In a world gripped by uncertainty, a call from Bella,
my beloved granddaughter, changed everything.

Her friend, who had lost his grandfather to Covid-19,
sought a gold chain to hold a cherished wedding ring.
 
Having retired from the jewelry industry, I turned to one of my main Italian sources. The request for a $200 gold chain was quite impossible to say the least, but in the spirit of friendship, he granted my request.
 
Out of curiosity, I asked the state of how religious items were doing, to my surprise, a disheartening truth emerged: demand for religious medals and crosses are almost at zero, leading to the closure of old factories in Italy.
 
In that moment, a calling emerged. I pledged,

"I'll help you sell them"— right then and there, I knew in my heart, that I was in for a journey of a lifetime.
 
My retirement days have unfolded in a way that I would have never imagined. It seems that my days in the jewelry industry are far from over, but now,

I carry an even greater mission with me.
 
During our events in Churches, it is so heartwarming to hear the enthusiasm of the parishioners especially when asking about the backstories of the different religious items and Saints and how happy they are to pass on these items
to the next generations. It brings me joy and comfort to know that I’m doing my part in not only serving my duty
by spreading the word of God through our religious items,
but also by sharing the blessings we receive by supporting institutions like the Pontificio Collegio Filipino in Rome,
and donations to the Church.
 
What transpired in those moments from that fated phone call, to my inquiry with the supplier, to where we are today has strengthened our devotion and vocation to the Church.
 
It has evolved from a personal mission to a family mission, bringing us closer together through our Faith in God.
 
The journey continues, and through our precious symbols of devotion, we strengthen the message:
in service and charity, faith thrives.