Mission Today - World Mission Month 2018

WORLD MISSION MONTH 2018

A journey in Mission 10 years with Sister Clara Dignity in every child Empowerment in Tondo Cultivating tomorrow’s leaders Parking the bike to take a hike

You are Mission Special World Mission Issue

Cover image: Hana is safe and happy at the new Marialaya Home in Chennai (see story on page 6).

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M i s s i o n To d a y – A C a t h o l i c M i s s i o n M a g a z i n e

“Every man and woman is a mission; that is the reason for our life on this earth.

To be attracted and to be sent are two movements that our hearts, especially when we are young, feel as interior forces of love; they hold out promise for our future and they give direction to our lives.”

Pope Francis, World Mission Day message 2018

In this issue...

A message from the National Director

page 4

Dignity in every child

page 12

You are Mission

page 5

Cultivating tomorrow’s leaders

page 16

A journey in Mission

page 6

Parking the bike to take a hike

page 18

Your special edition poster

page 10

Where no two days are the same

page 19

M i s s i o n To d a y – A C a t h o l i c M i s s i o n M a g a z i n e

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A message from the National Director Each year the Holy Father sends a message to the whole Church for World Mission Sunday.

In 2018 he specifically addressed the message to young people in anticipation of the Synod of Youth in October.

In his message Pope Francis said, “Every man and woman is a mission; that is the reason for our life on this earth.”

This was the same vision that inspired the founder of the Society for the Propagation of the Faith, Pauline Jaricot, herself young and idealistic, to gather people in prayer and almsgiving to support the missions.

Pope Francis goes on to say, “To be attracted and to be sent are two movements that our hearts, especially when we are young, feel as interior forces of love; they hold out promise for our future and they give direction to our lives.”

In saying this he echoes what the Second Vatican Council said in the document On the Missionary Activity of the Church: 8. Missionary activity is closely bound up even with human nature itself and its aspirations. For by manifesting Christ the Church reveals to people the real truth about their condition and their whole calling, since Christ is the source and model of that redeemed humanity, imbued with brotherly love, sincerity and a peaceful spirit, to which they all aspire.

On a final note as we approach the Synod of Youth, Pope Francis is alert to the challenges the new digital social media pose for young people seeking their place in the world.

The digital world – the social networks that are so pervasive and readily available – dissolves borders, eliminates distances and reduces differences. Everything appears within reach, so close and immediate. And yet lacking the sincere gift of our lives, we could well have countless contacts but never share in a true communion of life.

Thank you for your support for the missionary churches around the world.

Fr Brian Lucas National Director

The stories in this issue of Mission Today inspire me in our work of supporting the churches in need and I know they will touch you as well.

When I first took up my role as National Director I heard how our supporters were captivated by the energy and work of Sister Clara with the girls from Marialaya. She has moved on to Michaelpuram to continue her ministry, and we continue what is now more than a decade-long journey shared between her and our supporters.

There is the inspiring story of a little girl in the Philippines and her grandmother who are overcoming life’s challenges with the support of the Canossian Sisters. We have been there with them on this journey also.

We can read about seminarian John, from Tamale in Ghana, who is mid-way through his studies and has found that priestly life is about serving the people but also finding within yourself God’s call.

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This year’s World Mission Appeal highlights the variety and scope of the work of Catholic Mission around the world. It also encourages all of us to recognise our important role in mission work – through prayer and donations towards life-giving projects.

The theme of the appeal ‘You are Mission’ is a message to every Catholic Mission supporter, young and old. It challenges the idea that mission work is only done by missionaries overseas and encourages us all to make a real difference.

As Pope Francis stated in his message for World Mission Day 2018, “Every man and woman is a mission; that is the reason for our life on this earth.”

Mission is not reserved for priests and sisters, catechists and lay missionaries – rather it is a calling for all people of good will to be co-creators with God of a better world. This World Mission Month, and throughout this special edition of Mission Today, we encourage everyone to consider how they “are mission” today.

