To Persevere: The Path to a Stronger Life

By Fr. Elbert Balbastro

My mom has always held a special place in my heart. Though we are far apart,  our interconnectedness will always remain – like an umbilical cord that binds us  and makes us  one. Through my parents, especially my mom, I came to know Jesus Christ. She taught me how to pray and keep my faith strong, especially during the most challenging  times of my life.

One of the greatest lessons she imparted to me  is perseverance. She always emphasized the value of being persistent and tenacious, especially in doing what is right and good. This vital lesson from her will  always stay  in my heart and mind, serving as a guiding principle  in my life.

As a missionary priest assigned to Pakistan, one of the challenges I  face is being  away from  my family, especially my mom. There are  countless moments I have missed –  her birthdays, being with her during Christmas and Easter, and many more. However, God knows my needs, and when I missed my mother’s presence, He would surround   me with loving and supportive mothers – the mothers in my parish, whom I minister to and journey with. They are the ones who stand by  my side,  reminding me of the virtue of perseverance and helping me deepen my relationship with God.

Mothers and their children gathered together,  waiting for the rosary to begin

In Pakistan, most women are considered second-class citizens –  limited and marginalized in society.  A significant number of them are confined working in their homes, taking good care of their children and  depending on their husbands.  Their involvement in the community is very limited. Despite these limitations, I have observed that their active involvement and participation in the Church stands out remarkably. Indeed, they make the Church fully alive.

In July of 2024, Columban Lay Missionary Mona, our Catechist Master Dilawar, and I invited several women to form a rosary group. Our intention was for them to pray for each other and the Church. I thought that only a few would respond because they seemed timid and aloof. To my surprise, many accepted the invitation and responded with enthusiasm and a sincere desire to serve.

As time passed, we got to know each other better and developed a strong relationship. Now, these women, once considered powerless and second class citizens, are leading us in praying the rosary before the mass every Sunday. They also provide great support to our Christian community by visiting the sick and praying for them. They have embraced their role in the Church  as part of their service to God.

As I continue to journey with them, I am reminded of the important virtue that my mom taught me – perseverance. Sometimes, we finish late after  visiting the sick and praying from house to house but I never hear them complain. Their resilience and tenacity are inspiring. Even if they have no money to ride a rickshaw,  they would walk long distances just to fulfill their commitments. Beyond their service, they have also shown me great affection and care, treating me like one of their own especially when I am sick.

Over time, our devotion to Mother Mary and our bonding as a group deepened.  We felt connected to Our Lady and what was good about this group was how  we  grew stronger and drew strength from one another by praying together as one community. Together,  we made Mother Mary our role model of perseverance because she  always persevere in God’s will and mission.

Sunday Mass celebrated with Father Elbert as the presider.

As I reflect from the day we started forming this Rosary group to where we are  now, I realize how  these women always remind me to persevere in my chosen vocation. I hear it in their prayers – heartfelt prayers for me and my family – which fills  my heart with joy. There is something deeply soothing and joyful  about knowing that someone is  praying for me and my family.

In my prayer time, I tell God that I couldn’t ask for more because He has provided me with more than I could ever need. At times when I miss my mom, God has given me not just one mother, but many mothers in my ministry. These women have been a  source of  unwavering support in my chosen vocation, a testament that God always provides and takes good care of His people.

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