Getting along

By Joy Tumamac, O.L.M. Associate
May/June 2010

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(Credit: Christine, Gebel, O.L.M.)  L-R: Nimfa Codilan and Joy Tumamac, OLM Associates in the Philippines. (Credit: Christine, Gebel, O.L.M.)
L-R: Nimfa Codilan and Joy Tumamac, OLM Associates in the Philippines.

For several years I have attended Sunday mass with the prisoners at the provincial jail in the city of Cagayan de Oro on the island of Mindanao, Philippines. My prison ministry has been an amazing experience. I have come to realize that some of the prisoners are innocent, others are victims of injustice, and some have really committed the crime of which they are accused. Whether rich, middle class or poor, and from all walks of life, all find themselves overcrowded in a small building with not really enough water, air or light. They do try to adjust to each other and have managed to live in relative harmony despite their differences in beliefs, principles, ideology and a myriad of other things. Of course, they still argue with each other, but they tell me that at the end of each day they make a point of settling their differences so that they can sleep peacefully.

When talking to the prisoners, I feel saddened by their situation, but they always express much hope that with God’s help, they will be reunited with their families one day. They all look forward to Saturdays and Sundays because this is when relatives and friends are able to visit, bringing food and other necessities.

Respect and love for one another is the key to their being able to live peacefully behind bars. The prisoners do try to respect each others’ individuality and uniqueness as children of God. They say that we all worship one and the same God regardless of religion, race, or dialect.

When I compare my time at work—where we are concerned only with making a good living—with my time at the provincial jail, I realize that the prisoners have something to teach me about what is really important in life: getting along with each other.

The diversity of life

By Nimfa Codilan, O.L.M. Associate
May/June 2010

As a teacher and as an OLM Associate near Cagayan de Oro, I am always meeting and com-municating with different people in different places. Each encounter is a new discovery and an opportunity to celebrate the diverse gifts of another.

At school, the gifts and personalities of all the teachers work together in our desire to instil in each child a love of learning and the determination to finish their studies. It is fascinating to welcome a class of students at the beginning of the school year and then get to know each one individually, hoping that my love and care will enable them to grow and flourish.

As an OLM Associate I have the opportunity to visit and give support to two communities. In Macanhan, people work so hard just to survive each day, trying to earn enough money for food, water and the rent for their homes, which are little more than shacks. In Zayas, they are fighting for justice in regards to ownership of their land. Their hardships are many. And yet, the people of Macanhan and Zayas can still smile despite their difficulties.

Reflecting on all the different people who have become a part of my life, I can say that spending time with each one is for me another celebration of the diversity of life.

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