By Sister Marivic P. Ching SGBP

Sister Marivic is a member of the Sisters of Jesus Good Shepherd, known as the Pastorelle Sisters. This is one of five congregations founded by Blessed James Alberione (1884-1971) www.daughtersofstpaul.com/jamesalberione/index.html . The congregation’s website, which has an English version, is www.pastorelle.org

I Chose you’:  the words which best expressed my sentiments after struggling with God in my prayers in this new mission. When Sister Marita, Provincial Superior, told me to go to a mission in Chile, I had mixed emotions that were hard to articulate. To be the first Filipina Pastorella in Latin America, and particularly in Chile, in a community composed of Sisters from Italy, Brazil and Peru, was for me quite a challenge. With the grace of God, I agreed to be a member of the Chile-Peru Delegation. I remembered Abraham in his old age, called by God to go to a nation that he had never known or seen before, and, like him, I obeyed.

Enriching community

‘It’s good to be here’ . . . words that best describe my experiences here in Chile. I feel enriched by the beauty of the internationality of our congregation. Although we have different cultures and languages, we are learning from one another. We share much in our diversity, which makes community life dynamic and enriching. Chileans are very friendly and welcoming. Our parish priest, Padre Alfredo Pouilly, introduced me to the parish community after a Sunday Mass.

Into the deep

I felt welcomed and challenged to share with them our pastoral ministry. Everyday I am called ‘to put out into the deep’ like Peter ‘because you say so’. I obey. I believe that the harvest is bountiful. Although I miss the Philippines, the Sisters and my family very much, I am happy to be here. There are many things to learn and to experience.

Happy to be called

‘The Lord is my Shepherd.’ Truly He calls and journeys with me in this beautiful opportunity. I am grateful to be a missionary, to be called to journey on the road to conversion, not to fear the truth and always to live with simplicity. The Father has called me and entrusted me with this mission, and I want to carry on.

I remembered Abraham
in his old age, called by God
to go to a nation
that he had never known
or seen before,
and, like him, I obeyed.

You may email Sister Marivic at maviching_1206@yahoo.com or write her at SGBP Casilla 17/78    Correo Bellavista,   La Florida,  SANTIAGO, CHILE