The Magazine of the Missionary Society of St. Columban
October October 2012 2012
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How Can I Offer My Life to God?
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essie, as I’ll call her, was a 14-year-old asthmatic who had lived on the streets of Makati City, the financial center of the Philippines, when I had a conversation with her early in 2005 that still astounds me. Her father, a blind beggar, didn’t share in too much of the wealth created in the high-rise buildings that could be seen clearly from Holy Family Home, Pembo, Makati, where the Capuchin Tertiary Sisters of the Holy Family take care of more than twenty girls who have been living in extreme poverty. As I have spent most of my 41 years in the Philippines in Visayanspeaking areas, my Tagalog is limited. With the help of Elma Guia, a Columban lay missionary then preparing to go to Taiwan – she had spent some years as a member of the Capuchin Sisters – I was able to respond to the question Tessie asked and that left me initially speechless: “How can I offer my life to God?” With the help of Elma I tried to convey in In So Many Words a mixture of English and Tagalog – Tessie had By Fr. Seán Coyle some English – something of the “Little Way” of St. Thérèse of Lisieux. I told her that if she was faithful and loving in her daily chores such as washing the dishes, setting the tables, cooking and so on and did these out of love for the other girls and the Sisters, she would be already offering her told her that if she was life to God. In time God would show her what he faithful and loving in her wanted her to do with the rest of her life. daily chores such as washing I added that she would be doing God’s will by the dishes, setting the tables, taking care of herself – eating properly, bathing and so on. “Even when I’m in the CR?” “CR” or cooking and so on and did “comfort room” is the term Filipinos use for the these out of love for the other restroom. “Yes,” I said, “even in the CR.” girls and the Sisters, she would Tessie went to live with relatives in one of the nearby provinces shortly after this. I’m not sure be already offering her life that it has been a case of “happily ever after” but her question has been a grace for me ever since and for to God. others with whom I have shared it.
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Fr. Seán Coyle lives and works in the Philippines. www.columban.org
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I Am a Missionary Privileged to Be Part of the Gospel Enterprise by Fr. Jude genovia
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ecoming a Columban missionary began for me in 1986 soon before I was due to finish high school. Two Columban priests, Dick Pankratz from the U.S. and Charlie Meagher from Ireland, came to our school to talk to the boys in the final year. They introduced themselves and explained why they had come to the Philippines and told us where they were working. I was impressed by Charlie Meagher’s deep, strong voice and even more by the fact
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that both priests spoke to us in our own language, Cebuano. Hearing about their mission and that they had come from so far away started me thinking. Then Dick followed up with five of us and after a short test we were down to three. He then invited us to attend a weekend where we had more discussions and tests. My mother realized that I was on the same track as my elder brother who had been in the Redemptorist seminary for three years but had decided to leave. She laughed and told me that I would not persevere. Still, my parents supported my decision. Religious vocation was nothing new in our family. My mother’s sister and my cousin are nuns. My mother’s three brothers and two of my cousins entered the seminary for a time but left before ordination. Other members of the family were also in
the seminary for a time but chose another path. I was in the Columban house in Cagayan de Oro for the night before leaving on the ferry for Cebu City (on a neighboring island) where Columban students did our college studies. Bishop Paddy Cronin was there and that was the first time I realized that our local bishop was a Columban. He was so warm and encouraging. Leaving for college in Cebu was another step along the path of my Columban missionary journey. It all really began from Manticao, Mizamis Oriental, the small village where I was born and raised. It’s been a story of gradually moving further and further away from Cebu to Manila and then on mission in Japan and Korea. Moving on and meeting new people and facing the challenges before me has helped me grow in appreciation www.columban.org
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of my missionary vocation. I grew in confidence in myself, in conviction as regards my faith, and in passion as regards my calling to share this faith with others. My years in Japan allowed me to arrive at the firm belief that I could and wanted to take on the missionary vocation. For a Filipino, Japan poses a number of challenges. First, Christians are in a minority where as in the Philippines we are the majority. Second, the Japanese language is quite difficult. Third, Japanese culture is quite different from ours. Then too, there is the cultural bias of the Japanese against Filipinos; they tend to look down on us, see us as a lower class of people. All of this was like a maze I had to find my way through in order to be able to communicate my faith to the Japanese whom I might have the opportunity to meet and get to know. At first, the Japanese youth I met could not understand why I was in their country. It made no sense to them talking about wanting to share my faith, of working as a missionary of the Catholic Church, of entering into dialogue with them about life and its meaning. In fact, the one word that seemed to make some sense to them was “volunteer.� They were slow to accept me. Of course, they were polite, but I was aware that I was on the outside. How was I to get to know them? Part of our initial introduction to life in Japan was living with a Japanese family. I had the good fortune to be received into the home of a family of Japanese artists of national renown. Bit by bit they took me into their confidence; I was courteous and patient and eventually came to feel part of the family. In fact, one of the most poignant moments for me was listening to the mother of the house, who was at that time in her early seventies, talk about www.columban.org
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Clearly, there could be no dialogue before there was mutual acceptance. the issue of Japanese soldiers forcing thousands of women in the countries Japan invaded in World War Two, including my own country, into bondage as comfort women. She apologized to me for what they had done, and I was so moved. I came to feel accepted, and the youth of the parish began to invite me to family functions. This did not happen overnight, but I realized that it was important to wait patiently. I knew I needed their acceptance to even begin to share what I had come to share with them, namely my Christian faith. Clearly, there could be no dialogue before there was mutual acceptance. In time, especially the youth, came to accept my Filipino way of greeting with a hug. The Japanese are so non-tactile in their way of relating, but for Filipinos, it is our way to be more demonstrative. I could relate many instances of being affirmed by my Japanese friends, and their affirmation helped me believe that I could be a missionary in a foreign land. As I learned from them they too
accepted my insights into life. They may have had the impression that Filipinos are basically troublemakers, which for them is quite unacceptable as they are focused on harmony. In coming to know me they also realized that there are Filipinos with other values that they could appreciate. Now I am in my own country once again, charged with the task of inviting young Filipinos to share their Christian faith with other peoples. Young Filipino Catholics are not lacking in zealous enthusiasm, but at times they may need to be persuaded that they may have a role to play beyond the borders of our own country. I can tell them of the joy that I experienced as a missionary; I can persuade them that they too might be up to the challenge. I tell them that they can find God and share their faith with other peoples. We Filipinos are deeply spiritual and know that our way of being might help other cultures. We have the base of a vibrant though imperfect Church.
