):
And then, in a moment itseemed to stretch into eternity, the
entity appeared before her eyes. Thedevil was a grotesque figure, short and
engulfed in flames, with bloodshot eyesthat could not meet hers. His foul
odor permeated the room, solidifying hismalevolence. Without warning, he struck her.
(08:31):
The Recita, in a surge ofdivine providence, managed to grub a
vial of holy water. She sprinkledit towards the beast, as if seared
by its purity. The devil vanished. Shaken and tearful, the Recita fled
to the mother Prioress, showing themarks on her wrist. The Prioress embraced
her for the first time, agesture of profound comfort and solidarity. This
(08:56):
human connection amidst her divine battle,gave the Recita the strength. Then,
though she missed her parents dearly,she realized that giving up her vocation would
me letting the devil win. Itwas not long after this that Tercita experienced
a contrasting encounter. One day,as she walked towards her cell, a
sweet fragrance enveloped her, reminiscent ofwhite lilies. The scent brought to mind
(09:20):
old beliefs about death and the afterlife. In her cell, a voice unlike
any she had heard before, spoketo her. It was soft, sweet,
and filled with compassion. My daughter, sufferings will always be with you
until the end of your life,it said. Ter Resita, do stunned,
felt a strange sense of peace washover her. This voice, she
(09:41):
would later realize, belonged to theBlessed Mother. From this point, the
encounters with Mary began. Each appearancewas preceded by the same sweet fragrance.
Mary's voice was the bomb to Tercita'stormented soul, offering comfort and guidance.
Our fifteen consecutive days, starting Septembertwelfth, nineteen forty eight, Mary appeared
(10:03):
to Teresita. Each visit a profoundspiritual experience. Mary's messages were clear and
compassionate, urging Teresita to pray andto perform acts of penance. Mother Cecilia,
the Prioress became her closest ally duringher supernatural trials. Alfredo Auviar,
the auxiliary bishop and chaplain, alsoplayed a crucial role. When the devil
(10:26):
tried to drug Tarisita down the stairs, it was Mother Cecilia who fought to
pull her back, comforting Teresita byassuring her that she was clothed despite the
devil's illusion mishep Auviar explained that thedevil had the power to manipulate her senses,
making her believe she was naked.With these supporters, Teresita's ordeals seemed
(10:48):
random and more a shared butt.However, this support also brought new challenges,
such as envy and spied from othersin the convent. Ter Resita and
Mother Cecilia faced these trials together andduring hurtful words and accusations. Tersita's physical
suffering was intense. She felt asif her entire body was pricked by needles
(11:11):
for days, a pain she offeredas penance for priests and nuns, whom
Mary told her were a trees oflosing their vocations. These afflictions symbolized the
inner conflicts within her faith community andher realization that even priests and nuns are
human. Such experiences were part ofadjusting to convent life, which included practices
(11:33):
of self mortification like wearying acilis.Only Teresita and Mother Cecilia knew about her
painful pricks and periods of blindness,which occurred before and after the apparitions.
This secret suffering created a deep bondbetween them. Mother Cecilia received internal messages
from the blessed Virgin Mary, warningher of Tercita's upcoming trials and guiding her
(11:58):
on how to support her. TerResitu's three periods of blindness began and ended
suddenly. The first followed a demonicattack where she feared her blindness might lead
to her rejection by the community.The second time, her side was restored
when she left herself for mass.The third time, her blindness was a
sign Monseigneur of Viarre instructed ter Resitato ask Mary for a sign of her
(12:22):
presence. Mary appeared, touching Teresita'seyes, and this time her left arm
was also paralyzed. The convent's infairMarian confirmed Teresita's lack of sensation. These
physical afflictions marked ter Resita as amediator between Mary and the community, starting
with a series of apparitions that beganon September twelve, nineteen forty eight.
(12:43):
In these apparitions, Mary appeared toTersita each visit, bringing messages of comfort,
guidance, and the call for prayerand penance. These encounters transformed Teresita's
suffering into a shared spiritual mission,connecting her with her faith in her community.
