You Are Home

In 2003, I had the privilege of being assigned to Zimbabwe.  All I knew at the time was that Zimbabwe was in Africa and that it was the last country on the list of countries in my geography class. After securing my residency, I spent my first long-term mission in Zimbabwe as a single missionary.  I left the country after a year hoping to be back for another year and continue the work.  To my surprise, the Lord had other plans and my elders assigned me to strengthen the mission in East and Central Africa, being based in Tanzania.

I always prayed that the Lord grant my desire to go back to Zimbabwe. I wanted to go back to share my mission journey and witness Christ’s faithfulness in my life. My desire to go back became more passionate especially now that I’m married, I want to share to my brethren in Zimbabwe that everything they prayed for me has now come to fruit.

In early 2007, when my elders informed me that they wanted me to be the country coordinator for CFC - Zimbabwe, my ‘YES’ was shouting inside my heart, knowing that it was the time to go back home where my encounter with my God in Africa began.

I started the process of securing a visa, but it was unfortunate that Zimbabwe was undergoing a great political and economical breakdown, at the same time the community had challenges with its leadership and thus, my only consolation was to bend my knees every night in prayer, asking the Lord to take care of everything.
I waited for two and a half years to secure a visa. But until I set foot in Zimbabwe, I could not claim that I was indeed coming home. On the 10th of December 2009, I finally got that stamp that I was in Zimbabwe -- I was home.

As I waited to get my luggage, all sorts of luggage were passing in front of my eyes, but my luggage was not there. Smiling, I closed my eyes and told the Lord, “You brought me here, so let me know Your plans and show me how You will unveil Your work before my eyes.”

Three days passed and my luggage was still not at the airport. It was good that I had two shirts with me in my backpack. On my fourth day, I was brought to my original host, Mommy Nell Woelk. As she welcomed me home, she told me to occupy the same room I had occupied before.  To my great surprise, the cabinet of clothes and things that I had  left seven years ago were still there. Mommy Nell never moved them. She had faith that I would come home.

Finally, I got my luggage on the 9th day. It was 3 days before the end of my mission trip. Everything that needed to be done pushed through.  My mission was done. But by then, the Lord’s message was loud and clear, “My beloved son, you are home.  You only need Me and that is enough, as your family is here to stay.”

Africa: A Land of Healing

When the call to send missionaries to Africa came, I was certain that the Lord was calling me to serve Him in that continent.  I guess it was because it was the least things that I know of from amongst the continents and a totally different area where I know I will encounter my God everyday away from my family and the comforts of my life.

I have one challenge before going.  I have a new relationship for about 7 months and I know that my girlfriend during that time was also a gift.  And therefore I hesitated and decided on my own that the Lord can wait and Africa will just be there.

The following year, the call for me to go to Africa became stronger. I asked my dad what I will do and he replied, “My son, this has been the second time that the Lord is calling you to Africa. If you will not respond to this call, the Lord will take away the anointing that He has given you to have the privilege of becoming a missionary in Africa.  Go embrace our African brethren and share with them how Christ transformed our family and bring with you all our love for you have been prepared and filled.”

I immediately said Yes and proposed to my girlfriend.  She hesitated, but I was firm in saying that I need to do this for God and myself.  I won’t find peace if I will pass this opportunity.  With all the saving I got, I proposed and have a small house as a wedding proposal gift.

A day after my conversation with my dad and girlfriend, the unexpected happened… my dad died with a multiple heart attack on December 16 at 7am. Embraced with grief, I consulted my mom if I should still go for mission in Africa. To my surprise my mom said, “Go to Africa. It is your father’s wish to see you go on mission in that continent. Don’t worry about us, God will take good care of us here in the Philippines.” She further said, “this Christmas, we are giving our best gift to baby Jesus and that is our father.”

January 2003, I was in Johannesburg, South Africa. By the end of January, I was already based on my mission country… Zimbabwe.  I felt so much joy as I was welcomed by our community there.  I had my host family, the Te Braake family, who considered me their own. My extended family became bigger with the Kunaka, Mamutse and Chisvo families taking good care of me.  Our parish at Mabelreign led by Fr. Makaka, S.J. was always a source of inspiration to me. Everyone was just amazing and I felt so much love and comfort welcomed by everyone and even given my own African name and totem… Mudiwa (means beloved in Shona language.)  and my totem is the Cheetah.