I tell them that they can find God and share their faith with other peoples.
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Many young people participate enthusiastically in spreading the Gospel message through involvement in religious and social organizations. Recently, 5,000 priests attended a national conference of the clergy held in Manila, and the younger group outnumbered the older group, a basic sign of life among the clergy. Part of being Filipino is being on the move, going from one island to another, as if mobility were an innate characteristic of our people. Filipino Catholics give generous support to the Church and its works. In recent years, quite a few religious orders have come to work and recruit, although some do little work other than recruiting and training. However, it is a sign of recognition of the generosity
I came to feel accepted, and the youth of the parish began to invite me to family functions. of our Catholic youth. There are also many lay missionary sending organizations some of which send out well prepared Filipino professionals. Our Church is active in social issues, especially those related to the environment and honesty in our government and electoral processes. However, in general our prophetic role leaves much to be desired. We are slow to tackle some of the major issues of injustice that ensure a huge gap between the wealthy and the poor in this
country and allow the poor to be used as pawns in an economic chess game played in the interests of a small but powerful local and international elite. I know we have a lot to do here in the Philippines in order to be faithful to Christ’s invitation, but I believe that we have the faith and our Church has sufficient depth and vibrancy to recruit and send missionaries to other lands. I feel privileged to be part of that Gospel enterprise. CM Columban Fr. Jude Genovia lives and works in the Philippines.
Leaving a Legacy One of life’s greatest rewards is helping spread the Good News of Jesus Christ. You have a special place in this effort, building the kingdom by helping others experience the transforming power of Christ’s love. This is possible as a member of the Columban Fathers’ Legacy Society. See what these partners in mission say about their association with the Columban Fathers’ Legacy Society:
“After many years of friendship with the Columbans, we decided that we wanted to make a legacy gift. God has richly blessed our lives, and we wanted to give back in a way that would benefit others. The Columban Fathers’ Gift Annuity Program provided everything we were looking for in a legacy gift.”
~ Paul and Marge Hartnett–Nebraska
“When it came time to make our estate plans, the Columbans were first on our list to receive a legacy gift….We see our gift as continuing our giving legacy and our personal connection to the mission and the Columbans.”
~ Dr. Francis V. and Virginia Macaulay – California
For more information on membership in our Legacy Society or for assistance with your charitable giving decisions, contact Fr. Michael Dodd in our planned giving office at plannedgiving@columban.org or toll free at 1-877-299-1920 to learn more about gift-giving options that are right for you. 6
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Columban Center for Advocacy & Outreach Justice, Peace & the Integrity of Creation (JPIC) are integral to preaching the Gospel, and is at the heart of Columban mission. 2006 Columban General Assembly
“The Church must proclaim justice and denounce injustice.” –OUR WORLD AND YOU, INTERNATIONAL SYNOD OF BISHOPS, 1971 The U.S. JPIC Ministry represents Columban missionaries around the world and advocates for just and sustainable policies based on our missionary experience and Catholic Social Teaching.
Our Advocacy Priorities Include: • Migration
• Water
• U.S. Immigration and Border Issues
• Climate Change
• Preventing Human Trafficking • Economic and Climate Migration • Economic Justice • Alternative Economies • International Trade and Debt • Environmental Justice
• Extractive Industries • Genetically Modified Organisms, Biofuels, and Food Security • Peace & Reconciliation • Indigenous Rights • Nuclear Disarmament • Inter-religious Dialogue
Join us in being a Columban Advocate. Here’s how: • Follow Columban Fathers on Facebook & Twitter • Read our bi-weekly e-bulletin: www.columban.org/ebulletin • Check out our Advocacy Resources at: www.columban.org and go to “Advocacy” • Join our Advocacy Internship Program– apply online at: www.columban.org/get-involved • Subscribe to our Advocates Listserv at: columbanadvocates@googlegroups.com • Look for the upcoming JPIC edition of Columban Mission, Nov. 2012! Columban Center for Advocacy and Outreach ccaoprograms@columban.org www.columban.org/get-involved 301-565-4547
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Bangon Cagayan God Is Leading Me By Erl Dylan J. Tabaco
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s I went to the airport for my afternoon flight going back to Manila, I saw this big streamer along the rotunda stating Bangon Cagayan. The streamer mirrors the sad faces of many people in Cagayan de Oro as typhoon Sendong struck a number of baranggays in the city which brought a lot of damage to the infrastructure, property and the lives of many people who didn’t expect such tragedy. On the other hand as I reflect on it, the streamer encourages people to believe that there is always hope amidst despair. And, it gave me the opportunity to go back to my experience the night when typhoon Sendong hit my beloved city. I hadn’t experienced that kind of catastrophe prior to December 16, 2011; it really was beyond my imagination. That night I was sleeping comfortably, and suddenly I was awakened by a strong wind and rain. The wind was so furious, and it sounded like a thief trying to destroy our roof. I had no idea what was going on in other areas of the city. I thought that it was just an ordinary typhoon that will just pass by the city. Flooding didn’t cross my mind knowing that CDO is not prone to flood incidents. A few minutes later, my sister’s phone rang, and it was her officemate calling and asking for help. I was a bit nervous already at that time, and it even added to my anxiousness when my then boss called me from Manila and told me that CDO was in a terrible 8
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situation. I even spoke to my former classmate and officemate who happened to be with my boss at that time, asking for my help or any assistance because her family was trapped inside their house. I didn’t have access to any news from radio or TV because there was a total blackout in the city. Relying on the information that I received from my boss, I couldn’t imagine how the water level reached as high as a two floor house. I was sleepless thinking that the Agusan River which is connected to Cagayan River might also overflow. When the morning came, Ana and Marisol, two Columban lay missionaries, informed me that Ate Lingling’s family, the cook of Agusan parish, was affected by the typhoon. We visited her house and found that most of her things were damaged. As she narrated what happened to them at that night, I was moved. She told me that the rising of the water was beyond reach. It was difficult for them to get out of their house since the current of the water was too strong. The total blackout added to their difficulty. She thought that all those things just happened in the movies. Despite what had happened to them, they are still blessed that all of them survived. As I looked at the neighboring houses, I was really surprised. I couldn’t picture a worst situation in the city . It was my first time to see personally the huge damage brought by catastrophe. Watching Agusan river, it overflowed its