One of the most significant apparitions occurredin the convent garden. As to
(13:05):
Resita prayed the rosary, the vinesaround her began to shake, drawing her
attention. Suddenly, Mary's voice instructedher to kiss the ground and eat some
grass. A test of obedience andhumility. Mary asked Resita to visit the
same spot for the next fifteen days. These instructions mirrored the famous Marian apparitions
(13:26):
in lords ground, inter Resita's experienceswithin a recognized framework of divine encounters.
Mary's presence was not just a spiritualcomfort, but also a source of strength
for Tersita. During one apparition,Mary revealed herself as Mary Mediatricks of All
Grace, a title that underscored herrule as intercessor. The apparitions provided Resita
(13:50):
with the fortitude to face her trials, each visit reinforcing her faith and her
commitment to her vocation. Through thesedivine encounters, resitus perception of her suffering
transformed. She no longer saw herselfas a victim of chance, but as
a chosen vessel for divine messages.The support from Mary, coupled with the
(14:11):
human comfort from the Mother, Priorusand Bishop Oviar, solidified her resolve.
She understood her role in a largerspiritual battle, a fight against the forces
of darkness that sought to undermine herfaith and her mission. As opparitions continued,
the content became a battleground of supernaturalforces. The nuns, initially skeptical,
(14:33):
began to witness the signs themselves.The scent of lilies, the falling
rose petals, and the miraculous healingfurther validated the Recita's experiences. The once
silent corridors of the convent now buzzedwith a sense of sacred purpose as the
nuns rallied around ter Recita, offeringtheir prayers and support. Recita Hostilia's experiences
(14:58):
and spiritual journey in the Lippa carmelOr deeply intertwined with the legacy of Saint
Therese of Lisia, also known asthe Lele Flower. This connection is not
just a matter of shared name ordevotional practices, but extends to the profound
influence Teresa's writings and spirituality had onthe theories of Lesia, a French Carmelite
(15:20):
nun who lived in the late nineteenthcentury, is renowned for her little Way
path of spiritual childhood, characterized byhumility, simplicity, and trust in God's
love. Her autobiography is story ofa Soul, which details her deep love
for Jesus and her approach to livinga life of simplicity. Became a cornerstone
(15:41):
for many Carmelites, including those inthe Philippines. Teresita often read Teres's autobiography,
finding in it a source of inspirationand guidance. The theme of littleness
resonated deeply with Teresita, was sawherself as a small, humble servant in
God's grand deseg She frequently referred toherself in diminutive terms, accling Teresa's language
(16:04):
and approach the spirituality. Terisita's mysticalexperiences in Lipa bear striking similarities to those
of theories. Both nuns experienced visionsand supernatural phenomena that emphasized their rose as
intercessors and their deep connection to thedivine. For instance, Teresa spoke of
(16:25):
her desire to spent her heaven doinggood on earth, symbolized by her promise
of a shower of roses after herdeath. This promise manifested in many reported
instances of rose petals falling as signsof her recessions. Similarly, in Lipa,
Terisita witness rose petals falling within thecontent, an event that occurred on
(16:45):
Teresa's fast day. These rose petals, often associated with these reinforced the connection
between the two nuns and highlighted Teresita'srule as a spiritual successor to Teresa's legacy.
During one significant apparition, Teresita encountereda shower of rose petals, reminiscent
of Teresa's promise shower of roses.On October third, nineteen forty eight,
(17:11):
Terarisita saw pedals falling before her asshe ascended the staircase. This event,
coupled with her subsequent vision of theoriessurrounded by angels, solidified the spiritual bond
between them. Teresa's appearance to Teresita, and her message about humility and simplicity
reinforced the values that both nuns heldierFurthermore, Teresa's teachings on suffering and love
(17:34):
deeply influenced Teresita's acceptance of her owntrials. Teris beluted suffering, when offered
to God becomes a powerful form ofprayer and intercession. Ter Resita embraced this
perspective, offering her physical and spiritualsufferings as penance for the salvation of priests
(17:55):
and nuns, echoing Teresa's sentiments.That brings us to the end of the
first part of our journey into themiraculous events at Lipa. We have delved
into the extraordinary experiences of Terrecita Castilio, her divine encounters with the blessed Virgin
Mary, and the intriguing connection betweenTersita and Saint theis of Lysia the Little
(18:17):
Flower. The apparitions, filled withmessages of hope and grace, mark a
profound chapter in the spiritual life ofthis quiet Carmelit monastery. But this story
is far from over. In thenext episode, we'll explore another fascinating aspect
of these events, the miraculous showerof rose petals. Will uncover how these
(18:38):
petals, some bearing holy images,captivated the faithful and confounded skeptics. We
will also dive into the intense isscrutiny and eventual suppression by the church,
and how decades later, dedicated believersreignited the case seeking to uncover the truth.
