LISTEN AND DISCERN: The Cry of People in Ukraine, Philippines and the Catholic Church

LISTEN AND DISCERN:  

The Cry of People in Ukraine, Philippines and the Catholic Church

 by Angie Escarsa

Angie is a Filipina Columban lay missionary assigned in Ireland.

Three significant events have been preoccupying my mind as I reflect about life during these last few months: the Russian invasion of Ukraine, the elections in the Philippines and the synodal process in the church. There might be no obvious relation between these three but if we listen and discern, we can see some common denominators.

When Ukrainian president, Volodymyr Zelenskyy, spoke about the horrific invasion of Russia in February 24, 2022, people listened with dread as they considered the possibility of World War III. He spoke with conviction and pleaded with urgency for world leaders to help stop Putin’s war against his country. It is disheartening that many people in Russia believe that the Russian military is trying to denazify Ukraine, to protect people subjected to what, Putin described as eight years of bullying and genocide by the Ukrainian government. It is disconcerting to see how people can be brainwashed with the lies and propaganda about Putin’s real intention towards Ukraine. Indeed, he refuses to call it an invasion or war and refers to it instead as a special military operation and a “noble” cause.

Angie with a refugee

Is it even possible in this context for many Russians to truly grasp what is happening, and why? Pope Francis on Ash Wednesday asked the world to pray for the people of Ukraine. More than forty days have passed and there is still no clear sign of an end to this barbaric attack. Instead, more innocent people are being killed including many children and old people. At the moment, there are more than 30,000 Ukrainian refugees in Ireland. One Ukrainian lady comes to the Columban Centre in Dublin for English lessons. For sure there will be more in the coming weeks and months. How do we reach out to them? It is a question that Columbans in Ireland need to deeply consider in order to discern an effective response to this challenge.

The presidential election in the Philippines caught much of my attention over the last few months. The outcome is of crucial importance for all Filipinos and the rest of those who live in the country. It is high time that people listen and discern if they are serious about creating a brighter future for the Filipino people. It is highly important for people to listen and discern carefully in choosing a president who does not only possess leadership skills, but also one who is innately kind-hearted and caring. What saddens me is the truth that many Filipinos continue to vote according to popularity rather than genuine servant leadership. What really disturbs me is the fact that the candidate who tops the poll is the son of the former dictator, who was not only convicted for tax evasion but one who determinedly avoids attending every single one of the debates. There are thousands of people, and sadly to say including a member of my own family who support him. I do not understand why they cannot see the truth and choose to continue to turn a blind eye to the arrogance and ignorance of this candidate.

Filipinos have to listen and discern not just for themselves but more importantly for the future of their children and the generations to come. To listen to the truth is paramount and to discern is crucial.

The synodal process in the church also calls for an intentional listening and discernment. It is high time for all Catholics to look closely at our experience of the church and be guided by the Holy Spirit in ensuring that we are on the right path. Pope Francis has declared that synodality is what God expects of the Church in the 21st century.  Synodality comes from the Greek word “synodos”; “syn” which means together and “odos” which means way. But are we taking seriously the call to this synodal process? Some people I know have very little faith about the process thinking it might just be one of those “ticking the box” moments in the church. Some fear that the document from this process will just end up on the shelves collecting dust.  

But this is a crucially important time for the church. This is the time to truly listen and discern as we seek new ways of how we experience church. In Ireland this synodal journey has been given ample time where everyone has been encouraged to make an effort to be part of the conversation. In February and in March, I had the privilege to join the Dalgan Community in a fruitful and meaningful conversation as part of this synodal process from which some significant statements were written. The following are just but some of the vital areas that were highlighted:

A synodal church needs to encourage and empower the laity.

As ordained ministers, we acknowledge that we have been affected by a clerical mindset which left little room for laity to exercise their proper and necessary roles in the Church life and ministry.

In many of our communities, women are the indispensable leaders, and yet because of a male-dominated tradition, their gifts for ministry have not been adequately tapped.

On the synodal path, Jesus is the model for the Way and St. Columban’s motto, “To be pilgrims for Christ”, strikes a synodal note for all of us. It is by listening we can achieve genuine discernment.

March for Peace in Dublin