banks on both sides. Those houses which were erected 50 meters away from the river were all gone. I couldn’t imagine the struggle of the people during that night trying to save their lives and some of their belongings. On Sunday, December 18, 2011, I, together with Joseph and John, went to the cathedral to offer our help. We packed up the relief goods that were given by people and other organizations. I was so happy to see that many people responded to the call of mission as they offered their very selves in reaching out to the needs of our brothers and sisters who were victims of the typhoon. After our work at the cathedral, we went to City Central School which was one of the evacuation centers in order to deliver the goods that we prepared. There were many evacuees in the place ranging from small babies to aging lolos and lolas (grandpas and grandmas). What they needed the most was water. It was ironic to think that water, the element which killed many people and destroyed properties, was the one thing that people needed at that time. We heard so many stories from the victims about how they struggled confronting the flood. Listening to their stories, I felt daunted in my future work as a priest. In these situations it was very hard to console and help people especially when they are in the midst of depression thinking that life is meaningless. All I could do was to listen with them as they www.columban.org
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Bangon Cagayan is a good reminder that there is always hope amidst despair. expressed their hurt, anxiety and fear. I believe that listening to them was my greatest contribution to them. Donations in various forms from different parishes were quick in arriving. Many parishioners responded to the invitation to give something. As a seminarian, it was a fulfilling experience to offer myself to someone. I may not rebuild their lives immediately, but in my own little ways I could be part of their own journey as they faced another chapter of their lives despite the fears, difficulties and brokenness. It was a very sad Christmas for most people in Cagayan de Oro, but it was a wonderful opportunity for us to reflect on the essence of Christmas. Our Savior was born to fulfill God’s plan of salvation. Jesus Christ emptied Himself for our sake as He showed His great love and compassion to humanity. We were also called to participate in the mission of Jesus Christ. Christmas is a great celebration where we can gather as one family to thank the Lord for the many blessings that He has given to us. It is also a wonderful opportunity for us to give all the glory to Him by reaching out to others who are in need. It was indeed a great Christmas celebration for me in a deeper sense. I gave myself ample time reflecting my calling. One thing I know for sure it is through serving people that God is leading me. After I returned to Manila, I brought all my experiences to integrate into my discernment www.columban.org
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process. Bangon Cagayan is a good reminder that there is always hope amidst despair. It will drive people to look at life in a positive way despite the many ordeals and difficulties that lies ahead. It is a constant challenge for all of us that whatever happens, there is always a God who never fails to love us. We have a God who always strengthens us when we are about to give up because of the circumstances that crush us almost into the ground. At this time, Cagayan de Oro and my fellow “Cagay-anons� are in the process of recovering. There are many people from different organizations who have supported
them. Agusan Elementary School where I graduated is one of the temporary relocation sites. Residents of Barangay Calacala were accommodated and from time to time many parishioners visit the families there showing their support as they start a new chapter of their lives. Let us include them in our prayers that they may see light in the midst of darkness. Through the light of Jesus, our beloved brothers and sisters will be comforted and find meaning as they continue with their own journey. CM Erl Dylan J. Tabaco is a Columban seminarian.
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Street Children Locked Up Poverty, Abuse and Neglect By Fr. John A. Keenan
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aria, 15, and Lourdes, 16, were abducted one night near their homes and taken to a detention center near Manila City Hall because of “bagansa,” or vagrancy, for being out after curfew. Instead of being taken home to their parents, they were dumped into an already overcrowded, poorly ventilated detention center called Reception and Action Center (RAC). Most children do not know what or when curfew is nor do most of them have watches or know how to observe the curfew hours. The plight of such children abducted from the streets was highlighted a couple of years ago in the local and international media. It is 10
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estimated that there are up to 20,000 children behind bars in the Philippines. In RAC some 70 children aged between one and sixteen years are packed into three rooms barely big enough for 30 people. They have to sleep on the bare wooden floors side by side like sardines in stifling heat and poor ventilation. This center is run by the City of Manila and the Department of Social Welfare and Development. The main problems are over-crowding, lack of sufficient food, clothing, adequate facilities, privacy and staff. In another building in the same compound, some 170 children are in trouble with the law for petty crimes such as stealing cell phones, earrings and cash, although some are charged with serious bodily crimes. Those children are held in six dormitories in a building called the Manila Youth Reception
Center. It is run by the same authorities as the RAC and has the same problems with over-crowding, lack of furniture, bedding, privacy, ventilation, adequate recreation, reading materials and so on. For many children it is a place without hope as their cases may go on for months or years due to lack legal representation and due process. As minors, according to the law, they are supposed to be released from behind bars after eight hours and turned over to the Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) for re-education, counseling, although this doesn’t always occur. A third section called “Lingap” houses displaced families, the destitute, the sick and dying, mentally ill, the old and abandoned. It reminds me very much of the homes run by Blessed Mother Teresa’s Missionaries of Charity. Again, the lack of trained staff, WWW.COLUMBAN.ORG
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privacy, and medical supplies is rampant. The children are abducted by local officials in the local barangay and by the police. The children come mainly from poor and deprived families and have been abducted for simply begging, selling goods, being alone even in broad daylight or just sleeping. Instead of taking them home they are impounded, irrespective of their rights to know why they are being abducted, the right of their parents to know about it and their right to know where they are being taken by complete strangers. For them it is a terrifying and traumatic experience. According to RA 9344, Section 21 regarding the procedure for taking a child into custody the arresting officer must, among other things, explain to the child a) the offense committed, b) identify himself to the child, c) refrain from slapping . . . or using vulgar words, d) avoid displaying weapons or handcuffs. Their parents or guardians must also be informed. To compound the trauma, the children are herded into sub-human conditions, small children along with big teenagers in an atmosphere of fear and trepidation. Such crammed conditions can spawn all kinds of abuse, introduction to vice and fights among the children. They are only allowed out for half an hour of recreation and for their meals three times a day. The rest of the time they are cooped up inside in the stifling heat. They have no opportunity for study or improving themselves. Sometimes they may be there for over a month or longer before being released by being sent to a children’s home or to their parents or guardians if they can be found. The resident staff does their best to help them and succeed admirably in many cases, but they are hampered by numbers. WWW.COLUMBAN.ORG
