Abstract

This paper is focused on examining the contents of the letters addressed to Our Lady of Perpetual Help based on the level and shape of ideology and utopia. The following is the task of this piece: to determine the devotees’ concept of devotion, to ascertain the manner by which the devotees exercise their devotion to the Our Lady of Perpetual Help, and, to highlight the implication of ideology and utopia contained within the letters in relation to talks about conversion and societal transformations. Using the observations and interviews gathered from 96 respondents, this researcher was able to illustrate the manner by which the devotees practice their devotion. A sum of 215 letters were used to determine the level and shape of ideology and utopia prevailing in these letters. Based from the result of the studies, there are different concrete practices that the Filipino devotees do in relation to their devotion to Mary. In the field of ideology, what prevails is the devotees’ wish to be cured from their sickness, financial help, and reconciliation—these are the primary ideological aspects contained within the letters which blinds the devotees. On the other hand, in the field of utopia, we may discover the dominant concrete utopic visions in the letters about spiritual grace, health and recovery from non-threatening ailments, passing exams and obtaining jobs. This utopia can be seen as a result of the movement of the devotees including their practices of praying in order to ask for their wishes to be granted. As a result, it appears that the realization of their wishes brings about the deepening of their faith, changes in attitude and behavior, trust in God, and deeper devotion. As a conclusion for this study, this researcher has discovered that the Filipino way of true devotion and dealing with Mary occurs in one process: experience of challenges, visitation, participation, act of mutual trust, and being one with others.