By Fr. Ignacio de Moreta, SJ
IGNACIO DE MORETA is one of 15 brothers and sisters. He was born in Manila (mother from Goa, Camarines Sur). His first mission was a twelve-year stint in Culion Leper Colony in Palawan – “That’s where I learned to be in a missionary.” Needless to say, that was quite exhausting. He was glad of a period in Venezuela. From there came the call to Ecuador where many priests had left the ministry. So it is from Equador now he writes to us and shares how the church is struggling to alleviate the poor. Ignacio has four brother priests and two (Assumption) sisters here in the Philippines.
Like in so many countries in Latin America, the Church in Ecuador must grapple with the problem of poverty. The Lord, of course, calls us to a simple lifestyle but that is far from the destitution that we see in Ecuador. This destitution cries out in heaven. We have in our own way tried to become a voice for the people. What we did was to set up a Foundation to help the poor in the suburban areas.
We have at present 1,200 scholarships for the poorest children. We distribute 2,400 breakfasts a week for these poor children. A dispensary with medical and dental service as well as laboratory and medicines runs five days a week. More than 2,300 patients pass in a month. All poor people. Our scholars are free from charge. We also have a housing project for those working in the ‘smokey mountain’ and other poor people. At present 67 houses are being built. This year we plan to reach the hundred houses. The plan is for rehabilitation.
Life for these poor people means very little. Many of them prefer death. Their only ideal is to live free -- in all senses, good and bad. Nobody cares. They have nothing to lose. That is why young people from the Charismatic Renewal work in their spiritual growth. Every week they are present giving adult formation and catechism to the children.
The wonderful thing about this foundation is that it is run by Mother Volunteers from our high school JAVIER. This foundation has given them and the students a Christian social conscience to build a new society in love. A simple example: Students are asked to sacrifice two cokes a week for these poor children.
We don’t claim that our foundation is the complete answer, but right now through it we are touching many wounded spirits and bodies and healing ourselves in the process.