Join me as we continue this drinkingtale in part two, for faith,
(19:02):
mystery and controversy intertwine. We'll examinethe miraculous petals, the church's response,
and the determined efforts to reopen thecase. Thank you for listening to
The Little Word podcast. If youenjoy this episode, please subscribe and leave
a review on your favorite listening platform. Thanks for listening.
In the Philippines, a nation's deepin deep rooted Catholic faith, belief in
miracles and the divine power of religiousicons is woven into the very fabric of
everyday life. From bastling cities totrunkel rural communities, the supernatural and the
sacred are ever present. Devots flockedto venerated sites the owned by tales of
(00:22):
miraculous healings and divine interventions. TheSentoninudisibu, centuries old statue of the child
Jesus, is believed to grant miracles, attracting millions each year. Similarly,
the Black Nazarene, a dark skinstatue of Jesus bearing the Cross, inspires
fervent devotions as thousands join its annualprocession in Manila, seeking blessings and cures.
(00:48):
Against this backdrop of profound spiritual fervor, the events that unfolded in Lipa,
Batangas in nineteen forty eight stand outas one of the most captivating chapters
in the nation's religious history. Inthe syrine confines of a Carmelite monastery,
an otherworthly phenomenon begun to unfold.Imagine if you will delicate rose petals descending
(01:10):
from the heavens, each one imbuedwith the celestial fragrance. A means the
ethereal shower stood a young postula terRecita Castillio, whose life was forever changed
by divine visions. The blessed VirginMary appeared to her, bringing messages of
hope and grace. These miraculous events, both beautiful and awe inspiring, drew
(01:32):
countless pilgrims eager to witness the divine. Yet, as the petals continued to
fall, a shadow of mystery andin trade began to creep over the sacred
grounds. The syne atmosphere was soondisrupted by whispers of skepticism, fierce opposition,
and the looming authority of the church. The initial wonderment gave way to
(01:53):
a narrative intertwined with scattle and suppression. The tale of the Lipa apparitions and
the miracle shower of petals remains apowerful enemia, a story of divine encounters,
a wavering faith, and the relentlessquest for truth. A means a
backdrop of controversy, a step intothe mystical world where the boundaries between faith
(02:15):
and reality blur, and discover theenduring mystery that continues to captivate and inspire.
Hello and welcome to the Little WordPodcast. I'm your host Jane.
Today we're diving into an extraordinary andalmost forgotten tale of faith and mystery from
the Philippines. Join me as weexplore the hidden and miraculous mysteries of the
(02:37):
apparitions and shower of petals in Lipa, or the boundaries between faith and reality
blur. Welcome to the Little WordPodcast. In the Sereneyet mysterious confines of
the Lipa Caramel content in the Philippines, the extraordinary events of nineteen forty eight
unfolded like a spiritual drama. Thisis the story of the Iscita Castillio,
(03:00):
a young woman who witnessed supernatural apparitionsthat would forever change her life and the
lives of those around. Amidst thelash gardens and quiet corridors of the convent,
Terracita experience encounters with both divine anddiabolical entities, leading to a profound
journey of faith, fear, andresilience. This narrative delves into her mystical
(03:23):
experiences, the skeptical investigations that followed, and the enduring legacy of the Marian
apparitions in Lipa. Born into theprivileged Castilio family, the Recita Castilio enjoyed
a life of comfort and luxury inthe province of Batangas. Her father,
Modesto Castilio, was a respected figureknown for his influence and reputation as a
(03:46):
freemason and governor. The youngest ofsix children, Tercita was the apple of
her family's eye, particularly adored forher musical talents, the Hostilius ensured that
Isita received the best education in Manila, nurturing her musical gift with the promise
of grand piano upon her gradation.But beneath the surface of this pampered life,
(04:09):
Tercita harbored a deep spiritual longing.On the dawn of her twenty first
birthday, July far, nineteen fortyeight, she made a live altering decision.
