Reaching out to Calagnaan Island

With the Philippine National Police-Region VI team loading the galvanized iron sheets

Reaching Calagnaan Island

the young, dedicated teachers of Barangcalan Elementary School

Much thanks to the Filipino community in Malta for sending us the funds

      Who would have thought that in this beautiful Calagnaan Island in Carles, Iloilo, students are still studying under the scorching heat of the sun? Who would have thought that this inviting island is an island filled with survival stories from the people--- for when and after Yolanda came, they were left to eat fallen coconuts and bananas; they had wet clothes; they were left with damaged boats and nets, destroyed houses, roofless school buildings and of course, traumas?

Children having their classes

Fr Ron leading the prayer and the activities for the children

   

    When we arrived after long and challenging boat rides, we were welcomed by the smiles of the people, the children and the teachers. We were welcomed by much insights and deep impression. I am really so proud of the students because despite financial difficulties and the limitations of their classrooms, they were still so eager to learn, and I must say that their stories will be inspiring many students and parents. I am so proud of the teachers because of their dedication to teach and for the noble sacrifices that they would have to bear just to be with their students. I am proud of the entire community, for helping one another so that they can move on in life with optimism and unwavering faith. I am proud of all those people who made this outreach possible, to those who sent the funds, to those who made the links and the transfer of the materials possible, to those who taught songs and dances, to the hands that got wounded, to the skins that were burned, to the bodies that got tired, to the spirits that were filled with joy and love… We did these all together, and we are touched to do more. This is how we are welcoming summer 2014...

Giving some school supplies for the children

With Misyon Staff Bessie and Assistant Editor Anne

Welcoming Summer 2014

Growing in Faith

    It is in the actual encounters of living that we discover the many realities and thousand possibilities there are. In life, we are being taught by others, by our experiences and then by our own self how to journey with whatever we have and whoever we are--- our resources, our skills, the significant people in our lives, and then most of all, our faith so that we can keep on going no matter what.

    Plants have beautiful stories of growing.Their needs must be sufficiently met but even though we left them behind at times, they just have natural way of growing. The sunlight, the wind and the rain are God’s ways of taking care of them. When we look around us, we see their beauty and then a grand showcase of how God would support so many lives.

Cebu City, Philippines

    Whether the plants don’t get enough or they get too much, they still continue to give in something to the earth even though they consume so little space-in a piece of land or in a clay pot or in a tin can, they just keep on growing.

    It is in a more exciting and amazing way that we, human beings grow too. We are faced with many changes and challenges. Some are nurtured well by our parents, our caretakers, our friends,our mentors and other significant people around us. Some experienced neglect,abandonment and betrayal and it would take real experiences of love for healing to take place. Love has special way of making people care and give. It has a special way of making people understand things, even if it seems to be confusing or hard to digest. It has a special way of making people share some sunlight, or some water or some space. It has a special way of nurturing our faith.

    Our story of growing is also a story of our relationship with God. There may be many distractions or frustrations that we have to bear in life, but if we never turn our path away from God we will successfully overcome anything and everything. Our faith grows when we recognize the fact that we have never been through any battle alone. God is always there for us, in every step of our growth. It is because of Him that we find joy in serving our purpose. It is through Him and with Him that we learn how to care, co-exist, and then love one another. It is through Him that we can blossom like plants.

What Yolanda has Done

Roofless but still standing strong

      That 8th of November this year was supposed to be like any other day that came into the lives of Filipinos. For the children I was able to talk with last Friday, it was supposed to be another day of playing in the fields and along the shores and for some, another day of learning at school. But something happened that day that made these children hid under their beds and when their houses got destroyed, made them run as fast as they could to seek solace in the hills, in the houses of the well-off in their community and then in the evacuation centers. There was something not ordinary that day that has made the children tremble with fear, cry hard and then pray on their bended knees. That day typhoon Yolanda came in so fast and then left the country with unimaginable destruction and deaths. That day came and has left these children with awful memories.

