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Dear Brother Eduardo V. Manalo,
I am Sister Brilliance Canlas Vizco. I am 19 years old, an only child living in Rome, Italy, and I serve as a choir member and as an officer in the Children’s Worship Service.
In my early years, I lived in the Philippines with my mother, since my father was in Italy for work. Unfortunately, my mother was often absent because of her profession, and so the one who looked after me was my grandfather, Brother Inocencio Canlas Junior, my mother’s father. He was a minister who was allowed to take a break from preaching due to a terminal illness. I called him Papa, and I vividly remember his counsel: “You must always be brave, do not let anyone step on you,” he told me repeatedly. He wanted me to grow up courageous in facing the trials and dangers of this world. For this reason, he not only taught me the commandments of our Lord God, but also showed me self-defense techniques. He was very strict, but at the same time, he had a soft spot for me. He often reminded me that I would always be his favorite grandchild, his first apo. One day, my father decided to bring me to Italy for greater opportunities.
Moving to Italy was not easy. I struggled to learn Italian because at home we continued to speak Tagalog. As I grew older, this remained a problem—it was difficult for me at school, and I was not a brilliant student. In my later years of high school, I became a choir member, a Children’s Worship Service officer, and a Binhi officer. Along with these duties, I also worked part-time jobs to help my family, since at that time we were facing many struggles because of Papa’s illness.
Despite all these responsibilities, I had—and still have—one great goal: to become a doctor and help my brothers and sisters in the Church. I was constantly worried about Papa’s condition. Everything seemed heavy, I was more and more exhausted and anxious.
In my second-to-last year of high school, I lost my other grandfather, my father’s father. It became even harder to focus on my studies and extracurricular activities. I was often distracted at school and always tired because of my many commitments. I found strength only when performing my duties, giving my very best, because my priority was to serve the Father.
Before fulfilling my duty as a choir member in one worship service, I received a heartbreaking message from my mother. She told me that perhaps in the next few hours, Papa might pass away. It was a blow to my heart. I prayed to the Father to grant me strength, even just a little, to face such news. Papa passed away the following day.
It was very difficult for me to continue being brave and strong. Papa was the one who truly believed in me, and losing him was the peak of my collapse. I lost the ability to balance my responsibilities, and unfortunately, I also lost my courage.
I still remember clearly that during the 111th anniversary of the Church, we received wonderful and blessed news: the Local Congregation of Rome would be connected to the worship service led by the Executive Minister, our beloved Brother Eduardo V. Manalo. It was a great surprise for me. After so much sorrow, heartbreak, and trial upon trial, our Lord God remained good and merciful. I remember very well that on that occasion, Brother Eduardo V. Manalo announced the year’s theme: “No matter what happens, let us serve God so we will attain salvation.”
At that moment, all my past struggles came to mind, and there I was, seeing the Executive Minister and listening to the words of God he proclaimed. He read Isaiah 41:9-10 where it is written “Do not fear…” I was deeply moved because those are God’s promises given since the time of the Messenger, and even now through the guidance of Brother Eduardo. I felt protected, blessed, and strengthened when you reminded us that we have nothing to fear, because God is always with us. Those words gave me comfort.
I regained the strength to set everything back in order. I completed my final year of high school with top marks, and I received many scholarships because of that success. Without God’s words and His help, I could not have achieved it. Brother Eduardo, as the leader whom God has placed in the Church, you will always be our source of inspiration and courage.
Now I am attending university to become a doctor, to be an instrument for God and for the Church. Without those words in my time of need, I would not have made it here. I have also just submitted my request to study and become a teacher in the Children’s Worship Service, so that I may please the Father even more.
I wish to express my deepest gratitude to Brother Eduardo V. Manalo, for continuing to guide us no matter what. Thank you so much, from the bottom of my heart, for your leadership whenever we need it most.
With gratitude,
Sister Brilliance Canlas Vizco
