(Author's Note. This is a reprint of an article I wrote in this column some time ago, a family story inspired by true events related to me by Sister Raquel.)

When Rene drew a knife on his mother for refusing to give him shabu money, she decided that the whole family should visit Sr. Raquel Reodica, RVM, for healing right on Christmas Day.

SISTER: All honor students, I suppose?

MOTHER: The girls are in La Salle, top honors. Rene was at the top of his class at Ateneo, until he joined a shabu gang (Rene bows his head in shame, mumbling in anger). Rene, go to the chapel.

RENE (18 years old): Why, am I not part of the family?

MONICA (Youngest, 14 years old): Just give us a chance to explain.

RENE: Sister, I'm going home.

SISTER: Wait, I am on your side. Rene, please, let's talk one-on-one later. Let me first get your mom's side. Talk to Jesus. Bring out all your ill feelings to Him. (Reluctantly, Rene goes to the chapel)

MOTHER: Rene has been a shabu addict for three years, advanced stage. We can no longer cope with him. We were thinking you could heal him.

SISTER: I am not the one who heals. Jesus heals.

MONICA: He does not sleep or eat for two days when high on shabu.

JENNIFER (Eldest, 21 years old): When the drug wears off, he drinks a liter of water, then sleeps for two days.

SISTER: Wow, that bad? Your anger will not do any good. We have to know why he's taking drugs. (Actually, Sr. Raquel already knew)

JENNIFER: Bad company, sister.