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The fact is that most of the children should not be there in the first place since they are innocents, the victims of poverty, broken families and neglect both in the city and in the provinces. Instead of being rescued they are being condemned to sub-human conditions. It has been suggested that the barangay officials and police are being rewarded for filling their quota of arrests. The Center is understaffed, and there are not enough social workers to pursue their cases and set them free. They
… they are innocents, the victims of poverty, broken families and neglect both in the city and in the provinces. have an impossible job because of the lack of financial and personnel support. RAC is probably one of the better detention centers as compared with similar institutions in other cities in metro Manila and in the provinces. If the community became more aware and helped poor families, paid just wages and made genuinely free education a reality, many of these children would not end up in RAC.
I celebrate Mass in RAC every Sunday morning, which is much appreciated by the children and staff. Before Mass the volunteers give the children religious instruction, and I usually meet them individually. This gives me a chance to get to know them and their backgrounds. They are lovely children. They are simply victims of poverty with broken families, abusive parents, the lack of a decent home with water, electricity and food and no access to education. I feel pity for them and angry at society, the government and the Church, that they are not doing more to respond to these basic human needs. Most have dropped out of school by 10 or so due to lack of food and “pamasahe” (fares for public transport). Education is supposed to be free, but it isn’t without fees. What hope is there for them? Without education or a livelihood will they end up as prostitutes and criminals? It is very sad indeed. The RAC staff, who are social workers, are very committed to the welfare of the children and do their best to feed and take care of them on a slim budget, until they find their parents or guardians. I feel that my presence there gives them spiritual and moral support in what could easily be a very depressing job. They are very welcoming and accommodating. Our work there complements what they are trying to do in convincing the children to avoid “barkadas” (groups of peers, in this context with a negative connotation), vices and to go back to school. CM Editor’s Note: The names of all children mentioned in this article have been changed for their protection and privacy. Columban Fr. John Keenan, originally from Ireland, is chaplain at Centro Escolar University Manila.
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Remembering Gratefully Joyful Thanksgiving By Fr. Pat O’Donoghue
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s I was preparing my homily for the Mass that was to mark the closure of our house in Ozamiz City, which has been our headquarters in Mindanao (the major southern island of the Philippines) for 56 years, my thoughts began to wander.....Catadman, as we affectionately refer to the house (the name of the small barrio where it is located), has been “home” to many Columbans over the years – those doing language studies, in administration and those coming for rest and recreation. In later years, Columbans retired here. On those occasions when we came for retreats or meetings, up to 60
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people would be accommodated at one time. We are now in the process of selling the house as we build a new formation house in Manila. Even though I was directing my words to those who would be present in the Chapel (Columban Sisters, Columban lay missionaries, our house staff past and present, some long-standing friends as well as ourselves) my thoughts went to the long stream of Columbans who had graced the house and who had made their own particular contribution to our mission in Mindanao. Many have since died; some have left the Columbans to continue their life’s mission in other ways; others have retired to their countries of origin; a few continue on mission here where Filipino priests now care for almost all the parishes we developed and
staffed since the first Columbans arrived in Mindanao in 1933. Remembering all this, I felt an overwhelming sense of gratitude and of the goodness of God. But endings are never easy, and so sadness permeated this sense of joyful thanksgiving. It is the sadness of leaving a place, filled with so many varied memories, as well as the many friends that we have made here over the years. But my sense of gratitude remained uppermost. I “knew” that God was with us every step of the way during the life of this house and the mission it served. If the ultimate goal of mission is a life-giving relationship with Jesus – in whom we have the joy of coming home to God and truly knowing the One who has created us in love, for love and to love – then this house and this place has had a large part in www.columban.org
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that mission and in the journey of that mission for Columbans here in Mindanao over so many years. Catadman House was built in the early 1950s. According to the date over the front door it was opened in 1954, even if some of the biographers tell us it was 1955! It is a strong, well built house due largely to the fact that Bro. Coleman (Columban lay brother) was responsible for its construction. With the end of World War II, Columbans were again able to travel to the east. Columbans were also forced to leave China following the Communist revolution. Many of these Columbans began to arrive in Mindanao and a Center House, large enough to cater to an expanding mission, was needed. When I arrived in 1974, together with four classmates, there were over 150 Columbans in Mindanao. Catadman was the first place we saw, and it became home and language school for us for the next seven months. Then, over the years, it was the place we returned to for rest, recreation and catching up with one another. We also had workshops, meetings and retreats there as well as many debates on what mission should be about. All kinds of things went on there. Indeed, if the walls could talk or the trees tell their story what would they tell us? With all the knowledge they have come to contain over the years, their story would be fascinating. It would be a story of joy and pain, celebration and sadness, anger and frustration, of dreaming, planning and hoping – our individual stories mingled with the story of a wonderful people who have borne so much difficulty and injustice over the years and yet who smile and celebrate and sustained us with love. We often, wryly say, however, that the best stories are unpublishable! www.columban.org
