“It is hard to acknowledge and accept yourself for who you truly are but as I learned to let go of my ego and pride, it was very liberating.“
LAY MISSION ARTICLES
A virtual Eucharistic celebration was held on October 6, 2020 to commemorate this milestone and celebrate the blessings and gifts received and the challenges encountered along the journey.
One of my favorite Mandarin phrases is 加油 (jiā yóu). The first character ‘加’ (jiā) means "add" and the second character ‘油’ (yóu) means "oil”. 加油 means "to add oil" or “refuel”. In Taiwan, you will see the sign, ‘加油’ in gasoline stations but 加油 is also an expression of encouragement and support such as "Go!"; "Come on!" and “Keep it up!".
Two first-term Columban Lay Missionaries arrived in the Philippines last February 22, 2020. On February 27, they traveled to Davao City to begin their six months of full-time language studies (Binisaya). On March 11, the World Health Organization had declared COVID-19 a pandemic. On March 15, a modified lockdown had been declared in the different provinces of the country. Barely four months in the Philippines, Latai and Mereani share how they are coping with all the uncertainties.
"Throwing away food is like stealing from the table of those who are poor and hungry..." -Pope Francis
As a staff member of the Columban Lay Missionaries (CLM), I have heard many of these stories, some of difficulty and danger, some heartbreaking, and others of disappointment. However, these stories are outweighed by stories of hope, inspiration, joy, gratitude and love.
One of the initial challenges I encountered was learning their national language, Urdu, which I found difficult because of the many rules to follow. As a student, I have to keep in mind the correct usage of male and female nouns and to learn how to pronounce words with nasal sounds.
I recently began my new ministry in Our Lady of Remedies parish in Malate, Manila. Although I am familiar with this parish, having visited it on many occasions, it feels different now that it has become my area of mission.
The passing of a stranger who became my family, brought me grief but I found peace in the belief that Analie is an angel now. She taught me how to be patient, to be courageous and to be ready when God calls me to rest in His arms. I pray that she finds eternal rest in God.
Liliani put her father’s name on her wrist to honor him and to let him know that he may be gone, but he will never be forgotten. The tattoo is a remembrance of the unbreakable bond of love between a daughter and a father. On the other hand, the tattooed name of Liliani’s friend on the latter’s wrist is a piece of art and a symbol of their friendship. That’s what’s in a tattoo.