The brave children affirming their shared experiences of crying, running and praying...

    I had just no question when 9 year-old Jose told me that he wished that November 8 did not just happened at all and that typhoon Yolanda never hit their place. He described it as something he never thought could happen for real. He recalled how the winds made him felt so helpless and so worried about his parents and siblings who were outside their house. He tried drawing that scenario in his notebook and he shared to the group how the rushing rain and the wind had literally hurt his face. He knew it was so strong because their roof flew away. Now, November 8 will be a day he could not just forget, just like how it is for all the survivors and their loved ones. 

Red, who used to be a guidance counselor, facilitating activity for the youth

 

Misyon's Assistant Editor, Anne telling a story to the toddlers

The children recounting their stories of resiliency and faith

    

       Since that day when Yolanda hit Philippines, we at Misyon office had been reasonably disturbed too. We are in deep sadness. I know I share the same feeling with many people coming from various walks of life across the world. Survivors are still badly in need of assistance for their basic necessities like food, potable water, clothes and medicine, and materials for building their houses. They also needed psychological support so that they can cope with trauma and negative impact of the disaster. Even their spiritual aspect is in need of some consolation because for all the loss that they had incurred, many of them are still in the midst of darkness.

Repacking of goods at Camp Delgado

      It is easier to see the physical effects of Yolanda compared to the emotional scars. We can get possible get estimates of how many will be starting from scratch again in terms of building their houses. While traveling towards Sara and then to Estancia, Iloilo together with the team from the Philippine National Police in Camp Delgado who organized the relief operation, I’ve seen several houses with no roofs yet. I have seen several junk shops filled with scrapped housing materials. I had seen uprooted trees and tilted electric posts. Estancia’s situation was even worsened by the oil spill which we were able to witness with our own eyes. We also passed through temporary housing camp sites for the people and it would take time before things will be back to normal again. A month has passed but I can still sense the sadness in the communities we visited. Part of me is telling that help could never be enough. Typhoon Yolanda has left but the long-term effects will continue to haunt them. With the inconceivable aftermath of the typhoon and the tears and losses you hear and see from television and newspapers, you are moved to do something. You are move to do whatever is it that you can do to help, or at least lessen their hunger, their pains and suffering.

Red teaching me how to make a bracelet on our way to Sara, Iloilo

Traveling towards the northern part of Iloilo

After our lunch at Estancia Municipal Police Station

     That was the story of how me and Misyon’s assistant editor Anne, found our way in that relief operation too. We wanted to do whatever we can to be of help. We were so disturbed that we cannot just sit and watch our neighboring island and I had no doubt that it is God who has been touching us, and our editor Fr Sean Coyle who immediately said yes to us. We are thankful that God had given us that opportunity to use our academic background, our experiences and our passion to be with the survivors even for two days. With that very limited time of helping in the repacking of goods, of hearing the stories of the children, and looking at their artwork, and then seeing the communities and the people, we feel one with them. We hope that with our simple efforts, we were able to bring message of hope and love to them.

      It was not the first time that I participated in a relief operation but it was made so unique to the people and even for me as we were singing Christmas carols. Fr. Ronilo Datu, Regional Chaplain of PNP Region VI, spearheaded the singing and then later on, he enjoined the people. When they sang with us with smiles on their faces, I felt we were producing the best melody ever. It was so special maybe because I know that I heard it from people who will be having a different Christmas this year. They were only beginning to build their houses. They are recovering from their lost means of livelihood such as carabaos and boats. But here they were, clapping their hands and enjoying the music. God is really so amazing. He can make good things happen from bad things, as shared by Fr Ronilo. How could a tragic event such as Yolanda cross all the barriers and borders and revive our brotherhood and sisterhood? How can it lead us back into unity and into love? God can do that.

