By: Fr. Boy Toledo
Volunteer Missionary
My name is Fr. Boy Toledo and I am a volunteer Missionary here is Salvador, Brazil. I have just arrived and joined Fr. Franck Pintac, also from Philippines we are both associate Columbans.
A first glimpse is always shallow but on the other hand a first glimpse has its own truth. So I share my first glimpse with you for what it is worth.
Favelas
The city of Salvador is a picture of both affluence and poverty. Being the first capital of Brazil, the buildings are quite old and massive in the center. But at the outskirts are the long lines of “favelas” where the picture of poverty is very evident.
Glittering Brasilia
Brasilia is the nation’s capital after Rio de Janiero. It is a well-planned city where all the government buildings are situated at one area. CENFI is adjacent to these buildings.
Impeachment
The political situations of Brazil is very touchy for the moment. The move to impeach the president is the main focus after he was found guilty of corruption. We at CENTI are making a close follow- up of the situation and have participated in demonstrations for the president’s impeachment. Fr. Vincent McCarthy and myself went to one demonstration last August 24-my birthday. [The president has since been impeached. Editor].
Harvest Great
The religious -spiritual life of Brazil is in need of upliftment. Masses are not well attended. At one Sunday Mass officiated by Fr. Franck Pintac, only a handful of women and children attended. Contrary to common belief, the basic Ecclesial Communities in Brazil are more of a dream than a reality, particularly in Salvador and Brasilia. There is lot to be done. Brazil is indeed the Lord’s vineyard where the harvest is great but the laborers are few.
By: Sr. Linda Alviar, FMM’s
Liberia Land of the Free!
Over a hundred years ago the USA teamed with millions of black slaves who had been snatched from their homeland in Africa. Many of this slaves longed to go back to Africa. In 1882, two ships: the Elizabeth and the Nautilus arrived on the West coast of Africa filled with freed or run-away slaves on their long journey home. Thus was born Liberia- the land of free. It is here in Liberia that Sr. Tripila Adre, Sr. Lourdes Linda Alviar FMM Filipino missionaries, and their co- sisters struggle to bring about the beginning of the Kingdom of God.
I received this article just before the war broke out and I felt it was inappropriate to publish it at that time. Now the war is over, we publish it and a post-war article by Sr. Alviar. Many thanks to these brave and indefatigable women. [Editor]
Before the War
We are four Filipino Franciscan missionaries here in Liberia.
My mission is in Monrovia, the capital city. Being a secretary to our provincial superior is my primary apostolate but I have the joy of having a sideline in our in our all girls school, St. Therese convent. I teach Christian Living to the 9th graders and do some parish work on Sundays by coordinating and supervising the volunteer catechists in our cathedral parish.
Sr. Presentacion Valderrama is in Sanniquellie working among the women in the towns and villages. She helps to upgrade women in the different aspect of their life, educate them to be self-reliance to be more secure, thus raising their standard of living and affirming the dignity of women.
Sr. Linda Alviar is in Cbarnga working among the women to help them improve important aspects of home and family. She aims to train women to assess their own family situation with a view to discovering the human and natural resources within the family. She also educates the women on child care, health, hygiene, sanitation, nutrition, food production, preparation and the storage. She also teaches them homecraft skills and sewing.
After the War
Sister Linda Alviar tells us about trying to put things together again:
At present I’m back now in Liberia. I was their during the war and then went for a year renewal. I found a new photo, spared from our things, taken before the war when I was working with the women’s development program in the villages. One photo shows the condition of the road during rainy season and the other a communal effort among the women to pound and clean their rice. Since the war there are a lot of restrictions; we can’t keep a camera or any other means for mass media. Our mission now is to enable the people to build a life which is free from hunger, diseases, premature death; a life free from ignorance and which allows them to renew the face of the earth- a lot of rebuilding, reconciliation and forgiveness! The attitudes of the people have now changed; even the attendance at Church has increased. Some of the people had fled to neighboring places like Guinea, Ivory Coast, Ghana and Sierra Leone. Now they are starting to come back and do their farming. The political situation is still unstable. No government. Two people ruling the country-election is still in the process. The people trying to plant the seed to nourish it and bring it to life.
