By Sr. Mary Angela Battung RGS

Filipinos in Exile

In the late 19th century, many Filipinos went and settled in Europe to continue their studies, to flee from persecution by their Spanish colonizers, or to seek reforms. They were called “Filipinos in exile”.

Today, the Filipinos who leave their country are called “Overseas Workers”. They have the reputation of being willing to do work that is considered dangerous, dirty, humiliating; and most Filipino women are presumed to be either domestic helpers, nannies or entertainers. Many of the women I minister to in Our Lady of Lourdes parish are so stigmatized by this perception or image of them that they have a very low self -esteem while others are so angry; they are defensive and prefer to stay on the periphery of the parish.

Uphill Battle

The Filipinos I minister to are here to escape economic difficulties. They believe that Canada can provide them with better opportunities to gain a higher economic status, develop professional skills, pursue higher education or find refuge from political and military oppression. Some came not by choice as much as by necessity. While a few have realized their dreams, for most of the search for a more secure future has been up uphill battle.

Community of Pilgrims

Our pastor, Reverend Robert Foliot, SJ, asked me to do pastoral work with the Filipinos in our parish. All the Jesuits and staff are committed to a ministry of bringing the Good News to our “Community of Pilgrims” gathered from different lands and different culture. We are all committed to the human and spiritual healing and integral development of the immigrants, the ones discriminated against and alone on the fringes of society. Father Foliot asked me to help the Filipino community to integrate its value in the Canadian church and society.

Their Struggle

I hear stories of Filipinos here – the challenges they meet in adapting to the Canadian way of life. They describe their feelings to pain and alienation, loneliness and isolation. They are depressed by the indifference of people and confused, adjusting to a new culture – multi-cultural, multi- racial – while trying to maintain a personal sense of identity. They are frightened by the violence in a society whose economic and social structures have declined over the past decade (bringing out the best in some Canadians and the worst in those who have become aggressively fearful and resentful towards immigrants, especially Asians). The struggle for survival continues, the “pot of gold at the end of the rainbow” is always elusive.