As the first light of day touchedearth, she slipped out of her
comfortable home, leaving behind the promiseof grand piano and ventured towards a new,
unknown destiny. At Telepa Carmel,content a convent, a place of
(04:30):
silence and solitude, became the backdropof Pterasitus spiritual quest. Her entry into
this cloister world was far from Peacewood. Shortly after her arrival, her family's
resistance to her decision intensified. Theevening stillness of the convent was shattered by
the arrival of her eldest brother,Florentio, whose shots echoed through the heavy
(04:53):
wooden doors. The sound of agunshot reverberated in the night, a chilling
testament to his determination to bring herback. Laurentia's anchor reached a fever pitch
as he pounded on the doors torelentless theory. Inside, the nuns known
as out sisters, trembled in fearand cold for the police. The prioress
hoping to come. The storm ledthe Recita to the parlor, where Florentia
(05:16):
confronted her can in hand. Hiseyes wild with desperation, bore into her
as he threatened to shoot. Thetension was palpable, but before the situation
could escalate further, divine intervention seemedto occur, and Florentia left in a
halff just before the police arrived.Despite the familial dourmoil, the Recitus resolved
(05:38):
to become a perfect carmelate remained unshakenshe endured emotional assaults from her siblings,
who begged her to return home.As the days in the convent passed,
the Recita found herself enveloped in aneerie silence, only punctuated by the occasional
whispers of the wind through the convent'sancient walls. Yet it was within this
(05:59):
sign violence that the supernatural began tointrude upon her reality. Her first encounter
was marked by the deep, gutteralvoice that resonated it in herself, feeling
her with an indescribable fear. Ifirst encounter occurred during the great Silence,
which means that nobody may talk withanybody except for emergency reasons. I was
in our cell, praying hard formy family when I heard three knocks.
(06:23):
I did not see anyone come in. After a while, I heard a
man's voice, very rough and gutturalin nature, as though coming from a
deep, hollow container. He gaveme a vivid picture of how my family
was. He said that my father, who was at that time the presiding
judge of the Court of Industrial Relations, could not study his legal cases.
(06:44):
I was told, and this wasconfirmed by others, that after each meal
he would leave two spoonfuls of ricefor me. He used to stand by
the window waiting for my return.This was indeed a very touching attitude of
my poor father. I suddenly felthomesick, so much so that I was
on the verge of crying. ThenI heard the voice again, telling me
(07:05):
that he will leave signs of hispresence in our cell. With shaking knees
and trembling hands, I somehow managedto grow for our little lamp, and
sure enough there were two black footprints, and their shape was so different from
that of a human being. Butthe torments did not stop there. Each
night, as the contantly gloak indarkness, the voice returned, repeating the
(07:28):
same harrying messages. Same voice cameback to me at around three am.
He kept repeating the same thing tome. Larisita, though terrified, clung
to her faith, praying fervidly forstrength. It was during one of these
nights that she began to question whetherthe voice was a trick or gis treated
by her family to throw her back. The possibility nod at her, adding
(07:50):
layers of confusion in fear. Thetrue horror materialized on August eleventh, nineteen
forty eight, at the ungodly hourof three eighty de Resita was cholted away
by the violent shaking of her bed. The horse voice was back, urging
her to pity her parents, toreturn to them lest they die of luneliness.
(08:11):
And then, in a moment itseemed to stretch into eternity, the
entity appeared before her eyes. Thedevil was a grotesque figure, short and
engulfed in flames, with bloodshot eyesthat could not meet hers. His foul
odor permeated the room, solidifying hismalevolence. Without warning, he struck her.
