By: Cristina V. de Leon
A Novice
I am Cristina V. de Leon, a second year Columban novice, presently based here in Handworth, Birmingham, England. Aside from the courses, I have been involved in various ministries around the area since the middle of 1992 – the time I cane here in England.
Life Experience
One of these is to help out in the local Catholic schools here in our area. I offer my time in helping the Religious Education teacher in their activities, like preparing the mass or for some school programs. Sometimes, the teachers would ask me to share with their classed about my country, Philippines, about my journey into religious life and some times I just meet a small group of students for some sharing. This school is a multi – racial, multi faith and multi – culture community .27.3% are Catholics and the remaining 72.7% consists of students from other Christian denomination, faiths and traditions like Islam, Hinduism, Sikhism, Buddhism and a few Rastafarians.
Impressive Atmosphere
The atmosphere in this school is very impressive, as I observe the students and the staff in this school community, I would say the religion and even race are not barriers at all in their relationships. They relate to one another freely and spontaneously.
Every Friday
Every Friday there is a mass fir the Catholic students but everyone is always invited to come. Every Friday morning there’s always a good number of students turning up for the mass. They participate in the singing especially.
Special Blessing
During communion, those who are non – Catholic students would approach the priest (school chaplain) and ask for his blessings. It is really very moving to see them united in this way. Every time I come home from this school I could not get over how these students participate in their Religious Education Classes and on some other important occasion/celebrations.
Pentecost Event
The week before the Pentecost, the Religious Education coordinator asked me to discuss with the students the Pentecost event. At their very young age they are able t relate the Gospel message to their life stories and experiences, using their journal book. I felt privilege to be with these students. In so many ways they are enriching me in my journey into religious life. They are fully aware of our differences in terms of religion but you could always hear them saying “There is only one God...your God is the same as our God.