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A journey in Mission

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On a sweltering Wednesday in the south of India, scores of women in richly coloured sarees gather with their husbands and children in a small forest clearing, awaiting the start of Mass. Among them sits a diminutive, unassuming Salesian Sister in full white habit. Many in the crowd won’t look twice, but it is no overstatement that those who know Sister Clara Deveraj, here in the village of Michaelpuram and in other communities in southern India, hold her work in similar esteem to that of a certain Saint Teresa of Calcutta. In this village she has called home for five years, Sister Clara continues her vital ministry which you have supported through Catholic Mission for over a decade, changing the lives of many women and girls throughout this part of the country.

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M i s s i o n To d a y – A C a t h o l i c M i s s i o n M a g a z i n e

India On this particular May morning, this small community proudly bears its big spirit and rich heritage through extravagant colour, music, dance, food and festivity. It is the feast of St Paul of Thebes, also known as Paul the Hermit, the patron saint of the mostly Catholic village. The story goes that the 19th century French missionaries who founded Michaelpuram set out on their journey on January 15—the traditional date of the feast of St Paul of Thebes. When they arrived and settled five months later, they continued the feast in all its glory, creating an annual tradition that has grown larger every year.

‘This feast day ranks ahead of Christmas, ahead of Easter for these people,’ explains Sister Clara. ‘This is when the families come together from all over. Sons, daughters, cousins, aunts, uncles… they all return home from wherever they are living for this celebration.’

Indeed, Sister Clara herself is joined on this occasion by two young people who are very special to her and on whose lives she has had an enormous impact. Shorti, 14, and Vandoosha, 15, are visiting from Chennai during their school break to spend some time with the woman they refer to simply as “Mum”.

When Shorti and Vandoosha first met, they were little girls who, despite coming from different places and backgrounds, shared the trauma of an early childhood marked by abuse and neglect. Shorti was discovered begging for food and money at a railway station in Chennai at the age of three. At five years old, Vandoosha was saved from slavery and physical abuse by a concerned neighbour who reported her anguished cries to authorities.

In the early days of the Marialaya project, Sister Clara made it her priority to connect with the community around her. By conducting regular street walks, meetings and informal conversations with families and authorities, she built trust in the neighbourhood and established Marialaya as the touchpoint for vulnerable children and families, while also educating people about the dangers present in the area and working to prevent abuses of vulnerable children.

Perhaps the Sisters’ most critical innovation was a hotline number for anonymously reporting child abuse or neglect.

Both girls were among the first to come to the Marialaya Home for Girls in the centre of the bustling city of Chennai.

Sister Clara was instrumental in the establishment of the Home, which has been a refuge for girls of all ages who

‘Above all, she is a very good human being. We speak a lot about the girls, how they help each other and how Sister Clara helped them. She has got a very kind heart towards the poor.’

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India

are vulnerable to child trafficking, slavery and abuse, all of which are pressing issues in the city and in India more broadly. Today, when they are asked what Sister Clara means to them, both girls can express it in just a few words: ‘Mother. She is our mother.’

When they are not in boarding school, achieving high grades and exercising their creative talents, Shorti and Vandoosha live with the Salesian Sisters and around 25 other girls in the nondescript townhouse-style building in Chennai where they were brought to safety all those years ago.

Across town, three young sisters work together on a dance they are learning with friends in the courtyard of the new campus of the Marialaya Home for Girls. The large three-storey house was opened in 2015 and funded almost entirely by Catholic Mission’s supporters. It stands as a legacy, not only to the work of Sister Clara and the Salesian Sisters, but to their longstanding partnership with Catholic Mission and you, our supporters.

Hana, Sandi and Shreya (pictured, left to right, p. 9) came to Marialaya just a few months ago, after their teacher contacted the Sisters. Their home environment was unsustainable; the girls’ primary carers were their grandparents, who had unfortunately developed a dependence on alcohol. They are the beautiful faces of a new generation of girls who have a better shot at a full life because of Marialaya. Over the years, your continued support of this work has ensured many girls like Hana, Sandi and Shreya have escaped abusive, neglectful or perilous situations at their vulnerable stages of life. Thanks to your contribution to their lives, they have a chance to learn, make friends and grow to be intelligent, independent, loving children of God.