(08:31):
The Recita, in a surge ofdivine providence, managed to grub a
vial of holy water. She sprinkledit towards the beast, as if seared
by its purity. The devil vanished. Shaken and tearful, the Recita fled
to the mother Prioress, showing themarks on her wrist. The Prioress embraced
her for the first time, agesture of profound comfort and solidarity. This
(08:56):
human connection amidst her divine battle,gave the Recita the strength. Then,
though she missed her parents dearly,she realized that giving up her vocation would
me letting the devil win. Itwas not long after this that Tercita experienced
a contrasting encounter. One day,as she walked towards her cell, a
sweet fragrance enveloped her, reminiscent ofwhite lilies. The scent brought to mind
(09:20):
old beliefs about death and the afterlife. In her cell, a voice unlike
any she had heard before, spoketo her. It was soft, sweet,
and filled with compassion. My daughter, sufferings will always be with you
until the end of your life,it said. Ter Resita, do stunned,
felt a strange sense of peace washover her. This voice, she
(09:41):
would later realize, belonged to theBlessed Mother. From this point, the
encounters with Mary began. Each appearancewas preceded by the same sweet fragrance.
Mary's voice was the bomb to Tercita'stormented soul, offering comfort and guidance.
Our fifteen consecutive days, starting Septembertwelfth, nineteen forty eight, Mary appeared
(10:03):
to Teresita. Each visit a profoundspiritual experience. Mary's messages were clear and
compassionate, urging Teresita to pray andto perform acts of penance. Mother Cecilia,
the Prioress became her closest ally duringher supernatural trials. Alfredo Auviar,
the auxiliary bishop and chaplain, alsoplayed a crucial role. When the devil
(10:26):
tried to drug Tarisita down the stairs, it was Mother Cecilia who fought to
pull her back, comforting Teresita byassuring her that she was clothed despite the
devil's illusion mishep Auviar explained that thedevil had the power to manipulate her senses,
making her believe she was naked.With these supporters, Teresita's ordeals seemed
(10:48):
random and more a shared butt.However, this support also brought new challenges,
such as envy and spied from othersin the convent. Ter Resita and
Mother Cecilia faced these trials together andduring hurtful words and accusations. Tersita's physical
suffering was intense. She felt asif her entire body was pricked by needles
(11:11):
for days, a pain she offeredas penance for priests and nuns, whom
Mary told her were a trees oflosing their vocations. These afflictions symbolized the
inner conflicts within her faith community andher realization that even priests and nuns are
human. Such experiences were part ofadjusting to convent life, which included practices
(11:33):
of self mortification like wearying acilis.Only Teresita and Mother Cecilia knew about her
painful pricks and periods of blindness,which occurred before and after the apparitions.
This secret suffering created a deep bondbetween them. Mother Cecilia received internal messages
from the blessed Virgin Mary, warningher of Tercita's upcoming trials and guiding her
(11:58):
on how to support her. TerResitu's three periods of blindness began and ended
suddenly. The first followed a demonicattack where she feared her blindness might lead
to her rejection by the community.The second time, her side was restored
when she left herself for mass.The third time, her blindness was a
sign Monseigneur of Viarre instructed ter Resitato ask Mary for a sign of her
(12:22):
presence. Mary appeared, touching Teresita'seyes, and this time her left arm
was also paralyzed. The convent's infairMarian confirmed Teresita's lack of sensation. These
physical afflictions marked ter Resita as amediator between Mary and the community, starting
with a series of apparitions that beganon September twelve, nineteen forty eight.
(12:43):
In these apparitions, Mary appeared toTersita each visit, bringing messages of comfort,
guidance, and the call for prayerand penance. These encounters transformed Teresita's
suffering into a shared spiritual mission,connecting her with her faith in her community.
One of the most significant apparitions occurredin the convent garden. As to
(13:05):
Resita prayed the rosary, the vinesaround her began to shake, drawing her
attention. Suddenly, Mary's voice instructedher to kiss the ground and eat some
grass. A test of obedience andhumility. Mary asked Resita to visit the
same spot for the next fifteen days. These instructions mirrored the famous Marian apparitions
(13:26):
in lords ground, inter Resita's experienceswithin a recognized framework of divine encounters.
Mary's presence was not just a spiritualcomfort, but also a source of strength
for Tersita. During one apparition,Mary revealed herself as Mary Mediatricks of All
Grace, a title that underscored herrule as intercessor. The apparitions provided Resita
(13:50):
with the fortitude to face her trials, each visit reinforcing her faith and her
commitment to her vocation. Through thesedivine encounters, resitus perception of her suffering
transformed. She no longer saw herselfas a victim of chance, but as
a chosen vessel for divine messages.The support from Mary, coupled with the
(14:11):
human comfort from the Mother, Priorusand Bishop Oviar, solidified her resolve.
