By Bea Paola V. Basilio

The author has since graduated from high school.

Dear Father Seán,

I am Bea Paola V. Basilio, a fourth year student studying at St Paul College of Ilocos Sur, Bantay, Ilocos Sur. I have been a subscriber to Misyon from first year till now. Our teacher in Religious and Values Education introduced us to the magazine. At first, I thought that it was just simple literary material without anything I could benefit from and purchased it just for the sake of having it.

But I was so wrong. One time when I sat in a corner at home without anything important to do, I grabbed an issue of Misyon and started to read its contents out of curiosity. Then I finally realized that it was no ordinary reading material because it contained such a treasure in the form of striking stories based on real life situations and articles that served as a guide and inspiration to life.

These stories and things done by missionaries like you who emphasize the importance of serving others without expecting anything in return. The things you are doing are well appreciated and recognized by a lot of people who are reading your magazine. It also helps us remember God’s call to mission, that we can gain eternal happiness through showing and giving love to others by rendering service without any conditions at all.

One article I read, Evangelizing Seafarers (Sept-October 2006), was about Filipinos working overseas. Many of them become seafarers who work and render service at sea. These Filipinos are far from their loved ones and families but still they never omit to continue God’s journey on mission. Questions just pour out of my head like: is it hard to become a missionary? What are the things that we can get from it?

So I came to think about the wonder of being a missionary. You get to travel to other places, discover different cultures and traditions, and meet different people with different personalities and are able to help those who are in need. But based on your articles and stories that your have shared, I learned that it requires a lot of hard work, toughness and sacrifice to become a missionary and pursue your goals.

Despite this, the joy we achieved from our service is quite priceless as long as we are sincere and we love what we are doing. So I made myself join the CEP, an outreach program in our school, where we go to places to teach, help and have fun with young children. This simple thing is very rewarding because I was able to bring a smile to those children and for sure I was able to touch their hearts as they have touched mine. Until now I continue to participate in it.

I’m so glad that I am able to do simple missions now and not just read about them in your magazine. You serve as our guide and model. Continue living and fulfilling your mission of service and love. More power to you and your magazine. Happy Holidays and may you have a prosperous new year!

Truly yours,
Bea Paola V. Basilio
St Paul College of Ilocos Sur

2nd Flr, Lahoz Bldg
Jose Singson St, VIGAN CITY
2700 Ilocos Sur