My 25 Jubilant years in the Philippines

Time really flies! As if, my going to the Phillippines happened only yesterday! ‘Tempus fugit’- true to its sense! Sisters in my home Province kept on telling, that I was running away. They asked me for the reason for my decision, trying to guess. All their opinions were incorrect.

 

Unlike some others, I never thought of going to a mission country when I was a young sister. I lived with the missionaries; learned from them; appreciated their very personalities, and their dedication towards the people of God towards us the natives of whatever category or back ground we came from It was the time, during the late 70’s when our Sisters from both the Sri Lankan Provinces set out to the country – Pakistan as Missionaries. I was wondering about their decision, and appreciating the sharing of their lived experiences, yet never thought of becoming one like them. It so happened that in 1987, the then General Councilor Pushpam Gnanapragasam, was conducting a Noailles session in Wennappuwa for a month. Though not that much interested yet I decided to participate. During these days, I gave myself completely for study, reflection of the “Sources” and listening to the Sisters.

 

At one Session we were asked to select one of the characteristics of our beloved founder PBN, What impressed touched me was his “detachment” – I realized how closely he was attached to our God, and hence “detached” himself from all that was near and dear to his heart. My small and big attachments to, duty, persons, name, and fame came to the surface. There was a strong feeling that I should do something heroic to proof God my love and adherence to him.  “Leave everything and go” was the little voice that prompted me from within all the time. But where and how? I prayed and prayed and finally I opted for the missions. Though my request was turned down the first time, I appealed a second time and then it was granted. That was the beginning of my long journey. Mary Slaven – our then General Leader, during one of her visits asked me whether I had any objection to go to the Philippines. In my heart of hearts I preferred some African country.” Why should I ‘choose’?’ I told myself, and agreed to leave for the Philippines in October 1989.It was not that easy to leave all what I had kept treasured in my heart.

 

Though I stood firm, courageous in my decision, there was a huge amount of fear within me to leave – and to leap into the dark and the unknown. Yet there was hope that the same Lord who had been leading me through, would continue to journey with me. The process of my integration was shocking. The color of the people, the language they spoke I felt dazed. What made me feel alien and humble was, when the people –even knowing that I was still new, spoke to me in Tagalog .My feeling was that my whole world had collapsed! Yet the welcoming spirit and the charming ways of the Filipino people and above all, the company of our Sisters were something very consoling! I had to be patient with myself and then with the others I realized.

 

Bulan was my first Community and with two others Eithne and Vivian as pioneers. We lived in a rented house and after a year or so, moved into another house, built in a onetime cemetery- land allotted to the squatters, with whom we shared our life. In such an environment it was possible to form simple relationships, to get to know the people, their believes, values and the rest. We had plenty of time in hand but did not know what to do with ourselves, which was a very frustrating experience for quite some time. Lucky indeed were we, to have had a good pastor- Fr.Anghel De as our Parish Priest who strictly told us that the three of us join the Pastoral moderators and go round visiting the substations though doing nothing special. In the course of time we were able to participate in some of the activities and gradually took full responsibility for the catechetical Ministry and teaching of Catechism, and the formation of 180 catechists. I remember the days we went around from house to house to solicit some money and rice to feed the Catechists during their monthly Seminars. I continued the Catechetical Ministry in all 4 Communities where I was assigned.

 

Language study –though interesting, when it came to conversation, often I got stuck. I hesitated to open my mouth until I got the entire sentence perfectly correct according to Grammar, whereas some of my companions, right or wrong, expressed themselves the way they liked. There were times we used to make horrible mistakes too we laughed about at later. Once when a Sister asked me the name of my companion teacher travelled by boat, instead of saying Mrs. Hermoso, I remember myself telling “Mrs. Tsismis-” which means “Gossip”. All of us get the chance to study the Official language widely spoken throughout the Country. But after studying the new language with all the enthusiasm, when assigned to another Region where another dialect was spoken. Oh, that was frustrating. ! Patience! Patience!

 

I used to enjoy the gatherings- for seminars, for celebrations and events like funerals and weddings where we met and made many acquaintances. Filipinos are very warm hearted people, and once they trust you, they will hold you dear to their hearts, share their joys and sorrows, and would keep you there to the very end would never allow you to get out of there!

 

Philippines is a country with almost 87 percent of the population that claims itself to be Catholics whereas most of them are nominal Catholics without even the basic knowledge in Christian doctrine. The number of Priests and Religious is not in proportion to the vast number of Laity. Hence the need for more laity trained for pastoral and Catechetical Ministries. It is hoped that the Basic Ecclesial Communities, in the course of time will respond to cater to such needs!

 

Filipinos are well known for their hospitality and generosity. Irrespective of being rich or poor would always welcome the stranger. Especially during fiestas, all are welcome to share in the family meal- though uninvited. There is a saying that ‘the sky is the limit’ for the Filipino generosity! It is there I learnt the Spirituality of ‘waiting” and celebrating life though with little in possession, filled with joy and gratitude remembering to say: ‘Salamat sa Dios’ ( Thanks be to God ) ‘ Sa awa ng Dios ‘( By the mercy of God ) are the words that one would often hear falling from their lips. Their piety and faith are very simple. They may not know their Catechism well, but they love the Lord and His blessed Mother as if they are still alive living in front of their eyes.

 

It is difficult to put in a few pages what one had experienced in a quarter century. I have not lost anything by being in the Missions, but gained which I would not have, had I kept stuck in my traditional Ministry. There is a time for everything. All good things come to an end, such as our earthly life. Now as I returned to my home Province, it was not my bags but my heart was somewhat heavy, full of all kinds of memories in the Mission country. My journey will continue as it had been planned out from all eternity. A missionary neither here nor there she is only a pilgrim. As of now, this is my experience. Amidst all sorts of experiences and feelings attached to them, the call is –to seek God Alone in everything and in each situation.

 

Salamat sa iyo O Dios, Mabuhay Pilipinas!

Sr. Aquinas