Freudian Slip
At Saturday Mass the people participant fully in the liturgy; they take the initiative to sing and read their own way. One Sunday the reader stood up and said to the congregation: “The first reading is taken from the Book of Revelation “and at the end of the reading he said: “this is the end of the World” and the Congregation answered: Thanks be to God!
A group of Carmelite Sister had a plan to purchase a car. There was big discussion in the convent as to what patron saint to give to the car. A bright young Sister answered “St. Bernadette Subaru.” (Subaru is the kind or model of car they have).
Sr. Magdalena Florentino has been here for almost 25 years and she is now in Yekepa as principal of the St. Joseph Grade School.
After these sisters wrote a terrible civil war broke out in Liberia which has torn the country apart, devastated the towns and laid waste the land. The sisters are now bravely trying to pick up the pieces. The second article arrived only recently after the war. (Editor)
By: Sr. Francesca M. Mariano, FSP
Five years old
There were many children taking a bath in the fountain in the middle of the plaza. A little girl of five was among them enjoying the fountain water. It was almost high noon when there where two sister passing through where they were enjoying their bath. While the sisters were fast approaching, the little girl was looking and was very attracted by them. She said to herself: “When I grow up I’ll be like them.” That seed of vocation that sprang out at that age of five will not be forgotten in the passing time.
Teenage
Years passed, the little girl grew up normally naughty like all others and enjoyed her childhood days. Her father imparted to his children fear of the Lord and the devotion for confession on Saturday and communion on Sunday. At the age of seventeen, her vocation was lingering around her mind again. But she was too young to provide for her needs to enter the convent. The problem was nobody agreed with her plans. It was a frustration in her part, but those moments she learned patience. At the age of eighteen, her aunts who reared her up was invited to be sponsor for the religious profession. At that time she had a chance to see inside of the convent. She breathed the air of peace and joy and it penetrated her mind her mind, soul, and heart. The grace of God was then touching her heart. Then she whispered to herself: “This will be my future home.” Poor girl at the age of eighteen she still could not mange the big amount or the outfit. She was told to continue her studies, but no to avail. Her aunt told her to take told her to take up at least a vocational course; dress making, to make her own dress. She studied for two years, finished the course and at the same time did fashion design course.
Enter a Young Man
During her graduation she was chosen to be one of the fashion models, since she was slim, tall, had good posture and had a good personality. It was held in the Manila Hotel. It was great experience and joy for her. She began to forget her vocation. Yet after this beautiful experience she had in society she still was not contented. Her aunt wondered and asked why? Her answer was: “It’s not my line.” The aunt asked what then she wanted. She wanted to be a nurse. She scolded for having wasted time and money for nothing. She didn’t answer, but remained silent. Then her aunt pitied her and she was recommended to a government office in the Bureau of National Integration. As a young lady, admirers were not lacking. There was one that caught her attention, a young man with curly hair, tall dark and handsome. He was an architect and a violinist, a product of U.S.T. The young man seemed to show much interest and was making some future plans. Since she was working in the accounting in the accounting office she came to know how much he was receiving. Then she found out that they are not in the same religion, so everything ended there. The girl was not really in love. Pihikang pumili. She was looking for someone who is perfect, that does not exist on earth. A voice whispered and said: “I’m the one whom you are looking for.” Since she was a ‘casual’ employee her work terminated.
Father Alberione
With one year of experience she now had a wider view of life’s horizon. Her heart and soul was not at peace although she went out on excursions, fiestas, parties, and games. So she continued visiting religious congregations of different apostolates in order to have an idea of their work. Only the apostolate of the Daughters of St. Paul did she find interesting. The Social Media of Communication, that evangelizes all walks of life. That is in the film, radio, press, TV and all machines that human progress can offer. She found the apostolate of the Daughters of St. Paul really wonderful. Their founder Father James Alberione was ordained priest 1907. He founded the Society of St. Paul 1914 and the Daughter of Saint Paul 1915. They were founded for the same apostolate. Father James Alberione was a great man and blessed by God. He was one of the only founders who loved to witness the progress and blessing of all his foundations. He visited his daughters and sons scattered all over the world at least five times. He died in great in great of sanctity on Nov. 26, 1970.