       Our team did not just go there to bring material goods or simply to talk with them. We came with the hope that God would use us as instruments for them to feel the spirit of Christmas and to affirm their resiliency. On our way home, despite the same view of roofless houses and junk shops filled with dilapidated housing materials, I found myself sensing just a little bit sadness. Optimism overpowered me. I just knew that right that moment, God is continuously reasonably disturbing many young and old hearts all over the world. I just knew that once God touches them, they will just find themselves helping too. Like us, they will go home with not just them reminding the people of God’s love. They will also be reminded of God’s undying and empowering love for them, and that will lead them back to the beauty of cheerfully offering themselves for others.

Singing "Silent Night" and then "Joy to the World" with the people;
The roof of the church is still not furnished but God's presence is undeniably so strong...

Rising Again and Resuming the Journey

  I was struck with that line from the article which says: "For this is our life: to rise again continuously and to resume our journey." Life must go on, no matter how hopeless it seems, no matter how painful the present situation is. But in order to really stand up again in the truest sense of the word, we have to free ourselves, or at least start freeing ourselves from the bondages that stop us from experiencing life. 

   Admitting our sins could be embarassing. It could put us into situations wherein we could feel so uncomfortable. We might experience all the trembling and uneasiness, and sometimes we get very unfavorable and hurting responses. But so what? As mentioned above, 'it is better to be red once than yellow a thousand times." If that would give you and the other peace and new beginning, then its worth the risk. By all means, go and admit your mistakes, and don't just end there. 

    Forgiving is such a challenge. Our usual tendencies are to make the phase so instant and abrupt by cutting the ties, burning the bridges and pretending that we are really set to move on. Of course, that would be better compared to staying in the same darkness but if we desire for liberation and joy, we have to be courageous and patient enough to go through the process. We have to try to trust to the intention of each other, find that humility to accept our frailties, and then really pray for strength and grace from God. 

     For me, accepting that we have done wrong is only a start. It does not give justice yet. We should be willing and ready to do acts of reparation too. We could not just say the word 'sorry' and leave the person still hurting. If we do that we could fool the world that we already have our conscience clean, but deep inside, we cannot be at peace. Sometimes, we could hate ourselves when we know that we have been causing pain to the other. But we cannot just find consolation from the feeling of being guilty forever. It is not helping you or the other party. It will only make you torture yourself and that could make the other person suffer too. Indeed, Pope Francis is right. Repentance, justice and peace go together. And I think too, that we can attain them possibly if we truly love, as God never tires of forgiving us because He completely loves us.  

taken at White Beach, Puerto Galera

A Reflection about 'A Thousand Stories in his Eyes'

    Reading this 2010 Hideaway article reminds me of a question asked to me before about analyzing the street children phenomenon. That was really tough to explain. I know I was not being asked to just look at the statistics or reports. I know and feel that to better understand their situation, I have to hear their stories too. And yes, their eyes have much stories to tell, and its not easy looking at them straight to the eyes...

     One of my first actual experiences as a young social worker is with street children. By theory and even in the practical sense, it is true that intervention with them (not just for them) should be sustainable and empowering. We can identify immediate causes or factors which have to do with the children and family; underlying causes or factors which have to do with the community; and the root causes or factors which have to do with the society as causes in the growth of street children. Immediate causes are poor and large families unemployed/underemployed parents, irresponsible parents, family values which are materialistic/consumerist, family conflict, family environment, vices of parents, degradation of morals, violent upbringing by parents and lack of knowledge and parenting skills.

     Widening our lens we can also see that meanwhile, the underlying causes are ineffective access to basic services, non-availability of adequate employment opportunities, inequitable distribution of resources and opportunity in the community like land ownership, nature and conditions of work/employment: formal and informal sectors, congestion in slum areas, inadequate housing/poor housing facilities, poor law enforcement/exploitation by law enforcers, only one style of delivery of education exists, deterioration of values and central body provides no/few activities for children. The root causes are the economic, political and ideological superstructure, the structural roots of poverty and underdevelopment and the unequal world order and the debt burden.

