During the Solemnity of Our Lady of Consolation, Bacolod Bishop Patricio Buzon delivered a powerful homily at the concelebrated mass held at La Consolacion College Bacolod. The bishop expressed his deep concern after hearing from his fellow bishops in Western Visayas about the alarming cases of suicide among teenagers and even children in the region. With the growing struggles of the youth, Bishop Buzon turned to the story of St. Monica and her son, St. Augustine, as a symbol of unwavering faith and divine consolation.
Bishop Buzon shared the moving account of how the Blessed Virgin Mary appeared in St. Monica’s dream during a time when her son, St. Augustine, was living a rebellious and sinful life. Despite her constant prayers and tears, St. Monica’s sorrow seemed endless as her son
turned away from the faith, drawn to philosophies like Manichaeism. However, in a vivid dream, she saw a bright youth, joyous and smiling, approach her while she grieved. The youth assured her that her son would one day stand with her in faith, a vision that rekindled her hope.
“In her dream, she saw herself standing on a sort of wooden rule, and saw a bright youth approaching her, joyous and smiling at her, while she was grieving and bowed down with sorrow. The youth inquired of her sorrow, not to learn from her but to teach her. When she answered that it was her son’s doom she lamented, the youth bade her to rest content and showed her that where she stood, Augustine was also there.” Bishop Buzon quoted from St. Augustine’s Confessions, recounting the turning point in St. Monica’s journey of faith.
Years later, after much prayer and tears, St. Augustine underwent a
dramatic conversion, returning to the Christian faith. This transformation was attributed to the unyielding prayers of his mother, St. Monica, and the intercession of the Blessed Virgin Mary.
Bishop Buzon likened St. Monica’s experience to the struggles many parents and families face today, especially in times of despair and hopelessness. He then drew a parallel with the Gospel passage where Jesus, in his own moment of suffering on the cross, cried out, “Eli, Eli, lema sabachthani?” — “My God, my God, why have you forsaken me?” (Matthew 27:46). The bishop explained that even Jesus experienced a moment of feeling forsaken, emphasizing that God remains the ultimate source of consolation, especially in our most challenging times.
Turning to the Gospel of John 19:25-27, Bishop Buzon highlighted how Jesus, in His final moments, entrusted His mother Mary to the
disciple John, saying, “Woman, behold your son!” and to the disciple, “Behold your mother!” Bishop Buzon explained that through this act, Jesus introduced Mary as a source of consolation for all, particularly in moments of deep suffering and despair.
The bishop’s homily resonated deeply with the community, particularly in the context of the mental health challenges facing the youth today. He emphasized that Mary, as the Mother of Consolation, continues to offer her loving support and intercession to those in pain, guiding them back to hope and faith in God.
In closing, Bishop Buzon urged everyone present to look to the Blessed Virgin Mary as a source of strength and comfort in their own lives, reminding them that even in their darkest hours, God’s love and Mary’s intercession remain steadfast.