Beautiful Sign from Our Lady
The young lady is now serious in her decision. She said to her Lord: “If you’ll intervene I can’t do anything, and if you really want me, make everything possible.” She prayed to the Lady of Carmel, asking a visible sign: If she belongs to God to show her a beautiful colored flower that she has never seen before; and if she belongs to a man, show her a white flower that she had never seen before. Her prayers were not refused. The answer came on the eight day of her prayers. This was the way it happened, it was Saturday morning when she accompanied her aunt to play majong. It was nine o’ clock in the morning when they arrived in the place. While she was strolling in the garden looking and admiring the beautiful morning sun, she said: “Thank You Lord for the beautiful sun that communicates your Love and Life to your Creation.” Then her eyes were caught by the attention of a beautiful flower that was new to her. The thought of her request came to her mind. That was the answer to her prayers. Now she knew that she belonged to God. No matter what will happen, she will proceed to her goal. She thanked the Blessed Mother asked her help. Since no one in her family agreed with her intentions, she decided to go on even if she will have to beg. The grace of God was with her. Everything turned out smoothly; none of her friends whom she approached refused, instead they gave her more help than she expected.
Temptation to go to U.S.
At this point arose another strong temptation. She received a letter from her brother in the United States of America stating that the number. Of her visa was 25. Her earlier plans to go to America were bearing fruit. The American door was opening. My God she’d been waiting a long for this. But in the moment a thought came in to her mind, saying; “anyway if God wants, someday I will also go there.”
She prepared everything without the knowledge of her aunt, or her parents. Time came to inform them to say goodbye. The aunt cried for one week with bulging eyes, and her father got so angry. He tried to create an obstacle but nothing could stop her anymore. She went on calmly because she knows that God is with her. She prayed for them that someday they will come to understand her side. Her mother assured her she would handle everything about her father when she is gone. Her mother said: “go wherever the Lord wants and you will be happy.” For her, her mother was the symbol of the Blessed Mother. All her documents were now ready.
Date Fixed
Before the Mother Provincial accepted her, she was asked a question: What was her intention in entering the convent? Her intention was clear in mind. For what and for whom she offered her life. It was for the expectation of the sin committed in the world for sinners especially the persons whom she knew. The Provincial was puzzled and it seemed she could not believe what the applicant was saying. But anyway she was given a fixed date for entrance, April 13, 1960, it was Holy Wednesday.
“Talong Lola”
“You will never see a movie again”, this were the last words of her Grandma. She just smiled. Her answers were always inspired by the Holy Spirit, “That is a part of what I’ve given up.” Her first EASTER SUNDAY in the convent, there was the film, “The Rosary” Talo and lola niya.
Give me back my daughter
The aspirantship was long and it all depended on how the candidate responded to the formation, to the IQ test, psychological test and a right observation of character and behavior. The offering of her life has been accepted by God. On her vestation day she was dressed up in a beautiful wedding gown. What a memorable day. The Papa was also present and was crying like a boy. The Mother Provincial asked him if he was happy to have a daughter-Madre. He said NO! To give him back his daughter. Naloko na naman ang Papa niya.
The Lord is with her, nothing could shake her. She has many touching experiences with God. After twenty two years of service in the Lord, there came to conversion of the person for whom she offered her life. She never doubted the mercy of God. There’s nothing impossible with God, just have faith and trust in Him and he will take care of everything. Life is full of trials and sacrifices, when everything is offered to God, He listens. And there are many values in life, as He has promised,”... the hundred fold here on earth and life everlasting in the next together with it persecution...”
When she was only fourteen her Mama told her that she will traverse the ocean, not within the Philippine islands. Fro her it was just words in the air. Who could believe it? But it was a prophecy. Now the prophecy is fulfilled because she is now in Rome and her other desires were also fulfilled, she graduated in Rome in 1989. The offer of her brother to go to United States of America in 1960, was also fulfilled in 1989.
The Lord has given her so much and lavishly loves her. There nothing more she wants in life but to spend her life in thanksgiving for her Lord. And to make a reparation for her own sins. In the apostolate she will be waiting for the time when the heavenly call will ring.
One of her desires when she was young was to have beautiful children. Also that, was granted to her as you see in the picture on the back cover.
