By Fr Chris Saenz

This article was written when Fr Saenz, a frequent contributor to MISYONonline.com, was still parish priest in La Pintana. The interview took place on 5 February 2014.

Nayade Constanza Rocha Canales, known to family and friends as ‘Naya’, is a 16-year-old adolescent who suffers from Spina Bifida.  Spina Bifida, the Latin for ‘split spine’, is characterized by the incomplete development of the brain, spinal cord, and/or meninges - the protective covering around the brain and spinal cord. Naya’s condition has confined her to a wheelchair. She is an intelligent adolescent who dreams of being a teacher; or a doctor who treats children and adolescents.  She enjoys being with her family and going to school.  She lives with her maternal grandparents Rosa and Alejo whom she affectionately calls ‘Mama and Papa’.  They have taken care of Naya, who has a distant relationship with her mother, since she was born.

Naya with her Mama Ros

I first met Naya when I was assigned to work in the parish of Santo Tomás Apostol in Santiago. [Link ‘Santo Tomas Apostol’ to https://es-es.facebook.com/sto.tomas.apostol ] She was attending First Communion classes in the Padre Hurtado Chapel.  I observed her as an outgoing, joyful adolescent who enjoyed participating in the chapel.  I was curious about her life and faith.  She agreed to be interviewed.

Naya, how did you arrive at the Padre Hurtado chapel?

Three years ago I told my Mama Rosa and Papa Alejo that I wanted to make my First Communion and I kept asking them when, when, when?  Eventually, my Mama Rosa took me to the parish we were living in.  (Technically, Naya lives in another parish that borders on our parish).  We joined the First Communion program there but one day my mother could not go to a class because I was having health problems.  The parish told her that we could no longer attend the program because my mother missed one class.  (In Chile, parents also are required to attend catechesis).  I really wanted to make my First Communion because I wanted to receive the host, the Body of Christ, and I prayed so much for my family.

Naya with Mama Rosa and Fr Chris

So what did you do?  What happened next?

A year later our neighbor, Mrs Isabel, who is involved in activities at Padre Hurtado chapel, invited us to join.  She took us to a Mass celebrated by Columban Father John Boles, an Englishman who was parish priest at the time,I really enjoyed it. There I saw good people.  They were welcoming, and greeted all as they arrived.  There was a sense of solidarity in the chapel.  And Father John was very welcoming and a good companion to us.  We talked to him about the possibility of my joining the First Communion program in the chapel. 

What did Father John say?

Father John said that in another chapel - in Chile, a parish consists of a number of chapel communities -there was a Special Catechesis program for people like me that involved only one year of preparation. But it was quite far and my being in a wheelchair would make it difficult for me to attend the weekly classes.  Father John said I could participate in the Padre Hurtado chapel, which was closer, but that the preparation was two years.  He left it for us to decide.  Of course, we decided to join the Padre Hurtado chapel program. 

How was the experience of participating in catechesis?

We formed good friendship with the other children.  What I really liked was the works of charity we did.  We tried to help those who had no food or place to sleep.  For instance, some mornings, as a group, we went out and handed out food to people who didn’t have anything.  It was the first time I ever did something like that. It was a very good experience.

On the day of your First Holy Communion, how did you feel?

I was really nervous but happy to be with my catechesis companions.  Also, I was happy to receive Jesus.  When I received the Body and Blood of Christ I felt a sense of relief and welcoming.  I felt it in my heart and mind.  Most of all, I had my family present to share the experience.

Now that you have mad your First Holy Communion, what do you want to do?

I have always dreamed of being at the altar.  I would like to be an altar server.  I want to help you and the other priests at the altar. For me the altar is a great emotion of joy.

For you, what does it mean to be Catholic?

To be an obedient child.  To respect all, especially those who love you very much.  Always take care of the other.

What can you say about the Columbans?

Columbans are very joyful priests and good people.  They are very attentive to the needs of the other.  What I like most about them is their support of children who really need help.

What message would you like to give to our readers around the world?

If you have children, please support them in what they need.  If you have family who live far away, find a way to continue to provide and support them.  Always make sure your family has what it needs. 

[I asked her Mama Rosa the following]

What was it like for you to attend catechesis?

It was difficult for me at first.  I found it hard to express myself.  But in time, the themes of the class touched daily life and I was able to share with the other parents.  We discovered we had a lot in common.

Did you see any changes in Naya after catechesis?

Yes, before Naya was very impulsive and often grumpy.  Now I see she is more serene and tranquil.  She has learned to listen. 

End Note:  We plan  to train Naya to be an altar server.  I have asked the community to build a little ramp to the altar so that she can go up to the altar.  We will work out the logistics of what she will do.  Naya is extremely happy to have this opportunity.