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In this place many foreign priests learned not only a new language but also began to experience “who” Filipinos are, what is the culture of the Philippines and, more importantly, what is the culture of Mindanao and the cultures of different parts of Mindanao. In listening to other priests, we picked up much about what it is like to live here and how to live in ways that were less stressful for us and more helpful to others through the recognition of the cultural differences. Filipinos, too, learned in this house. They discovered that foreigners are not all the same! There are differences between Irish, British, Australians, New Zealanders and Americans, and among all of these there are the differences of personality! And they came to recognize, to understand, to accept and to laugh at all of that. They could enjoy us as we enjoyed them. In this house was where the first Filipino Columbans came, first as candidates, and later as students, when they spent time with us in parishes learning a little more about what it was to be “Columban.” And it was in this house that Filipino Columban priests ran the accompaniment program for other Filipinos wishing to join us. Here, too, the story of Columban lay mission began with the arrival of the first two lay missionaries, Cathy O’Brien and Helen O’Neill. Here they studied language and from here they went out to their placements in Pagadian. It was also in Catadman Chapel, which has heard many a heartfelt prayer and brought peace to many a troubled missionary heart that we had the Mass for Cathy’s mother, who died while Cathy was here. Cathy was unable to go home, and we celebrated Mass to coincide with the funeral Mass in Ireland and to
comfort Cathy in the grief of her mother’s passing. Yes, this house has been “home” to all aspects of the Columban story. One thread that goes through that story is that of faithfulness – first and foremost the faithfulness of God who journeyed with us; the faithfulness of those we sought to serve; the faithfulness of Columbans to their mission, to the people they served in so many parishes and other ministries, to the friends they made here in all kinds of extraordinary ways. Faithfulness to mission is the heart of the story. Now, as we come to the end of the Columban part of the story of this house, we remember gratefully all that has been, and we sincerely thank God for every step on the road. We ask the same faithful God to bless those who will come here in the future. May they find blessing in it as we did. CM Fr. Pat O’Donoghue lives and works in the Philippines.
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In Memory of Bobby Chua Always Helping Others by Edwardson co as told to Fr. Don Kill
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ooking back on Bobby Chua’s life, I realize what a great contribution Bobby made to our patient organization, Hemophilia Association of the Philippines, Incorporated - Cebu (HAPI-C). Recently, HAPI-C and my mother, Agnes Co, were awarded Save One Life’s “2011 Program Partner of the Year” award. Save One Life provides many of our members with a small amount of money each month to help cover some of the expenses of living with hemophilia. We all know this award would not have come to us if it were not for Bobby. My mother wrote to Save One Life after being notified of the award. She said, in part: “Lord, this is for you. I cannot do this on my own without your grace. Thank you for all the people who believe in 14
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me. This is an extraordinary gift for our association, HAPI-C. Since I was a child, I’ve always dreamed of receiving a plaque or trophy. I’ve watched awards shows and wondered what it is like to wear an evening gown in some big event and to say just the right words when receiving an honor. But this Program Partner of the Year trophy means so much more than the ones I see on television, because it is much bigger than me. It is for my association. I am so proud to be part of HAPI-C, and to work with Save One Life.” For several years, Bobby received his monthly allowance from Save One Life. It really helped Bobby and his mother as Bobby went through school. When Bobby graduated and got a job in the bank that paid him a good salary, Bobby voluntarily gave up his monthly
allowance and gave it to another hemophilia patient. Bobby was the first from our generation to volunteer at HAPI-C, starting in high school. His initiative encouraged other youth members to join. One by one, people became active volunteers in our organization led by Bobby’s example. Bobby was HAPI-C’s first and only accountant. He set things up so we could make sure not a single cent of funds raised or given to us went missing in each transaction. I remember there were days when he would convince my mom to go to the hemophilia center because there was work to be done. He would do this even after he’d had a long day of work. As a leader of the youth volunteers, Bobby was lenient, patient, understanding and positive. Bobby’s patience, understanding and positive outlook led to his selection as President of our organization. We were all filled with hope and happiness when Bobby became President this year. And it was not only Bobby who was active as a member. All of the newly chosen officers were active volunteers and this promised to be our most productive term yet. On Saturday morning, Bobby came to the hemophilia center to have an executive committee meeting. He seemed unusually reserved and quiet during the meeting, and left early. Later in the afternoon he complained of dizziness and a headache. When he began vomiting, it was decided he should go to the hospital. During the 30-minute trip to the hospital, Bobby fell into a coma. The doctors discovered that Bobby had an aneurism right at the brain stem. His condition www.columban.org
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Bobby’s patience, understanding and positive outlook led to his selection as President of our organization. worsened, and he was placed in the ICU. The doctors explained that surgery would not improve his condition, and the outlook was not good for him. Bobby’s mother decided to bring him to Perpetual Succour Hospital, where we have our hemophilia center. There we, along with Bobby’s mother, kept vigil through the long night. At dawn, my own mother and I decided we would go home to rest and get food and drinks for the others who were also there keeping vigil with Bobby’s mother. Three days later, Bobby went to his eternal rest. My mother and
I arrived at the hospital shortly after we got the phone call. When we got into the hospital room, my mom suddenly knelt and burst into tears, crying loudly. Bobby’s mother even consoled her. Her crying made everyone else in the room cry, too. We all knew how my mom treats all the patients as her own children, most specially Bobby, who had treated her as his “second mother.” Of all the HAPI-C patients I knew, Bobby had the most promising future. He was a college graduate and was successfully holding a job in a bank. Bobby enjoyed his work very much. Bobby was promoted twice during his first year of work, a tribute not only to his skill but also to his hard work. It is sad that Bobby passed away before we reached our ultimate dream—to have all with hemophilia in the Philippines taken care of by our government. At present, the Philippine government does little, if anything, to help those of us who suffer from this dreaded
