Stars of my journey

By Sr. Anie Montejo, O.L.M.
May/June 2010

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It is often said that the Philippines celebrates the longest Christmas season of any country in the world. Indeed with the arrival of the “ber” months: September, October, November, and December, one begins to see a multitude of Christmas decorations everywhere. The most popular decoration of all is the Christmas star. However, arriving at my family home for our New Year’s celebration this year, I didn’t see any stars or other decorations. The house looked rather lonely to me and I couldn’t help but wonder where their Christmas spirit had gone. My mother simply smiled when I shared these thoughts and feelings with her and said, “The true meaning of Christmas is the joy in your heart.” Of course, my mother was right. My little nieces and nephews as well as my family and friends who were visiting together in our home were the true stars of the season.

(Credit: Liezel Saing)  Sr. Anie Montejo and Gregoria Bagongon, an elder in Anie’s village and one of the guiding stars of Anie’s journey.  (Credit: Liezel Saing)
Sr. Anie Montejo and Gregoria Bagongon, an elder in Anie’s village and one of the guiding stars of Anie’s journey.

Preparing now to leave the Philippines for my new mission assignment in Brazil, I find myself cherishing many memories of other stars in my life: those who welcomed me into their hearts and became an epiphany of God—people through whom I have seen the face of God. These are the stars that have guided my journey, and with their love and support, I feel well prepared to head off for a new mission:

An elder in my village who continually welcomes me into her home and asked me for a copy of a photograph taken of us together. She has been a friend and guide since my childhood and I treasure our relationship.

One of the ecology leaders in our archdiocese, whom we call Tatay (Dad) and who faces a huge task in coordinating us in the work to bring awareness of the many ecological issues of our area to the people. He encourages me to pursue my new mission in Brazil with zeal.

Liezel, my teammate in the archdiocesan ecology program who greets me with the words, “Sr. Anie, padayon ta’g laban sa atong kinaiyahan” (Let us continue to protect our Mother Earth). Her enthusiasm and commitment at such a young age inspires me to continue my journey.

And lately, a letter of appreciation written by a friend at the time of my despidida (farewell party) spurs me to great gratitude for all those who have been guiding stars in my life.

Naming the stars of my journey—persons and experiences of my past—deepens my commitment and faith and gives me the impetus to follow my missionary call to Brazil. I pray for the ability to recognize new stars in the persons and events to be encountered there.

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