The Marines of the Church
By Reynante Bantigue
In my exposure in Negros Occidental, I was able to visit the places in the Diocese of Kabankalan where Columban missionaries have greatly involved for 61 years. Many of their contributions were noticeable: schools and churches they built, various communities organized, many programs and projects initiated; all in the service of justice and the uplifting of human dignity is uplift. I was very impressed.
What I witnessed didn’t only strengthen my attraction to the missionary world but enriched it. It gave me a glimpse of the various beautiful landscapes of this less inhabited world. I became aware of what it is like being a missionary: to help people free themselves from various forms of slavery. By the presence of fear, greed, pride, and capitalism many of us become walking prisoners.
Fr Brian Gore has an interesting way of helping people realize that they are not free: through human empowerment. He calls the activity ‘De-masking’, which urges them to take off their masks (fame, status, talents, profession) and understand that they have equal worth; that they are all thinking and free beings. This way helps each individual build a positive self outlook enabling him to bring out his best.
As I stayed with families in the community, I was overwhelmed by the people’s hospitality and generosity. The best meals and most comfortable beds were prepared. Encouraging life stories and warm smiles were shared. They wanted me to be always comfortable and safe. As they served me I felt my helplessness. And this terrified me. I was afraid that they might notice my weakness. I was frightened that with my vulnerability they would reject me. But I was wrong. They welcomed and treated me well because they knew that I was helpless. This struck me, turning my world upside down. I realized that sometimes it is by our vulnerability that we come to love and be loved.
I was motivated by the people’s deep sense of community. Each family was concerned not only with its own members but with the welfare of other families as well. They journey and progress together. In their deep communal commitment, I discovered my selfish and individualistic inclination. I noticed my preoccupation with my own concerns to the extent that the needs of the community had become secondary. This truth was a slap in my face in the sense that I am meant to be community oriented.
I was touched by their deep concern and understanding of nature. They tap and enhance the potential of nature without harming or destroying it. A very good example of this is the way of farming that they are employing. It is very environmentally friendly. The land is not considered as a mere resource but as a partner. They don’t force it to produce beyond its capacity by using synthetic fertilizers and chemicals. I felt so small before them. In many years of studies about the environment I had done nothing to preserve it. And here are farmers, always in the field but working to protect and develop it. These people reminded me that as I live my day, I inevitably contribute something to the possible destruction of the earth. Therefore I have a responsibility to do to counteract this.
These admirable qualities of the people in Bantolinao tempted me to ask some questions. Are they really that hospitable and generous? Or were they just hospitable and generous to me because I’m a seminarian? Do they have really a deep sense of community? Or were they just showing off because of my presence? Do they really have a deep concern for and understanding of nature? Or do they just do this because they are being told to?
No! They weren’t pretending. They have been empowered, my conscience answered.
These changes in human character and the physical improvements in those parts of Negros where Columban missionaries have worked is largely due to their work and their organizing the people. They developed tactics to equip people with necessary skills and understanding so that they could stand on their own. They provided them with the essential support for their empowerment. They did much like the Marine Corps, right? I salute the Columban Missionaries, who empowered others not for war but for peace, not for destruction but for true progress, not for hate but for love, not for fear but for hope. You are indeed ‘The Marines of the Church’!