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.

From Rich to Poor
After ten years I was transferred to the South of Chile, to an ‘another world among the in the ‘poblacion (a mini slum). And so, from North to South, from reach to the poor, from a climate not so cold to a rainy, wet, cold place. Seemingly appears a lot of difference but the heart’s need remains the same… a search for the truth and meaning of life.

Attention to the ‘Whole Person’
For us missionaries and personally, this challenge gives me ample opportunity, reflexion, to adhere more to Jesus and His ways of evangelization. Among other things, He gives attention to the person, to the whole person.

In 36 Years only Two Graduate
 These few months of visiting, knowing, listening to the people of this place revealed to me a picture of the children of God little cared for by the society  for what they do that harms sometimes the rest. Day by day, they survive, yes with the bit of hope for the future. 36 yes only two in this area have finished a career.

La Vida Sigue Igual
Yet, as the song in Spanish goes, “La vida sigue igual” (Life continues the same)… children play, the youth enjoys being together, partners marry, (or just leave together), all in all being influenced by the strong current of communication media.

Long Journey
The challenge is for them… and together, how difficult it is, to see Christ  who is the real light, the Truth and the Life. To discern the message in –between the daily problematic  routinary happenings can not be realized easily in short time It is a long journey in prayer, patience, in the study in the Word of God in the bible, in constant evaluation, (group and self evaluation) of who venture to encounter Christ in their lives.

The “Here” and the “Now”
“It’s good to be here” I might not understand the reason now, but the Lord knows the spark of His Spirit that makes it all because it is “here” (whether North or South, rich or poor) that is blessed, it is “now” that is urgent To mission here and now! I thank God for each of them.