     We need more of this kind of exercise in looking at the issues we have in our society, and having the necessary communication skills and being equipped with the right medium will help us a lot. Minimizing the negative effects of globalization can come if all of us will take part in the advocacy of being more conscious creatures. One thing that had changed as a result of globalization is the quality of the communication that we have and the kind of relationship that we have developed. We want everything to be instant. It is sad reality that many had become less sensitive to the feelings of others and we care more of our own development.

    Communication should be used as a tool of empowering each other, of building the confidence and self-respect and dignity of one another, of promoting authentic relationships, brotherhood and sisterhood and true familial atmosphere. We should take time to talk to one another face to face and not just be contented with machines or gadgets. We should be connected to our soul, and give more time in listening to our innermost feelings, as well as the feelings of others. And of course, that includes giving time to interact with other people like with the children. We should listen to their stories. We should help them find the beauty in having wonderful and productive conversations. We should give them beautiful childhood memories and even until they grow. In my point of view, I know that every act of kindness and care we extend to these children will have a long way to go. We may not realize it but who knows our help to them is the same, or only example they have of hope and love? A fish that we have given them may inspire them to learn fishing. Why not try? It's worth the risk. In the same way, we should do the same to our own selves as well and to others. When many forces around us have been changing the world, making it appear smaller and faster, we should level up the kind of communication that we have too, making it more developmental, inspiring, transformative, peace-promoting and meaningful. We should go beyond what we hear, or what we can ask. We should learn how to discover stories from their eyes too...

Of Facing Fears

   In my life, I had proven several times that it is on the confusion that we can be pushed to make things become more understandable. Each of us has stories of doubts and fear. Those were truly interesting and powerful stories worthy to be shared. It is never easy to be in those moments of anxieties and ambiguities--- if you could only skip the feeling, right? Yet, from the instant we decided to face them no matter how afraid we were and then just find ourselves holding on to our faith, we are giving way to another set of stories in our lives. This time, however, it’s not about the doubt and the fear anymore but of courage, success and deliverance, just like this story from Misyon’s Hideaway section entitled Cautious.

     My story in writing is also a story of facing fear.

   I had so many doubts when I started sharing my story---with all the emotions that comes with it, misunderstanding and instabilities, pain or lack of faith. Yet I just grip to the fact that I had always been inspired every time I listen to the story of others. That led me to the first step of being open for these experiences that could both uplift us and put us down; the experiences that come from courageous act of sharing our emotions and feelings with others; the act of laughing with them, becoming teary-eyed with them, and being strengthened by them. It is truly a blessing to hear the experiences of other people, learn from them and draw insights from their story.

     When I listen to the story of my friends and those I had worked with before, I had also seen some portion of myself in them and thus, I had acquired better understanding of who I am. I was able to relate myself and discover my humanity and it is always a hope for me that my story will also help others in their search for their own humanity, knowing that part of living is to be challenged into entering into our world of discomfort, ‘our crosses.’ That has made writing as one of the bravest things I had ever done in my life, more than any plunge and fall, and twirl in the sky or in Enchanted Kingdom or waves in the ocean. In the process, I discovered precious gems, and thoughts I know I could only arrive at because of God’s overflowing grace and love.

Picking up the Pieces

    In Father Sean’s blog and in our Misyon forum, he spoke about the resiliency of Filipinos; of people ‘picking up from pieces and starting again.’ Yesterday, I have seen such both literally and in the deeper meaning of those words. Along the way, we have seen how people started ‘picking up the pieces’ of woods, wires, trees, plants, chairs, clothing, toys, and some documents like notebooks in school and several photographs. We’ve seen how they tried building their houses and fixing their roofs again. We were able to talk with some of them, and if I could think of a theme that really came out from short conversations with them, then that would be starting again. They talked about praying incessantly not just about themselves but for other survivors and victims of Yolanda. The mayor of Cadiz City, Negros Occidental told our group that there were 7000 damaged houses.

