A Privilege and a Pleasure

By Ma. Criselda A. Mendoza

Crissy started working with the Columban Missionaries in Singalong in 2013.

“Didn’t you do Creative Writing?” – A question Fr. Patrick O’Donoghue, aka Boss #1, asked me while coaching me on writing a letter for him.

The big thing about working as a Secretary to the Regional Director is that, not one day is the same as the last day or the day to come. It is an aspect of the job that I love and, on the really bad days, detest. There is always something different to do, someone new to meet. Sometimes you get surprises, like you get asked to write an article for Misyononline and you find yourself picking up old, rusty skills, talents or tricks, and it gives you a bit of a thrill, a touch of risk. I’m not really complaining, though. I have expected this unpredictability from the start, when I accepted the job. And I wouldn’t really have it any other way.

Being the Secretary to the Regional Director is not a cakewalk. It sometimes feels like a blind-folded tightrope act combined with some skillful juggling of balls of fire, but I have survived and thrived for almost five years and three Regional Directors so far. And I think I can still continue. The main reason for this is because of the Regional Directors I have worked with.

“The reign of terror begins.” – Fr. Daniel O’Malley, aka Boss#2, said to me jokingly after he learned of his appointment as Regional Director.

Each one of the Regional Directors is a different person with qualities and capabilities that have convinced others to elect them into the position of Regional Director. Each of them has a different style and disposition when it comes to doing their work. It is part of my job to adjust and assist each Regional Director in the best way that I can. Each new Director presents his own challenges and expectations. There are times when I feel a bit clueless and lost, but they are always there to provide guidance and support when necessary. Eventually, the task gets done and we move on to the next task on the list.

My Bosses have different managerial approaches but they can all be counted on to be there when I flounder.

“Kung kailangan mo magpahinga, magpahinga ka.” (If you need to rest, rest.) – Fr. Paul Glynn, aka Boss#3, told me before he left for his first Christmas vacation in 2016 as Regional Director.

But the best thing about working with the Regional Directors, and the Columban Missionaries, in general, is that, whoever you are and whatever you do every day is recognized and appreciated. This is something very rare in the work force and even in everyday life nowadays. The world moves forward at the speed of light and people tend to forget virtues such as caring and gratitude, but thankfully, they are present here and that makes working with and for the Columban Society a privilege and also a pleasure.