blood disorder. All we can hope for now is that Bobby’s example will inspire others to start volunteering to keep Bobby’s dream alive. And if this happens and they all become officers in the future, then, Bobby’s legacy at HAPI-C will live on. In addition to Bobby, we lost two other members in the Cebu area this year. The first one was nine-year-old Carl Cesar Tosio. The second was three-year-old Ivan Branzuela. The needless death of such young people drove Bobby to redouble his efforts. He made several trips to Manila to attend planning sessions with the lobby group taking its first steps toward forming a truly nationwide lobby effort to get the government to pass the legislation needed to insure help for those of us who suffer from hemophilia. The lobbying effort is headed by Blood Brothers Aid, Inc., an organization founded by Columban Father Donald Kill. Fr. Don has been working with HAPI-C for more than five years now and was a good friend of Bobby and Bobby’s mother. They would meet nearly every time that Fr. Don came to Cebu in an effort to strengthen the bonds between Blood Brothers and HAPI-C. Even if Fr. Don came to Cebu for his own medical treatment, he would let us know and would meet with us. Unfortunately, at the time of Bobby’s death, Fr. Don was in the U.S. taking care of his own medical needs. We pray that Bobby is now looking down on us from heaven to help and guide us as our future here on earth unfolds. CM
Columban Fr. Don Kill lives and works in the Philippines. www.columban.org
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In My Own Words One Young Man’s Dream By Angelo Cuevas as told to Fr. Don Kill
I’m the only child in my family. I was diagnosed with Hemophilia A when I was two years old. From the beginning, my life was different from other children. My parents were constantly watching me, or if they were at work, my cousin took care of me. My mother was a teacher, and my father worked abroad. When I entered school at age six my father stopped working to be at home. When I got bleeds I had to miss school. Sometimes I would be out for a month, and I was admitted to the hospital several times. It was hard to catch up on school work after these episodes. I noticed that the strain of trying to keep up in my studies would trigger additional bleeds. Still, I managed to finish elementary school and graduated in 1994. After graduating I became very sick. I refused to be taken to the hospital even though I knew the potential negative consequences. During my previous hospital stays I had received factor VIII infusions, which had required all my parents’ money. I knew my parents had no more money and were already borrowing to pay the hospital bills. After a year I decided to go to the high school where my mom was teaching, so that she could watch over me. Often swelling in my legs would keep me from school. During those bleeds I wouldn’t be able to walk. I still refused to go to the hospital. Though I was worried about the long-term physical effects, I didn’t want my parents to face the financial 16
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burden. I used cold compresses and rested instead. Recovery took much longer without treatments. Over time my knee and my elbows stopped flexing fully. Sometimes I cried from watching these changes in my body. I finished high school with honors despite my many absences. I was accepted into a good college and started to pursue a degree in biology. When young, I dreamed of being a doctor, so this was my first step toward fulfilling that dream. The first two months I felt so good and was so inspired to be the best in class. Then I ended up in the hospital for a month. My college
I feel special because I have received so much. Save One Life, Project SHARE and Fr. Don never stop helping those who are in need. had already given me favors to help me finish the semester, but with this prolonged episode, I had to stop. Despite infusions of factor VIII and cryoprecipitate, I made little improvement and against medical advice, I asked my parents to allow me come home. What could we do? There was no more money to pay the bills and buy medicine. While at home, I got another bleed. It was so painful, I couldn’t bear it. I could
hear my parents saying, “I’ll go to this person and see if I can borrow some money.” “Me too, I’ll ask this person.” I went back to the hospital and discovered that I had a hematoma about the size of my fist in the right iliacus and iliopsoas muscles. My doctor told me that it should be evacuated. My parents managed to get money to buy factor, but just as I was to go into surgery, the doctor discovered I had a factor VIII inhibitor. “This will require double, triple, or even higher dosages of factor,” he said. Being fully aware of my family’s financial status, the hospital sent me home. My parents did everything they could to make me comfortable. I was totally crippled that time. Any movement caused me great pain. After a year, I was finally able to stand and walk, although I still felt numbness in my right leg. I decided to go to school again, this time for an associate’s degree in computer science. My first semester went well, with only three days absent due to a sprained ankle. Lucky me, it only took three days to heal! Most of my sprains lasted a week or even longer. I became a full scholar because of high grades. During this time I also became very active in a church organization called the Legion of Mary. These happy moments lasted for a year and a half. During the second semester of my second year, I got a major bleed in my left thigh, which forced me to stop again. It lasted for months. WWW.COLUMBAN.ORG
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swollen, I can finish any job I’m given. With God’s help and the support of Fr. Don and everyone around me, I believe I can still live a normal life with a job, a family and a good future that every young man like me dreams of. CM
Sheila and Angelo
Even though I re-enrolled, I never returned due to continued bleeds. It was in this period that I met Columban Fr. Donald Kill. When I developed an open wound on my right thigh, Fr. Don was able to request FEIBA, through Project Share. The FEIBA is what a hemophiliac can use to stop a bleed when he has a Factor VIII inhibitor. Laurie Kelley and Project Share sent more than 90 boxes of FEIBA for my operation in July 2007. Even with that huge amount, I didn’t manage to heal fully. I was very thin, and the bleeding wouldn’t stop. There was a point when the doctor didn’t think I would survive and called my parents. At one point the doctor thought my WWW.COLUMBAN.ORG
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right leg should be amputated, but miraculously, it didn’t happen. It took more than a year to recover, with many more donations of FEIBA for which my parents were so thankful. Now I can walk, but not without crutches. I feel special because I have received so much. Save One Life, Project SHARE and Fr. Don never stop helping those who are in need. One of my wishes is to return the favor by helping my fellow patients with hemophilia. All I can offer is myself and whatever talents, skills or knowledge I have. My only fear is that when I do get bleeds, especially when it’s painful, I tend to stop everything that I’m doing. When the pain’s gone, however, even if I’m still
Editor’s Note: Angelo is the president of the Save One Life Foundation partner, Blood Brothers Aid, which is headquartered in Manila, Philippines. Blood Brothers Aid was founded by Columban Fr. Donald Kill. At present Blood Brothers Aid cares for more than 300 hemophilia patients throughout the Philippines. The work of Blood Brothers not only helps the patient members, it also is beginning a nationwide education and organization of hemophilia patients in an attempt to get the government of the Philippines to provide help to those who suffer from hemophilia. Angelo was married to Shiela in February 2010, and they are now expecting their first child. Currently unemployed, Angelo completed a Microsoft digital literacy seminar last October.