    
      Rehabilitation would take time. On our way home, darkness covers the community because there is still no electricity. But it was only the temporary darkness of the night that comes to the people, not their hearts. The people are still filled of light and hope. They know they can stand up again…

      Let us continue praying for those who have been affected by the typhoon especially to those who are in Leyte. We pray for the souls of the dead and for the strength of those they had left behind. Death is really a part of life, hence while we are still alive, we should make the most out of it. Our mission continues. Let us bring hope. Let us help others ‘pick up the pieces.’

Of Photographs and Memories

    ‘A little girl with her small brother strapped on her back gives us a glimpse of life in the mountains of Peru, especially for children. For me it stirred lots of memories, mostly good, but also some sad ones . . .’

     I found those lines to be striking and true. Fr Leo Donnelly's article What’s in a Photo? made me reflect on how photos can keep memories lasting and fresh. We can feel some portion of our history through the images and even emotions that are ‘immortalized’ by photos. Our past can be reminisced about once again as I have personally experienced going back to my younger years after taking a look at our old albums. With pictures we can always have many chances of recalling the laughter and the tears, the memorable events and occasions in our life that can remind us of our growth and the most embarrassing moment that we can learn lessons from.

     In the story, we read that a photo can stir the memories of how the ‘Shining Path’ terrorists took away lives of innocents. In my reflection, the photo reminds us to pray for the lives of those who were killed and for those people whom they have left behind: Lucia Ricaldi, mother of two infant daughters, the parents of the Yachaychin brothers and the father of their cousin, the wife who was killed when she went to the defense of her husband, the parents of their three catechists, the eleven other people who were also assassinated, and the 32 people who were killed by the Shining Path, including Australian Sister of St Joseph Irene McCormack. That photo reflected their memories but it is our own living hearts that will make their memories alive.

     As for me, after looking at the photo of that little girl with her small brother strapped on her back, I was able to feel the life of the children in other parts of the world and also how an older sister can become a real sister to her younger brother. In the photo there was also an expression of love and responsibility between them and in them.

     I believe that can speak a lot whether they are candid or rehearsed. Try spending a little time uncovering the already dusty photo albums and frames in your closet and witness yourself lavish your attention on those memories of yours once again. Then, one more thing, the next time somebody prepares his camera, be sure to capture the real moment...1...2...3...smile! What a perfect angle!

      This article is originally published in Misyon. You can also see the photograph in the link.

His Home in Negros

   Born in Omagh, Northern Ireland on 15 December 1926, Fr Terence Bennett or ‘Father Terry’ has spent most of his life as a Columban missionary priest in Negros, Philippines. This morning, eight days before he celebrates his 84th birthday and three days before he returns to Ireland, I’m happy to be given this opportunity to interview him. Father Seán had introduced us to each other several times already, perhaps because we kept forgetting each other. But after this one-hour interview, I’m sure we won’t be forgetting each other anymore.

     Father Terry was the eldest of seven children. The idea of becoming a priest came to him through the first cousin of his mother, Fr Thomas ‘Tommie’ McGovern, who was a Columban priest, prayed for him that he would enter the seminary and it happened. Father Terry joined the Columbans at the age of 17. Father Tommie also prayed for his younger brother Donal and the same thing happened.

     Father Terry’s first assignment after he was ordained in December 1950 was the Philippines. He arrived in Manila on 21 November 1951 and then moved to Isabela, Negros Occidental, on his birthday. When he arrived in Negros, the parishioners had prepared a despedida party for Fr Michael Cullen and a bienvenida party for him. It was a fun celebration and it gave Father Terry a very positive impression of Negrosanons and Filipinos.

     Father Terry stayed in Isabela for only three months. There was a need for a chaplain in St Paul’s College, Dumaguete City, Negros Oriental, and so he was immediately sent there. After almost three years, he returned to Negros Occidental and was assigned to several parishes such as Kabankalan, Moises Padilla and Sipalay. He learned Hiligaynon (Ilonggo), the language spoken in most of Negros Occidental, and loved doing so. One thing that amazed him was that people were very patient with him while he was learning the language. Back then, only a few in the community could speak and understand English. He had to use Hiligaynon in the Mass and because he wasn’t confident of saying what he meant to say, he would only give short sermons. That was the reason why Father Terry really exerted efforts in practicing the language.

