I have been working as a nurse in Riyadh since the 1990s. Here, religious relics are prohibited. The Holy Mass and other religious celebrations are also not allowed. My devotion to Ina nourished my Catholic faith, despite all the restrictions.

I grew up in a devout Catholic family and I got my basic to college education from a Catholic school. I am blessed that my devotion to Ina was instilled in me since I was a child. Being away from family is difficult, I have to stand on my own in a foreign land. But I know that Ina will take care of me. While I have friends here, I cannot rely on them all the time. They are also busy with work and their own families. Praying the novena gives me courage and strength. For more than 20 years now, the novena has been my comfort especially in times of doubt and difficulty.