Angelo Cuevas
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The Miracle Girls!
Healing from Abuse By Fr. Seán Coyle
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“You won’t laugh at me, will you?” asked 11-year-old Lourdes, just before she got up to sing at a program in Holy Family Home, Cabug, Bacolod City, Philippines. It was the feast of the Holy Family, December 2002, and I had been invited by Sr. Letty Sarrain, a Panamanian Capuchin Tertiary Sister of the Holy Family, to celebrate Mass. Not only did I not laugh when Lourdes sang, I was astonished at the purity and clarity of her soprano voice which made me think of mediaeval cathedrals. I was deeply touched too by the utter trust of her question, even though she had never met me before. I learned later that she had had a particularly bad experience with an older male member of her family. Knowing what had come to light in the Church in a number of countries, including my native
Ireland, I was a little hesitant to get involved with the girls. There are between 40 and 50, some as young as four, some in their early 20s, at any given time. Most live in Holy Family Home, just outside the city proper, within sight of Mount Kanlaon, an active volcano. Most of the girls taking third-level education live in another house near the city center, under the supervision of a house mother. Nearly all the girls have been referred to the Sisters by social workers in the cities and towns of Negros Occidental. Most have been abused, though some come simply from a background of poverty. At first I used to visit once or twice a month, usually on a Sunday afternoon, sometimes bringing treats from a doughnut store. Then I found myself celebrating Mass fairly regularly until finally I did so almost every Sunday and on special www.columban.org
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I let them know how I see them welcoming a new girl and helping her through her initial difficulties. occasions. I often hear confessions, and some of the girls will remind me to do this. A breakthrough in my relationship with the girls was in March 2003 when Sr. Alma Alovera, until recently in charge of the Home, was with a group of the girls who had made the honors list in the local public elementary and high schools. One of the older girls with a big smile on her face said to me, “What about a blow-out, Father?” I didn’t respond as I didn’t know how to. I later consulted Sr. Alma, and she told me to go ahead. I insisted that she come with us when we went one afternoon to McDonalds. www.columban.org
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By the following year, when I had come to know the Sisters and the girls much better, I decided to bring the graduates and the honors students to a popular family restaurant for a meal. It didn’t bankrupt me, and I got great delight in seeing the girls being served by waiters. I’ve made this a yearly practice, going to different restaurants, one with an “all you can eat” promo. We usually end the evening with ice cream. I hardly ever ask a girl about her situation. They get professional care for that. Sometimes one of them tells me that she has a court hearing coming up and asks me
to pray for her. I get angry when I learn that a hearing has been postponed, as so often happens, because a lawyer or the judge hasn’t turned up. I see this as a continuation of the abuse. The girls know that I’m aware of their background as I often refer to it in my homilies. Even more often, I let them know how I see them welcoming a new girl and helping her through her initial difficulties. Each year we combine the celebration of the feasts of St. Agnes, January 21, and Blessed Laura Vicuña, January 22. Blessed Laura was born in Chile in 1891 and died in Argentina a few months October 2012
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“The miracle girls” have brought great joy into my life, the kind of joy I imagine a father or grandfather has. short of her 13th birthday, having offered her life for the conversion of her widowed mother who was living with a man who tried a number of times to abuse Laura. St. Agnes of Rome was born and died exactly 1,600 years before Blessed Laura and is the patron of rape victims. We also celebrate the feast of St. Maria Goretti on July 6. The girls in Holy Family Home have brought great joy into my life. I’m aware too that for some, when they eventually leave Holy Family Home, it’s not a question of “and she lived happily ever after!” But I see so many who have been healed, who have learned to forgive, who have lived in a loving environment, who have been enabled to go to school when otherwise they would never have the chance. On the first Saturday of each month, the Sisters have a two-hour vigil before the Blessed Sacrament for vocations to their congregation. The girls are invited to join this and most attend, though the younger ones usually leave early before they fall asleep. The prayers of both the girls and the Sisters are being heard because there is a steady stream of young women who become aspirants each June. And when 20
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Fr. Michael Sinnott was kidnapped in 2009, I asked the girls to pray especially for him. They prayed their hearts out and jumped with joy when they heard of his release. One of them came over to me and said, “We are the miracle girls!” A few weeks before the elections held last May in the Philippines, I said to Lucy, a 19-year-old who will graduate from elementary school in March and who comes from a background of utter poverty, “Vote for me!” “For what?” “Para president, para gobernador, para mayor, para sa tanan!” “For president, for governor, for mayor, for everything!” Lucy riposted, “Para pari!” “For priest!”
Though we were only bantering I was delighted that Lucy had gone to the heart of the matter. “The miracle girls” have brought great joy into my life, the kind of joy I imagine a father or grandfather has. They enjoy the restaurants and the ice cream, but they love me as a priest. CM Editor’s Note: The names of all of the girls have been changed for their protection and privacy. Columban Fr. Seán Coyle lives and works in the Philippines.