      After seven years in Negros, Father Terry returned to Ireland for a vacation and when he came back to the Philippines he was assigned to Student Catholic Action (SCA) in Manila. Members would meet at weekends in small groups to discuss a passage from the Bible, to share their personal reflections and to help each other strengthen their relationship with God. They also developed potential leaders from the group. Father Terry then recalled that the SCA was discouraged by the government during Martial Law and even banned along with other student organizations. Despite this, members remained steadfast in their commitment. Never did he think that what started as a gathering of a few students would later expand throughout the country.

      After serving selflessly in Manila, Father Terry was reassigned to Negros. It was in Negros where he dedicated most of his time and energy as a priest. It was in Negros where he encountered people traveling endlessly as he witnessed daily the great number of passengers on buses and jeepneys throughout Negros. It was in Negros where he experienced his most difficult moment which turned out to be the most memorable one.

       This life-testing event happened in 1978 in Sipalay, in the southern part of Negros Occidental. There was a rally against soldiers who had been violating the rights of the people and contributing to the terror in the area. The priests had a meeting first and designated tasks for the rally even though Bishop Antonio Y. Fortich advised against it. There was great pressure from the local government yet despite the fear they felt within, what was the most important for the priests and people during that time was to fight injustice.

       The speaker before Father Terry had caused intense reaction among the people. Father Terry was really worried that the rally might turn violent and so to keep the rally peaceful, he felt that it was his role to calm everyone. And so he did! He even sang and danced in front of the crowd to change the atmosphere inside the church compound. As they struggled together against injustice, they ended their rally with a song Father Terry will never forget. With joyful hearts and unwavering hope, they sang Ang Kalipay sang Ginuo Amo ang Aton Kusog (‘The Joy of the Lord is our Strength’).

         Negros will always be a home for Father Terry even though he is now living in his native land. Filipinos will always be a family for him and those who are blessed to know him will certainly not forget him. How could we forget a man who has shown concern about the social realities affecting us? How could we forget such a humble priest who can understand what the people feel? There will always be this connection of feelings that will bridge the people of the Philippines and Father Terry in Ireland. This connection is that kind which will inspire us to pray for each other and to sing out loud that the joy of our Lord is our strength.

Her Home in the Philippines

    After many years of not attending Mass, 26-year-old Peruvian Marisol Rojas Tomasto’s concept of priests and going to church changed when she first met the Columbans ten years ago. Since then, she has admired their sense of closeness with the people and how they break down the walls that separate them from the community. Wanting to do the same, she has now found her second home in the Philippines as a Columban Lay Missionary.

     Marisol met the Columbans in 2000 in a very simple chapel made of mats in San Martin de Porres Parish, Lima, Peru. She was 16 years old then and preparing to be confirmed after passing through a series of Bible sharings and recollections.

      Marisol was baptized by Australian Columban Fr Leo Donnelly. She is the youngest child in the family. All of them are girls. She studied English for three years and spent another year focusing in grammar. Marisol worked in a non-government organization for children known as ‘Santa Bernardita.’ The center is located in a poor area in Peru. She was a teacher and a librarian. She helped the children in their assignments. She really loves working with children.

       Irish Columban Fr Tony Coney invited her to join the first Peruvian group of Columban Lay Missionaries to be sent on mission. Making such a decision was not easy but because the work of the Columbans was very close to her heart and there was already that passion within her to proclaim God’s word and love to the world as a response to God’s blessings through the presence of the Columbans in her country, she responded to the calling eventually. She said ‘yes’ to the invitation and started her discernment in 2005. She had her formation in 2007.