February came and I got a call. It was winter already in Zimbabwe and the weather was 3 degrees Celsius.  My fiancée is pregnant.  Of course it was not mine! My world collapsed. I wanted to question God.  I wanted to just go home and retaliate. With anger, confusion and tears, I knelt down and went to church pouring my heart out to the Lord. “It’s okey to grief”, says Fr. Makaka, but he further said, “Look the Lord took you away from further pain. Imagine if that happened when you are already married.  You need to forgive and allow the Lord to give you a new spring time and you will know that He has the best plan in stored for you.”

Healing was easy as I basked in the love of my brothers and sisters in Zimbabwe.  They became my source of inspiration that the Lord indeed has something greater in stored for me. I went home to the Philippines that year and was able to face my fiancée and forgive her.

Losing my father just before the mission became so easy as the Lord replaced him with father figures like Bro Theo Te Braake, Bro. George Chisvo, Bro. Celestine Mamutse and Bro. Anthony Kunaka, who were all a great mentor as I embraced my love of Christ in Africa. As to having someone special, the Lord just allowed me to be whole again and await my new springtime.

Commemorating Easter as Missionaries in Africa

How do missionaries spend their Easter?  This has been a question that I get to be asked most of the times.  Well, 9 Easters ago, the Catholic missionaries (Priests, Nuns, Seminarians and Lay missionaries) in East Africa decided to congregate themselves every Easter and really draw strength from the various experiences of the Filipino missionaries and give thanks to the Lord for all the blessings that He bestowed upon His workers in the vineyard. To top it all, it is also a chance to take root and celebrate the Holy Eucharist in Filipino and the Filipino way.

Last Sunday, April 18, I got the privilege to once again join this noble group of missionaries who has been here in Kenya for most of their lives.  It was also a celebratory assembly to welcome those who are new in the mission and those who are celebrating their birthdays and anniversaries. The mixture of the group makes it exciting as some has dedicated their entire being serving the Kenyan Church and some are the new ones who draw inspiration from the various pastoral experiences of our senior missionaries.

The affair started with a thanksgiving mass celebrated by the newly ordained Rev. Fr. TQ Mula from Tagum City and who belongs to the Comboni Missionaries of the Heart of Jesus.  As he celebrated his first mass as a priest in Kenya with the community, he reiterated how we are inspired to partake in the Eucharist as the source of inspiration as missionaries.  The Eucharist being the source of all our energy and ultimate reason to gather so that as missionaries we continually be thankful to our risen Christ for He sustains us in our times of challenges, troubles and personal struggles.

After the mass, everyone was busy trying to compare the different culinary expertise that each brought from mission or from their own Filipino roots.  Everyone had their own fill and enjoyed chit chatting with one another and update each one with the lives that they have lived on mission.  Some were even very much into the news of the moment -- Philippine Elections. As the afternoon progressed, dance music liven the energy of the missionaries and danced to the way they know either from their ancient generation or the funky music of the young and even tried some local Kenyan songs and dances.

The missionaries enjoyed the gathering. They had time to relax, recharged and be inspired for another year on the field doing the great work of the Lord.  Father TQ summed up the gathering with saying, “We witness as missionaries to the Kenyan Church as Filipinos, but more importantly sharing our faith in Christ to all peoples. Christ is truly risen so we give thanks to God because from that blessing of serving Him, now, we are able to share the faith.”

CFC East Africa Rooted in Christ

Missionaries and top leaders of Couples for Christ in East Africa converged for a spirit-filled recollection in Karen, Nairobi last April 17 held at the residence of our beloved Bishop David Kamau, Auxiliary Bishop of the Archdiocese of Nairobi and Spiritual Chaplain of Couples for Christ Kenya.

The day was filled with inspiring stories and sharings experiencing the fullness of life in Christ through serving in the community representing the various CFC mission areas and the family ministries.  The day captured how CFC started 15 years ago in the region and now being embraced by our local brethren despite the challenges of the African life. Being a powerful witness to the families around and the privilege of serving with a bigger spiritual family creates the necessary courage to go on and be filled with the love for God.

Bishop Kamau exalted everyone during the Holy Eucharist that as one body binded by the love of Christ, Couples for Christ will not be blown away by the wind, but will stand strong, solid and united as it takes its roots deeper in Christ and pursuing His mission that He has bestowed upon the community.

Additional material was discussed in relation to the latest pastoral letter of Archbishop Sarah, Secretary General of the Pontifical Council for the Evangelization of Peoples, challenging the African Church and movements such as Couples for Christ to intensify its efforts to fight the anti-life forces which is being promoted extensively in Africa. The way to evangelize the family and take care of it is to establish programmes and initiatives that will discuss and talk about pro-life, theology of the body and a clerer role of the co-existence of men and women. It is also essential to equip our lay leaders who are pursuing the families and strengthening of family life to take action and be informed for greater army to protect the African family.

