PUT OUT INTO THE DEEP WATER...

Sharing life with others and finding inspiration and hope amidst struggles and suffering

By the Philippine Mission Team of Our Lady's Missionaries
Summer 2002

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This year we are celebrating the 50th anniversary of the Archdiocese of Cagayan de Oro on the Philippine island of Mindanao. The theme chosen for the celebrations is from Luke 5:4, “Put out into the deep water...”

Good advice indeed. On the surface, it’s easy to feel overwhelmed by the many crises engulfing the Philippines, especially in Mindanao—political upheaval, tremendous poverty, kidnappings and killings, a virtual state-of-war in some areas. But when we look more deeply at the ordinary people with whom we are sharing life here, there is so much goodness and hope to be seen in the midst of the struggle and confusion.

GRATITUDE
By Sr. Margaret Walsh

I remember during the years of martial law in the Philippines when we lived on the island of Southern Leyte. Our town of Hinunangan was under curfew by the military because the New People’s Army (rebel forces opposed to the Marcos dictatorship) had attacked the municipal building in the wee hours of the morning. At this time of crisis, people were very afraid and often cried out in prayer, “O God, you alone are our help!” This hope in God’s help could be heard in parish prayer groups, in groups of volunteer catechists, and sometimes in the cells of political prisoners.

Years later, on the island of Mindanao, this same prayer can be heard in situations where there seems to be no human possibilities. It also comes from the hearts of young people who seek help with their present day problems and who search for deeper meaning in life.

During a recent visit to our Guyana mission, I heard again the same cry of hope expressed in a different way as a very sick woman who suffers very much explained: “When I receive Holy Communion I feet better, like I am not sick anymore.”

As missionaries we are constantly being challenged to live in hope, to rely on God’s promises and presence with us and in us. I am truly grateful to God and to all those who gently teach me these lessons.

FRIENDSHIP
By Sr. Norma Samar

Reflecting on the lives of friends and how their presence touches my being, I come face-to-face with the mystery of life. One such friend is Lucia, a manghihilot (similar to a masseuse), who is 51 years of age and hearing impaired.

When we first met, Lucia introduced me to a group of hearing-impaired children whose world is full of rich gestures and signs. Many children and adults have been healed by Lucia’s loving touch.

But now Lucia is sick with cancer and realizes that she hasn’t long to live. Even so, she still worries about her son and grandchildren, some of whom are also hearing impaired. Her determination to live and her patience in bearing the pain are very strong because of her concern for her loved ones.

Ecumenism is still very new here, but the fact that Lucia is a Baptist is not a barrier. Our friendship blossomed when she signed to me, “Sr. Norma, you are buotan (good, kind). I replied that she is yet more buotan. Since that day my sign name has become “Norma, buotan.” Thanks Lucia!

SERVICE
By Sr. Myra Trainor

The Mustard Seed, an outreach of the Fontbonne Ministries of the Sisters of St. Joseph of Toronto, offers opportunity to the neglected and the needy. People of various cultures and religions come either to offer their skills and material help or to explore their creativity in painting, sewing, cooking or other crafts. Also available is a place and opportunity for prayer, a chat or just to relax awhile.

While in Canada, I spent some time at The Mustard Seed and found it a place of encouragement and hope for all who come and participate in its hospitality. Maria, the coordinator, sees it as a place where all help to bring light into a dimly lit world. Darby (a student nurse doing her volunteer placement from York University) says that the shared wisdom here helps to build a happier safer community. Sr. Barbara Grozelle finds that people here are concerned about their neighbor as they support one another in the stresses of daily life. Marilyn enjoys the company and does not feel so alone. Angel stops for a chat and a coffee. She tells us how the suffering she has seen and experienced on the street made her resolve to live a different lifestyle and to try to influence others. Now she is helping other youth do the same.

For 150 years the Sisters of St. Joseph have strived to meet the needs of the community. They continue their original charism in their various ministries of living and working with the poor. It was a joy for me to be welcomed by the Sisters of St. Joseph who are our co-founders, having helped Fr. Dan Macdonald in forming our congregation. Their spirit once again nourished my spirit.

DREAMS
By Sr. Christine Gebel

As I spend more time with today’s youth through parish and vocation awareness ministry, I can’t help but be impressed by their search for a better life. Given time and space for quiet reflection and a listening ear, the young people I know have spoken eloquently, and often tearfully, of their relationship with God, and their desires and dreams for the future, even while describing experiences of tremendous struggle and suffering. Listening to their sharing can most definitely be thought of as “putting out into deep waters,” and in those depths, I find much hope.

As we join in the 50th anniversary celebrations here, we are grateful that the Archdiocese of Cagayan de Oro has become a home in which we can live out our charism, sharing life with the poor in a spirit of simplicity and joy.

BEGINNING ANEW
By Sr. Christine Gebel

This year will be one of transition for me as I bid my goodbyes to the urban poor community of Macabalan where I have been assigned for the past six years and begin anew in a small mission house, also in an urban poor area, with Sr. Lalang Nunez and Sr. Yolanda Cadavos. I will continue my vocation awareness ministry, which includes giving recollections, attending archdiocesan vocation events, and traveling to other areas to make Our Lady’s Missionaries known.

These days, our problems are global, so our solutions need to be global too. International solidarity is more important than ever. At the same time, so many rich and beautiful cultures are in danger of being absorbed into a universal Western culture. Being present here in the Philippines, I hope and pray that I can walk humbly with the people in their struggles while embracing the Bisayan language and culture.

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