       Marisol’s first term is in the Philippines. Language is a major difficulty, but Marisol has proven that nothing is too hard for those who are really committed. She believes that she must really take time to know the language because communication is a very important tool needed in order to be understood and to help in proclaiming God’s word. Marisol recalled one of the experiences she had in the market during her first few weeks in the Philippines. The vendor had already talked a lot, perhaps about the vegetables and their prices, in Cebuano, one of the major languages in the country. Marisol felt sad because she couldn't understand anything. How she wished she could learn the language fast! She was just amazed that after the woman discovered that Marisol was not a Filipino and did not understand her, the vendor just laughed about herself. The woman thought that Marisol was Filipino.

       Asked why she considered the Philippines as her second home, she said ‘I really feel very comfortable here because of the people. I want to understand them because they also make me feel that they understand me. They always make me feel as if I’m a member of their families.’

      This made Marisol very interested in studying and learning some of the languages and dialects of Filipinos. One of the unforgettable times of her life was when she studied Cebuano in Davao. ‘I felt as if I’m a little girl again, learning how to say “hello” and “thank you”. My teachers and classmates were very kind,’ added Marisol Now, Marisol can understand and speak Cebuano.

       The desire to be understood and to understand people also extended to the Deaf. Her exposure in Cagayan de Oro to children with difficulties in hearing motivated her to learn another language - a language where every movement of the hands and finger matters, a language where the expression on the face can speak of love, concern and kindness. For her, Sign Language is a language of love and the Deaf are her best friends. Marisol discovers joy every time she uses Sign Language to communicate with children with hearing difficulties.

          Something she has had a struggle with as a missionary is saying goodbye. But she knows that it’s a part of being a missionary. Asked about what she would remember most about Filipinos, she said, ‘Filipinos have taught me how to enjoy life even being far from my loved ones, because although I left my family in Peru, I found a new one here in the Filipinos and the warmth and love they are giving me are more than I expected.”

          Marisol taught me what it means to live. To live means to be able to be felt and be understood by the person next to us. To live means to continue passing the message of God’s love and greatness in whatever way we know, wherever we go. The Columbans live by connecting with the people and the community and above all, with God. The Columbans will continue to live because they keep on changing so many lives as they did with the life of Marisol ten years ago. Marisol lives by sharing her life with others and by connecting with them through words, signs and prayers.

http://misyononline.com/new/jul-aug2010/her-home-in-the-Philippines

Remembering Sister Adela

    This is in memory of Sister Adela who passed away last April 13, 2012... I love you Sister...

      Opportunities to decide how they will spend their lives come in different ways for different people. More than just recognizing these chances is the permanent joy brought about by listening and responding to them according to God’s plan. For Sr Adela V. Paternina TC, her opportunity to decide how she would live the rest of her life came to her 57 years ago, when she chose to enter the Capuchin Tertiary Sisters of the Holy Family, a religious congregation founded at the shrine of Our Lady of Montiel in Benaguacil, Valencia, Spain, by Bishop Luis José María Amigó y Ferrer OFM Cap. Now, as her 78th birthday is approaching, she sees her life as simpler but more real than it was before.

       I came to know Sister Adela in 2007 when I started living with the Sisters at Holy Family Home, Cabug, Bacolod City. I knew little things about her but after Sunday Mass I would come to her and kiss her. The children were so fond of her. She had lived in a number of different cultures and thus she spoke a combination of languages which I couldn’t fully understand. When talking with her before, I would usually look at her eyes. The way she smiled told me that what she had said were words that were full of concern. She would hold my hand gently and I would find peace in her loving touch. I really wanted to know more about her. Hence, I felt so blessed when Fr Seán Coyle, our editor, suggested that I do an article about her before she left the Philippines to return to Cartagena de Indias, Colombia, her homeland. Modern technology has made it possible for us to communicate. She was in Cebu City when I sent my questions by email and I was surprised to receive her answers days after. She recalled how the seed of her religious vocation started.