Fr. Filomino Mahusay, from La Castellana, Negros Occidental is surely one of the longest serving member of the Missionary Society of the Philippines. Here, his confrere tells us of Fr. Fil’s touching and unique apostolate from which we can all learn that it is not number that count.
Enchanted Lake
There is a pond lying deep in a village called “Dong” in the province of Chaiyaphum some 479 kms. Northeast of Bangkok. Most times of the day this pond lies placid with colorful lotus plants and floating lilies. But in the late afternoons, during feeding time, this man-made lake seethes with fish romping around.
Lone Filipino Priest
This pond was made by Fr. Filomino Mahusay, MSP thirteen years ago. Fr. Fil is the only Filipino Catholic missionary in this remote place called dong in 1979. Along this lake and for this family, the priest established the parish of the Lord’s Ascension.
Following Lost Sheep
Fr. Fil came to Thailand in the Diocese of Nakhorn Ratchasima in 1976. A couple of years later to heard of a catholic family who transmigrated to another province. Like the biblical shepherd searching for his lost sheep. Fr. Fil left his first parish (with several hundreds of Catholics) to another priest and set to follow the migrating family.
Like a House- church
The priest found the family in Dong 100 kms. Deep into the wilderness from the center of Chaiyaphum. From then on, Fr. Fil lived with them, farmed with them. But most of all prayed and celebrated Eucharist with them.
A Pond for Fish
Fr. Fil steered his small community out from the morass of poverty until they became a self-reliant village. It was thirteen long years of struggle with his handful of parishioners in a land too sandy to hold water for their plants. First, the priest made the pond by putting dam on a creak, to assure them of a year-around water supply. The water that spills over the dam they irrigated for their ricefields, introducing some practical farming lessons he learned from his home in La Castellana, Negros Occidental. During the first year of their settlement they found themselves tied –up to their debt from Chinese businessmen. They were very much at the mercy of their creditors.
“Dong” has been Blessed
Today, the parish is one of the most self-reliant villages in the area. Aside from the never ending supply of fish from their pond, they have also the year-around agricultural supplies. They are now sending their children to schools through the money they generated from their farm products. The village of Dong is also the frequent object of “case studies” being done by students coming from the universities in Bangkok and from Japan.
Lone Christian
The greatest challenge of this parish is facing their being the only Christian community in a densely Buddhist population. As one travels into the countryside, one’s eye is easily attracted to the colorful temple studied at frequent intervals.
Nonviolence
Buddhism is a non-violent religion. Harmony with the universe is its way of life. Fr. Fil finds this as perfect home for his Christian community. But still the priest accepts the reality of a subtle pressure being felt by them being the minority. Their hope lies in the fact that Thai people are just so naturally religious. That means, the priest said, that the people have a very deep sense of the Transcendence.
Unique Parish
What makes this parish of only two families unique, one might wonder? Fr. Fil easily points out that his parish, while being so united and indistinguishable from the larger Buddhist community, maintains its uniqueness by having Christ as the center of their lives. They have Christ as the source of their strength and inspiration. They participate in the Church’s evangelization by living the life Christ commands them to live.
Silver Jubilee
On June 29, 1992 Fr. Fil celebrated the silver anniversary of his priestly ordination. When asked how did he celebrate that day, he answered: “I washed my cloths by the lakeshore.” He recalled that there was drizzle and it was cold. In the afternoon he celebrated Mass with his parishioners and the children, coming from school, offered flowers because it was the feast of the two great apostles- Sts. Peter and Paul.
Why?
The missionary is serving this parish which has only twp families for the past thirteen years. Many could not understand why he is sacrificing for a handful of people while he could have been more useful in another place where there a multitude of churchgoers.
Its Not Numbers that Count
Fr. Fil finds meaning in this by recalling the biblical story of the shepherd who leaves his flocks to find the lost one. Pensive and calm the priest said that what he is serving are real souls-though very few. He added: “Even if I can only save one, it’s worth all the double.” And he is happy to see his people grow in faith.
Like a Lotus
This community of faith, the parish of the Lord’s Ascension, is like a solitary lotus plant in the middle of the pond- so distinct from its surrounding yet so fittingly belonging to it.