El Chasqui February 2014
The Chasqui was a runner or postman that delivered messages, throughout the Inca Empire.
Introduction Dear members, it’s a privilege for me to share with you some updates from our Peru Region for the past months. As you might be aware of, myself Br Giovann Tabone and Br Alex Zammit from the region of Malta, and Br Mike Dimayacyac from Philippines are doing this 8 month Missionary experience here in the White City of Arequipa. The three of us now, thanks to our brothers here and the sweetness of the people, are integrated into the life and mission of this region. We are now participating fully in the life and activity of our different ministry here, ranging from engagements in our different groups, being of service to those in need, pastoral and liturgical celebration while being open to everything that is needed.
Beautiful and cherished moments with different groups especially youths of our parishes.
Apart from our pastoral involvement in our Parishes, we had a striking experience in Iquitos, located in the Amazon Basin, with a Maltese Priest Fr Raymond Portelli. We had also a recognition of our different activities here, especially in the remote area of Aploa with Fr Nicholas and Fr Teo. And some holidays too! In the beginning of January we had a week of holidays in the Cusco - Puno area to appreciate the beauty and the richness of the Peruvian culture. Literally you see God´s and Man´s marvel working together.
Holiday mood in the Sacred Valley, Cusco, with Fr Martin Cilia and the new postulant (Malta), Clive Seychell.
Christmas As you might imagine Christmas brings with it great deal of activities in our parishes. From the celebration of Eucharists, to processions and other social and pastoral activities. To celebrate Jesus coming, not just as a remembrance of the Nativity scene but more the Christ´s coming in the hearts of the people living here today, we had varies activities of sharing gifts and food to the people that they too has the right to celebrate the joy of this Christmas season.
Chistmas activities organized by our different parishes aiming to bring smile during this joyful season
More Christmas activities‌
Even though there is no Christmas like that of home (for those of us away from our homeland), we, as a community managed to celebrate this significant date in the Christian calendar together in our Home! As a
community we decorated our house together (in Arequipa for the first time), and on Christmas day celebrated it with having lunch together.
Enjoying a good meal, celebrating Christmas!
Annual Retreat From the 13th till 17th January we had the Annual Retreat for all our Missionaries here living in Peru. It was held in our new house, here in Arequipa that proved to be idyllic for such occasion. This year we had the privilege of having with us, Fr Martin Cilia mssp from Malta, that delivered the retreat over various yet related themes that did help us to reflect, pray and share. It was a blessing for every one of us gathered for such opportunity, because apart from having these spiritual and formational moments of input, we had the space to be together and live our brotherly spirit.
Priestly Ordination of Fr Nilton and Fr Beto On the 26th of January we had the blessed occasion of the Priestly Ordination of two of our Brothers here, Fr Nilton and Fr Beto. This occasion was realised in Buenos Aires, where the Archbishop of Arequipa, Javier del RĂo Alba celebrated the Eucharist that was highly attended by our parishioners of our different parishes. The Archbishop during his homily showed his appreciation of what the MSSPs here are doing and encouraged the newly priests to continue to foster the example of our Founder, and live their mission of Evangelisation. We must say that it was a very striking opportunity for all us here. We as a community also had the occasion of blessing and praying for and with our brothers in a Vigil that we had together in our Community House. This Vigil was then repeated the day after for all the families and friends of Fr Nilton and Beto. On the 30th, Fr Beto celebrated his Prima Messa in Buenos Aires, while Fr Nilton celebrated his first mass in 1st February, in his hometown in Pucallpa, east of Peru. We continue to ask you to keep this newly ordained priest in our prayers. Ad multos annos Beto and Nilton!
Community Vigil praying for and with our Brothers Nilton and Beto
A moment to remember, the whole community with the Archbishop of Arequipa, Javier del RĂo Alba
Familia Paulina In January we also had the annual activity of the Familia Paulina, a meeting for Catechists, pastoral agents, leaders and members of all our groups and communities here in Arequipa. This year was the 18th encounter and was realised by the coordination of Fr Pedro Arotaipe mssp. It was held over 3 days and the attendees had the chance of meeting together, share and discuss their various pastoral and social activities. There was also time for formational input.
Convivencia Vocacional MSSP 2014
In the last week of January we had also a week of Convivencia Vocacional MSSP 2014, a live-in aimed for youths interested to join our society. It was planned by Fr Teo and supported by all the community. It was held in Buenos Aires, and the youths had an opportunity to have a taste of what we consist of through living and sharing, delivering of talks and other informal moments. Through this experience, one of the youthd Nelson Collantes Zagaceta decided to start the initial formation with our Society in March. Others are committed to keep discerning and are willing to join us in the coming years. While wishing him perseverance in the journey, lets continue to pray for more holy vocations in our society,
Conclusion We are now basically counting the days to go back home, as in less than 15 days we embark on another journey to Philippines. Counting days is superficial with regards to counting all the blessing that we received in such experience. The three of us must say that this experience here in Peru proved to be a good opportunity of the realization of the gift the we have as being Missionaries and the blessing of being with people even if different in appearance we share the same purpose and aim of life, even if hidden under obliviousness or scarcity. A last worth of heartfelt thanks goes to Fr Giovanni Cefai, the Provincial here, which proved to be not just a superior but a friend and guide along this time here. The three of us too, wish to show also our great appreciation to the Paulists we were with, I to Fr Victor Zammit working in Acequia Alta, Alex to Fr Alex Busutill working in Primero de Junio and Mike in Buenos Aires. Much obliged and humbled by all your example, work, openness and trust and love for what you are doing. The final word of thanks goes also to all the
members here working in Peru. Thank you for your time, love and energy – you left an indelible imprint in our heart along this experience. May the Lord that we are living for, continue to shower you with his blessings, love and joy of living. Best of love.