A HUMBLE EXPERIENCE DURING QUARANTINE
by Hkun Myat Aung Columban, a Columban student doing his First Mission Assignment (FMA) in Mindanano
I was sick with COVID during the Regional Assembly. At the beginning of the assembly, Fr. Dominic Nolan reminded us the word of John Blowick, co-founder of the society, “to love one another and to care for each other” in his homily during Mass. These words remain in my heart. In the following days, Father Darwin reminded us in his homily that it is not only God who is present with us in mission,but also fellow Columbans . These homilies stay in my heart and lead me to ponder how I can work with my fellow brothers in my first mission assignments to better love and care for each other.
On Wednesday, I began to feel unwell after dinner and could not sleep well during the night due to body pains. The next morning, I took an antigen test and found out that I’ve contracted the virus. Due to the positive result, I was isolated into a private room for quarantine and began to take medication. What I experienced during quarantine was a humbling experience to say the least. Everyone was concerned, some prayed for me, some sent messages of encouragement, and kind advice. Moreover, when I was not well, I was taken care of by fellow Columbans. This experience inspired me to become an the instrument of God’s love for others as a Columban missionary..