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‘We will stand by them; that is their security. Most of all, they know we care for and educate their children.

This makes a big difference too.’

‘The legacy at Marialaya is that the most vulnerable girls of the society have a bright future,’ says Sister Madalatmuthu, the animator and director at Marialaya.

‘That is the one sentence we want to say here; that vulnerable children have a brighter future.’

‘This is what I insisted when I came to work in Chennai,’ Sister Clara affirms. ‘No more going back to the street. If you come to Marialaya you must have a better future.’

The heart-warming success stories are many. ‘One girl came here to Marialaya in the early days,’ recalls Sister Madalatmuthu. ‘She was 18 then. We cared for her here, and helped her stand on her feet, and now she has a daughter who is in college.’

Sister Clara’s legacy at Marialaya and in Chennai extends beyond merely children. The Sisters also perform outreach programs for women in the local community, ensuring those who are at risk of exploitation or abuse can have an opportunity to learn new skills, gain employment, network and find support in one another. Sister Madalatmuthu says their work builds on a strong foundation laid years earlier.

M i s s i o n To d a y – A C a t h o l i c M i s s i o n M a g a z i n e

India ‘I came to know Sister Clara’s work, and I am seeing something wonderful here. Above all, she is a very good human being. We speak a lot about the girls, how they help each other and how Sister Clara helped them. She has got a very kind heart towards the poor.’

While it will always be dear to her heart, Sister Clara knew that eventually she would be called to leave Marialaya and take her wisdom and expertise elsewhere. Five years ago, she relocated to Michaelpuram, the small, vibrant community four hours south-west of Chennai. There she has encountered challenges different to those she found in the city. ‘Many men here drink here because they work long hours in the field and it is a release; but sadly, they become dependent on it,’ says Sister Clara. ‘The women drink because the men do, and often it is just an escape from reality.’ For many of these men and women, that reality is economic hardship, food insecurity, unsteady employment and severe environmental factors.

Sister Clara has found that women and children in the community are the ones who suffer the most from these conditions, so she has worked to build up local educational and vocational training programs, include tailoring, music, computing, and English, to empower local women and encourage sustainable growth in the small community.

One of the women, Rosie, first came to the handicraft classes before she was married. ‘After she was married, she came here every day right up until the day before she gave birth to her daughter,’ says Sister Clara with a laugh. ‘We told her she needed to rest and be at home, but she was so eager to be here and learning, we couldn’t keep her away!’

M i s s i o n To d a y – A C a t h o l i c M i s s i o n M a g a z i n e

Such is the safe space that Sister Clara has created through her programs. ‘Rosie came here because she liked the work and felt secure and peaceful,’ she says. Rosie now brings her two-month-old daughter Lydia to the classroom and offers training for other young women new to the program. Their handicraft products are in high demand from schools in the surrounding area, meaning they are paid for the work they produce.

Through your support of Catholic Mission, you have partnered for over ten years with Sister Clara and the women and children she has served. Sister Clara says this partnership makes her work possible, not simply through providing crucial funding, but also in the strength she gains from having you by her side. ‘We are not worried about what will happen to us; you are there to support us,’ she says.

‘With that we go ahead doing what we do for these people.

This is a mission you are helping us to fulfil.’

‘The women have confidence and security that for anything they need they can come to us,’ says Sister Clara.

‘We will stand by them; that is their security. Most of all, they know we care for and educate their children. This makes a big difference too.’

Anyone whose life has been touched by Sister Clara will tell you a very similar thing about her: she is missionary and a wonderful servant of God. ‘I have known Sister Clara for the past 30 years,’ says Father Arulanandham, a Salesian priest from the Madras Mylapore Archdiocese. ‘She has been doing a lot of social work in Chennai province and you could call her the Mother Teresa of wherever she goes. All that she does is not for herself, but for others.’

