I was temporarily employed in Government service since 2014. I tried to make the position permanent. The government or the officials did not concede my plea. Meanwhile the temporary vacancy was going to lapse. As the only bread winner for my family, comprising my parents and my wife and children, I was in distress.
My wife Sophia appealed to Akkara Amma.
She vowed to observe the eight day lent of the year 2017, and to garland the Mother with Currency Notes of one thousand Indian Rupees. It was a tearful petition. Some months passed. But before the feast of September 8, Government issued orders appointing Tojo Joseph, in a permanent job.
My family loves to declare aloud the great mercy Akkara Amma bestowed upon our family.
I was a student at Thiruvananthapuram .I shared a room with a friend in those days. In October, the friend took ill and was hospitalized. The doctors at the district hospital diagnosed the illness and prescribed surgical intervention. The patient was aghast and refused to undergo the proposed surgery, let come what might.
I asked him to take a vow in a catholic church, with Akkara Amma in my mind. He asked me to take the vow, on his behalf, but let none come to know of it.
So, I had a holy mass celebrated in the Church for him: soon the patient consented for the surgery which was done with great ease: the recovery too was fast.
The erstwhile patient said thanks to me and commended that the Akkara Amma was indeed a great power. He would not forget the favor.
Some years later I stumbled upon him. He was then a husband and father of a little daughter. He confided that his daughter was given the name MARIAMBEE, to commemorate the miraculous recovery. I could reveal this miracle but not reveal his identity.
I dreamt of an employment in Gulf countries to support my family. But I found it difficult to live my dream for I was not from a financially stable background. I wished to pursue welding courses from a good institution and it was because of ‘Our Lady of Perpetual Help Educational Assistance Fund’ I could achieve my dream
I wished to do a bridging course in Australia as add on to my studies and it was a strenuous effort to meet the expenses. Education loans from private banks and all, were with unbearable interest rates. At this time I approached my Parish and found a solace in ‘Our Lady of Perpetual Help Assistance Fund’. I am grateful to this initiative and I was happy to refund the amount after getting well placed to spread the care and support I got, in my difficult times.