She understood her role in a largerspiritual battle, a fight against the forces
of darkness that sought to undermine herfaith and her mission. As opparitions continued,
the content became a battleground of supernaturalforces. The nuns, initially skeptical,
(14:33):
began to witness the signs themselves.The scent of lilies, the falling
rose petals, and the miraculous healingfurther validated the Recita's experiences. The once
silent corridors of the convent now buzzedwith a sense of sacred purpose as the
nuns rallied around ter Recita, offeringtheir prayers and support. Recita Hostilia's experiences
(14:58):
and spiritual journey in the Lippa carmelOr deeply intertwined with the legacy of Saint
Therese of Lisia, also known asthe Lele Flower. This connection is not
just a matter of shared name ordevotional practices, but extends to the profound
influence Teresa's writings and spirituality had onthe theories of Lesia, a French Carmelite
(15:20):
nun who lived in the late nineteenthcentury, is renowned for her little Way
path of spiritual childhood, characterized byhumility, simplicity, and trust in God's
love. Her autobiography is story ofa Soul, which details her deep love
for Jesus and her approach to livinga life of simplicity. Became a cornerstone
(15:41):
for many Carmelites, including those inthe Philippines. Teresita often read Teres's autobiography,
finding in it a source of inspirationand guidance. The theme of littleness
resonated deeply with Teresita, was sawherself as a small, humble servant in
God's grand deseg She frequently referred toherself in diminutive terms, accling Teresa's language
(16:04):
and approach the spirituality. Terisita's mysticalexperiences in Lipa bear striking similarities to those
of theories. Both nuns experienced visionsand supernatural phenomena that emphasized their rose as
intercessors and their deep connection to thedivine. For instance, Teresa spoke of
(16:25):
her desire to spent her heaven doinggood on earth, symbolized by her promise
of a shower of roses after herdeath. This promise manifested in many reported
instances of rose petals falling as signsof her recessions. Similarly, in Lipa,
Terisita witness rose petals falling within thecontent, an event that occurred on
(16:45):
Teresa's fast day. These rose petals, often associated with these reinforced the connection
between the two nuns and highlighted Teresita'srule as a spiritual successor to Teresa's legacy.
During one significant apparition, Teresita encountereda shower of rose petals, reminiscent
of Teresa's promise shower of roses.On October third, nineteen forty eight,
(17:11):
Terarisita saw pedals falling before her asshe ascended the staircase. This event,
coupled with her subsequent vision of theoriessurrounded by angels, solidified the spiritual bond
between them. Teresa's appearance to Teresita, and her message about humility and simplicity
reinforced the values that both nuns heldierFurthermore, Teresa's teachings on suffering and love
(17:34):
deeply influenced Teresita's acceptance of her owntrials. Teris beluted suffering, when offered
to God becomes a powerful form ofprayer and intercession. Ter Resita embraced this
perspective, offering her physical and spiritualsufferings as penance for the salvation of priests
(17:55):
and nuns, echoing Teresa's sentiments.That brings us to the end of the
first part of our journey into themiraculous events at Lipa. We have delved
into the extraordinary experiences of Terrecita Castilio, her divine encounters with the blessed Virgin
Mary, and the intriguing connection betweenTersita and Saint theis of Lysia the Little
(18:17):
Flower. The apparitions, filled withmessages of hope and grace, mark a
profound chapter in the spiritual life ofthis quiet Carmelit monastery. But this story
is far from over. In thenext episode, we'll explore another fascinating aspect
of these events, the miraculous showerof rose petals. Will uncover how these
(18:38):
petals, some bearing holy images,captivated the faithful and confounded skeptics. We
will also dive into the intense isscrutiny and eventual suppression by the church,
and how decades later, dedicated believersreignited the case seeking to uncover the truth.
Join me as we continue this drinkingtale in part two, for faith,
(19:02):
mystery and controversy intertwine. We'll examinethe miraculous petals, the church's response,
and the determined efforts to reopen thecase. Thank you for listening to
The Little Word podcast. If youenjoy this episode, please subscribe and leave
a review on your favorite listening platform. Thanks for listening.
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