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Vandoosha

Chennai, 2009

Short i

Marialaya, 2013

Chennai, 2013

New Marialaya, 2016

Short i

Marialaya, 2018

Vandoosha

Dignity

in every child

See more

A vision statement is proudly hung on a wall inside the Canossa Health and Social Centre in Tondo, a bustling bayside urban dwelling in Manila. Sister Regina Barcelon, who is in charge of the centre, can sum it up in a few words. ‘It’s an empowered community who also appreciate their dignity as children of God even if they are poor.’

The simple statement is more than just a vision; it encapsulates exactly what the Sisters are doing for the people in their local community today, which is one of the poorest and most densely populated in Asia. Their task is enormous and often unsung, but it would not be possible without your support over the years, and for one little girl and her grandmother, living in a place called Happyland, it has been life-changing.

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Philippines

‘It’s an empowered community who also appreciate their dignity as children of God even if they are poor.’

‘Their life is better in some way because Bridget is no longer a burden, thanks to the wheelchair,’ says Sister Regina. ‘Heide would carry her everywhere back and forth, which would impact her ability to earn. Now Bridget does not need constant attention because she has more access thanks to the wheelchair.’

Heide says the wheelchair has improved her life, especially at home where it is most useful. ‘It has made my life at home much easier,’ she says. ‘It is easier to move her around.’

It is a step on a long road towards the young girl’s independence. ‘My happiest dream is for Bridget to walk,’ says Heide. ‘Because I am old now, I am 68 years old, and I pray that one day Bridget will walk.’

Heide carefully steps through the entry gate of the Canossa Health and Social Centre on Jacinto Street in Tondo. Looking left and right, her eyes search for one of the Canossian Sisters who works at the centre or simply a place to rest her legs, having walked two kilometres with a bag over one shoulder and a small child on the opposite hip.

Finding the seat first, she carefully places seven-year-old Bridget down, conscious that the smallest mistake could break several bones in the girl’s tiny body.

This was the situation for Heide and Bridget just two years ago. Bridget suffers from osteogenesis imperfecta, more commonly known as brittle bone syndrome, and has endured dozens of fractures in her young life. Her arms, legs and spine are misshapen as a result, and she cannot support own weight; instead she relied on her grandmother to carry her from place to place. In addition to caring for Bridget full-time, Heide had her own health concerns to address, and with a house and Bridget’s younger brother Daniel to watch out for as well, she needed to work in the local market to earn an income. Life was an overwhelming struggle for both Bridget and Heide.

But thanks to your generosity in responding to their story through Catholic Mission, life has improved a great deal for the family. The one thing Heide most wanted was some independence for her little granddaughter. Through the support of Catholic Mission, a wheelchair was purchased for Bridget, which has made a significant difference in her life and in Heide’s.

M i s s i o n To d a y – A C a t h o l i c M i s s i o n M a g a z i n e

Heide says Bridget never lets her condition bring her down, but even she herself wonders if she will ever be like the other children. ‘She is happy; very, very happy. But she says to me, “When can I walk?”’

The next step is for Bridget to undergo some physiotherapy and, eventually, surgery. ‘They are now studying the skeletal structure of Bridget and the doctor will repair all of her bones,’ Heide says with an optimistic chuckle. Then, looking over the small body sitting restlessly in her lap, she sadly repeats, ‘All of her bones.’

Despite the hurdles ahead of Bridget and Heide, both feel positive about her prospects of one day leading an independent life. The Canossian Sisters have laid a strong foundation for this outcome, through their support of Bridget and the family over the years, which they will continue through the course of her treatment.

The biggest achievement in that time has been Bridget’s integration into school, made far more accessible by the wheelchair, where she is enjoying herself and earning achievement awards. ‘Bridget is very interested in her study,’ says Heide. ‘When she does not go to school she is crying, saying, “I want to study!” Even in the storm, in the rain, she wants to be at school.’