The affair ended in high spirits as our CFC International Missions Coordinator and Regional Head for East and Central Africa, Bro. Clarke Nebrao, rallied everyone to PRAY, GO and GIVE. These 3 disciplines are essentials for all of us to experience the fullness of life in Christ following the footstep of the patron of missions, St. Francis Xavier. This gathering is to spark the preparations for the 15^th anniversary of the African missions of Couples for Christ this coming October 1-3 to be held in Tanzania and at the sametime take an active participation for next year’s 30^th CFC Anniversary.

As Bishop Kamau bestowes his final blessing, he posted a challenge to all of us: “Couples for Christ build your house in Africa.  This will be a solid foundation that will be a manifesto of each African family fully coming home and placing Christ as head of the African Couples for Christ.”

Parenthood like Mary’s

Good Friday started early for me.  My 3 kids are all sick due to the changing weather and the swimming fellowships that we’ve had. At 2:30am, my little boy couldn’t breathe due to colds and my second daughter was wide awake due to fever. To add to the brouhaha, my first daughter was fighting for attention to just be beside dad and mom for comfort and security.

While trying to appease my son, I remembered how Mary followed Jesus until Calvary. As parents, we want to be present in our children’s lives every step of the way. We are always interested in their endeavours and activities…to be beside them in times of trials and joys. Often times, I ask the Lord to spare my children of any affliction as I see them go through pain, but reality sets in and reminds me that my children must also endure pain and sometimes even suffer. The character of Jesus enduring all the humiliation and pain in the world marked His courage and the forbearance of a strong and upright spirit. If only for these characteristics, I would also desire my children to grow fulfilling the will of the Father in their lives.

Crucial for me was Mary not just following Jesus, but also praying for Jesus. The mother in Mary nurtured Jesus in prayer to face the final days of His life on earth.  The virtue of this act again strikes a chord in my heart to always pray for my children…to fervently pray for them to be stronger in times of adversity and pain. Preparing them spiritually to be courageous and confident with God the Father, makes my heart peaceful and made me realize that as a parent, our mission is to lead our children to our God. Now, as a father myself, I am called to mentor my children not just with my heart, but with the Immaculate Heart of Mary and the pierced Heart of Jesus witnessing God to the fullness of my life through the Spirit.

***Pictures were taken from the Holy Family Church in Capitolyo, Pasig City during the Holy Friday Procession.

Seven Last Words

I would like to share with all of you some thoughts and reflections for this Good Friday  on Jesus’ “Seven Last Words” according to my former Teacher at the Ateneo Grade School, Sir Pido Aguilar Jr, whose passion for God inspires me to live my life joyfully dedicating every moment to God’s greater glory.

1)  This Holy Week, let us EMULATE JESUS when He said on the Cross: "Father, forgive them for they know not what they do."  LET US FORGIVE, whoever they are, whatever they may have done, no matter how past or recent. LET US FORGIVE, not take offense, not take anything personally. LET US FORGIVE, understand that the doer may not be himself at that moment. This Holy week, LET US FORGIVE so we are free.

2)  This Holy Week, let us HOLD ON to the PROMISE OF JESUS at the Cross when He told the good thief: "Today, you shall be with Me in Paradise." Are we ready to go? Sorry for our sins? Truly repentant? Resolve to be good? Found our call & followed it? Back to the arms of our Father? Loved others? Forgiven them too? Mission accomplished? Let us HOLD ON to the PROMISE OF JESUS that WE SHALL BE IN PARADISE.

3)  This Holy Week, let us KEEP IN HEART what Jesus said on the Cross: "Mother, BEHOLD thy son; son, BEHOLD thy Mother." Let us look after one another. Let us take care of family, friends, strangers. Let us hold hands. Let us be one. Let us bind & bond. Let us watch over those in need. Let us reach out. When we BEHOLD one another, we see GOD in each one, and that is GOOD.

4)  This Holy Week, let us LEARN from the AUTHENTICITY of JESUS when He said on the Cross: "My God, My God, why have You forsaken me?" So real. So true to oneself. No masks. No pretensions. Nothing phony. Nothing to hide. As is. Where is. Honest yet respectful. Frank yet tender. Open yet gentle. Human yet divine. Truth personified till the end. This Holy Week, let us LEARN to be AS AUTHENTIC as JESUS.