        After attending a retreat during her second year in high school, Sister Adela felt the desire to give her life forever to Jesus as a missionary sister. She can still remember exactly the effect it had on her when she received a picture from a priest. The picture showed a group of indigenous people. Upon watching it, she knew in her heart that Jesus was calling her to follow Him in religious life. It was that experience that converted her into a fervent and pious person. At the age of 13, her spiritual journey started with the inspiration of St Thérèse of Lisieux whose autobiography Story of a Soul made her faith stronger. She loved reading the book because it narrates how St Thérèse lived and presented her ‘little way’ to holiness.

        Sister Adela was studying some college courses, including music, from 1948 to 1952. Before Vatican II (1962-1965), it was impossible for her to read the Bible because it was forbidden. (Editor’s note: before Vatican II it is true to say that lay Catholics were not encouraged to read the Bible lest they misinterpret it, but the Church didn’t actually forbid them to do so, though there might have been individual priests who took that line). However, nothing could stop her from worshipping and drawing closer to God. She was praying the rosary and attending morning Mass daily.

         Her mother knew the Capuchin Tertiary Sisters and it was she who described to her clearly how their habit looked. When the TC sisters arrived in their place for the first time, she recognized them immediately. That was her opportunity to shape the rest of her life in a way that would eternally fulfill her soul. That was her moment to dedicate her life to God forever. She entered at the age of 20.

        Sister Adela had her postulancy in Bogotá. (Editor’s note: Postulancy is a time of preparation for the novitiate which is the immediate preparation for taking vows and usually lasts two years. Today there is also a period before postulancy known as the ‘aspirancy’.) Naturally, during the first week she missed her family so much. She was the fifth child in a family of nine siblings. But because it was her heart’s desire to follow Jesus, it did not take her long to feel at home. She was filled with gladness that the sacrifices and the difficulties were so normal for her.

        From 1953 to 1986, Sister Adela had her apostolic work in Colombia. She was a teacher in different schools and in the government of the province of the congregation. In 1986, she took part in the General Council of the congregation and was elected to the general council while Sr Maria Elena S. Echavarren from Spain was chosen as General Superior. She is now the superior of the Vice Province of the Philippines, which includes a community in Korea and a community in India.

        Sister Adela came to the Philippines for the first time in November 1988. She was accompanying Sister Elena. After that she visited the country almost every year as part of the General Council. Visiting almost all of the places where the congregation served was very memorable for her. It gave her a lot of experience that enriched her knowledge and increased her vision about the world and the needs of its people. After 12 years, she offered herself to the new General Superior to work in the Philippines. Her offer was accepted and she was then sent to the Philippines. She arrived in Manila on 14 March 1999.

       Sister Adela’s first assignment was in Talisay City, Negros Occidental. In 2002, she was transferred to the Cabug Community in Bacolod City where she lived not only with the Sisters but with the children she loves very much. Being with the girls in Holy Family Home has deepened her understanding of her vocation.

        The different environment, the need to adapt to the changes that occurred after the Vatican Council and the exit of many Sisters were some of the difficulties that she encountered together with the TC community. However, through all those testing times her passion in serving God and her brothers and sisters continued to blossom. During those years, she was able to compose many songs about fraternity, justice, love for God, vocation and fidelity. Even old age cannot stop her from playing the piano and singing for the Lord. For Sister Adela, growing older means becoming more loving with people and accepting with a peaceful attitude all the physical limitations that aging brings. For her, it means remaining ever faithful and excited to learn more.

        Sister Adela returned to her homeland last June but the Philippines will always be another home for her. I will never forget talking with her as I looked straight into her eyes. I will never forget her loving touch as she gently held my hand. I will always be eager to know more about her. She will always stay at home in our hearts. Sister Adela loves the Filipinos so much. She knows that God led her to the Philippines where her presence would truly make a difference. Most of the children whom she has guided and taken care of are now in college and some are leading their own lives. She has discovered her true home since the day she listened and responded to God’s invitation to her with all her heart and soul.

A Missionary from Colombia http://misyononline.com/new/nov-dec2009/missionary_from_colombia