Bridget is but one example of the many people, young and old, in the Tondo community who have been supported by the Sisters. Because of its location and high population density, Tondo has one of the highest rates of tuberculosis in the entire region. The Canossa Centre has a well-established tuberculosis treatment and prevention program, including

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Philippines

‘Our services like feeding, material needs, and medications are just means, just instruments for the people to know and love God, to appreciate the goodness of God…’

responsibility and to build capacity. ‘That’s why we also offer some assistance for their income generating projects, some of our patients borrow money to start their own business. These projects might be tailoring, or selling food.’

a DOTS (Directly Observed Treatment Short course) clinic and a regular feeding program. They focus strongly on combating malnutrition in the local area, as this is a leading precursor to tuberculosis. In addition, the centre runs a dental clinic, pharmacy, and general practice, which sees volunteer doctors from the local hospitals give their time to administer anything from vaccinations to circumcisions.

With plenty of other hospitals in the nearby areas, there is no shortage of alternative places where locals can seek treatment. However, they come in their droves to the Canossa Health and Social Centre because it offers something beyond simply practical treatment.

With all of these programs aiming to help the local people, the Sisters, in accordance with their stated vision, have empowerment always front of mind. ‘We provide certain assistance for them as well if they cannot pay for the medicines,’ says Sister Regina. ‘We work out a plan for them to pay in instalments when they can. But we ensure that they are not dependent on this assistance. Just because they are poor does not necessarily mean they cannot afford to pay; if they can afford vices, it means they can afford the treatment. They have to bring up their dignity as poor people.’

In this regard, the Sisters also introduced small micro-financing initiatives to promote economic

Some get an extra leg-up. ‘We gave two sisters some mangoes to sell. One of them came back later, wanting to return the money they had made from the sale of the mangoes, but we said no that is your money now and she used part of it to buy footwear for her sister and the other part she used for food.’

‘The patients come here for more complete service,’ says Sister Regina. ‘The government cannot provide a more integrated program; some are just about providing medicines. Ours is a holistic approach and our services are more accessible and available to the local people.

‘We also offer morning prayer, religious education and catechesis.’ When asked if the spiritual element of their work is what attracts people, Sister Regina is affirming. ‘Maybe that is why they come here instead of somewhere else. Our services like feeding, material needs, and medications are just means, just instruments for the people to know and love God, to appreciate the goodness of God even in these things. They have to know certain things about their lives as God’s children, how they have to appreciate the things that are blessings for them.’

Father Zaldy Camposo says the Centre has benefited the Tondo community, one of the poorest in the Philippines.

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Philippines

‘We gave two sisters some mangoes to sell. One of them came back later, wanting to return the money they had made from the sale of the mangoes, but we said no that is your money now…’

Your support of the Canossa Health and Social Centre over the years through Catholic Mission’s work with children has ensured the Sisters can continue to provide this vital service for the Tondo community. Father Zaldy Camposo has seen the benefit of the Centre for the community over his four years in Tondo. ‘The Canossa Centre has accommodated the people of this community who are most in need,’ he says. ‘Sadly, it cannot accommodate all, and that is why we need support. We must communicate with the people, engage with them, and make them feel loved by God.’ Sister Regina is grateful for the support of Australians towards achieving their vision. ‘We would of course like to thank you for the continuous assistance, because you have supported us in areas in which other agencies do not. If we have the support of just one, we cannot continue, but your support is a big help.’

For Bridget, the dignity afforded to her simply through increased mobility is a life-changing blessing. With a tear in her eye, Heide remains dedicated to her grandchild. ‘For the rest of my life I will do my best to help Bridget.’

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Cultivating tomorrow’s leaders

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M i s s i o n To d a y – A C a t h o l i c M i s s i o n M a g a z i n e

Ghana John Chrysostom Tom, a third-year seminarian from Tamale, Ghana, is looking forward to continuing his studies as he enters his third year of philosophy.

Coming from a large Catholic family, John was raised in a strong faith structure, his parents encouraging and supporting him as he grew. His uncle was a priest, his nephew was ordained a priest back in July, and one of his sisters belongs to the order of the Handmaids of the Holy Child Jesus.

From a young age, John knew he was destined to become a priest, although he took on university study before joining the seminary, which allowed him to consider further just why he is called to follow this vocation: ‘I initially thought that becoming a priest was to help people … but now I know the most important thing is that you do not become a priest solely to help people, rather to ask, “What does God want in my life?”’

