By Sr. Teresita Bernad, SSC

Huavina, one of a cluster of small pueblos among the hills of Iquique in Chile, never had a source of water. Water was brought to them by truck.

Eureka!

One day they got electrifying news: a spring had been discovered in one of the valleys. If channeled it could bring water to Huavina. So the people started to work at once, and of course, they had to begin with a blessing. They invite Sr. Kathleen, who in turn brought Sonia (one of the our co-workers) and me along.

By: Sr. Cecilia Cuizon, SSC

Sr. Cecilia Cuizon is a Filipino Columban Missionary working in Iquique, Chile. At Christmas time she reflects on her present ministry in that city.

Christmas in Iquique

This year for me seemed to fly so fast that I did not even notice that it was time to send greetings to my loved ones. Here in Iquique, the joyful melodies of Christmas season are not heard until the 23rd or the 24th of December. Christmas is mainly for Children in Iquique. No wonder, fathers have to set aside a bit from their salary every year for their children. When Christmas comes, all workers dressed in deferent styles, with Santa Claus in the middle of them and with their vehicles decorated (because there is a price for the best decorated vehicle) deliver the gifts to their respective children. So, a group of children wait for Santa Claus’ truck to pass by, all day and all night in case they will miss him.

By: Fr. Paulino C. Sarac.

A young Filipino priest tells the steps he took which brought him to Chile, in Latin America as a volunteer missionary working with the Columbans.

39 Steps
I’m Fr. Paulino C. Sarac. I was ordained in 1978, and belong to the Vicariate of the Mountain Province, Luzon, Philippines. In 1985, I went down to Pagadian Diocese, Zamboanga del Sur, Mindanao for a vacation. There, the Columbans as if I could take charge for sometime of San Pablo Parish. It’s a parish that was vacant for a while after Rev. John Wanaurny was transferred to Brazil. I accept and took care for almost two years. While there, Rev. Dan O’ Malley, who was the superior, asked if I was interested in an overseas mission. My reaction was yes, but first to ask the permission of my bishop. My bishop at that time was Msgr. Emeliano Madanggeng. The answer was positive, we made all necessary arrangements like psychological test, contract, passport, and visa. After these things, I flew to Australia for a Missiology course- a Latin America; then to Cochabamba Bolivia, for five months, to learn Spanish.

By Sr. Aliciela Cudiamat

Together with a fellow Sister, I arrive in July, 1978 in Chile. After a rapid and informal orientation about the culture, relearning Spanish, I began teaching religion in Colegio Verbo in Santiago by September of the same year. This apostolate continued for ten years: teaching religion, preparing the boys for first communion, at the same time giving a helping hand in the pastoral work among the parents and teachers. The well – organized teamwork in the school, the boys, the varied experiences among Chilenos in his atmosphere helped me grow in faith and missionary spirit. With all the rest, it was a walking together, a ‘give and receive’ in mutual respect and understanding.