5)  This Holy Week, let us BE ONE with Jesus when He said on the Cross: " I thirst." For what do we thirst? Is it living water? Is it thirst for God? What quenches our deepest needs? How do we cope with the parched dry feeling of thirst? What do we yearn for when we are at our lowest? Do we drink of what is eternal? Are we dry inside? Who fills our cup? Like Jesus, let us THIRST for what is right.

6)  This Holy Week, let us be REMINDED of OUR own MISSION when Jesus said on the Cross: "It is finished." He did what was told. He accomplished what He was sent to do. He followed till His last breath. Do we know our mission or purpose? Do we do it? Do we live it each moment of our lives? Are we higher & deeper from day to day?... Can we also say, when it is our time, that "it is finished"? Let us be REMINDED of OUR own MISSION.

7)  This Holy Week , let us BE LIKE JESUS when He said on the Cross: "Into Your hands I commend My spirit." Do we entrust to God all we have, including our spirit? Are things in His hands or ours? His will or ours? Do we allow Him to be in charge & in control, or we meddle? Do we lift up our every moment & day to God? Is our life His alone? Let us COMMEND our whole being to God.

 

Grab a copy of Sir Pido’s book, “The Gift of Abundance”! (Let “The Gift of Abundance!” bless your home… 

touch your life…change your heart…nourish your soul.) 

Thank you so much, sir.

Triduum: The Central Mystery of Our Faith

Lent is about to end tonight after the evening Mass of the Lord's Supper. The word Triduum comes from the Latin word meaning "three days." It begins the evening of Maundy Thursday and ends at Evening Prayer on Easter Sunday. We are about to enter into the next 3 days commemorating and celebrating the central mystery of our faith. The death and resurrection of our Lord Jesus Christ leading to our redemption and salvation. The Easter Triduum rituals invites us to reflect deeper on our faith and brings about the heart of our being Christian, this speaks of the fulfillment of our mission, the victory on the cross, the salvation on His resurrection.

The Rituals of the EASTER TRIDUUM:

  
Washing of Feet: After the homily on Maundy Thursday, we imitate our master in the washing of feet. The symbol of humility and servant leadership personified. This ritual reminds us that our baptismal commitment means we are to be servants of one another. In the time of St. Ambrose in Milan, those who were baptized also had their feet washed, because of Jesus' words to Peter: "Whoever has bathed has no need except to have his feet washed" (Jn 13:10).

 
 Veneration of the Cross: As part of our observance of Good Friday, we venerate the cross on which Christ died. The veneration challenges us to be willing to accept the cross, too, for it is the only way to resurrection. Through Baptism, we shared in Christ's death that we might come to new life. Every year we are called to deepen our identification with his cross and resurrection. A call to repentance and forgiveness at its finest. A mission being accomplished with deep love for humanity, for you and me.

Waters of Baptism: The core of our celebration of the Easter Vigil is the Baptism of the elect. As we share in their joy on this holy night, we are all called to renew our own baptismal promises, to live in the joy of life in the Risen Christ. The conversion and the cleansing that fulfills our being and our Christianity.

My only sister. A migrant for God.

Today, I got the news from my only sister that her papers for Canada has arrived.  That means that for the first time, my sister will be away from the family and work in Canada as a caregiver.  Her work permit will be for 2 years.

Couldn't help but reflect on the migrant workers.  People who, in their search of greener pastures, needs to sacrifice for the family. They endure the sadness and other obstacles to make sure that life would be more comfortable for the family that they leave behind.

Migration is part of our life. Moving and crossing over to what life would bring us next.

As a kid, I was used to moving from one place to the other.  We were among the first family from the clan who left Zamboanga City and settled in Manila.  Growing up to face "the city" was something scary and exciting. Scary because it is a new territory.  No friends...adjustment in lifestyle...major change...and its sad, and sadness can eat you. But moreso, its exciting because it also means growth.  New things to learn, new places to go and new memories to create.

Migration, moving... is mission.  Wherever we are, the bottom line is, if we continue to exist not only for ourselves but more for others, for me that is mission. It is radiating for Christ that makes that movement, that makes migration worth while because in it comes your mission.  To see how God will use you in your present state and how He will move you to greater heights.

As I ended my chat with my only sister, our only assurance to her is God's faithfulness. That despite our distance, we will continue to be united in prayers.  That our God, is beyond space and time...that He will bind us as a family to bear witness to Him to the ends of the earth.

God bless you, my little lovely sister.  May you fulfill the mission that God has called you for.  He will be with you in joy and sadness, in whatever season, in fullness of your life in Christ. 

We love you.