As he prepares to enter his fourth year of study and first of theology at the St Victor’s Major Seminary in his home town, John says he is always reflecting on what God may have in store for him.

With just a few years before he is ordained and sent to lead a parish community in Ghana, John and his fellow seminarians are not only undergoing the spiritual formation which will help them in their future pastoral service, but they are being taught practical skills such as agriculture and farming knowledge. This is a growing interest of many seminaries around the world, particularly in areas like Ghana, where natural resources are plentiful. Increasingly, priests as community leaders must have practical agricultural skills they can pass on to parishioners to prevent this crucial knowledge from slipping away.

Seminarians all around the world, just like John, are being well prepared to lead the Church thanks to supporters like you. In the future, they will grow their local Church and reach out to communities to help where they can, whether it be through practical or spiritual support. In Ghana, it costs nearly $3,000 USD per year to fully train just one seminarian. Your support of these young men is crucial to the development of the Church.

‘I initially thought that becoming a priest was to help people … but now I know the most important thing is that you do not become a priest solely to help people, rather to ask, “What does God want in my life?”’

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In John’s first year, he was assigned to work with the animals, taking care of the pigs and sheep. Currently St Victor’s has a small piggery, some sheep, with a plot of 14 acres of farmable land.

The seminary itself is almost fully self-sustainable – the meat that they eat comes from their stock, and whatever is left over can be sold to generate more income – however they are looking into more ways that they can improve and become fully self-sustainable.

John is mindful of the support he receives from Australia and has a message for you in return. ‘We should always seek to help our brothers and sisters, by praying and asking God that he will give us the strength and resources to do so.

He knows that Christ is calling each and every one of us to help, and that God will never let our suffering or support be in vain.’

Inspired by the parable of the Prodigal Son (Luke 15:11-32), John reflects on the concept of unconditional love given by the father to his son – John wants to follow the steps of Christ who also shows us unconditional love.

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Parking the bike to take a hike

In November last year, a team of 17 intrepid explorers headed to Cambodia with one shared goal in mind.

They braved the heat and humidity to conquer 250 kilometres of road cycling—all in the name of mission.

It was the Ride to Reach Out, the first challenge of its kind offered to supporters by Catholic Mission. It took participants to the rice paddies and iconic temples of Cambodia to challenge themselves and get a first-hand look at where their funds are making a difference.

Canberra resident Bernadette Bryant gained much from last year’s Ride. ‘It was a perspective-changing experience,’ she says. ‘My overall impression is that it is something of exceptional value, both personally and as a Catholic. It gave me a sense of overwhelming gratitude.’

Following on from the success of the ride, Catholic Mission is trading in the bike and taking a hike.

The Trek to Reach Out, an eleven-day hiking adventure through Myanmar, will take place in January 2019 and those interested are being encouraged to register now and begin their fundraising ahead of next year’s challenge.

will visit Catholic Mission projects for which they have raised crucial funds.

‘After the Ride to Reach Out in Cambodia last year raised over $70,000 for Catholic Mission projects, the Trek to Reach Out is similarly a rare opportunity to discover a part of the world that has only recently opened its doors to the international community,’ said 2017 participant and Catholic Mission Diocesan Director for Canberra and Goulburn, Cathy Ransom.

Formerly known as Burma, Myanmar was famously closed off for decades as civil war and political strife persisted. Since democratic elections were held in 2011, the nation opened its doors to trade and tourism, but despite increasing numbers of visitors, much of the country’s landscape remains pristine.

Trekkers will take in the breathtaking beauty of the ancient capital city of Bagan, wander around the iconic golden Shwedagon Pagoda in Yangon and experience a Mass in the city’s stunning cathedral.

In addition, participants will visit Catholic Mission projects on the eleven-day adventure, which include children’s education and teacher training programs.

‘It is a once-in-a-lifetime chance to explore a place unlike anywhere on earth; and the topper is that, while you trek, you will be making a real difference in others’ lives,’ said Mrs Ransom.

‘I’d encourage anyone who is interested to get involved now and maximise the time you have to raise funds for both your trip and these worthwhile projects.’

