March 11 marks a very special day for me. It's a day which I celebrate my vocation and by God's grace, it also specially coincides with the birthday of a very honorable priest and bishop, Venerable Alvaro del Portillo.

It was on his 80th birthday then and I woke up very early to go to mass and to pray especially for him. I think God gave me a special gift that day, trickling from the many other people who had prayed for this man on that special day.

Now that was 19 years ago and Don Alvaro would have been 99 years old this year.

And since he is already in Heaven, Don Alvaro would be able to work better in helping us bring to God all our hearts' prayers. Don Alvaro - please help and guide us from Heaven. Thank you for showing us a good example and for being an inspiration for us to continue to be faithful to God amidst the daily struggles.