A pickpocketed bag, an unexpected encounter, and a journey that turned misfortune into a blessing — this is Esther Law’s story of how a stolen moment led to priceless experiences, transforming a tragedy into an unforgettable gift.
Divine detour in Rome
Have you ever encountered a sad incident that eventually turned sweet?
For Law, such an experience unfolded in the ‘eternal city’ — Rome.
Serendipitous encounter
On November 11, 2023, she arrived in Rome, her heart racing with excitement and anticipation. However, just as she stepped out of the bustling airport and into the vibrant chaos of the city, her journey took an unexpected turn.
Moments after landing, before even checking into her hotel, she became a victim of pickpocketing. It was a jarring introduction to a city she had long dreamed of exploring, leaving her in disbelief at the sudden misfortune. Despite this setback, she resolved to shake off the negativity and embrace the adventure that still lay ahead.
Seeking comfort and guidance, she reached out to her spiritual director, Father Ramon Borja, SDB, and to Archbishop Datuk Dr Simon Poh from Kuching. The archbishop graciously connected her with Father Guido, a priest who had once served in Miri, Sarawak, and is now based in Rome.
Their meeting, as Law would later describe, was nothing short of serendipitous. It unfolded against the sacred backdrop of St Peter’s Basilica after Mass on the morning of November 12.
There, amid the grandeur and reverence of the basilica, she met Father Guido — a warm, welcoming presence whose kindness served as a soothing balm for her anxious heart.
After sharing a light breakfast over coffee and heartfelt conversation, Father Guido offered to accompany her to another church: the Church of Saints Michael and Magnus, a hidden gem in Rome known for housing two significant relics since the 1990s.
Church of Saints Michael and Magnus
Upon entering, Law was struck by the church’s atmosphere — a mixture of reverence and warmth. Though modest in its interior design, the church radiated a profound spiritual essence that invited quiet reflection.
As she awaited the start of Mass, anticipation filled the air, but her heart was already full. She was standing in a place that housed not one, but two relics of immense historical and spiritual significance: stones tied to the biblical accounts of the Presentation of Jesus at the Temple and the binding of Isaac.
These sacred stones were originally kept in the Church of San Giacomo Scossacavalli, which was demolished in 1937. Thankfully, they found a new home at Saints Michael and Magnus, preserving their legacy for future generations. The stone associated with Jesus’ presentation now serves as the church’s main altar, transforming the sacred space into a vibrant centre of worship and reflection.
Law recalled the awe she felt as she approached the altar: “Standing before it was humbling. The history and significance of what I was gazing upon made me acutely aware of the power of faith and the journeys it inspires.”
The Mass that followed was celebrated by five priests from Belgium, their harmonious voices filling the church with an atmosphere thick with spirituality. The blend of prayers, the gentle flicker of candlelight, and the lingering scent of incense created a sacred space where every detail seemed to foster a deeper connection to the divine.
What struck Law most was the realisation that the main altar was crafted from the very stone where Jesus was presented in the Temple — a moment that symbolises the meeting of the human and the divine.
“It was awe-inspiring to know I stood before a stone that held such a vital role in the narrative of salvation — a tangible connection to Jesus’ early life,” she reflected.
This experience served as a powerful reminder of faith’s continuum from the Old Testament to the New, gently intertwining history with personal spirituality.
Leaving the church, she felt a profound peace settle over her heart.
“The experience was not just an exploration of historic relics but a personal reflection on how the act of presenting can shape our faith journeys,” she noted.
She was reminded of the importance of offering one’s life to a sacred space of communion, humility, and love, just as Mary and Joseph had presented Jesus at the Temple.
Basilica of the Sacred Heart of Jesus
Later that same day, she found herself wandering the beautiful streets of Rome, a city teeming with history, art, and an undeniable spiritual aura. Among its many landmarks, one left an indelible mark on her heart — the Basilica of the Sacred Heart of Jesus (Basilica del Sacro Cuore di Gesù).
Founded by St John Bosco at the prompting of Pope Pius IX in 1870, the basilica, adorned with intricate artwork, became a sanctuary for Law’s reflections. Walking through its halls, she absorbed the stories of those who had found solace within its sacred walls.
“It was invigorating and enlightening to learn about St John Bosco’s efforts to provide for the underprivileged — a calling that echoes my own desire for faith-driven service,” she shared.
This basilica was more than an architectural marvel; it was a place intimately connected to St John Bosco, fondly known as Don Bosco (‘Don’ meaning ‘Father’).
Law’s visit there was the highlight of her trip — precious experience that left her both intellectually stimulated and deeply spiritually inspired.
Her admiration for this great saint had been nurtured over the years through the Salesian priests she had met in Kuching — Father Ramon, as well as Father Andre Delimarta SDB and Father Eugenio Gocela Maglasang SDB.
Yet, standing within the very walls where Don Bosco had once walked deepened her connection to his legacy.
“Witnessing in person the legacies he gifted the church and the world makes me admire him even more,” she said.
Turin’s unexpected gift
So moved was she by this encounter that she decided, on a whim, to travel to Turin the following day — an unplanned detour from her original itinerary.
There, she intended to visit the Oratory of St John Bosco and the Basilica of Mary Help of Christians, another grand church founded by the saint.
She couldn’t help but smile at how life had unfolded: “It looks like God had better plans for me. It was my ‘sad incident’ that led me to this — a ‘sweet experience’ in the making.”
Reflecting on her time in Rome, Law realised that her journey had become a beautifully unexpected lesson in resilience and faith.
On her first day in Rome, just as she stepped out of her taxi, she was pickpocketed. It was a chaotic start, leaving her frazzled, but she knew she had to file a report.
Instead of letting that ruin her day, she prioritised attending Mass, understanding that a moment of prayer could provide the solace she desperately needed.
Sitting quietly in church, she felt a calm wash over her: “It dawned on me: I always have a choice in how I respond to the hiccups life throws my way. That day, I chose to focus on the beauty surrounding me instead.”
Her unplanned adventure led her to a deeper connection with St John Bosco, immersing her in a spiritual experience she never anticipated. Looking back, Law saw the blessing hidden within the chaos.
“Sometimes, what seems like an unfortunate event is merely a divine detour, leading us to a better plan than we ever imagined,” she said.
As Law aptly puts it, “I hope that all sour moments in life might similarly transform, eternally turning our accidents into providence.”
This belief continues to shape her journey, as she delves deeper into the transformative power of life’s challenges.
Her story is a poignant reminder that sometimes, what seems like an obstacle or misfortune may turn out to be a divine detour, guiding us toward something greater.
Stay tuned for the next article, where she uncovers the hidden blessings of Turin and the legacy of St John Bosco — a legacy of faith, resilience, and divine purpose.