A handful of inspired adventurers have already signed up for the Trek, which will see hikers journey over 60 kilometres from Mandalay to Yangon. Along the way, they

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If you would like more information about this incredible opportunity, please visit catholicmission.org.au/trek or call our toll-free number on 1800 257 296.

M i s s i o n To d a y – A C a t h o l i c M i s s i o n M a g a z i n e

Where no two days are ever the same

Have you ever taken a holiday from technology? Just left the phone at home and headed to a part of the world where Facebook, selfies, FitBits and emails are nowhere near as important as being together, breaking bread, singing, dancing and laughing? Catholic Mission’s Daniel Kuzeff leads school and adult groups on Immersions – ten to twelve-day experiences of deep engagement with a totally different community. Although a seasoned traveller, he writes that each trip offers a unique mutual encounter with local communities…

I have been fortunate enough over the years to see some amazing work in different countries across the globe.

What a wonderful view I have had of humanity, seeing first-hand the compassion and love given to others in need. Earlier this year, however, I witnessed some work that was truly remarkable. I have been travelling to Cebu, a central province in the Philippines, for six years, but until a fortuitous detour in January this year, I had never encountered the work of the Good Shepherd Sisters.

I helped Catholic Mission develop a ten-day immersion on Bantayan Island—west of Cebu island—four years ago.

On each of the previous trips, the group would return to Cebu just in time for the flight home. On this particular immersion for school teachers from Sydney Catholic Education Office, seven days were spent on Bantayan Island, with 36 of the friendliest, most welcoming families imaginable, before an additional night and day in Cebu.

The sole reason for this added time was to ensure a stop at a home for vulnerable women and girls, named the “Welcome House”, run by the program coordinator, Florelie Cuyos, Good Shepherd Sister Regina Kuizon and a team of staff.

As with all Catholic Mission Immersions, we came in knowing that it was going to be a powerful and challenging experience; one that would leave a lasting memory.

However, we certainly underestimated the extent of just how intense it would be. As I write this, I am listening to the Francois Mulder song ‘Break the Silence’. It is a stirring song which tells the story of a young girl who is a victim of human trafficking. Even now, my eyes fill with tears as I recall very clearly the dance performed to this very song by twenty young women at the Welcome House, who as children experienced cruel and inhumane treatment at the hands of traffickers.

Following the dance, we broke up into small groups and spoke with the young women, played volleyball with them, sang and danced with them, and enjoyed lunch with them.

They encouraged each other to share their stories with us; Sister Regina and her team consider this a major part of their healing process. For the girls that were newer to the house, this was clearly harder for them. For the Australians, it was a challenge to comprehend just how anyone could inflict that punishment on another human being. Yet, as we listened and got to know each other better, we realised we are similar in more ways than we thought. Soon, we were laughing, sharing and playing games together.

Before we left, the women had one more song to perform for us: Rachel Platten’s ‘Fight Song’. I’ll always remember the determination on their faces as they stood up and sang it aloud.

Everything about the Welcome House is testament to the dedication of the Good Shepherd Sisters, Sister Regina and her staff in Cebu. The rehabilitation and healing work that they are doing is awe-inspiring. I will forever be grateful for the privilege of spending even a few precious hours with the young women, the Sisters and everyone associated with the work that they are doing there.

Daniel Kuzeff is Immersions Program Officer at Catholic Mission. The organisation operates immersion trips of ten to twelve days for school and adult groups to locations including the Philippines, Cambodia, Timor-Leste and remote Indigenous Australian communities.

For more information about Catholic Mission Immersions, you can contact the team on 1800 257 296 or visit catholicmission.org.au/immersions.

The women, through that song and their dance, told their unique personal stories in their own way. How they gathered the strength to perform for us in the manner they did, I do not know. At one point, during the chorus, one of the girls was dragged into the middle of the dancers who, surrounding her, yelled at full voice and threw money at her in a shocking dramatisation. I covered my face, turning to the rest of the Australian group who were all holding back tears, some unable to hold their gaze. Never again will we witness something so powerful.

M i s s i o n To d a y – A C a t h o l i c M i s s i o n M a g a z i n e

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