Pensieve Moments: Dilectis in Paradisum

When God calls on His faithful, we should celebrate. Although grief and anxiety may be overwhelming, we surrender to God’s wisdom and embrace our faith even more closely, snugly. Our dear departed is with God.

However, as it is written: What no eye has seen, what no ear has heard, and what no human mind has conceived — the things God has prepared for those who love him. — 1 Corinthians 2:9

Lilian Aguila Besana Inosanto has entered into the joy of God and death shall be no more.

Dilectis in Paradisum, our beloved is in paradise.

The look of love... (no favoritism [char], jut that in this particular
photograph, she exudes that look of love, appreciation
and bliss beyond measure)

When I learned of Maninay Lily’s passing, two things immediately came to mind: firstly, she has finally been liberated from her sickbed, thanks be to God; secondly, I was worried about her children who will, will greater probability, not be able to come home because of the lockdown due to the pandemic.

The first thought was absolute joy; the second, unadulterated misery.

Maninay Lily is survived by her nine progeny: Scarlett (Lipa); Suzette (Sue); Roselle (Bebop); Carolita (Bibim); Florence (Flogs); Florencio Paterno (Toto); Lilynette (Lynette, I didn’t know her first name until today); Florante (Nono) and Christine (Ninky).

Maninay Lily conducts an attendance check, but keep your hands off her bag!

Anang Lipa, Nono and Ninky are in Toronto; Nang Suzette is in New Jersey; Nang Flogs is in Cebu; Nang Bebop & Nang Lynette are in Quezon City; but fortunately, Nang Bibim and Manong Toto are in Libacao.

Being the nearest in proximity, Nang Bibim, who lives in Roxas City, is able to come home to Libacao with ease and regularity. Manong Toto, who comes home as often as he can, got stranded in Libacao during the pandemic. He was supposed to go back to New York by the end of April.

As of this writing, there is no interment schedule just yet with travel still restricted.

There are no regular international flights and the Kalibo International Airport is closed. All other airports on Panay Island are closed, except for the Category 2 Evelio Javier Airport in San Jose, Antique which only accommodates propeller aircraft.

Another consideration that makes going home difficult is the mandatory 14-day quarantine, which makes no sense in this situation, no offense to the authorities as we submit to the health protocols.

This unusual situation confounds and multiplies the already complicated grief that they feel. The siblings are hoping for the best yet are prepared for the possibility that they will not be able to come home for the funeral.

I enjoin Maninay Lily’s family, relatives, and friends to please pray, if it be God’s will, that her immediate family be able to come home for her funeral. Let us, altogether, storm heaven with our plea.

The immediate family, those who are not in Libacao, organized a prayer vigil, reciting the Novena for the Dead, organized by Nang Sue’s son Cookie. They also appreciate, and join whenever they can, the 9-Day Novena Masses offered by Amy Villorente Lim in Toronto.

She was really beautiful inside and out...

Maninay Lily was 98. She was bedridden for a decade and a half. Nobody might want to openly admit it, but it was definitely difficult for everyone.

My sister, who never failed to visit whenever she was home in Aklan, always expressed her appreciation and awe at the excellent and very competent care Maninay Lily had all those years she was bedridden. Louella believed that had it been otherwise, she would have died a long time ago.

People who are unfamiliar with such a situation do not understand the physical and emotional demands on those who provide care and comfort at the end of life. May St. John the Evangelist, patron saint of caregivers, intercede for them and grant them special blessings.

And may our Almighty Father, source of forgiveness and salvation, grant Lillian Aguila Besana Inosanto, through the intercession of the Blessed Virgin Mary and of all the saints, that she may share your Eternal happiness through Christ our Lord. Amen.

Come, let us celebrate the life of our beloved Lily. It was a well-lived, inspired, and inspiring life, one that left us indelible memories to remember her by. Let us cherish her love and share it with the world. We should never allow her smile to fade.