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Jesus Loves Me and You, Too Being With Others By Sr. Mihua Kim
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I used to see him every day in the street as I passed him on my way to our center, the Community of Hope. At first I did not realize who he was, but after he came to an activity in our center, I realized that he was one of our oldest members with a disability. We introduced ourselves, but he knew me from my work as a staff member in the center. After that he would greet me every morning. He is developmentally disabled and probably in his forties. What most struck me was that he had his rosary with him every day. Whenever I saw him he had his rosary in his hand. That’s how I remember him even before I got to know him. He is big and walks slowly; he is always praying. I recall one morning seeing him coming towards me and then entering the chapel behind our center. He made the sign of the cross a few times and then stood in front of the statue of our mother, Mary. As a Korean I was so moved by this man freely expressing his faith in God in public, as we don’t do that in Korea. However, here I see people everywhere saying in some way or other that God loves us.
My praying friend inspired me because I was having a bad morning and he was praying in front of the Virgin Mary. So often I had passed by that chapel, but I never entered to pray to Mary or make the sign of the cross, so seeing him praying made me say to myself, “I am saying to the people that I am a Sister and a missionary, but this man puts me to shame.” He made me ask myself, “What am I doing here?” He was really a great teacher for me. The Philippines is my first mission and with it being a Catholic country, I wonder why I am here. As a missionary, what should I do? Every morning when I saw him this question came to me. It was not just shame that he prompted in me, but he left me with this question that continued to come back to me. I like to see him. One time I saw him near the center of the city; I was on my way to the center. I asked him where he had been and he replied, “in Cota,” which is a shrine in honor of the Virgin Mary. He had been there to pray, part of his daily routine. It is quite a long walk and his fidelity to his religious practice amazed me. Comparing myself with him I feel that he is a much more religious person. www.columban.org
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There are many ways of life, many ways of responding to God’s call. This is my way of responding to God’s call. By being who he is this Filipino man has helped me work out why I am here on mission. There are many ways of life, many ways of responding to God’s call. This is my way of responding to God’s call. As a Sister I came to know myself better than before. Some might say that I’m selfish being here, because I feel that this is in part a response to my needs too. However, since I realized how much Jesus loves me, I feel happy to be with other people, here or anywhere else. I can sense Jesus’ compassionate love in others. I just enjoy seeing how Jesus loves me and others. I don’t get tired of this. www.columban.org
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Before I joined the Sisters I never experienced being loved by other people. Of course I would always say that my mother and father love me, but it seemed like something coming out of my head, not my heart. During my novitiate I realized that Jesus really loves me. Though I may be very weak, though I am not perfect, Jesus still loves me. Even with my faults and mistakes He accepts me as I am. He understands me, because He knows me. He has known me totally since I was born. In the Gospels it is easy to see His love. I want to help people come to understand that Jesus loves them.
That’s why I am here – so that others may know that Jesus loves them. I am not here to give to them but to simply be with them, to give myself to them, to empathize with them, to help them feel that I am truly with them. CM Sr. Mihua Kim is a Columban Sister from Korea living and working in the Philippines.
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A Privilege to Serve
M
any of the ideas for this column come during the time when I am visiting other Columbans in the U.S. and sometimes when I’m on an airplane at 39,000 feet! Every summer Columbans are invited to parishes in dioceses throughout the country to share our stories and ask for prayerful and financial support during mission appeals. It’s a great opportunity for us to meet many of you when we do these appeals in your local communities. Like anything else in life, mission is not without risks. One of our longest serving missionaries in the Philippines, Fr. Michael Sinnott, was kidnapped and held for a month, and then released
From the Director By Fr. Arturo Aguilar
unharmed in 2009. Fr. Mick spent 58 years as a missionary in the Philippines before retiring to Ireland this year. He witnessed
During mission appeals, I always request prayers for our missionaries, seminarians, lay employees and all who work with the Columbans.
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people living in dire economic poverty, armed conflicts and the daily struggles of a people without much hope for the future. During mission appeals, I always request prayers for our missionaries, seminarians, lay employees and all who work with the Columbans. John Wang Zongshe and Joseph Li Jiangan are the first seminarians from China to join the Columbans, and they attend the Columban seminary in the Philippines. After a year studying English in Manila, they have just begun their spiritual formation year in Cubao, Quezon City. They recently wrote about their experience on Negros Occidental: As a Columban seminarian, I don’t think it was our spoken languages that united us in our hearts but our sincerity. We had many weaknesses and limitations but these couldn’t stop us from loving one another. We didn’t expect to get something from the people but simply wanted to be with them and accompany them on their spiritual journey. The key to crossing cultural boundaries is to have a genuine heart, a humble spirit and a devoted mind. Through the power of the Holy Spirit, may Jesus’ mission of proclaiming God’s kingdom be done by the will of the Father through our hands. We continue to learn from and be enriched by the people we serve around the world. It is indeed our privilege.
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An Invitation Calls for a Response We are but clay, formed and fashioned by the hand of God.
That is to say, we are weak and vulnerable but with God’s grace we are capable of great generosity and idealism. Is God calling you to spread the good news? To a life of ministry among those who are less fortunate and more vulnerable than you are?
Watch the mail for your free 2013 Columban calendar! You can order additional copies for yourself or loved ones by writing to us or sending an email to: MISSIONOFFICE@COLUMBAN.ORG.
We invite you to join this new generation by becoming a Columban Father or Columban Sister. If you are interested in the missionary priesthood, write or call…
If you are interested in becoming a Columban Sister, write or call…
Fr. Bill Morton National Vocation Director Columban Fathers St. Columbans, NE 68056 877-299-1920 Email: vocations@columban.org Website: www.columban.org
Sister Virginia Mozo National Vocation Director Columban Sisters 2546 Lake Road Silver Creek, NY 14136 626-458-1869 Email: virginiamozo@yahoo.com Websites: www.columbansisters.org www.columbansistersusa.com
Japan + Korea + Peru + Hong Kong + Philippines + Pakistan + Chile + Fiji + Taiwan + North America
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